1st Sunday of Advent

Our readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent are:

1. Jeremiah 33: 14-16
2. Psalms 25: 4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
3. 1 Thessalonians 3: 12 - 4:2
4. Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36

1. Who doesn't want justice?
• How would you define justice?
• Why do you think that God is so concerned about everyone getting justice?
• If some of us are treated unjustly, is it possible for the rest of us to have true justice?
2. Highway to Heaven
• Sometimes, someone gets to know you, your patterns, your views so well, that they seem able to tell what you're thinking before a word comes out of your mouth.  Do you ever think that someone could get so close to God, know His ways so well, that they could anticipate how God is going to react in a given situation?
• So if that's not possible, are we left with seeking God's well out in all things, no matter how often we've been down that particular road with God?
• Doesn't that make us rather high maintenance?
• Most leaders appreciate some initiative in their subordinates.  Why not God?
3. Careful, someone may be watching
• Who are the examples of love in your life?
• Are they in any official capacity?
• How then does such a person exert an influence in other's lives?
• Where might you be exerting an influence in other's lives?
4. It's too late for broccoli
• How do you think that Jesus' children are going to "escape" the tribulations that are coming?
• What does "escape" really mean?
• Is that perhaps the ability to somehow find refuge before they start?
• Or maybe find some safe place to hide for the duration?
• What would you feel is a successful weathering of tribulations?
• Are we in those days now?  I have a friend who is convinced that the 2nd coming is just around the corner on account of the increasing political instability in the world.

Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. Am I willing to see marginalization wherever it might occur, or would I rather not know?
2. Do I trust God to reveal His desires for me in good time?
3. Is my life actively seeking to please God, or just avoid His anger?
4. What preparation am I making today for my own death, and the death of this age?

What if I'm Just Anxious by Nature?

Fear not, the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Well, that's not as comforting as you might think.
That number keeps getting smaller by the day.

I always felt as though Martha got the short end.
Tangible things, getting things done, items checked off,
That feels like accomplishment, that brings me joy.

All this talk of the old passing away, to be replaced with the new,
Just leaves me wondering if I'll need cardigan sweaters in heaven,
And worrying whether I'll remember to turn off the lights when I go.

I think Jesus gets good entertainment value out of me,
He watches me fret and worry over things that will be eclipsed,
And wants very much to comfort me, but knows even He has limits.

I only hope that I'm as understanding of those around me,
And give them space to cope in their own ways.
As we all make our way along on this pilgrimage of understanding.

I don't as much long for vast understanding of the cosmos.
Nor great theological revelations to dawn full throttle upon me.
I'd just like to understand who I am, how I'm best at being me,

Laugh all you want.
Jesus laughs with you.
Some day, if I live long enough, I'll join in too.

Shalom!