The trees around our California mountain home are bare. When did this happen? It seems that Autumn has nearly raced by without my awareness. It is Advent tomorrow. Each dawning of a new church year catches me somewhat unaware, in spite of my preparations. Where does the time go? What was I focusing on when this monumental event dawned?
In Sunday's gospel reading, Jesus issues a warning:
"Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 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 21:34-36)"
Be alert! It's a bit ominous isn't it?
Advent is actually about three comings of Jesus:
The first...in the manger.
The second...into our hearts
The third...his coming again.This Sunday's Old Testament reading speaks of the first coming: "I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land (Jeremiah33:15).
Sunday's Epistle reading from Thessalonians speaks to us of the coming of Jesus into our hearts.
Be awake! Be alert! No man knows the day or the hour.
The Revised Common Lectionary readings for Sunday, December 2, 2012 are here (Protestant) and here (Roman Catholic). As is typically the case, the Protestant and Catholic readings are virtually identical this Sunday.
Pax Christi Dear Ones,
~Michelle
A new church year dawns with the first day of Advent, December 2, 2012.
Linked with the blogs on the Blog Hops page.
Advent comes faster every year. Our fall season the last couple of years seems like spring so it seems to come faster. Thank you for living Advent. The world is so against Advent... Sometimes I just feel so alone.
ReplyDeleteI love the new beginnings associated with Advent - a new church year, Jesus as a baby, and the unknown of when he will come again. It feels fresh, even when the world does not. Great post.
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm so happy I found this blog through Time Warp Wife. I love liturgy and not many others do. Thanks for this reminder -- taking some time to look around!
ReplyDeleteLindsey @ GrowingKidsMinistry.com