Haggai 1:1-15
Psalms 31, 35
Revelations 2:18-29
Matthew 23:27-39
The Lord of hosts says: my house lies in ruins,
while all of you hurry off to your own houses. Haggai 1:9b
In this passage, the prophet Haggai was berating his people to rebuild the Temple and to not merely think of themselves, their possessions and their homes.
During this time, this season of Christmas, we hurry to and fro checking our Christmas lists and party schedules. We head to our homes with a car full of things and, all too often, an empty heart. The other day, I had on my list to go to four different stores in 45 minutes. I was successful and got what I needed at each store.
In our running around, all too often we forget the reason for the season. God sent his Son to this world to offer salvation to the human race. This Son, Jesus, came into the world to allow our lives to be different – to allow our lives to be lived free of the bondages of sin. This is the reason we celebrate this time of the year not because we are invited to THE party or receive THE gift.
Yet we turn away from God and God’s desire for us and hurry off to check out our lists. As we do so, we are left empty and God’s house the Church is also left empty. Our houses are decked out with decorations as we all too often turn away from God’s house.
As we live into this Advent 2011, are we able to turn back to God?
John Pitts