Some two thousand years ago, God became flesh and entered this world. The prophets had foretold the coming of the Messiah. The people were waiting expectantly. They were hoping and praying for the coming of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Surprise! Jesus arrived but not in the way many expected. He was born not in a palace or place of high honour. Instead, he came into this world as the child of a carpenter and a young woman who had only barely married. He arrived during a census, away from what would become his home, with no place for them in the inns. Jesus arrived in stable, was wrapped in swaddling clothes, and placed in a manger. This is an odd beginning for a Messiah.
At first not many recognised him. Some shepherds got a ‘heads up’ from angels and went to see. Magi from the East saw the unveiling of the prophecy in the stars and sought him out. Prophets in the Temple – Simeon and Ana, also recognised him when he arrived for the dedication. Beyond that, he lived his life in relative anonymity. That is, until he began preaching, teaching, and healing. Even then, not everyone was convinced that he was the Messiah.
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. What does it look like to get ready for the Son of Man’s return? How will we recognise Jesus when he comes again? Are we certain Jesus isn’t already here?
As we begin our journey through Advent, we are invited to make room in our hearts and our homes for the coming of Emmanuel, God with us. As far as we know, it has been nearly two thousand years since the Messiah walked this earth. It is easy for us to be complacent. It is easy for us to assume that Jesus’ return isn’t imminent. This makes it easy for us to focus on more earthly things – shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, and parties. So much of what happens at Christmas is not necessarily directly connected to welcoming Jesus. So much of what we think we need to do can distract us from recognising God’s presence where we might encounter it today.
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. What does it look like to get ready for the Son of Man’s return? How will we recognise Jesus when he comes again? Are we certain Jesus isn’t already here?
Remembering the stories of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus provides a foundation through which we can anticipate the priorities, perspectives, and practices of Jesus then and now. Not only did Jesus arrive in humble circumstances, but he also associated with and advocated for those in humble circumstances. He was not accompanied by major fanfare. He demonstrated who he was by his acts of love. As one story tells it, a modern-day Jesus could be riding around in an old Prius, heading to his volunteer work at a soup kitchen. The image makes sense based on what we know about Jesus. To that end, perhaps this is how we might recognise God’s presence today – in the beauty and hope of this world.
We come face to face with God when we look with love at everyone and everything. God is in the sunrises and sunsets. God is in bitter wind and the gentle breeze. God is in the face of the downtrodden longing for respect, longing to have what they need. God is in the hands that show compassion and love. God is in the voices singing out for justice and peace. God continues to be present in unexpected ways. This we know when we open our hearts and minds to seek God in this world and beyond.
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. What does it look like to be ready? How can we recognise God’s presence already and not yet? It all comes back to love. God’s love for this world and all that is in it AND God’s challenge to us to embody the love revealed in Jesus.
To be ready, is to do as much as we can to love as Jesus loved. What that looks will be different for each person. We all have our gifts to share. How we use these for God’s glory, offers glimpses to the world that God continues to shower love and grace upon us. This is our gift and our task. Let us get ready this Advent, hoping, trusting, and believing that God has ways of being with us and continually blessing this world. This we pray as we sing together: (VT) 237 Now the Heavens