Walking with Jesus: First Sunday of Advent

For Sunday, December 3, 2023

Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64: 2-7; 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9, Mark 13:33-37

Today we begin the HOLY season. Why do I call it Holy? First, “advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming.” It is the preparation period for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas as well as a preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. It has four weekly themes: Hope, Joy, Peace and Love. We don’t spend time with these reflection points every week. Take time this year to see that Advent NOT ONLY is a time for shopping, decorating the Christmas home and tree, enjoying parties and singing Christmas carols; it ALSO is a time to remember Jesus’ coming into the world close to 2,030 years ago — AND to prepare and allow Jesus to come into our hearts and lives today — AND to wait for Jesus to come again at the end of time and our lives.

So why is it holy?
It presents a challenge not only to do good things for others, but also to see Christ first in others.

Christ the Shepherd-King clearly identifies Himself not only with the poor, the needy and the hurting; he also testifies that anyone who promises to be His disciple must identify themself with the “least” of their brothers and sisters. He spells this out insisting that we must:

• walk with the poor, the lost and forgotten in their pain and struggles;
• leave our warm homes to seek out and help those trapped in the bitter cold of poverty and isolation;
• give and share, not only from our abundance but from our own need, remembering that in giving to others, we give in humble gratitude to the Shepherd-King for all we have received.

We are recommitting and rededicating our lives to our God who loves each of us every moment in our needs, our doubts, our confusion, and our desire to love this God who loves us. Isaiah alternates between “you” and “we” … between past and future … between remembrance and hope. That's a good reflection of the meaning of this season. Genesis shares how God created us, and we continue to be “all the work of Your hands.” [Isaiah 64:7] Being an exiled community, the Israelites are pondering God’s protections during the Exodus events. Now they are begging God to return to their aid. They are realizing their sins and their departure from His care and love. Their sins have hardened them. Their lives are now waiting in “hope.” Their lives are counting on the God who continually gifts them and will continue to bless them in even more astounding ways. “Don’t wait, God — come now.”

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians brims with confidence not for what they have done, but that God is always faithful. Paul offers not just peace, but Christ’s peace … which he describes as: “always … every … all … and not lacking any.” As a result of this our vocation (work) is always in partnership with Jesus. God begins the process; we are to respond. Looking at our past, God’s mighty deed gives us hope that He continues to gift us, bless us and love us in unexpected ways. God is in love with us every way, every day: God’s love overflows.

So are we forming ourselves as a community of love? Where am I slow to respond?

Mark insists that because of the unknown time when God will respond, we grow despondent. Mark insists on action using his first words ... “Be watchful. Be alert!” ... coupled with his last word, “Watch!” While we are living, our lives are to be filled with hope and constant love. The end of life is the only thing certain about life. As Christians we have the assurance … the confidence ... that we are “following Christ in faith … as we wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Advent is a time to realize that all of our life transitions have a final goal and purpose. God is with us. God is living with us each gifted moment. Life with Christ is forever in love with Love itself.

So I reflect on:

• How do I show God’s love during this season? Does my Advent giving continue through the year? What are some creative ways that I can seek God and be doing right this Advent?
• Isaiah says that God is the potter and we are the clay. In what ways might I pray that God shapes me into His people today and into the future?

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“The Advent season recalls significant events and people to help us to be alert for Christmas. Qualities such as being prepared and staying attentive are highlighted today. May we grow in appreciation of God’s greatest gift to us in Jesus and be ready to welcome Him on His coming anew to us.

“Good servants await the return of the master. Our master desires to serve us. May our Advent waiting be one that desires to welcome a friend who comes to save, not a thief in the night who is to be feared.”