Advent 22nd December

Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day. The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will pass away with a dreadful noise, the elements will be consumed by fire, and the earth and all the works done on it will be exposed. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be? You must live holy and godly lives,  waiting for and hastening the coming day of God. Because of that day, the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt away in the flames. But according to his promise we are waiting for a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Preparing for Christ’s coming in judgment  Therefore, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found by him in peace—pure and faultless. 2 Peter 3:8-14

Readings

Malachi 3:1-4,
John 1:11-17,
2 Peter 3:8-14

Reflection

Advent is a time of anticipation. We look forward to Christmas with the beauty of winter, family gatherings and a break from the every day.  Though we remember that for various reasons, many do not   have these positive images of the Christmas season.  Yet one thing that brings hope is that this season calls us to a higher sense of being and  purpose. No matter what  our images  of Christmas, together we can look forward to a renewal of God's message to us: Jesus. This passage in 2 Peter talks about looking forward to renewal with a sense of anticipation. As the reader, we are met with images of anticipation for the carrying out of God’s promises in a world where the believers were still extremely persecuted. The author reminds the early Christians that God is not forgetful; rather, God is merciful. What an encouragement!

Prayer

Light of light, Lord of Lords and King of Kings
In excitement we approach the dawn.
Re-awaken in us the Spirit of grace and mercy that
we may receive you once again.
Bring peace to those who are in distress,
peace where there is hatred.

In your saving name Amen