Are you ready for… Rest?

Reflection for 2nd Wednesday of Advent

Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.”
M11:28-30

“Are you ready for Christmas?” During this time of year, this seems to be a popular greeting. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the question seems to replace the other sometimes superficial greeting, “How are you doing?” ‘Christmas’ in this sense generally involves shopping, wrapping, decorating, entertaining, making travel plans and other related activities. It’s enough to wear some people out.

In this second week of Advent, it seems that the Church may have anticipated this frenzied activity by selecting a specific message from Jesus: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Combining this quote with the sometimes misdirected hyperactivity surrounding the days leading up to the Nativity celebration, a different focus begins to emerge. Instead of “Are you ready for Christmas?” maybe the question during Advent might instead be, “Are you ready for rest?” Or more to the point, “Are you ready for Jesus?” Not the ‘second-coming-Jesus’ that sometimes evokes fear, but are you ready to allow the ‘meek and humble of heart Jesus’ enter your heart, the Jesus that will help you find rest.

It is easy to get caught up in the habits of old and try to live up to Christmas expectations, both ones we place on ourselves or those placed upon us by others. It’s not quite as easy to step back and reexamine those habits and expectations, especially with a ‘meek and humble heart’. It’s not quite as easy to make all of our preparations for Christmas be seen through the lens of answering Jesus’ simple request: “Come to me.”

Advent is a time of preparation. Yes. The question, however, is this: What exactly are we preparing for? Some may deep down think Christmas is all about a great feast, the perfect family gathering, a house decorated to the envy of the neighbors, or a time to receive high praise for the all baked goods.

All of the activity mentioned is often good or at least good intentioned, but needs to be put in the right context. The world prepares to celebrate the coming of Jesus, both in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago and into the hearts of believers today . A good sign that your preparation has gone astray comes out in the scripture: Do you feel weary and heavy burdened? Do you seek rest?

If so, heed the words of Jesus this Advent: “Come to me.”