Waiting

First Sunday of Advent (year C)Jeremiah 33:14-16

• Advent is waiting. We know Christmas is going to get here, and we know that God keeps God’s promises, and how we wait is up to us. There is Bad waiting and good waiting. Anxious waiting and calm. Frenzied and productive.

• You can stress about decorations and shopping and cram so much in that by the time Christmas gets here you’re ready for it to end. Or you observe Advent with candle lighting and devotions, and put up the tree just before Christmas. You COULD choose to worship on Christmas Day, and give gifts on January 6^th, Epiphany, when we remember the gifts of the magi, but that might be a little more countercultural than you bargained for.

• live today today, tomorrow tomorrow. End of world on 21^st (Mayan calendar) Live it up, make ‘em good, they say.  Says I, would it be any different if you knew you had 21,000 days? If you’re living in God, it doesn't matter how many days you have "left". The end of my days is the beginning of the rest of my life, and the living of my days is doing the work of the one that sent me.

• God tells us he’s coming, he’s going to fulfill his promise, he’s going to raise up a righteous leader who will bring salvation and safety, and while we look forward to the fulfillment, we wait on God with patient hope and faithfulness, and without anxiety or frenzy.

• Story of the boy who wanted to meet God (google Twinkies in the park with God).  He prepared in a good way, with some simple food for the journey (we’re going to have some simple food for the journey pretty soon, provided by God) In unexpected way, with nourishment for the journey and with an unfrenzied heart.

• Use these 23 days, these 4 Sundays of Advent to prepare for the fulfillment of the promise by reading the promise, partaking in the food for the journey, and reflecting on the beauty of God.

• Choral Anthem: Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

Followed by celebration of Holy Communion