1st Sunday of Advent Reflection

03/12/2023

As we gather together in this season of Advent, we dive into the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 13, verses 24-37.

24 “At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light,

25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.[a]

26 Then everyone will see the Son of Man[b] coming on the clouds with great power and glory.[c] 27 And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world[d]—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

28 “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 

29 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. 

30 I tell you the truth, this generation[e] will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. 

31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

32 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 

33 And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert[f]!

34 “The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. 

35 You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. 

36 Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. 

37 I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”

Now, I know that might sound a bit fancy, but bear with me because Jesus has something important to say to each one of us today.

Jesus paints a picture of big things happening in the sky – the sun going dark, the moon losing its glow, stars falling. Sounds a bit like a cosmic blockbuster, doesn’t it? But here’s the kicker – Jesus is telling us that something even bigger is about to happen. The Son of Man, that’s Jesus himself, is coming in all His glory and power.

Now, why does He want us to know this? It’s not to scare us but to wake us up, to shake us out of our daily routines. He says, “Stay awake! Be ready!” It’s like when you’re waiting for a special guest, and you want everything to be just right. That’s the kind of anticipation Jesus is talking about.

In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in all sorts of things – work, chores, social media – and forget about the really important stuff. Jesus is saying, “Hey, pay attention! Something amazing is about to happen, and I want you to be a part of it.”

Think of it like a farmer waiting for the crops to grow. They have to be patient, keep an eye out for the signs of the seasons. In the same way, we need to be patient and watchful for the signs of God’s love and goodness breaking into our lives.

And here’s the cool part – being watchful isn’t just about us as individuals. It’s like a team effort. We’re all in this together. In our community, in our families, and with our friends, we watch out for each other. That’s what Jesus meant when He talked about the farmer and the seasons – our lives are connected, and we’re meant to look out for one another.

So, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, Jesus is telling us to slow down a bit, to be aware of the good things happening around us, to be kind and loving to one another. It’s like a big family preparing for a special celebration.

As we go through this Advent season, let’s not just rush through it. Let’s take a moment each day to notice the good stuff, to be kind to each other, and to remember that something amazing is on the horizon – the love of Jesus breaking into our lives in a big way.

So, my dear friends, let’s be like those farmers, patiently waiting for the good things to grow, and let’s be watchful, ready for the joy and love that Jesus brings.

Amen!

Prayer

Gracious and Loving God,

As we gather in prayer today, our hearts turn to the words of Jesus found in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 13, verses 24-37. In these verses, Lord, you paint a vivid picture of cosmic events, celestial signs, and the imminent coming of the Son of Man. We are reminded of the grandeur of your plan and the mystery of your divine presence.

In the midst of the cosmic drama, you call us, dear Lord, to a profound sense of watchfulness. You ask us to stay awake, to be alert, for we do not know the hour when you will come. Today, we bring before you our longing hearts, attuned to the anticipation of your presence in our lives.

In a world that often feels hectic and uncertain, help us, O Lord, to cultivate a spirit of watchfulness. May we not be weighed down by the distractions of life, but rather, may our hearts be open to the signs of your love and grace breaking into our daily existence.

As we navigate the complexities of our individual lives and the challenges of our world, grant us the strength to be vigilant. Help us to discern your presence in the ordinary moments and to recognize the opportunities to share your love with those around us.

In our shared humanity, Lord, we acknowledge our interconnectedness. We pray for the well-being of our communities, our families, and our friends. May our watchfulness extend beyond our personal concerns to embrace the needs of those around us. Grant us the wisdom to be instruments of your peace and love in a world that yearns for hope and compassion.

We lift up to you, O God, those who are burdened with challenges, those who are in pain, and those who are searching for meaning and purpose. May your comforting presence be known to them, and may they find solace in the knowledge of your eternal love.

As we await the celebration of the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, during this Advent season, may our watchfulness be infused with a sense of joy and anticipation. May the light of Christ illumine our hearts and guide our steps.

We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus, who is the Light of the world and the source of our hope.

Amen.

Journal prompts for reflection.

  1. How can you intentionally incorporate moments of spiritual watchfulness into your daily routine?
  2. In what tangible ways can you contribute to the well-being of your community during this Advent season?
  3. Reflect on a specific instance when unexpected blessings entered your life. How did that experience shape and deepen your faith journey?

Dear Friend,

As we embark on this Advent journey together, I want to encourage you to consider journaling as a beautiful way to deepen your reflections and personal growth. The provided prompts are not just words on a page; they’re invitations to explore the richness of your own spiritual journey.

Take a moment each day to sit down with your journal, pen in hand, and let the prompts guide you into a contemplative space. Reflect on the questions posed, allowing them to become portals into your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Consider it a sacred conversation between you and your inner self, a dialogue with the divine. Through journaling, you create a tangible record of your spiritual journey during this Advent season. It becomes a treasure trove of insights, a map of your growth, and a testament to the grace working in your life.

So, grab your journal, and let the prompts be stepping stones into a deeper connection with yourself and the divine. May this practice bring you clarity, peace, and a profound sense of presence during this sacred season.

Blessings on your journaling journey,

Love and Peace

Vanda tssf

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