Many pastors have been preaching the fact that we are all on a journey through Advent, and that we are all going to arrive at the destination on Christmas. As I sit here and review my calendar for the day, let alone the week I cannot figure out how I'm going to get everything accomplished?
As we go to school concerts, Christmas parties, and as we try to complete our work prior to Christmas, the pace begins to quicken. Yes, this Advent journey has begun to go from walking, to a steady pace, and now it feels as we are beginning to run!
When we contemplate the pace of our Advent journey's we must think about the journey that the Magi took in getting to the Messiah, we must think of the distance that they traveled and how long the star shined in the sky as to guide them.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2: 1-2
The distance that the Magi traveled is not really known, but we know that it was a great distance. We know that the Magi were patient and meticulous about their journey to the Christ child. We even know that they did not arrive until well after the birth of Christ, yet the star stayed bright in the sky as to lead them.
Brothers and Sisters, my prayer for all of us this day is that as we journey this Advent is that we take time to slow down and take time to be patient and meticulous as we travel to the manger. Be patient and know that like the star that guided the Magi, God will make sure that the Son shines bright enough and long enough for us to journey slowly and surely.
As we journey we must not let humanities busyness take away the joy of our journey's, we must not let the quickened pace cause us to run so fast that we miss the true meaning of the Christmas journey. So take off those track shoes, slow the pace, be patient and meticulous and arrive at the destination ready to embrace the full meaning of God's love for the world.
One of my favorite scripture passages is from Psalm 46:10 "Be Still and Know That I Am God!" This is my mantra as I journey this Advent, and as I also follow the star that will lead me to the Savior. Beloved: "Be Still and Know He Is God!" and slow down.
Slowing the Pace
Pastor Tim
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