Advent 2 — PEACE

“I say to you I will say to all:  Keep awake.”  –Mark 13:37

 (Read Mark 13:32-37)

We who know Christ are given a hope that comes with faith- – but we are warned to be prepared for the master’s return.

What does this mean for us today?

While many of us do look forward expectantly to the “last days” when Christ will come again, the hope of Advent is immediate.  We must look to the eternal “now”, the call for preparedness in the present moment.  We never know when Christ will knock at our door, and we must be ready.

Advent opens the door to the unexpected:  a king who is born in an animals’ feeding trough, angels bringing good news to lowly shepherds, wise men following a star.

Be prepared.  The unexpected is often overlooked?  We may miss the message if we are not watching and listening.  Keep awake?

Advent allows us to dare to hope for peace, for love, for joy, because even in the unexpected, we already know that God is with us.  We remember the story anew each year.  In this season of Advent, as we remember the past and look to the future, we rejoice that our Hope, Jesus Christ, is already here.  The words that Jesus spoke have been kept alive in the thought and deeds of people who want to be like Him.

As we journey through Advent, we are expectant; we prepare our hearts, we dare to hope because we have heard the promise that was given in Bethlehem.

Rejoice, the King of kings is drawing near!  Alleluia

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Prayer:  Help us, 0 God,

during the season of Advent to stay on track.

Empower us by the presence of your Holy Spirit to remember

what Christmas is really all about and prepare us now to experience

 the birth of the Christ child afresh in our hearts.

 Amen.