First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2018
Time of Hope!
Whether it Comes "Crashing in" or "Creeping up"
by Larry A. Hoffsis
25  There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves.  26  People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  27  Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory.  28  Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

29  Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees;  30  as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.  31  So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.  32  Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place.  33  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

34  "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly,  35  like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth.  36  Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.

--Luke 21:25-36
Today we enter another season of Advent. Advent is meant to be a time of preparation for the coming of Christ (or the Son of Man, as today's Gospel names him). When preparation is taken seriously, Advent turns out to be a time of hope.

Today's Gospel is divided into three paragraphs. The first reminds of "crashing-in" times. "...the earth confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves." (v. 25) Reports are still coming in regarding the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael "crashing-in" to the Florida Panhandle. Weather forecasters gave warnings and predictions. People engaged in preparation - boarding up windows and seeking refuge inland.

We use "crash" when times of uncertainty come fast - like when the stock market crashes or someone turns in front of you. The wearing of seat-belts, and investment in bonds are all part of our preparation of potential devastations that come up fast.

The second paragraph reminds of "creeping-up" times. "Look at...the trees...as soon as they sprout leaves you can...know that summer is already near..." (vs. 29-30) If I may re-phrase the metaphor: "Look at the falling leaves. That signals that winter is not far off." Actually, the "creeping-up" is fraught with more likelihood of being ill-prepared. Next Sunday, I'll turn eleven years beyond the Bible's "three-score years and ten." Old age has a way of creeping up. The illusion of putting off to a more convenient time is a constant temptation. A quote on Facebook last week went something like this: "How does it happen that all the people my age look so old?" The AARP magazine carried an article of how devastating a lack of preparation was for a man's widow, simply because he put off making a list of all the passwords to their joint accounts.

The third paragraph counsels us to make good use of times of preparation. "Be alert at all times, praying that you may...stand before the Son of Man." (v. 36) Praying is another way of saying: "Don't get buried in moments of routine - let God flavor your time on earth." In so doing, Advent becomes seasoned with hope whether your life events come "crashing-in" or "creeping-up.'
Prayer: 
O Christ, let me make the best use of my Advent time
so that I may be prepared to stand before you. Amen.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT: HOPE

Light One Candle
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
--Jeremiah 33:14

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Bring hope to a family in need. 
Adopt a family or make a food or financial donation December 1-2.
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