The Gospel of Matthew 24:36-44 Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
Let us Pray: Loving God, we have lit the first Advent candle, The Candle of Hope, we ask for your presence to fill our hearts and homes. May the hope of Christ’s coming bring light to our darkness and renew our spirits. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”
Jesus emphasizes that no one knows the day or hour of His coming, not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father. Just as in Noah’s day, people were absorbed in daily routines. The passage warns against complacency. As we enter Advent we need to put this complacency aside. Advent as a journey provides us a chance to prepare and look ahead, it gives us an opportunity to become aware of not only daily routines but to take time and sit quietly with God and share in His love. Advent is also a time to reflect. It is a time to look back at our lives quicky and not ponder. Next reflect on what you have today and are thankful for. Finally turn to how we want our lives in the future to be. Do we want to walk in the steps of our Lord and listen to His words about loving our neighbors or follow false messiahs who proclaim they are chosen. This Sunday as we light the candle of HOPE, we need again to stop and sit quietly let Hope make you feel warm inside, the kind of hope that doesn’t sparkle loudly, but glows quietly, like a light that never quite goes out. Hope allows us to know no matter how difficult things appear we are on our journey preparing for the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior who continues to bring Hope into the world. It is a reminder of the ultimate hope we have in Christ’s return and the restoration of all things. As we start this Advent journey, we need to get prepared for the Coming of Our Lord, we cannot continue to be complacent, Jesus calls us to a posture of alertness and hope, where every act of kindness, every prayer, every choice for justice becomes preparation for His coming. We must step up and share the Good News and be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. Are you ready?
Let us Pray: Lord of Light and Promise, As we begin this holy season of Advent, we lift our hearts in hope and expectation. You call us to watch, to wait, and to prepare, for the coming of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Awaken us from complacency, stir our spirits with longing for your kingdom, and teach us to walk in your ways of justice and peace. May the light of this first Advent candle remind us that your hope never fails, even in the shadows of uncertainty. Strengthen us to be bearers of that hope— in our families, our communities, and our world. Come, Lord Jesus, shine upon us with mercy and truth, and guide us into the fullness of your love. AMEN.
Reflections by Bob 