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“There will be signs…”

December 1, 2024

Jeremiah 33:14-16  |  Thessalonians 3:9-13  |  Luke 21:25-36

From the time when humans first began to notice the changing world surrounding them, they have looked for signs to guide them into an unknown future. Wise men, prophets, and scholars searched for signs of a a Messiah who would bring peace and unification to their world. In the Gospel reading for today Jesus warns us to be alert to signs of devastating changes. “People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world”. This passage from Luke is a difficult lead in to Advent when we’re waiting for the promise of a baby and anticipating a time that celebrates peace and joy. Why are we being told to “be on guard” because “Heaven and earth will pass away…”?

We cannot know the future.  We can try to read the signs. We can guess based on what we have experienced or on what seems reasonable.  We can hope and dream and work to make sure our dreams come true, but we must also remember that others have dreams that are in conflict with ours.  We cannot know which dreams will prevail. What we can do is prepare: “stand up and raise your heads…Be on guard”.  Be ready – in this case for the kingdom of God, whether it comes in the form of a baby born 2000 years ago, or some future apocalyptic event, or whether it is already here waiting for us to live into it.

“…but my words will not pass away.”

It is Advent. We watch for the signs. We wait. We prepare. We hope. We act.

Sally House