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Am I willing to go a step further and be an “altogether” Christian?
Are you ready for the Christmas rush? In order to stay a step ahead, I find myself becoming more dependent on my to-do list. I write down lists of possible gifts to buy for people. I write down ideas for Christmas worship. I make a list of community events and church parties I want to attend. I add to my to-do list everything I think needs to get done for a good Christmas.
I focus on my to-do list to guide my days. I believe that if I get the list done, then I’ll be altogether prepared for Christmas. But the list is never completed, and I often end each day with a longer list than when I started. My hope for a good Christmas begins to fade as I struggle with the weight of everything that remains undone. I find myself choosing to work more hours, rushing from here to there, and trying to pick up the pace as I feel like I am falling behind.
Then I hear the words of James:
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. (James 5:7-8 NRSV)
“Be patient,” James instructs his fellow Christians. These words are remarkable since, earlier in the letter, James offers one of the most famous Bible passages: “Faith without works is dead” (2:26 KJV). James seems like he could be the patron saint of the to-do list, but James is not telling us to keep ourselves busy. James calls us to an active faith that includes practicing patience.
We often think of patience as passive inaction. James’s word of patience is not “just let go and let God,” but a call to active expectation of God’s new thing about to burst forth! James offers a parable of a farmer who patiently waits for both the early and late rains to produce a precious crop. This beautiful image of rain reminds us of God’s work of pouring out from the heavens and fulfilling God’s promise on earth. Our active patience gives us time to pay attention to how God is at work in the world around us, and to discern what we can do to cooperate with God. Patience reminds us that the center of our faith isn’t our own abilities or accomplishments; our full faith is found in Jesus Christ who accomplishes on our behalf more than we could ever ask or expect.
While I can’t completely give up my Christmas to-do list, I can change how I use it. I can prayerfully review the items each day to discern where God is guiding me. I can remove some items to create more space for what Jesus is doing in my life. I will let my faith in Christ guide my day. I will take a patient step toward an altogether, God-filled Christmas.
Rev. Todd Salmi