First Sunday of Advent: Coming Soon

As we enter the Advent season, it's important to remember its twofold nature. First and most obviously, we remember the coming of Jesus as a child. Born in a manger to a flesh-and-blood mother, Jesus came as a human being. He lived among us and revealed God to us more fully than ever before.

Second, this time of year also reminds us that Jesus will one day come again. Advent is the season of Jesus' coming near. Most tend to concentrate on the incarnation—how Jesus came two thousand years ago. We also ought to remember the eschaton—that Jesus will come once again. This second coming will not be like the first. Whereas he previously came in a quiet manner that hardly drew notice, his second coming will be in a glorious manner which no one can miss. Whereas he previously came and submitted to the worldly powers who executed him, his second coming will cause all worldly powers to submit to him.

Christmas is a time when we make many preparations. It's a busy time. We buy presents. We plan parties and invite guests. Folks scurry to make arrangements and decorate their homes. They finish up work and clear their desks. The looming deadline of December 25 forces us to focus on priorities and remove obstacles.

If we work so hard to prepare for the anniversary of Christ’s coming, how much more should we prepare for the day of His second coming? The answer is obvious, but our actions betray a sense of uncertainty. Do we expect His return? Do we feel the need to be ready? And exactly what would preparedness even look like? This text from Luke 21 can help us ask and consider some important questions.

"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:25-36)

Jesus' return will be a terrifying and glorious day. He will rule the earth and make all things new. For those who are properly prepared, it will be a time when we rejoice at His justice and give thanks that He makes all things right. But for those who are unprepared, it will be a horrifying ordeal as they discover the tenuous nature of their power and the useless quality of their possessions.

As we enter the season of Advent, I pray we will embrace the hope of Christ's coming. As an expression of that hope, I wish for a spirit of readiness to fall upon us. That preparation can clear away the impediments that all too often distract us from life's true priorities. It can help us join with Christians across the globe and throughout the centuries in confidently saying, "Lord, come quickly!"