The Advent of Advent

So tomorrow marks the first Sunday in Advent, which is a pretty big deal because it is also the beginning of the new year of the Church calendar. The first Sunday of Advent in some traditions is also the Sunday devoted to the Prophets. It has been interesting reading the prophets the last few weeks, particularly in light of the way we celebrate Christmas. For some reason, baby Jesus gets all the press, and I think its because we can't imagine a baby being dangerous. The prophets on the other hand seem to see the birth of the Messiah as a radical upheaval. Even Herod seems to get this, but for us Christmas is cute. If Christmas is cute, than Advent is simply annoying. Who needs a season of penance or preparation for candy canes, presents, malls, wrapping paper, parties, etc... It seems we should almost have Advent after Christmas if that is the idea. But in the end that is not the idea, Christmas is not innocuous. The birth of Jesus was promised and prophesied as a dangerous event for the establishment, not to even begin metioning the return of Christ and the judgment that awaits us. I am blown away at the beginning of this Advent season at the great skill involved in marketing Christmas into obscurity. It is not that Madison Avenue has taken the Christ out of Christmas, it seems that the ad agency just has a better grasp of who we tend to worship the rest of the year. Our Christ does not turn the world on its head, he simply helps me when I am in trouble. The great Ricky Bobby once said, "I like Jesus better as a baby." Its not funny, but only because its true.