Snowballs and Boogers

A number of years ago, I was working as an intern at a medium-sized United Methodist church in Waxahachie, Texas. Well, medium-sized for Texas, but fairly large for us in Iowa. The church had a childcare ministry with a fully operational program for children, from infants through kindergarten. All of the pastoral staff, on rotation, took part in providing regular Bible lessons to these groups of children. Young in ministry and inexperienced, I found myself nervous when my turn came up. I had a deep desire to provide the perfect lesson—something eye-catching, interactive, deeply enriching, and inspiring for a faith journey—all the while knowing that these kids were probably going to be rolling around on the floor, picking boogers from their noses (hopefully not someone else’s), and blurting out all sorts of thoughts that crossed their minds second by second.

As a young pastor, I wanted each moment to be perfect. I would try my best and hope it would be enough. I carried a lot of stress around those simple lessons.

It was the middle of Advent, and I had put way too much time into planning my lesson with the kids. Hoping for the best outcome, I prepared, prepared, and prepared. When I arrived, the room was in chaos. Most of the time, the classes were well-behaved, and the teachers had everything in order. It was obvious that it had been a rough morning for the teachers; something was in the air. The teachers were trying to instruct little Tommy that pulling Jane’s hair was not appropriate. Tiny Sally was covered in paint from the art project. And there was a group of kids acting as though they had just discovered that light existed and sound was a thing.

I sat down with my perfectly constructed lesson plan. The teachers did their best to get the kids to sit on the circle carpet in the center of the room. They all became quiet and focused their attention on me. Ah! I can do this. I will be the one to change the energy of the day. I started out with my lesson. Shortly thereafter, I looked up from my perfect lesson guide to the kids. Noticing not just a few blank faces but many distracted glances—a turning of the tide. Boredom was setting in for the kids, and panic rose within me. I had planned and failed.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a rare occurrence in Texas. Through the window, a drizzle had transformed into fluffy, perfectly geometric snowflakes. One child after another noticed the bright rays of sun gleaming through the magical falling sky. One child asked, “What are those?” Immediately, this Iowa boy realized that these kids had never seen snowflakes before! They hadn’t experienced the chilly delight of snow, the joy of building a snowman (or woman), or the fun of snowball fights with friends.

My plan was failing, but another one was written in that moment. I asked if we could take the kids outside. The teachers delighted in the notion. We went outside to falling snow, with a gentle breeze on a not-so-cold day. I taught the kids how to make snowballs and snow angels. I shared my experiences of growing up in a place where snow piled as high as my waist every year. We laughed, giggled, and played. We connected, learned, and shared. I thought the time I spent with these kids was about one thing—my obvious teaching prowess. I learned it was about more than knowledge; it was about relationship.

Sometimes, we think the opportunities in life are about one thing, but only when we step back and reexamine do we notice a deeper story being told. Advent is about stepping back and reexamining.

As we enter the holy season of Advent, we are invited to step into a time of expectant waiting, reflection, and preparation. Advent is not simply a countdown to Christmas, but a sacred season where we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ—not only remembering Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem but also looking forward to the fulfillment of Jesus’ divine glory. As United Methodists, this is a season of deep spiritual significance, one that invites us to align our lives with the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus embodies.

Advent begins the Christian year with an invitation to pause, reflect on the world around us, and make space for God. In the midst of our busy lives, we are often pulled in many directions. The commercial rush for Christmas gifts and celebrations can overwhelm us, but Advent calls us to slow down, center ourselves on the message of Christ’s coming, and invite God’s peace into our hearts. It is a time to listen for God’s voice, discern His presence amid our daily lives, and wait in holy anticipation.

As we reflect on the themes of Advent, we are reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). In Christ, that great light has come into the world, shining in the darkness of our hearts, our communities, and our world. Advent is a time to renew our hope in that light. We are called to trust that even in times of uncertainty or despair, Christ is with us, bringing hope where there seems to be none.

This season of waiting is not passive. It is active in its call for us to prepare, not only for the celebration of Christmas but for the work of God in our lives. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, called us to be people of holiness and action. During Advent, we can reflect on our own personal journeys and our shared journey as the body of Christ. How can we make room for God in our hearts? How can we be instruments of Christ’s peace in a world that so desperately needs it? In this season, we are called to not only prepare our hearts but to extend Christ’s love and grace to those around us—especially those who are hurting, lonely, or in need.

The Advent journey is also one of joyful anticipation. The birth of Jesus is not just a historical event; it is a living, ongoing invitation to experience God’s presence in our lives. This is the “good news of great joy” that we celebrate each Advent. It is a reminder that Christ is not only with us now but that He will come again to make all things new. As we journey through this season, may our hearts be filled with the hope of Christ’s coming, His peace in the present, His joy in our lives, and His love for all people.

Let us walk together through this Advent season, waiting with anticipation, preparing our hearts, and sharing the light of Christ with a world in need. Let us gaze at the world with the fresh eyes of children who have never seen snowflakes and the wonder of people who expect a world of peace and love. Let us find every opportunity to ask, “why” to the traditions we hold and keep a keen eye on what they say about our incarnate Emmanuel—God coming enfleshed so we might know restoration, renewal, and reconciliation.

Don’t betray me on the journey, but take every opportunity to pause, slow down, and reflect this Advent season.

- Pastor Jon Bailey