Or, put another way, the way the weather is in Florida compared to up north.

The weather is invariably among the top three topics of conversation. Current news events and perhaps the latest movie out in theaters might round out that list. Depending on who you are with, it might also include football, gardening, politics, family and friends.

In the Sunshine State, we feel a bit of a disconnect from everywhere else. “They” experience the seasons: leaves fall in late-September or early-October. First snowfall, maybe as early as pre-Halloween. We have this “seasonal aphasia”. While it is pleasant, in the 70’s here, ice storms may be occurring where we have come from. Conversely, while in July-August we swelter with 90’s in temperature and humidity, elsewhere it is comfortably warm.

What about holiday season vs. church season? Sadly, they are often at odds. Christmas hype begins way before the liturgical season will allow for it. Try to explain Advent to a young person who is all about “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday.” Or every pastor’s favorite: “why don’t we sing Christmas carols in December? You hear them in the shopping malls; why not church?” Seasonal aphasia: we feel weird compared to surrounding culture. On the back end, we will still be caroling in the twelve days AFTER Christmas while trees are being tugged and pulled out to the curb. In Florida, toss in the reality that it could be in the mid-80’s on Christmas Day, and it’s enough to make your head spin.

It is a challenge, I admit, for us Lutherans. We begin a new liturgical year while the world winds down a calendar year. We force ourselves to try NOT to do our Christmas decorations until the first Sunday in Advent, and then leave them up until Epiphany. I invite you, dear readers, to not fight the seasonal aphasia, but to rejoice in the divine mystery, the happy exchange that brings divinity to our humanity. Celebrate the inbreaking kingdom of God into a “kingdom” of Fit Bits, big-screen TV’s and Play Stations. When you hear “Jingle Bell Rock”, drown it out by humming “Prepare the Royal Highway.” Pull on a sweater because in Florida when the temperature dips below 70, “it’s cold.”! Accept in faith, hope and trust that God is the reason for every season, time, and space. Always remember that the God of Advent loves you unconditionally!

Pastor Art