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ADVENT

Day 2

Transformation

Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

—ROMANS 12:1-2

Centuries ago, after the church had become centered and clustered within large cities, the movement began to develop a Christian way of life consisting of retreat, contemplation, and simple living. This was known as the monastic movement, and the men and women who devoted themselves to this new way were later called the desert fathers and mothers. Anthony, who lived around 350 CE, is often considered the father of monasticism.

While few modern Christians will take up this way of life, it is compelling to listen to some of these early teachings regarding simplicity and devotion to Christ. In many respects, our lives are no less contorted by the world these early monks encountered. For example, Anthony warned that the two main enemies of the spiritual life are anger and greed. Anger, he believed, emerges when we feel that we have been deprived of love, security, relationship, or hope. And if we searched our hearts, we would discover that what was true then is true now.

Likewise, Anthony believed that greed flows out of this anger. What we don’t have, we want. And not just with money; greed can also take the form of being in possessive relationships, accruing security in things rather than principles, or even holding ourselves at the center of life.

It is not easy to get past these things—especially as we prepare for Christmas, with all of its buying, and gift-giving, and stark awareness of our blessings and deficiencies. In fact, this season can often exacerbate our anger and greed and make us less receptive to the very Christ we profess to welcome and celebrate.

Perhaps transformation is needed in the Advent journey toward Bethlehem. Perhaps we need to see things and people in new ways, to listen to the Spirit through new ears, to hear the cry of the needy as a cry of hope and salvation. During the days ahead, what transformations might be helpful to you and your family? Are there alluring temptations that need to be ignored? Are there sacrifices that need to be made to see Christ’s love in new ways?

Prayer: Lord, renew us and open our eyes, so that we can see past the allures and temptations of this season. We are often seduced by busyness and a frantic pace. Slow us down, Lord. Help us to find sanctuary and security in your loving embrace and the promises of your everlasting love. Amen.