First Sunday of Advent
“Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Overview
Advent Sunday: Today is New Year’s Day in the life of the church. We begin the year by looking to the end; the end of all years and all time. We look to the promise that we have been given that the world will be made afresh; that all that is broken will be healed; all that is crushed will flourish. It is a season of hope and expectation.
Our gospel reading this morning, Luke 21:25-36, may not seem that hopeful at first glance; it speaks of distress, confusion and fear. Whether we are at the beginning, at the end or somewhere in between, no life is free of distress, confusion or fear. But our hopefulness, our belief in what is possible, shapes how we respond. Christ tells us we are to stand up, raise our heads, and look for the signs of the kingdom that are surely springing up around us.
Readings
FIRST READING
Jeremiah 33:14-16
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. 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.”
GOSPEL
Luke 21:25-36
“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 does not 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.”
