Advent 1
An Introduction to Advent
For hundreds of years the Christian church has kept time in a different way from most of the world. It marks time in years, but the Christian year does not start on January 1. It begins with a season we call “Advent” on the fourth Sunday before Christmas (in late November or early December, depending on the year).
During that year the Christian church tells its ancient faith story all over again. During the time leading up to Christmas, Advent looks simultaneously at both the beginning of the story -- Jesus' birth in the manger in Bethlehem -- and at the end of the story -- Jesus' future return at the end of time. The link is that Advent is a time of preparation for Jesus' coming into the world.
Many Christians use the season of Advent as a time for spiritual growth through prayer, fasting, and penitence to make their hearts ready for the celebration of that special time when God arrived in the flesh as an infant to teach us the incredible depth and breadth of God’s love for all people; the same Jesus who will come again at the end of time.
Preparation
Please begin by reading Matthew 24:36-44 in your Bible. If you do not have one at hand, we have provided that text for you at the end of this reflection.
Reflection--Do You Know What Time It Is?
The images in the reading for this week, the first week of Advent, continue to bring forth within my imagination and senses strong feelings given our present situation both within the United States and elsewhere in the world.
Karl Barth is quoted as having encouraged all pastors to write their sermons with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. I would suspect that for this particular Advent season this admonition would be born out within the various churches across this nation.
The threat of terrorism and the uncertainty of the world situation make me wonder what is next? Every day I hear on the news and read in the newspaper about the latest victims of war and terrorism. I read in dismay of the bombings and killing. I read of these things and I wonder, where will it all lead and what is yet in store for us all?
I read in Matthew of the unknown and sudden return of the one who holds our future, believing as Matthew states that no one can possibly know when that time of Christ's return will be except for God. We are reminded that just as in Noah's day, when the flood came suddenly while the people went about their normal daily activities, there will be no advanced proclamation when Christ returns.
The vision of God's plan for the consummation of the earth describes a reign of shalom - peace and fruitfulness without fear or violence. While we wait for God's plan to be fulfilled, we should remember that if we willingly continue to be faithful to the words of Jesus, being prepared as his disciples, we have no need to fear. We must remember that being disciples and being prepared means that we must willingly participate in the work expected of us. We must do the work defined in Matthew 25:31-46, which involves deeds of mercy and peace; feeding the hungry, visiting the shut in, caring for the sick and welcoming the stranger.
We are therefore to keep awake, aware that the coming of Christ could be at any time. The fact that we do not know when gives us a freedom to continue the work Jesus gave us to do with no concerns about timetables or bottom lines or world events. We are to rely totally on God's faithfulness; we are to live as people who have hope.
Maw Barker
(This week's reflection is by the Rev. Gail Hicks. Gail uses the pen name "Maw Barker" because of her great love for dogs.)
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Matthew 24:36-44
[Jesus said] ""But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only God. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
"But understand this; if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
[NRSV]
