Читать книгу Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem - Todd Outcalt - Страница 9
ОглавлениеADVENT
“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly.”
—MARK 13:32-36
Some years ago, during a lengthy trip through Europe via rail, my wife and I found ourselves perplexed by the myriad options available to us at the train station in Rome. There were dozens of names and numbers displayed on the overhead schedules, trains coming and going, and thousands of people clamoring about with their families and luggage. In short, we were bewildered, frightened, and certainly lost.
Fortunately, we had a guide who met us at the station and gave us both reassurance and instruction. “Here is what you watch for,” she told us. “Don’t become distracted by the hustle and bustle around you. Always keep an eye out for the porter. He will be on board and will give you instruction as to when you have arrived at your destination.”
Our guide was most helpful. And I’m not sure we would have made it through Europe without her calm assurances and her steady hand.
Advent begins—and in fact, the entirety of the Christian journey begins—at the point where we accept Jesus as our Guide and begin to walk with his calm assurances in the midst of our fears. He’s going to meet us, he tells us. He’s going to show up, even if we don’t know when or how. Jesus even invites us to look for his presence in the lives and faces of others. He may come to us at unexpected moments or when we are most tired or worn or confused. He may show up at the beginning or appear at the end of all things, when we least expect God’s redemption or grace.
What a promise!
So, as Mark 13 tells us, we need to be ready for Jesus’ coming at all times, including during our Advent journey. We may encounter Jesus in those closest to us: a spouse, a son or daughter, a grandparent, or a neighbor across the street. The way to Bethlehem is saturated with starts and stops, with both darkness and light, with angels and shepherds. We may discover that, like that of the shepherds (see Luke 2:8-20), our journey to Bethlehem is not far; or we may have to travel a great distance to get where we need to be, as did the magi (see Matthew 2:1-12).
But the journey, as with every journey, begins with a single step: a step of faith; a lively step of confidence and watchfulness. Where do you need to be with God? Where might God be guiding you? What are you waiting for?
Prayer: Lord Emmanuel, let me be alert and watchful for your arrival, for your guidance. Help me not to fall asleep or be blinded by arrogance or pride. Help me to watch through the night as I anticipate the dawn. Strengthen me for the journey ahead. Amen.