Advent Exhortation

The words from the second century Christian Apocalypse Shepherd of Hermas seemed particularly appropriate for the first day of Advent:

Do not partake of God’s creation in abundance by yourselves, but also share with those in need. For by overeating some people bring on themselves fleshy weaknesses and injure their flesh, while the flesh of those who do not have anything to eat is injured because they do not have enough food, and their bodies are wasting away. [. . .] Look to the coming judgment. You, therefore, who have more than enough, seek out those who are hungry. (17.2-5)