The T-shirt read, “Jesus is coming soon: look busy!” I’ve seen some variations on this. But here we are, rising upon the first Sunday in Advent. Twenty-first Century folks are so far removed from “Bible Days” that most either have given up hope, or don’t really believe in the Day of the Lord…. Scriptures many of us will hear in worship this weekend will again confront us and goad us into at least thinking about this Coming.
I love to preach on the Old Testament during Advent, and if I were creating a sermon this week it would center on Jeremiah 33:14-16. The usually gloomy prophet says that “the days are surely coming” — to fulfill the ancient promise, to bring back the kingly line of David, and “to execute justice and righteousness in the land”. This can get lost in nostalgia, a dead-end. The Promised One isn’t a purveyor of the Good Old Days, but a renewer of the Future.
St. Paul’s affectionate letter to the Thessalonians seems to expect the Lord Jesus to come quickly, and so he urges his flock to “increase and abound in love for one another and for all”. Seems to agree with the tidings of comfort and joy in our Christmas cards and carols.
Part of Being Ready is our embrace of holiness — in our investments of money & energy even when Santa Claws.
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