First Sunday in Advent, Year C, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13:

Straight AheadThis is an exciting time of the Christian year, as we move into Advent, thus beginning a new preaching cycle for those of us who follow the lectionary, and nearing the time of Christmas and New Year's--not to mention the beginning of the month of December. We need to remember that the festivals and liturgies of the church year are not of divine origin. For instance, yesterday, many mainline Protestants celebrated Christ the King Sunday. This liturgical innovation only goes back to the late nineteenth century when a Catholic Pope decided it would be a good way to remind the people of Europe, struggling as they were with national competition, the emergence of new kings and national identities, that Christ alone is ultimately the King. The Sunday for this celebration was not finally fixed until some time in the 1940's. Of course, Advent has a longer history, going back at least 1500 years. Still, if we allow the church traditions and trappings to supercede our biblical understanding and worship, we could dishonor the Protestant Reformation and the commitment of men like Luther and Calvin to the authority of Scripture. On the other hand, designing and following lectionaries has a long tradition, even going back into the Old Testament. So I do not eschew lectionaries or necessarily liturgical celebrations; but I do not follow them slavishly. I realize that these are the traditions of men, and not sacrosanct; and I realize that the early Protestants and those of the reformed faith looked with a wary eye upon such liturgical rituals. They would not have had Advent wreaths, candles, and the like; and I question the value of some of those things today--though we will have both in our church during Advent. As to our epistle lesson, Paul is giving thanks for the love and faithfulness of the Christians in Thessalonica. These people give the apostle great joy. He desires to see them again shortly. He wants to continue the work of teaching and nurturing them in the faith. He prays that they will increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all people. He prays that they will be established in holiness before the coming of Christ with all the saints. There was definitely a sense of urgency in this epistle. Paul says he prayed "night and day" for these people. Some scholars believe that Paul was anticipating the coming of the Lord during his lifetime. It is certain that many of these early Christians thought such to be the case. When we read this passage in the context of Advent therefore, it is important to ask ourselves what we believe about the "Second Coming" of Christ. Are we expectant? Do we realize that the present life that we know could end at any moment, or have we lost the sense of urgency so vital for a dynamic church? Are we complacent, dull, perhaps even bored, regarding our Christian commitment? Most of us don't like waiting; but waiting in anticipation can be exciting! It is sometimes exhilarating to wait in anticipation for a special day, a special event, a wonderful trip or a grand celebration! As we wait for Advent, it can be a time of purifying, of taking stock. If we have stumbled in the past, we know that by God's grace and the help of His Spirit, we can do better in the days to come. If our churches are places of hope, refuge, and love, we know that even then, we can do better. These Thessalonians gave Paul much joy; but still, he desired to provide what was lacking in their faith. Are we striving to complete what is lacking in our faith? Are we eager to be ready for Christ's coming afresh into our lives during the Advent and Christmas season? It is time to shake off the lethargy, the complacency, to grow in love for each other and for all those who need to see the love of Christ. Perhaps it is time for a fresh Advent of Christ in your life!