The days are getting shorter, nights longer, weather colder. We’ve cleaned out the gardens, put winter tires on the vehicles, unpacked heavy clothes, dug out the shovels, preparing for winter. Today marks the 1st Sunday of Advent, the time of preparation for Christmas, the first coming of Jesus. Cathy digs out the wreath, the creche and decorations. Soon the smell of Christmas baking will fill the house. Cathy started practising carols with the choir, preparing for Christmas services.
But in the hustle and bustle, do we forget Advent is a time of waiting for Jesus’ second coming? Are we preparing for Jesus’ return, when people “will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power…’” (verse 26) as much as we prepare for Christmas? Jesus instructs us to be alert, to watch. Instead of celebrating Advent in December, let’s live Advent all year, showing, sharing God’s love, given us by the coming of Jesus. Let’s prepare for Jesus’ second coming like we prepare for Christmas, taking our celebrations of Jesus out of the cradle, remembering the cross, watching for the risen Jesus’ glorious return.
Thank you, God, for taking us out of the darkness, giving us the light of Christ. Help us honour and celebrate this year-round, joyfully preparing. Amen. — G/CW