The First Sunday of Advent --- 1 December 2013

Isaiah 2:1-5

Romans 13:11-14

Matthew 24:36-44

But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

• If we were to think about this, it is probably for the best, because if we knew the “day and hour”, someone would try to charge admission. But as this passage tells us, we don't know. Beyond that there is more. There is nothing we can do to stop it and nothing we can do to bring it on. It is in God's hands... very much like grace.
• Most human beings are alike in that we like our schedules. We like to have a calendar or a program so we can know what is coming next. We don't like scheduling conflicts generally. We almost always like to know when the movie starts or when the bus leaves or what time the meal is going to be served. With some exceptions, we like our lives neat and tidy, running on time and without too many surprises.
• However the Kingdom of God breaks in and takes us out of our routines. This alone might be uncomfortable since our schedules are thrown out the window and our routines are disrupted. However, in such situations, we are on God's schedule rather than our own. That alone can be uncomfortable.
• There's an old, somewhat cynical saying that goes like this: Humans are made in the image of God and we've been returning the compliment ever since. We like to think that God is like us with the same likes and dislikes, the same values, the same agenda, and in some peoples' minds, even the same skin colour. To discover otherwise can be most uncomfortable.
• St. Paul writes to the Romans: For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. In this letter, he is presenting his credentials to the believers in Rome, preparing to visit there. He want to show them that he preaches the true Gospel and that he hold the same hope that they do. Paul appears to believe that Jesus was going to return quite soon. Still his teaching holds for us as well. We need not despair of Jesus' return nor should be be so concerned about it that we spend every waking moment in nervous anticipation. Paul continues: Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us live honourably as in the day... ...put on the Lord Jesus Christ...
• We do know that God's kingdom is coming and has shown itself to be among us, although not completely.
• We are caught between the Kingdom present and the Kingdom to come in a time of contrasts and opposites. We are justified and we remain sinners. We are fulfilled and yet we remain hopeful for the fullness of God's grace. We are with God every day of our lives and yet we know God's absence and hope for more.
• This season of Advent reminds us of the reality of the Kingdom that is both “now” and “not yet.” So our readings tell of Jesus' birth and of his return at a time known only to the Father, because ...about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
• The prophet Isaiah looks to what is to come. The Apostle Paul looks to what is present for the believers in Rome in light of what is to come. The evangelist Luke tells of what is yet to come in light of what already is for his community.
• When we hear these words – the words of the prophets, the apostles, and the evangelists – we are reminded that are to Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
• For Christians of every age, keeping awake means to pray faithfully for ourselves, our sisters and brothers of the faith, and for the world. It means to work faithfully at whatever task is given to our hands, knowing that God is glorified in work done attentively and faithfully. We are to live faithfully, living honourably as in the day... and putting on the Lord Jesus Christ... as our way of living.
• In simple words, this is how to watch and keep awake and to be prepared. To be involved in the message of grace in both word and deed may just be the best preparation.
• Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.