Sunday, Novembe 28: First Sunday of Advent
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.”
Today is the first Sunday of Advent, a time when we are readying our lives for the birth of Jesus. In the above gospel reading, I love Jesus’ exhortation that “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Luke 21: 33). Jesus’ words of love, challenge, encouragement and peace never die.
Advent is a time when we allow Jesus’ words to take root in our hearts. As we do so, our lives are transformed by God’s grace, thus becoming beacons of light to others. Below is a devotion I wrote some years back that talks about this very thing:
Prepare the Way of the Lord!
“A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (Isaiah 40:3, 5).
Joyful anticipation! That’s what Advent is about. It is a time of preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus. We prepare our hearts by showing Jesus’ presence to others – by our kindness, our joy and our thankfulness. Jesus is alive in us!
Lord, open my eyes to your goodness and your love, so that I can show your presence to others. Teach me to find ways to “reveal your glory” by my generosity or thoughtfulness.
Be aware: that God is with me every moment of every day.
Read: Exodus 33: 14.