First Sunday in Advent
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle A
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1-5 (C, RC, E)
Whatever else we may say, the writer of this passage was filled with hope. He believed in a future wherein the temple in Jerusalem would be the "heart" of a new day, a time of peace for everyone. Tragically, this has shown little likelihood of fulfillment in the physical world. And yet, what would our world be like if there were not people who sincerely believe the best could happen? I recall the time our Bishop instructed us young ordinands to reply "yes!" to the question: "Are you going on to perfection in this life?" Practical know-it-alls that we were, we refused on the grounds that we knew ourselves too well to expect that. Our Bishop quieted us with a simple question: "If you're not going on to perfection, what are you going on to?" It's those lofty goals that call us upward, and this is one.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:11-14 (C, RC); Romans 13:8-14 (E)
Paul seems to have expected an immediate return of the resurrected Christ. Apparently the early church assumed this. Time has proved this wrong. Many Christians today interpret the "return of Christ" to be a spiritual truth rather than a physical truth. Time will tell about that, and theological arguments on the point rarely result in changed points of view. What can be said of this is that there is no way we can predict the time when we, as individuals, will meet Christ, whether in an important life experience or in our moment of death. I grew up with three friends and we all stayed in touch through the years. Last week the third one died. I had recently spent an hour with him, hearing about his plans for a new project designed to take two or three years. His face was alight at the prospect and I secretly envied his anticipation. Now that's over, though no doubt a more wonderful project is before him.
The final portion of this passage was the part which changed Saint Augustine. He understood one thing Paul was saying: we do well to think about the kind of lives we're living while there is time. Jesus promised forgiveness for our sins, to be sure, yet forewarned is forearmed. The more we are able to live lives of which we need not be ashamed, the easier it will probably be to, as a poet said, "meet our maker face to face."
Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44 (C); Matthew 24:37-44 (RC, E)
Peter Marshall, former Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, once admitted he had become so preoccupied with the details of his ministry, and the illness of his wife, that he hadn't really prayed for a long time. That danger threatens the best of us. Here Jesus warns against the loss of a sense of God's action in the world. He uses the analogy of a flood to warn that God might very well have plans for us which will totally disrupt our own plans. One of Scott Peck's favorite maxims is: "Life is what happens to us when we're making other plans."
There is an apocalyptic element here, one which seems to many of us to be best interpreted spiritually rather than literally. Of course there are literal threats like floods and earthquakes and tornadoes which at times make this passage quite timely. But Jesus' true emphasis here was a warning that we should live our lives with a sense of the divine and be prepared to face whatever plan God may have for us with faith.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Let There Be Peace On Earth"
Text: Isaiah 2:4-5 and Micah 4:4a
Theme: Micah is included, though not formally an Advent text. However, it is fairly certain that the Isaiah passage is a late addition to Isaiah and is essentially the one which also appears in Micah, where the Isaiah version is completed by the addition of Micah 4:4a.
Thousands of years have passed since the utterance of this splendid prediction. Yet I well recall as a teenager in the years of World War II being urged to turn in available metal instruments, our modern versions of plowshares and pruning hooks, so the metal which was in short supply could be turned into cannons, fighter aircraft, and the like. Pray as we might, the time seems more remote than ever when nations shall not "learn war anymore." Africa, Northern Ireland, the Middle East, our own central cities -- perhaps it will never happen.
But is that what the writer had in mind? Perhaps there can be peace of a sort -- peace in the mind and heart of an individual. I can't will peace for the world, but I might contribute to the peace in someone's life. If we decide to "walk in the light of the Lord," maybe we can make a difference. A kind word, a generous gift, a thoughtful act -- it will make a difference. If enough of us ... One of our hymns puts the matter well: "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."
Title: "Love Means Doing The Right Thing"
Text: Romans 13:8-14
Theme: Paul precedes his warnings about the Second Coming of Jesus with the injunction: "owe no one anything, except to love one another." That may be the most important single thought in this passage. Although Paul, and perhaps most members of the early church, expected Jesus to return in bodily form, it's apparent they were wrong. Today we more generally assume we'll go to meet him, rather than Jesus coming to meet us, which is to say that it will probably be in death that the intimate encounter of which Paul wrote will take place. This is not to disrespect the beliefs of those Christians who still anticipate a bodily return. However, logic argues against the idea. I mean no flippancy to remark that wherever Jesus might return, getting airline reservations and hotel accommodations would be well nigh impossible. On the other hand, just as we can each pray simultaneously and believe God attends to each of us, so a spiritual Christ presence offers that same hope, which would simply not be possible in the event of an earthly, physical presence.
What Paul has said in this text (and incidentally, verses 8 to 10 are not included by all Christian groups in the lectionary, but they should be I think), is that preparation for an encounter with Christ is best done by living a blameless life. That's asking a bit much for most of us. Still, such a life is to be our goal, however we fall short. Jesus has already promised forgiveness for those who give it a good try.
