Awaken

Looking Back and Looking Forward

I am probably a bit of an anomaly in the church, but I look forward to Advent and Lent far more than Christmas or Easter. There are so many opportunities for instant gratification in our world, but these four Sundays in December are different. We used to have to wait for our food, our mail, and our entertainment. My children are growing up in an “on demand” world, and just about everything is available with a click of a mouse, a text, or a scan of a credit card. The Advent season compels us to slow down, be still, and look around. What does God want you to see today? How does the Lord call us to be different?

We read through part of Mark’s “mini-apocalypse” this weekend in worship. I invite you to reread it, take a deep breath, and answer some questions.

Mark 13:24-37 

“But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 

“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake — for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

Questions to Consider

· Is this a frightening vision? Hopeful? Both?

· Jesus tells his disciples (and us) to keep awake. Are we just waiting on Christ, or are we called to do more? What parts of our life need to be “woke”?

· In our faith, are we waiting on a date, a place, or a person? How do each impact our view of Advent, Christmas, and Christ’s return?

· Are you more excited about the arrival of Christ as a baby in Bethlehem or his return with power and glory?