Advent 1 Readings:
Earlier this week, I was reminded that it was the start of the Advent season, which reminded me about the Liturgical Calendar. In my previous post, I mused about how much I enjoyed the ebbs and flows of the liturgical seasons. In a way, it was a kind of “managed expectations”: Advent, is followed by Christmas, is followed by Epiphany, is followed by… so on, and so forth.
It’s easy to be lulled into a false sense of security. However, this week’s Scripture readings for the first week of Advent shakes me from my stupor.
Here I am thinking about the steady, rhythmic flow of life in Church – and by extension, life as a Christ follower. Then, Scripture reminds me that, one day, it will all come to an end.
When we least expect it.
“This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here.” – Romans 13:11-12
Just as the first Advent, no one expected the scandal of the everlasting, holy God breaking through to humanity in the form of a humble, vulnerable baby. Once again, He will break through – in the midst of our ebbs and flows of life, during our ongoing rhythms of daily comings and goings.
When we least expect it.
“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.” – Matthew 24:37-39
And yet, contrary to the apocalyptic narratives about the “End Times” in popular culture, Jesus’ return is actually Good News. When He comes again, Jesus will break through the cacophony of human civilization and usher in about peace.
When we least expect it.
“The Lord will mediate between nations
and will settle international disputes.
They will hammer their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will no longer fight against nation,
nor train for war anymore.”- Isaiah 2:1-4
So, what do we do from now till then?
Scripture reminds us to keep watchful hope:
So, be ready and keep watch – “let us walk in the light of the Lord.”
So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. – Romans 13:12-14
I remain in watchful hope. Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
WorshipfulLeigh 