Welcome to the Second Sunday of Advent,
During the season of Advent, the church celebrates Christ’s coming into the world and watches with expectant hope for his return. We are reminded that we live in a time between Arrival One and Arrival Two.
Arrival Two remind us that Christ will come again, and we are to prepare for the momentous day. But perhaps the return of Jesus is not found in the future. Maybe his return is found daily in those who follow him and embody his message and mission. Christian theology, beginning with the Apostle Paul, reminds us that we are the body of Christ. Jesus has returned in us and through us and among us. We are the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus. If the spirit of Jesus is to be manifested in the world today, we are the divine actors who will play the role. The truth is that Christ is always coming—through us.
The message of the Arrival Two lessons is one of preparedness. Be vigilant, we are told. You are to be the light of the world. Keep your lamps trimmed and burning. Prepare for the task ahead, and do so quickly. For soon the seasons of Advent and Christmas will be over.
With awesome joy, we delight in Communion Sunday; an opportunity to remember that the Jesus we celebrate did not remain a baby in a manger, but grew to offer his life for ours; his body for our sustenance. Let our observance of the sacrament this time not be a solemn remembrance of death, but a joyous acceptance of the gift of life offered and shared. Let the openness of the Lord’s Table be a signal to the hospitality of the whole fellowship of faith of which this congregation is a part.
Come, the table is set, all is welcomed!
Pastor Clarissa