Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44
I’m writing in the middle of an earthquake. I suspect that most of our readers did not vote for Donald Trump, but even for those who did there is a seismic shift afoot in the U.S. We know from psychologists that major changes are stressful whether they are “positive” or “negative,” whether it’s moving, a new job, losing a job, death, marriage, divorce - any big change is stressful and takes a long time to adjust. So I think it’s safe to say I’m not alone in feeling unsettled and unsure about the future.
If you’re feeling that way, you’re in the right place - or the right time. Advent begins with promises that can feel threatening. We hear Isaiah’s prophecy of peace, but also Jesus’ warning that the coming of the Human One will not be sweet and easy. We might see these as bookends. Peace will come, but not without struggle and pain. War will end, but we don’t know when.
In between, we have this powerful encouragement from Paul, reminding us of how we are to live in the “in-between” times. We are to stand firm, to renounce hatred and deceit, and to stand firm in the light. Twice we are advised to “put on” what we need: we “put on the armor of light,” and we “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” In other places Paul fleshes out that advice: love, peace, joy, gentleness, patience, temperance, gratitude.
“Winners,” “losers,” innocent bystanders, not-so-innocent spectators: now is the moment for you to wake from sleep. Each day is a chance to look for the Coming One who brings the promise of God’s Dream. We don’t need to know how to read the signs of the times to know what we need to do. All times are the time for peace.
“Come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!”
What do you need to put on today? Pray for the grace to do that.
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