Hope - Luke 21 - Advent 1 Year C

Hope

Tony E Hansen

Reflection based upon Luke 21:25-36, Psalm 25, Jeremiah 33:14-16

Opening prayer 

Happy season of Advent! 

We light the first candle to represent hope as one of the many sacred gifts we are given.

“The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise…”

The Luke text offers ominous tones of distressed nations, roaring seas, and people fainting. Just what we need in folks that don’t think we are moving towards “peace and gladness.”

As people pray the words of the psalm “do not let my enemies exult over me…. Let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.”

So “stand up and raise your heads, redemption is drawing near.”

God shakes things up all the time, and as we think of Jesus in a manger, we are here reminded that the power of God is beyond comprehension. That power coming into this world can be a terrifying thought. 

Yes God’s power is majestic, all-encompassing and will fulfill, and yet that power is humble and compassionate in its delivery. 

What does that mean for us? 

This text isn’t necessarily about scaring us into believing but to raise our awareness and to be attentive. 

We have to be attentive, not just for the words and voices we read in Advent, but what attentive means in our lives. This is how we are attentive to the people around us (friend, foe, or neighbors near and far) and how we bring hope to people. 

This is a chance for us to reflect on that notion and to analyze how that can look in our lives (for we all know we fall short.)

Advent is a season of preparation not just for the day of gift giving with family and friends, but what the reign and power of God means for us and in us. It beckons for us to see that reign in our lives and what we do not just as expressions of authority and supremacy for that belongs to God. 

This power is the compassion that walks with neighbors, feeds the homeless, cares for the sick, protects the innocent, teaches the good ways and invites all to sharing. This is God leading the way and through Jesus, we have the word fulfilled and living.

So yes, we are reminded that our creator will lead “the humble in what is right and teaches the humble the way.”

Beloved it is for that and for all that is possible with God, we place our faith and trust. We have hope that all is possible. And then, we say …

Thanks be to God.