1st December 2024
Reflection with readings below
The readings during Advent and especially those used in carol services, are full of pointers and signs, telling us that amazing things are about to happen – those chosen from the Old Testament tend to be full of promise that things are about to change and that good times are coming. Those from the New Testament, such as today’s gospel are more cautionary: good times will come but the journey there may troubled – which is perhaps a reflection of Jesus’s understanding that humans are prone to greed, self-interest, disagreements and other less than admirable behaviour. And certainly the need for salvation seems as great as ever when we look around our world today.
Whilst it is perhaps easier to pick out Old Testament prophecies that point to and are fulfilled by the narrative of Jesus’ birth (hind sight helps!) prophecies concerning the as yet to be revealed future are less clear. Signs that point to Jesus’ birth are readily discerned; signs that show us how we are to attain the fulfilment of the coming of God’s kingdom on earth are less discernible. And yet according to the gospels – well two of them – that the first Christmas was anything but certain: Mary’s betrothed status was in doubt, accommodation for the birth was a last minute arrangement and the welfare of the child looked very dodgy in the face of political oppression. And that is still how life is for many people across the globe – uncertain, in doubt, last minute, threatened.
Life on earth is about uncertainty. It can be unpredictable, at times irrational. It can be manipulated by those with power. It can be finite and imbued with suffering. Jesus holds no bars when talking about what may happen. But at the same time there are moments of pure bliss, of overwhelming joy, of happiness, of miracles and unexpected surprises. There are moments when we experienced the indwelling of the kingdom of God right here, right now!
As we begin our journey through Advent, maybe we need to be less concerned about certainty and more ready alert for signs that reveal God’s wisdom. May we be more focused in discerning the way God would have us live, the way that brings in the kingdom of God. May we cultivate a practice of living each day reliant on faith in God rather than in believing the propaganda of a wayward world. May we be looking for signs that tell us how to love our neighbour and how in return to receive their love for us. And not just our human neighbours but all those living beings with who we share a common home.
Jeremiah 33:14-16
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 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. 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.”
Psalm 25:1-9
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
my God, I put my trust in you; *
let me not be humiliated,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; *
let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.
3 Show me your ways, O Lord, *
and teach me your paths.
4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, *
for you are the God of my salvation;
in you have I trusted all the day long.
5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, *
for they are from everlasting.
6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *
remember me according to your love
and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.
7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; *
therefore he teaches sinners in his way.
8 He guides the humble in doing right *
and teaches his way to the lowly.
9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Luke 21:25-36
Jesus said, “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. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“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.”
The Green Tau 