Showing posts with label St. Gallen Library. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Gallen Library. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Advent Subversion

Subversion:  the act of subverting : the state of being subverted; especially : a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly from within

I knew subversion was my word and yesterday I engaged in some. Searching for a few library books on my kid list, I found the Christmas display stuffed with books about Santa, mice, moles, gophers, bears, children, reindeer, knights, and a plethora of other creatures celebrating Christmas. Nary, a nativity book was on the Christmas stack. Ironically, I was searching for, If You're Missing Baby Jesus. Yes, folks, baby Jesus has definitely gone missing.  But, you can find Him if you are willing to search a bit. 

And I ponder how Jesus came into the world, subversively. Out to change and challenge all mankind to something higher and sweeter, but definitely not safer. No, definitely not safer. And Santa may be sweet and stout, but he comes up short. Santa offers no lasting solutions to the choices and conflicts children face today. Santa is silent when asked, "Who will love me for who I am?" Only the I AM, can answer, "I love you with a deep and everlasting love." Jeremiah 31 Only God's gifts are timeless and without end.

I quietly pulled nativity books off library shelves and placed them with the stacks of Santa books. I might get coal from Santa this year, but I'm willing to risk it. Read a nativity book this year with someone you love.

Because the heavens should open up in a library. 

Amazing.
Opening up books for the soul.


Picture source unknown to me. From tumblr.