Life Without Jesus

December 1 is one of my favorite days of the year. It is the day I unpack and set up my nativities and put up our tree. It is the start of Advent, that time of expectation leading up to the great miracle of the birth of Jesus. I freely admit, I am an Advent junkie. I love this season of reflection and expectation. I purposely plan ahead and execute my plan so that I have time to experience Advent in all its holiness and mystery. The gifts I have purchased are all wrapped. I have a few knitted pieces yet to finish and cards to ready. Two new Advent meditations books sit near my favorite chair. I have once again given myself time and place to read, pray and reflect on the birth of Jesus. I have time for family, friends, and Christ Church activities. I have intentionally made time to, as the saying more or less goes, smell the fir and spruce trees.    

When Jonathan was a child, I would often ask him what if questions. What did he think life would be like if we had no TV? What did he think life would be like if we still had slavery in our country? What did he think life would be like if we lived somewhere that is snowed all the time? As I sit here looking at the tiny lights twinkling on the neighbor’s tree, I wonder, what would life be like if Jesus had not been born.

What would life be like if Jesus had never existed? What would your life be like if you didn’t believe in Christ and in the miracle of His birth? What would fill that vacuum in our souls?  It’s a difficult thing to imagine, is it not? It is in many ways unimaginable. Think of the void that would be in your life.  Such a thought brings to mind a rather uncomfortable and unpleasant feeling.

Now think of the great miracle and mystery of the birth of Jesus. Think how much God loves us that He came to Earth in the form of a tiny helpless baby so that He might live amongst us His children created in His own image.  That is a thought that energizes me, that leaves me feeling safe and loved. As I sit in church and listen to the beautiful music, I am caught up in the ever growing sense that something wonderful is about to occur. All the signs, smells, bells and images of Advent leave me with a sense of awe. 

I know I am not alone in this line of thinking and expectation. In a few weeks I will be surrounded by you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, who are equally caught up in the mystery and wonder of Advent as am I. We will be joined by those we love- our families and yet more of our friends. This year, I have invited extended family, neighbors and friends, especially those who have suffered loss this past year, to join me here at Christ Church for the many opportunities offered here this season of Advent. Many of them will join me to listen to beautiful music and voices, or to watch some of our youngest parishioners perform in the Christmas Pageant.  Yet others will join my family on Christmas Eve to worship here in our glorious cathedral. I urge you to do the same. Invite your neighbor, your friend, someone who would otherwise be alone to come worship with you as we celebrate the birth of that tiny baby boy who changed life forever.

- The Rev. Paula Ott, Deacon