For those of us observing an Extended Advent, we are now in
the heart of the season. I think that one
of the great benefits of this expanded observance is that the extra days give
us a true opportunity to meditate on the dual emphases of Advent. The overwhelming attention of most folks is
on a movement toward Christmas Day. Even
people who can engage Advent in a free-standing way still are pulled toward
Bethlehem and the manger.
But, stir another three weeks into the mix and it is also time
sufficient to think on the eschatological (things dealing with the end
of time, judgement, the Second Coming) accent of this period as well. The gospel Readings from the Revised common
Lectionary (RCL) have dealt with the destruction of the Temple, the Passion of
Jesus and the misguided nature of attempting to calculate the moment of the
End-Times. There will be dreams and
angels soon enough, but the church reminds us that this season has size, it is
a time of depth and breadth.
Extended Advent also encourages us not to be in a
hurry. If four weeks seems to move
slowly, almost double that time may make us feel that the clock is standing
still. But, as it gives us enough
time to do things properly, completely, it will pass soon enough.
The peace of the Lord be with you.
No comments:
Post a Comment