Preparation

So the season of Advent is upon us; the season for preparing for the coming of Christ, a season of generosity, joy and peace.

And preparation. Did I mention preparation? Gifts to buy, parties to plan, gatherings to attend, cookies to bake, presents to wrap. It’s so easy to let this time year become one giant to-do-list, rather than a time to reflect, enjoy and share generously.

Oftentimes it’s helpful to have devotions to help guide our reflections. This year, Bluffton’s campus ministries team, students, faculty and staff, have compiled Advent devotions which are available online. In addition to being available from the Bluffton website, these devotions are linked from the Mennonite Education Agency site.

The Bluffton University Nutrition Association’s annual Fill the CUP spaghetti dinner is always an enjoyable event. Students serve a three-course spaghetti dinner at no charge while diners are asked to make a donation of cash or non-perishable foods which are then donated to the Church United Pantry (CUP) in Lima.

A total of $1,000 and 124 lbs of food items were donated to CUP while students, alumni and community members gathered to share good food, conversation and laughter.

There are also opportunities to give without receiving anything in return, opportunities to share generously.

Students donated 35 shoeboxes filled with gifts to Operation Christmas Child in a drive organized by the Spanish Club. Advisor Jesse Oliver said, “It was wonderful to see the generosity of the university students!”

A group of campus support staff, The Backbone, has taken the lead in collecting items for the Findlay Coats for Christmas campaign. The campus community has been invited to decorate a Christmas tree in College Hall with hats, gloves and scarves. New and slightly used accessories will be accepted through noon Dec. 9.

While making our lists and checking them twice this season, let us all find time to reflect, enjoy and share generously.