Advent Buzzard
It’s quiet, and dark, and my view is our Christmas tree in the other room. I’ve plugged it in, and the colorful lights are shining brightly as I sit down to spend a little time with the Lord.
It’s my favorite time of the year – Advent! I love Advent for so many reasons: family connections that in many cases are reserved for this time of the year; weather changes that allow for more ‘good hair days’. I really do not like humidity, and Maryland has its abundance; the opportunity to give cards and gifts to just about everyone you’re connected to; joy-filled Christmas music and programming on about every station available; and finally, the abundance of good will in the air. It is easier to share the message of Jesus during the Advent and Christmas season because hearts seem more open and accepting.
As I said, my Christmas tree is lit and the bright lights bring joy to my heart, especially when they are shining in the dark or on a gloomy day. On it are precious ornaments that jog memories of fun trips or special people. My little nativity scene is set up, and Christmas tunes are playing softly.
But, my absolute favorite ‘decoration’ this time of year is hanging in a doorway and it is not pretty. But it is meaningful! He’s my Advent buzzard and I’m very fond of him.
Years ago when our children were small a dear lady and now-colleague-in-ministry of mine, Deaconess Sally Hiller, visited our church and spent a little time with some of our Sunday School families, teaching us about the Advent buzzard and helping us make our own.
For Christians, Advent (which is the four-week period leading up to Christmas) is a time of waiting and a time of repentance. We not only prepare to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, but we remember why He came – to save us from our sins - as we wait for His triumphal return. At that time, all who believe will be united together with Him in heaven for all eternity.
This time of waiting is a time when God is working in each of our hearts and my Advent buzzard reminds me of this. Because when I pass him in the doorway I ‘whack’ him and say this passage from Romans 13:12, “I cast away the deeds of darkness and put upon me the full armor of light.” Or in my mind, “Lord, I’m sorry for my sins and really want Jesus to shine through me this Advent season so that others might know. Please help me!”
This practice grounds me during these weeks full of anticipation, busy-ness, anxiousness and even overindulgence that can easily derail me. My buzzard helps me focus once again on my Lord and the reason He came to be my Savior. He came to be yours as well!
What focuses your heart on Jesus during the Advent season?
