December 6, 2008

Read Luke 21:5-19

"Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?—Luke 21:7

It is so easy get wrapped up in looking to the future, to wondering what it holds for ourselves, the ones we love, and the communities in which we live. The early church was no different. Christ taught about the time when he would come again, and the New Testament is full of references and anticipation of Christ’s return.

Each week before communion, we sing about the mystery of our faith:

Christ has died…we celebrate with joy the arrival of the Christ-child who will die because of our sin.

Christ has risen…we live in the hope and peace of the Risen Christ.

Christ will come again…The season of Advent is about waiting, yet it is waiting with a purpose. Christ calls us to look ahead to that time of his return with similar expectant waiting, not with trepidation or doubt, despite not knowing when or how the time will arrive.

How can we prepare our hearts and minds this season of waiting? Are we living now with celebration, joy, hope and peace as we look ahead to Christ’s second coming?

Pray: Lord, help me in this season of Advent to look expectantly to your return with the same joy, peace and hope with which I look to the child in the manger. Amen.

Meagan Sinn is a project accountant for a St. Louis based architectural firm, and spends her free time with family, friends, and obsessing about Cardinal baseball.