Decluttering

There are just two weeks of shopping left before Christmas.  Are you ready?

And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages." - Luke 3:10-14

Today's Gospel reading reminds us that this is the season for giving, but not the way we may be accustomed.

When Jesus was just beginning his ministry, the one thought to be the Messiah was John the Baptist, and it is he who warns the people that the time is coming when they will stand in judgment.

He put the fear of God in them, and they wanted to know what they should do. 

He didn't tell them to go to the mall and pick out something new for family and friends.  Instead, he told them to take stock of what they had, and share their excess, which he described as whatever they weren't using, an extra coat, food, whatever.

Why don't we follow that tradition during Advent?  Why not go through our closets and pull out what we don't wear to give to those in need?

It is almost too easy.  We don't need to go shopping for things that will add to the clutter.  Instead, we can lessen our own burdens, eliminate all that stuff that makes it difficult to find anything when we need it.

At this time of year, it would be nice if each church had a coat rack that people could load up with their unused coats, hats and gloves, anything they don't really wear, that others might need.

Then anyone who comes in from the cold could go to the rack and take what they need.

While they are there, they could stop in and pray or listen to that small voice we all long to hear.

We say that our church is welcoming.  Maybe we can let people know how.

More to come...