An Advent Reflection on Cigarette Smoke from an Uninvited Guest

In early December 2021, my beloved college mentor Wendy posted the following story on Facebook. I came across it again recently and it made me tear up.

Actually, every time I have read it, I tear up, including preparing this message.

Advent reflection: About a month ago I got in my car in the morning and it smelled like cigarette smoke. 

A week later the passenger seat was all the way back, evidence again that someone had used it for a place to rest during the night. 

It’s always my intention to put my car in the garage or at least lock it if it’s out front. 

There is the plan, and there is what happens. 

I sit this morning, in the car in front of my house. It’s warm enough for the heat to bring that smoky smell forward to my attention. 

I love that I live in a neighborhood that causes me to reflect on my things and people and what’s really important. 

I love that people are walking by all through the day and all night. Often we say hello, sometimes we meet people, and at times we invite them up for a porch visit. 

It has happened that a new friend was hungry and we packed them a lunch to take along with warm socks. But those are things I chose to give. 

What about when something is taken from me? What if someone smokes in my car and it now smells? 

On one hand it’s no big deal. Nothing was stolen and I am glad to give someone a place to hang out for the night. It’s just a car and it’s just a smell.

On the other hand, reflecting on this person that has invaded my space is making me think about advent and Jesus coming to earth to be with us and dwell among us in a space his Father created. 

What was it like for Jesus to hear domestic violence for the first time, or a beggar calling out for bread? 

As humans have been using God’s space, did the earth smell to Jesus like my car smells now to me?

Was it hard for Jesus to wait thirty-three years to wash us clean and give us a way out of the mess? 

Was it hard for Jesus to watch suffering and wait to heal? 

Even though Easter is a long way off, there was a lot of grace already communicated by just coming and dwelling in a broken world.

Lord Jesus, thank you that you came and lived among us, as stinky as we were, and sometimes still are. Thank you that you offer to us the ultimate hospitality.

And, Lord, as this story also challenges me about personal property, ownership, a sense of violation (or at least invasion into personal space) … may I be attentive and ready to seek you, and love those around me. Let this word fall on me, on us.

Thank you that you came to this world as a baby. We love you. Amen.

They shall give him the name Emmanuel, which means “God with us,”

Amy Joy

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