In a front page article, the NY Times reported today that Black Friday sales were 11% lower than last year, both in stores and online, and experts were shocked. Could it be that people actually stayed home with friends and family rather than rush out to stores for the bargains on Christmas gifts? While we realize that the experts will be under enormous pressure this morning to explain the drop in sales and, more important, turn them around, perhaps there is a shift among some to refocus their priorities and take time for the spiritual in their lives.
Advent always challenges us to ask ourselves about the spiritual "rocks" of our lives. Caught up at times with getting ready for Christmas and determined to find the perfect gift for each person on our list, we give ourselves away. Too often we are more concerned with getting everything right than building our lives on the rocks of faith, prayer and service of those most in need, but perhaps this Advent will be different.
Even if we did run out on Black Friday for the great sales, we should not be too put off by our failures. God is waiting for us to turn away from the insanity of a society obsessed with bigger and better: homes, cars, portfolios and retirement plans, and ready to welcome us to a simple life of faith and hope as begin our Advent journey to the Crib. We can begin this journey anytime, even right now.
Today, examine the rocks upon which you build your faith life.
If people asked you why you believe and practice faith, what would you say?
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