The Advent season is upon us once again. It is the time we consider God’s coming to His people. First we look back to the coming of Jesus as Savior and look forward to the second coming of Christ as Judge. I think more importantly we must remember that Advent is ultimately about looking for God’s grace through Christ and His presence with us here and now. For others it’s the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.
There is a logical development in the four Sunday lessons in Advent as each Sunday builds on the previous Sunday and points to the next. So let me see if I can shed a little light each week.
Advent 1 is what the church has always referred to as the awakening and cleansing of the soul by the coming of the Word. Some might say it’s the beginning of the great cleansing of the bank account and awakening to the fact that most of us have no idea what Advent really means anyway. I mean, we get Christmas, right?
ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.
Collect for the First Sunday in Advent, 1928 BCP pg 90
The collect is significant. It is repeated throughout the Advent season. Why? Because it tells us in plain language what we need to be about as a Church and as a people of God. Put on the amour of light - awaken to the miracle of Christ’s birth – awaken to the promise of the past that connects us with the promise of the future. Be rid of any works of darkness – cleanse your soul and remember who you serve. Think about who has been and who will come again and how it impacts your life. Think of the power in those words. This collect is also a synopsis of the Epistle and the Gospel themes presented throughout Advent. It’s Christianity 101… God the Son came and humbled himself that we might be reconciled to the Father.
A. Jesus’ miraculous birth brought the promise of redemption.
B. That redemption came by his sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the whole world.
C. He overcame sin by shedding his blood; he overcame death by rising from the grave. He ascended into heaven and sits at the Father’s right hand.
D. This is good news for some, and will be bad news for others. He really is coming again.
This Advent, make a resolution. Cast way the darkness, put on the light and refocus your life. Enjoy God’s grace once again. Your bank account I can’t do much for.
I know it’s a cliché, but Jesus really is the reason for the season…
Be the Light, Be Cleansed, Be Awakened,
+Ian
