28Nov16

Romans 13:12
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent. It is a season where Christians focus in on the meaning behind the celebration of Christmas. Normally there are special candles that are lit in front of the church and some verses read, maybe even a liturgy that is followed by some. But, today's passage comes from the revised common lectionary for the first week of advent. The theme is hope. Hope, not in what we can accomplish. Hope, not in what the world may offer us. Hope, not in the potential for advancement. Hope. Real hope. Hope in what has been finished by God. Hope that the end of the story on this earth is only the beginning of a much bigger story. Hope that everything we go through, all of the trials we have, will lead us to a place where we are ready for the Day. When we live our lives for this hope, not some facsimile or fake the world has to offer us, we are able to put aside our deeds of darkness and step into the light. We are able to see that the night is nearly over and the time for our awakening is at hand. Have hope because God's plan is active in you today! The day is almost here!