“Jesus Christ: Coming to a Manger Near You!”
By Amilee Bishop, Fiat Ventures
First Sunday of Advent
Advent is definitely my favorite liturgical season. And what’s not to like?! It’s built-in time to get excited about the celebration of Jesus’s coming to the world (aka Christmas). Of course, it’s also a time of preparation, to prepare our hearts and our lives, so that we are ready to welcome him.
But you might have noticed that the readings for this week say nothing at all about Jesus’s birth. In fact- quite the opposite. The readings are about the end of the world.
Hold up- what? We are starting the season of preparation for Jesus to come to the world, so that we may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). So if Jesus is bringing life, why are we talking about the end of the world??
In the Gospel today, Jesus explains to his disciples that the Son of Man will come when the earth is in great turmoil. He tells them not to fear this, but to stand tall and raise their hands, because redemption is at hand. But he goes on with a warning: “beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from the anxieties of life”. Here is our connection to the Season of Advent. For Advent isn’t only a time to celebrate that Jesus came to the world 2000 years ago, but to better prepare ourselves for when he comes again. He says this second coming will surprise all of us, so we must always be vigilant. He says we should pray for strength to overcome the trials of this world, so that we can be with Jesus in heaven.
So this Advent, as we shop, decorate, cook, clean, wrap presents, travel, and anything else we decide to cram into this crazy month, let’s pray for the strength to not be pulled down by the anxieties of this world, but instead to be more aware of God’s loving presence, to put him first in all that we do. Instead of being worried about buying the perfect gift, let’s thank God for the blessing of family and friends in our lives. Let’s pray for the strength to overcome temptation, and to prepare ourselves for Jesus’s glorious coming- whether it be in a manger or on a cloud!
