In This Epistle:
World AIDS Day
Cold wind blowing…

Today is World AIDS Day. For some HIV/AIDS remains a matter of partisan politics. But as the globe approaches 20 million children orphaned by AIDS, none of us, and certainly not the church of Jesus Christ, can afford the luxury of non-involvement in the struggle against HIV/AIDS because it’s “too controversial.” First, we must pray for AIDS victims and their families. Pray today. World Vision offers an opportunity for those who are willing to become a part of national prayer chain for AIDS victims. You can join here.

You may also offer an encouraging word to President Bush and other officials by adding your virtual signature to a petition urging full funding for the President’s Emergency Response for AIDS Relief. Click here for more information.

The weather forecasters have warned us that our unseasonably warm weather will come to an abrupt end sometime this afternoon as a cold wind begins to blow the storm that has ravaged the Midwest in to our area. That seems somehow appropriate for December 1 and the beginning of Advent.

Advent means coming and during this season we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. We remember his first coming two millennia ago and his coming into our lives when we came to know him as Lord and Savior. We are reminded, too, that there will be a second coming, as well. In that second Advent Jesus will come to establish his Kingdom in full – a new heaven and a new earth, the liberation of creation itself from its bondage to decay (Romans 8:21)

So Advent is a season for joy. We remember the self-giving love of the Father as he sends the Son to be among us. J.B. Phillips says the Advent Christian reflects “with confidence that ‘my God has been here, here on this earth.’” Great joy!

Advent is a season for giving, for in giving we reflect in a small way the very nature of God. Of course, we have made the season more a season for consumption than for giving and in so doing have lost much. But pure, simple, thoughtful giving quickly quiets the noise and dims the glare of a month perverted by the frenzy for things.

Advent is also a season for solemn reflection and godly apprehension. A cold wind blows as wars wage across the planet and in our hearts. We are seduced by the lure of power and pleasure but soon enough find ourselves held prisoner by obsession and addiction. What will the Lord of Light find when he returns? Hearts darkened and chilled by the blowing of the cold wind? Will we be like those of the church in Laodicea who say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” To them the Lord Jesus replies, “You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

What will the returning Lord find? In Advent we prepare for Christ’s coming with joy, giving and quiet reflection. And with lives so amended as to show our readiness.