EAGERLY WAITING
FOR THE RETURN OF JESUS – as we begin the experience of Advent tomorrow. Each year as we approach the great festival of Christmas, we again contemplate all the events that led to the great joy that came to the children of the earth. Advent is an active time of waiting, not a time to do nothing about our relationship with God. In Luke 21, Jesus talks about the prediction of the destruction of the temple, with wars and many deaths. Then he speaks of something very different: 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.” Once again, after the destruction of the temple for the unfaithfulness of Israel, God holds out hope of redemption, a new way to walk with God.
Centuries before, God also spoke words of hope for the people of Israel, after they were enslaved and taken to Babylon in exile, for their unfaithfulness. Through the prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 23, Gods says: 14 “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. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
We are given an opportunity to examine our relationship with God and our intent to be faithful. Are we working at it at all? Are we working on it alone, or are we walking each day with God at our side? What will God see of our faithfulness and love? God gives us the hope of the future, of our redemption from a life without God. At the beginning of this new church year, we are given hope for the future, to grow in our faith and love, and walk humbly with our God; to examine our life and chart a new course of living in love, knowing that God is with us. Loving God, who holds out hope, again and again to those who look for redemption, we look toward what we may experience this Advent, as you guide us through the season, looking toward the birth that will bring more hope to all. Help us re-examine our lives, and walk more often with you. Amen. PEACE