Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week.  Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here.

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How many times have
you heard this message, “I cannot wait for 2020 to be over?” Between the
coronavirus infection, the racial strife, and the political debacles, it is
only fair to wish this year would end. But, as we enter the season of Advent,
and we begin to experience all this season has to offer, it would be a shame
for 2020 to end before we got the chance to celebrate this wonderful time of
year.

As we anticipate and
prepare for the birth of Jesus, this time of year teaches us many things. It
teaches us to be patient as we await the coming of the Christ child. It teaches
us to be giving as there are many less fortunate than us. It teaches us to love
one another, pray for each other, and connect as the excitement of Christmas is
near. And it teaches us to spread the news of Jesus’ birth to all those who are
hungry to hear this glorious message.

Yes, I would agree
2020 has been a tough year. There have been challenges in the economy,
challenges understanding our differences, challenges in our leadership, and
challenges with our health. It would be easy to just sit back, let this last
month coast by, and hope for a better 2021. But that is not what God wants us
to do, does he?

Today is the first day
of Advent, and God is asking us to be patient. He is asking us to live in the
present, forget about what has happened in the past, and let go of worrying
about tomorrow. He wants us to be excited for the birth of His son, He wants us
to celebrate the Christmas season, and He wants us to spread the good news to
all that will listen. 2020 will end soon enough. But it would be a shame if we
just sat back, kept to ourselves, and did not rejoice in all that the Advent
season has to offer.

I pray that you find
hope, joy, and patience this season. I pray that you find comfort in God’s
messages and spread them to others. And I pray you see those daily miracles,
that are abundant, when you have an open heart and an open mind. Welcome to
Advent! Remember to enjoy this precious season, and no matter what 2020 has
brought your way, I pray that you find the comfort and peace needed to
celebrate the remainder of the year!