Jeremiah 33:14-16, I Thessalonians 3:9-13 and Luke 21:25-36
Some are old enough to remember the Heinz catsup commercials from 1979 which depicted kids eagerly awaiting the slow moving catsup to descend out of the bottle onto their hamburger. The background song sung by Carly Simon was named “Anticipation!”
Our scriptures for the First Sunday in Advent definitely are about anticipation and coming events on “the big scale of things!” Momentous occasions wrought by God Almighty. A case can be made that the Luke passage was indeed fulfilled in 70 AD! Jerusalem was under siege and the Temple was destroyed. We will look at that time in Christian history but also at ancient Jeremiah’s longed for hope of Israel. Paul brings us to the attitude we should have as we wait with anticipation for God’s appearing in our lives throughout human history.
It’s a great start to the Season of Advent! We ask ourselves, “What are we longing for above all else? Gifts at Christmas give us a measure of joy but what lies behind that momentary happiness and points to something much grander?” What DO we anticipate coming from God?! What are some ways to do this together as God’s people?
Blessings in your waiting!
Pastor Barry