Well, that’s the general feeling I get listening to the various pundits, politicians, and preachers…I have to admit that it does look pretty bad.
But is the world really coming to an end?
Well, no more than usual.
But after hearing the little apocalypse from the Gospel of Luke this morning, you might think that Jesus was saying the same thing. But his point is not to scare us to death. Instead, he reminds us that, as bad as things might look, God is always with us.
Martin Luther was once asked “What would you do if you heard that Jesus would return tomorrow?” Luther said that he would plant a tree. For in all likelihood, the rumor would be untrue. Remember, Jesus also said that no one knows the hour or day when he would return except the Father. So by planting a tree and the Lord did return, he would find Luther taking care of the earth.
Luther’s tree reminds us of the tree in Jesus’ parable, “Look at the fig tree and all the trees, as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”
Jesus calls us to look at the signs all around us.
What do look for? Do you, like some candidates, look for signs of doom… or do you look for signs of hope?
Leo Tolstoy, an author whom we tend to associate with The Great Big Novel, once wrote a very short story about a cobbler who prayed for a dramatic revelation of God. The humble shoemaker wanted a voice from heaven; or, better yet, a big show in the sky or something like that.
Instead he got everyday sightings of God as love in action, in charity, justice, and compassion toward the people the cobbler met each day.
Yes. We look forward to the time when Jesus will return in glory and wrap up all of history, heal all creation and reconcile all people, the living and the dead, to himself. But remember, we Christians also believe that in Jesus we find the fullness of God and the fullness of humanity in one and the same person, undiluted. That’s the Incarnation that we celebrate on Christmas.
In Christ, the really big has already come down to earth and walked among us. And he has already defeated death and sin on the cross. And he has already opened the way to heaven in his resurrection and made us his children, heirs, and companions in the Holy Spirit and in baptism.
So in that light, a person alert to the signs of the times looks, as in Tolstoy’s story, for God’s saving power all around them.
Like many people, the moment I know that we’ve moved from Advent to Christmas happens when I hear on the radio the King’s College, Cambridge, choir of men and boys sings the service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Maybe you’ve heard it? It is broadcast by the BBC all over the world.
It begins when one of the choir boys sings in a clear treble voice “Once in Royal David’s City.”
Have you ever thought about what it takes to get to that moment? Certainly, as the old joke goes about how one gets to Carnegie Hall, "Practice, practice, practice!”
Much preparation musically and technically happens before that broadcast happens. But did you know that the boy who actually sings that unaccompanied solo doesn’t know he’s the one until about ten seconds before airtime?
Many boys have practiced and prepared. But it is at the moment that the college’s director of music looks that one boy in the eye and gestures for him to step forward.
Can you imagine being that boy? I mean, the poise… the cool… the steady nerve! If it were me, I expect that I’d fall over sideways!
But remember… the one chosen to sing is only one of many. A whole troupe of choristers have prepared for this moment and have the grace (and the sportsmanship!) to continue to sing with the ensemble with all their hearts, even knowing that they weren’t the one picked for that particular solo.
This is for me a wonderful picture of Advent waiting and Advent fulfillment! It tells us that it is in the preparation where we are formed and grow as followers of Jesus. It is the pilgrimage we undertake where our hearts are made ready for God. It is walking with Jesus that we become his friends and apprentices.
So instead of being distracted by all the anxiety about the end of the world-- or in creating a perfect 'holiday season experience' -- enter into Advent and open your heart to God! Make room for the arrival of Jesus, Emmanuel, God-with-us. Advent is our time to prepare ourselves in heart, mind, and soul for the coming of the Savior.
Even with all the busy-ness of the holiday season, this is our chance to learn to lean into God's promises and to use that energy and work for God's purposes; not in an anxious chasing after the "perfect holiday" but as a chance to learn and do the work of Jesus every day!
Advent waiting reminds us of the pilgrimage that every faithful Christian walks, to find Christ and to communicate Christ to a world aching for wholeness, purpose, and hope. In Advent, we discover that God is more and more doing on earth what God does in heaven.
Anybody can be a voice of doom. That’s easy! It takes no skill at all!
But what we long for is a voice of hope and healing! We Christians are at once preparing …and in our baptisms and Eucharistic community... and we are picked out by God to be Jesus’ voice of hope to people longing for healing and peace, so let's sing!
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Scripture for The First Sunday in Advent, Year C, December 1, 2024.
Website for The Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin, Florida
Here is the livestream of the December 1, 2024 10 a.m. liturgy at Good Shepherd, Dunedin.
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