Second Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 4th, 2005click here for past entriesLoving God, today you remind us once again to prepare the way for your coming. Grant us open hearts and holy lives by the power of your Spirit, that we might joyfully greet Jesus at his coming; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In our readings today, there is all this mention of preparing, and it always seems to take place in the wilderness. How come? I was pondering this question the other day when I found myself suddenly in the wilderness, talking to God....
"God?... Is that you?.... How did I end up here in the wilderness?.... Oh. I see. You brought me here. Will I be here for long, because I'm really kind of busy right now. ... Busy with what? - Preparing for Christmas, of course! There are cards to be sent and gifts to be bought and wrapped, and there's cooking to be done and decorating and parties and concerts and stuff to go to. -- So you see, I really can't get going on those things if I'm out here in the wilderness for very long. ... What's that? What do you mean there are more important things to prepare for? What could be more important than the birth of your Son? ... Well, yes, I guess some of those things don't have much to do with the birth of your Son. - So what am I supposed to be preparing for, and why am I out here in the wilderness? .... Let me get this right. I'm supposed to be preparing for the coming of Christ. I'm a little confused here, Lord. Isn't that what we celebrate at Christmas? .... Oh. Jesus' birth was his first coming. So now I'm supposed to prepare for when he comes again? ... I see. And how am I supposed to do that if I don't even know when he's coming? ... Hmm. Prepared at all times. That sounds like a lot of work! ... Yes, Lord. I guess that Jesus did do the really hard work. ... Yes, I suppose it's not that hard when it's done out of love. ... Yes, it is worth it when eternal life is at stake. So how am I supposed to prepare for his coming?...
Hmm. Live a holy life. You do realize how hard that is for me, don't you God?... Yes, of course you would know that.... Yes, I do know that you created me.... Oh. Your Holy Spirit.... Yes, I do believe that your Spirit could give me the ability to live a holy life. But what exactly is a holy life? Does that mean becoming a hermit in the desert or something? ... Whew! That's a relief! ... Okay. I think I understand. I need to turn away from all sin - from anything that is offensive to you or harmful to myself or other people. ... I need to stop being turned in on myself and open myself up to your love. ... I need to live out of love for you and for the people around me. ... And your Spirit will give me the power to do this? ... I see. Only if I put my trust in you. ... Okay. And then I'm prepared for the coming of Christ? ...
What do you mean, it's a good start? Isn't that quite a bit already? ... Yes, Lord. I know that you said that your Spirit would give me the power to do this. ... I'm sorry, Lord. Please continue. ... Hmm. I need to believe the good news and share it. Wasn't this already covered in living a holy life? ... Oh. I get the picture. The holy life is a result of believing in Jesus. Okay. Well, believing in Jesus isn't much of a problem for me, but sharing the good news is a whole other story. ... Yes, Lord. I can see where you would want all people to know about Jesus. ... Yes. I believe that Jesus was given for all people. ... Yes, it is important for people to know that there is salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection. ... Yes, I know that these things are important, Lord, but you've got to know that there are people who are much better evangelists than I am! ... You want everybody to share the good news? Are you sure? ... Sorry, Lord. I didn't mean to question you. I just know that so many people are better at it than I am. ... Oh yes. Your Holy Spirit. I forgot there for a moment. .... Ah! I think I understand. This is part of preparing for Jesus' coming, right? You want all people to hear about Jesus before he comes again. ... Well, at least I got one thing right!
Now, what about this business of being in the wilderness? Why did you bring me here? ... And how, exactly, does being here put everything into perspective? ... Yes. I guess "all flesh is grass" does make more sense out here. It's easy to see how short and fragile human life can be. ... Yes. I guess it does teach people to rely on you for help. There aren't a lot of options when you're out of food and water! ... Yes. I can see how there are less distractions out here. It's easier to focus on the things that are really important. ...
Yes. I think I've learned what things are most important. ... You want me to be prepared for Jesus' coming. ... Okay. You want everybody to be prepared for Jesus' coming. ... But first, you want everybody to hear about Jesus and put their faith in him. ... This is important because Jesus came in order to save all people from the power of sin and death. ... You want everybody to come back to you and to live in the way that you first intended them to live. ... You want to heal people, if they would only allow you into their hearts. ... Me? Oh. As for me, you want to work through me by the power of your Holy Spirit. You want me to live in faith and love, and to live a holy life. You want me to tell others about the victory that is ours through Jesus. ... The precious gift? ... Oh yes. You want me always to remember what a precious gift you have given me through Jesus. You want me to be filled with joy as I live in love. You want me to live in thankfulness for the love that you have first shown to me.
Thank you, God! ... For bringing me out here and reminding me of these things. ... Well, yes, I was a little upset at first. I guess I was just too distracted by all of the things that I have to do right now. ... Yes. I will still work on some of them, but not so much that I forget what's most important! .... I do need your help, though, Lord. ... Yes, of course. - Your Holy Spirit. Please send your Spirit, Lord! Amen.
Advent 2(B) Mark 1:1-8
December 4, 2005 Isaiah 40:1-11
St. Luke's Zion Lutheran Church 2 Peter 3:8-15a
Pastor Lynne Hutchison Moore
? 2005 Lynne Hutchison Moore All Rights Reserved
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