Crashing Into the Obvious (Advent)

A certain Christian bookstore in Cleveland, Tennessee has an unusual sign posted at the parking space directly in front of its entrance. The sign simply says, “THERE IS A POLE BEHIND YOU!” The sign is there due to the location of a large utility pole in the middle of the store’s small parking lot. No driver can avoid noticing the utility pole upon driving onto the lot; indeed, if a driver attempts to park his or her car in the space immediately in front of the bookstore’s door, a very deliberate effort must be made to avoid striking the pole. Because of its placement, the utility pole is the first thing a customer sees upon leaving the establishment. Upon visiting the store several years ago, I found the posting of the warning sign redundant and, frankly, rather funny! When I half-jokingly commented to a cashier at the store that the sign’s message was pretty obvious, his response was in a very serious tone: “You’d be surprised how many shoppers get into such a hurry that they crash into the obvious!”

We are now in the Advent season, which includes the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. Throughout the centuries the Church has viewed the Advent season as a time of preparation: it reminds us to prepare to celebrate Christmas…Christ’s first “advent” into this world as the Baby of Bethlehem and the Savior on the Cross…with appropriate reflection, thanksgiving, and joy, and it also reminds us to be prepared at all times for Christ’s second “advent,” when He will come in final victory. The “signs of the season” are intended to slow us down so that we may truly celebrate the mystery and majesty of God’s gracious gift of salvation from sin through His Son. After all, even the shepherds in the fields around Bethlehem left their flocks in the night (an unthinkable break from their work!) for the opportunity to see and celebrate the birth of Jesus that was announced to them by the angel (Luke 2.8-20).

In truth, the hustle and bustle of December often causes us to ignore the real message of the signs and “crash into the obvious.” We find ourselves with neither the energy nor the focus to experience the wonder of the birth of Jesus, God’s Redeeming Son, and marvel at the thought of life abundant and eternal through faith in Him. Please don’t let the stresses of the season cause you to ignore the signs of the season this year. Take the time, personally and with your loved ones, to celebrate the obvious rather than crash into it. Christmas is all about grace; give yourself the opportunity to abound in it this Christmas. “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people” (Revelation 22.21 NIV). Amen!