Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the first Sunday of the new Christian year (yes, today not Jan 1) and the first Sunday in the cycle of sacred time that leads to Christmas.
In the northern hemisphere, all this "newness" and the anticipation of birth occurs as the days grow short and the world darkens. Indeed, the shortest day of the year is just two days before Christmas.
Text for today: "Jesus said, "There will be signs in the sun, the moon & stars & on earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea & waves. People will faint from fear & foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken."
The hope of Christmas begins in the dark, the actual darkness and that of despair and fear.
The readings over the next few weeks are apocalyptic. But they aren't what most of us think. When we hear the word, "apocalyptic," we think the end of the world. But this is an "apocalypse" of hope.
The modern sense of "a cataclysmic event" dates from 1858! Before that, "apocalypse" meant an "uncovering, revelation, or disclosure." In the middle ages, it also meant "insight" or "vision."
The birth of Jesus, the light coming into a dark world, will be God's revelation of a promise -- the vision of the Age to Come, that time when the lion will lay down with the lamb, when swords are beaten to plowshares, when each person lives in peace under the vine & fig tree.
The old world, "this Age," the time of injustice and violence, the time of the dark is coming to an end. But the Age to Come is being born. And like all birth, it disrupts all we knew. The birth rips through the universe and arrives in love.
Be alert! says Jesus.
For which of us attends a birth unprepared?
Know that the coming of light into a dark world will reveal what we've not wanted to see -- but it will also open our eyes to visions of love we never expected.
For which of us attends a birth unprepared?
Know that the coming of light into a dark world will reveal what we've not wanted to see -- but it will also open our eyes to visions of love we never expected.
Jesus also says not to be surprised when the old ago groans and despairs and falls apart, for these things are signs that the new age is coming. Don't worry, rise up, be strong. Love and light are coming into the world.
*age (not ago)
Advent is the season of learning to see in the dark.
Or, as my friend, Barbara Brown Taylor says, "learning to walk in the dark."
Hope shows up at night.
God shows up at night.
Love shows up at night.
And then, scripture promises, day "will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth."
It won't be dark any more.
It won't be dark any more.
But, in the meanwhile, do not fear. We begin in the dark.
“...new life starts in the dark. Whether it is a seed in the ground, a baby in the womb, or Jesus in the tomb, it starts in the dark.”
― Barbara Brown Taylor
“...new life starts in the dark. Whether it is a seed in the ground, a baby in the womb, or Jesus in the tomb, it starts in the dark.”
― Barbara Brown Taylor
Light your candles, sing some hymns, embrace these weeks. Practice the insight of your heart. Take time to listen to silence. Wrap gifts, yes. But unwrap love. Be not afraid.
#Advent2018 #Advent
#Advent2018 #Advent
