join in the Advent party.

So this weekend was one of the snowiest experiences of my life. It was crazy. Snow has the ability to paralyze the whole metro area from their normal speed of busyness and I love it. For some reason, it was thrilling to know that I normally would be out and about shopping or running errands, but now I would be confined to campus.

With the exception of an arduous adventure to Target and back, I hadn't left all weekend. Some friends came to watch movies, play in the snow, and eat (a whole lot!). It was a blast--completely and utterly. I haven't eaten or laughed that much in a long time.

It just made me realize something. Last weekend I didn't leave my apartment much at all either, but it was not quite as exciting. I was productive, but I was by myself. It was isolating and I couldn't wait to get out.

This weekend was different. I didn't want it to end. Jumping in snow drifts is actually pretty cool when you're not doing it by yourself. Leaping off of picnic tables could look strange if you're going solo, but it's a blast when you're with a bunch of friends. And let's be real, sometimes you need someone to pull you up out of the snow.

I guess what I'm getting at is community makes the wait bearable. More than bearable, awesome. This is what Ecclesiastes has to say.

⁹ Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
¹⁰ If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4

We were created for community. The only thing that God said wasn't good in the beginning was for us to be alone. I learned that this week. Even though it can be a challenge to be in relationship at times, our time on this earth is pretty meaningless without it.

²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ²⁵ Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25

It's part of how God has instructed us to live. We are to be living in expectant hope together and not give up coming together to be in community, but encourage one another as we are excited about Jesus' return. That makes life one big Advent party...and you're invited.