Advent 1A
November 27, 2022
Christ, Preston, MN
Matthew 24.36-44
I was in the break room of the Minnesota Fabrics store where I was an assistant manager, one of the careers I had before I went to seminary and became a pastor. Somehow, the young clerk who was also there discovered that we were both Christians. Her next question surprised me a bit: “Do you believe we are in the end times?” Now, I hadn’t been back in the church very long, but long enough to know what that meant. By her question she was probably a dispensationalist, someone who follows the teachings of John Darby, that human history is divided into ages or dispensations. People who follow that teaching are particularly sensitive to reading what they believe are the signs around us and in doing so believe we are in the end times.
“Yes,” I replied, though I knew I meant something different than she did. I did not want to elaborate because I didn't want to get into a theological discussion. Today is the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the church year and that period of preparation for the celebration of Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent is always set aside for texts related to the return of Jesus, his “second coming.” We do this because as we prepare, we are encouraged to be alert and to watch for the presence of Jesus in our world right now. Furthermore and traditionally, as we heard from the Corson family, the theme of the day is also Hope.
Advent also reminds us that we are in an in-between time, albeit a very long one for us. For Jesus’ followers and those a generation or two removed, it was very disturbing that Jesus hadn’t returned as they expected. So, Jesus’ words to them and us are designed to help us in these in-between times we experience. First of all, Jesus wants us to wake up and open our eyes to his presence right here and now. Part of waking up and being alert means being hopeful about God’s action in the world.
Second, Jesus’ words invite us to be open to new possibilities, things we might not have considered before. When we are set into a routine, we might miss what God is up to in the world and our lives. Third and finally, Jesus invites us to let go of those things or attitudes that are holding us back. We can honor our past and where we have been, but hope demands that we let some of those things go. So, in this in-between time we wake up, open ourselves to new opportunities, and let go of things that are holding us back.
I can think of no better example of hopefulness than the sacrament of Holy Baptism done today. Seeing Cameron baptized today helps wake us up to what God is doing in Christ Lutheran Church through us as we live out our baptismal promises and opens us up to new possibilities for mission and ministry. Finally, we have permission to let go of what has come before us knowing God is doing new things in our lives.
This is where the slips you received come in, what I call Hope Slips: Please take those out now and write a short answer to the sentence, “My greatest hope for Christ Lutheran Church is…” Please, keep it brief and limit it to one thing. (I’ll ignore whatever is written after the first one. I’ll collate these responses and work with the Transition Team to see what’s on your hearts and minds. We’ll use this information in our work to help see what God is up to at Christ Lutheran as we move forward. Stay hopeful, my sisters and brothers in Christ, for God is coming. Amen.
My sermons often preach a little differently than written and you can find the video here.
No comments:
Post a Comment