December 2, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for December 2nd: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36; Theme: First Sunday of Advent Luke: Advent always starts with the end in mind. So Jesus is talking about how things will happen at the end of the world, the end of time. Whereas Mark says that the end will come when the Jewish temple is destroyed, Luke does not say when it will end. He says that no one knows but God when the end is near. In the meantime we have all experienced the signs that he mentions: signs in nature, panic over climate change, people being affected by those natural disasters, and yet we are all still here. Christ has not come yet. But we can still head Luke’s message to be alert and not to get too caught up into what is going on in the world. As Christians, we are encouraged to always stay alert, to always be prepared for Christ returned, and to live as if this is your last day. That is who we are. 1 Thessalonians: The Thessalonian people lived as if the end was near. They actually quit their jobs, sold their possessions because they thought they didn’t need them anymore. So Paul had to encourage them to slow down. No one can know when the second coming will come. But it will be a normal life. We should keep the faith, and continue to show love to all. It is that love that will strengthen us and get us through the dark times. For Paul the key to being a disciple of Christ was not in being ready to go, but in showing love to others. As long as Christ finds us showing love, then he will be happy when he returns. Questions: What are your beliefs about the end times? How do you prepare for the second coming of Christ? During advent do you schedule time to retreat and spend time with God? How do you show love to other people? How has helping others helped you to become more faithful?