We make so much of Christmas that we leave no room for Christ. Appeals for peace on earth at Christmas time should not be said by leaders on TV, standing in front of flags, but by leaders on their knees before the Prince of Peace. That's why I'm not ready for Advent. Advent is for people who long for God to change the world, not for people content with the status quo . Advent is for those who hunger and thirst, not for those who begin feasting a whole month before the table is laid.
Advent is a time for watching and waiting.
The best reason for avoiding Advent, of course, is that it takes so seriously the fact that divine judgment is part and parcel of divine love. No parent who truly loves her child will withhold discipline or correction. So it is with God. Advent is a time to put our affairs in order because an accounting shall be required. Forget for the moment the special session of the Florida Legislature that will, it seems, convene this Advent.