He is Coming - December 1
Today’s Readings - Psalm 1, 2, 3; Amos 2:6-16; 2 Pet. 1:1-11; Matt. 2:1-11
Yesterday was the first Sunday in the season of Advent. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Advent, I’ll give you a quick lesson on the meaning behind the season. The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year –it’s literally New Year’s Day for the church. The word Advent means “coming” or “Parousia” which means the second coming of Christ.
Over the next four weeks the emphasis in the scriptures we read and hopefully in our practices at home will be the preparation for the coming of the Christ child and ultimately the Messiah. This brief reprieve from the chaos of Christmas gives us an opportunity to step back and take a deep breath. The intention is that we focus less on the busyness of the season, buying gifts and rushing around trying to make everything perfect and more on taking a few quiet moments each day to reflect on the coming of Christ – preparing our homes, yes, but with more of an emphasis on preparing our hearts for the gift of God’s only Son.
In our gospel reading for today, Jesus has been trying to prepare his disciples for what will be the most difficult thing he’s ever had to do. He knows as he enters Jerusalem his fate is sealed. As “The King of the Jews,” he will be humiliated, tortured and ultimately die on the cross. Jesus knows all of this, and all the while he’s surrounded by people clamoring for the next king, the one who will save them from the Roman tyrants that govern them. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, he’s not riding a white stallion or a chariot with slaves running alongside. No. He’s the epitome of humility. He enters on the back of a donkey. Our expectations like those of the crowd always seem to be more than what Jesus is prepared to offer. We, like the crowds that day, expect grand gestures, a life of ease and no problems. We’re surprised when things take a turn for the worst and ask, “Why me?” Instead Jesus offers grace to the suffering, comfort in his presence and gifts that need no ribbons, have no monetary value but are more priceless than gold.
We have a sign at home that says, “Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” This is the essence of Advent. This is what the season can help us find, if only we take the time to discover it’s beauty, to be still and know that he is God.
Jesus offers a calmness that cannot be replicated by any spa treatment or vacation. He offers what we all crave but for which we do not know how to ask. He offers peace in the midst of the chaotic messiness of our lives. Try to take some time this Advent to listen with a quiet heart, to reach out and grab hold of the hem of his robe and feel his loving healing, presence and grace.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - Why not try to incorporate a few quiet moments in your day, at a meal, or as you’re going to bed. Find an Advent devotional, put together an Advent wreath, download an Advent Calendar. If you have children establish a family tradition. If you live alone, do it for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.