Think about this: God, the Creator of the universe, didn’t ask for a crown or a palace or fancy clothes or even guaranteed food each day. No, this God came as a baby born to ordinary parents. A crib wasn’t even asked for. This baby was born in a barn and laid in a manger. At 3 years old, he became a refugee in Egypt (Matthew 2:13). As an adult, he did not even have a place to lay his head. (Luke 9:58) How can we, as followers of Jesus, believe that if we have enough faith, material blessings will come our way? Material blessings are no guarantee and can even be a hindrance to following Jesus.
Today’s word is SIMPLICITY. This Advent, let’s reclaim the concept of “more with less.” More life can be lived with less stuff. More adventures can be pursued with less material possessions tying us down. More relationships can be built when there are less devices to keep running. SIMPLICITY is freeing.
I love the minimalism movement that has become popular these days. Perhaps we’re finally learning that money, status, a big house, nor a fancy car can bring happiness. We don’t have to accept the myth that money has to control our lives. We can learn that less is better. And then, maybe we’ll begin to realize that there is enough to go around. For, SIMPLICITY in our lives can free us to contribute more to others’ lives.
So, this Advent season, I want to embrace SIMPLICITY. I don’t need more. I don’t need extra. I don’t need heaps. This Christmas, I’ll say along with the Grinch, “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”
And that baby in the manger? Maybe he is enough.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Matthew 6:19-20
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