Advent Meditations from the Church of the Resurrection, Tampa, Florida

Dec 3, 2017 by

                                            PSALM                     Old Testament             Epistle                Gospel

Sun

Dec 3

am: 146, 147

pm:111, 112, 113

Isaiah 64:1-9 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37

First Sunday of Advent:    Some might remember the Left Behind book series which was  given to my mind to speculate on what the end of the world might be like. Based on the Scriptures it offered a vision of millions of Christians whisked away to heaven, followed by a fervent battle between good and evil. This thematic  of the battle for Good and Evil is found in numerous television programs and even Christian books from Tolkien to The Singer Trilogy by Calvin  Miller.  Advent in many respects is an ideal season to wrestle with the battle of God and Evil given the world we live in. We face the duality of the season being both spiritual and commercial, other worldly and of this world. Advent reminds us well of the challenge to be in the world but not of the world. That the greatest promises that technology and human wisdom may have cannot set us free and cannot redeem us. The Advent season promises a kingdom where lion and lamb are at peace and justice shall flourish, the night is defeated with a Daystar that burns bright, The. Advent lessons today remind us on this first day not to miss the message or the promise that God is good, and that his goodness will prevail so wait and be vigilant in hope, rather than in fear. The readings, symbols and disciplines of Advent point to a promise of light and life, justice and mercy. Where else in the world will such a promise come from in our day and time if not the Church in its hopeful expectations?

PRAYER: Gracious Father, we pray, this day for the grace for the ability to be mindful and watchful for the coming of your Son at his coming, so that, we may be gathered as a faithful people worthy to possess the Kingdom of God, we ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Activity/Spiritual Discipline – Let Advent into your office and home. Use Sunday to begin your Advent observances. Create or buy an Advent wreath to use daily at home as part of the evening meal. Consider at the Office or place of employ an Advent calendar or Jesse tree to show the world that you are being vigilant and are waiting for the Christ to come.

ANCIENT WORDS/PRESENT GRACE: “Your life consists in drawing nearer to God. To do this you must endeavor to detach yourself from visible things and remember that in a short time they will be taken from you”. —- Blessed John of Avila, 16th Century Mystic and Preacher

 

 

 

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