Day 4 in Advent

This morning in chapel, I was reminded that Jesus is coming again - for the second time. The first time he came as a helpless baby, needing as much care and attention as any new born would need. However when Jesus was walking around on earth over 2000 years ago, he spoke clearly on what would be happening in the world before his second coming.

The story is not pretty.  

"Many will come in my name," Jesus said, "and will deceive many." He continues,  "When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come...You must be on your guard You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them..." And he goes on: "But in those days, following that distress, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light...At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory."

This is not fluffy, attractive reading. It is certainly far cry picture from the away in a manger stable with angels and shepherds and the baby Jesus hanging out alongside the camels and the donkeys and the wise men. But these words are straight out of the gospel of Mark, chapter 13, right there all red-lettered as can be. We can't ignore this truth just because we don't like it.

Jesus' words later in that same chapter - 32-37 say this:

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! Keep watch!"

No one knows at what time that will be so don't predicate; anticipate. Be ready. What does that mean? Know that Jesus is coming again - we celebrate his first coming because it's already happened and therefore we can imagine it because we have seen it and touched it and heard it many times. What we have not yet seen, we can't imagine because we want to control how it's done and that's not our job. It is easier in our human minds to imagine a cute, little baby...the Son of Man coming on clouds with great power and glory...not so easy to take in. 

Our instructions are to be alert. Be ready. Be assured that Jesus could come back any day and he asks us to be ready. Are we ready?

O Come, o come, Emmanuel...