It’s too easy to proclaim Advent and hunger and desire.

The truth of the matter is that when Jesus shows up in my life he tends to challenge agendas and programs.

Most of all mine.

And the truth of the matter (if I’m honest—can I be honest?) is that sometimes this frustrates me.

The call to lay down my rights, take up my cross and follow Jesus means that in so many ways, I will lose (or at least appear to lose).

Some of my programs and agendas are deeply wrought, and they are like comfortable grooves that I ride in, like a vinyl record.

And then just like that Jesus scratches the record and the grooves don’t work any more.