During Christmas time when I was 8 years old, my family went to the local theater in Lenoir. We chose a movie about a little boy whose family is halfway to Paris when the mother realizes she left him behind. The child, however, is having the time of his life with the house all to himself. The movie is of course Home Alone.
This 1990 Christmas comedy goes on to feature the boy, Kevin, defending his suburban Chicago home from a pair of robbers. To be honest, I still laugh at the scenes where Kevin is beating up on the helpless robbers as if I’m seeing it for the first time. When Kevin learns of the robbers’ bad intentions, he says outloud, “This is my house. I have to defend it.”
I thought about that movie today in the context of Advent. There are many things that could rob our joy and time as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. From busyness to bad attitudes, a frustrating trip to Wal-mart to out-of-control kids, we could make a list of things that could eat away at our preparations to celebrate.
We all need to take a little piece of Kevin’s commitment this Advent: “This is my house. I have to defend it.” And no, I don’t mean go to war with the “robbers” by throwing paint cans and tools at them. Defend your mind and your spirit from the things that could rob your joy and your precious time this season. Rekindle your good Christmas memories and make new ones. Make a list of things that bring you joy. Put others first and find a way to give generously. Ultimately, take time to prepare for the celebration.
I pray we use this Advent season to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming celebration of Christmas.
Merry Christmas Poplar Springs,
Aaron
(704) 300-0081