The Season of ADVENT is about waiting for the coming of the Lord. We wait for Christ’s arrival that happened two
thousand years ago and for the arrival that is yet to occur.

We journey toward Bethlehem in the comforting but challenging reality of the “already” and the “not yet.” We travel
with holy anticipation to meet the new born king in the manger.

The mood or tone of Advent is one of longing.

As the body of Christ, we carry different longings. What were the deep longings stirring in the hearts of the original
hearers of Luke’s gospel? What did they expect from the promised Messiah? A conquering king? A mighty warrior?
An Avenger?

The season of Advent unfolds against the backdrop of deliverance from oppression. Yet even today, oppression persists and the long-awaited deliverance tarries, especially for people who live on the margins of society.

The preacher and the assembly are encouraged to remember the people who are struggling during the holiday season
and cannot wait one more minute for Jesus.

Week One. Sunday, 28 November. St. Luke 21.25-36
God will fulfill God’s purposes and already, hidden sign of that fulfillment abound. On that great
day there will be dismay, perplexity, confusion, and terror. But God’s people shall be given strength to
stand boldly and receive God’s promised redemption.

Week Two. Sunday, 5 December. St. Luke 3.1-6
John the Baptist is a herald of Jesus, whose way is prepared by “repentance for the forgiveness of
sins.” As we hear the careful record of human leaders, we sense that spectrum of political and religious
authority that will be challenged by this coming Lord.

Week Three. Sunday, 12 December. St. Luke 3.7-18
John the Baptist heralds the mighty one who is coming. John teaches that preparation for God’s reign is
not a matter of identity, but of bearing fruits of merciful justice, radical generosity, and vocational integrity.

Week Four. Sunday, 19 December. St. Luke 1.39-45
Elizabeth, John’s mother, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, are two women filled with the Holy Spirit
and with faith. In Elizabeth’s inspired greeting and Mary’s song of praise we hear of a saving God who
remembers, scatters, lifts up, and fulfills all things.

Lean heavily into the “already.”

After all, Advent is about hope, and Jesus is with us in the liminal time between the “already” and the “not yet.”
Pastor Genszler