“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18
“Jesus didn’t say, “if you fast” but “when you fast.” We’re called to it. But we don’t fast to earn our salvation, prove our faithfulness, or manipulate God into answering our prayers. We fast to make a spiritual declaration that instant gratification will not control us, and to awaken us to our dependence on God. Fasting during Advent is hard, because everything around us this time of year is about eating more than ever. But Advent reorients us to God’s rescue mission, which is grounded in self-giving instead of self-gratifying.”
Omar Al-Rikabi in the Seedbed Daily Text “Why We Should Fast For The Holidays” dated 18 December 2017.
What would it look like if you focused on under-eating and self-giving this Advent rather than over-eating and self-gratifying behaviors?
Jenni and I have arrived at home after a fruitful ministry trip down under and Christmas break is before us so we are asking this question ourselves. Through the celebration of the New Year we will get some rare time with Sammy and Sophie both at home. We are excited. During special occasions like this, we can be tempted to succumb to self-indulgence. It does not have to be that way!
Avoid a holiday season filled with regret. Map out a plan to give the first part of every day to God. Take time for prayer, fast from something this Advent and feast on God’s Word instead, and give to some people or some ministry that has needs. Take five minutes to think about this and follow the Spirit’s leading so your Advent season is filled with self-giving generosity motivated by love.