The preacher might very well explore what is meant by "love" here. As Paul has used the word, it has nothing to do with sex, probably also nothing to do with affection for others. "Love" has to do with how we act, how we treat others.
One might also define "neighbor," inasmuch as for Paul that meant everyone we meet. So Paul believed that in one way or another, we will encounter Christ in a very vivid way, and the more we have curbed our baser appetites, and the more we have practiced kindness, tolerance, and earnest good spirit toward people we meet, the happier that day will undoubtedly be.
Title: "Waiting For The Day"
Text: Matthew 24:44
Theme: This passage could seem just a bit intimidating if understood literally. I can imagine the neophyte Christian becoming nervous at the prospect of being caught out playing golf or going about some mundane task. Of course, it doesn't make sense to interpret this passage literally. More probably, Matthew was using a bit of figurative language to emphasize the importance to the hearer of understanding that the Holy Spirit (or "the Spirit of Christ," if one prefers) may make an unannounced appearance in one's life when least expected. The classic example was Saint Augustine, who candidly admitted that life was a ball, drinking, partying, womanizing, when to his dismay, in a moment of extreme stress, he realized that God was calling him to something quite different. He thereafter underwent a complete and, one must guess, somewhat uncomfortable change of life.
God can break in in countless ways. Sometimes a tragedy is turned into a blessing. One of the most effective pastors I know was a full-blown alcoholic, and only after losing everything dear did he find himself embraced by a power of love so overwhelming he could not resist. He has now served wonderfully for several years.
Sometimes God comes in our times of failure. Sometimes in hours of despair. Sometimes (I want to believe this) in a time of worship. The point is that, despite Matthew's colorful language, this is not something to be feared. The only thing we should fear is that we fail to understand that God has come to us at all.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
An altercation was narrowly avoided in a large eastern city recently. A man driving a BMW pulled in front of a truck on a city street. The truck driver chased the car's driver down, pulled in front of him, and challenged the man to a fight. However, the driver of the car politely declined and, to the jeers of the truck driver, drove away. The truck driver was pleased with himself until a bystander informed him that he had just threatened a former Golden Gloves light-heavyweight champion.
The story appeared in a local newspaper accompanied by an interview of the boxer. He explained that he had, for some time, been an active church member in his Baptist Church. He had decided that boxing was acceptable "violence" because an opponent was voluntarily present and was presumably trained for the contest. But to hit someone like the truck driver, while an easy victory, would have violated his religious convictions. The interviewer observed that it took courage to walk away from a fight which he could easily have won. That's one way peace could come on this earth.
____________
The Honorable John Marshall was one of the United States Supreme Court's most distinguished Chief Justices, having served in that capacity from 1801 to 1835. Known for his modest manner, Marshall had the habit of starting each day with a long walk, ending up at a farmer's market in his hometown in Virginia. There he would buy meat and vegetables for his family's evening meal. One day a young man, described in Marshall's biography as a "fop," had purchased a large turkey wrapped in paper. Seeing the elderly gentleman, this outrageous young man approached Marshall and offered him a quarter if he would carry the package along to the young fellow's home. Marshall said he'd be glad to and did so. The man then took the turkey from Marshall and flipped a quarter to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, whom he did not, of course, recognize. Marshall thanked the man for the quarter and walked home. When one thinks of the pretensions of so many people in public life today, one thinks it would be a blessing if God would raise up a few more people like Judge Marshall.
_____________
I once sat alongside one of our city's best known Criminal Court judges as he listened to a succession of accused felons. I was amazed to discover that most of them were innocent, or so they claimed. However, despite some creative argumentation by defense attorneys, most of the men were sentenced to jail or prison. However, one young man appeared, a bit younger than the rest, and was accused of a fairly serious theft. As with the others, his attorney presented what sounded to me like a fairly contrived story of unhappy home life, of a new determination to change, to make something of his life. An old story, I was thinking. I presumed this young guy was headed for the slammer along with most of the rest. But the judge questioned him at greater length than he had most of the accused men. (He did have documentation before him of each man's crimes.) At last, he ordered the young fellow to be placed on probation, and the boy was released. Later, I asked the judge why he did this. He explained that a good judge must have instincts which enable him or her to recognize those who deserve another chance, and his instincts told him this young fellow just might go straight. He should have that chance. I realized I had been a witness to an act of love.
_____________
I had lunch with a fellow pastor who told of calling on a very distinguished parishioner in the hospital the previous day. The gentleman is accustomed to running things in his own world and found hospitalization very frustrating. He therefore announced that he planned to leave the hospital the following day inasmuch as he detested the regimentation he was required to undergo there. His doctor warned the man he wasn't ready to go home yet. The man's son urged his dad to be patient and remain a few more days. But the man was adamant, threw off his covers, stepped to the floor and promptly fell, breaking several ribs. Talk about not being ready for the unexpected.
____________
A friend saw a bumper sticker which read: "Jesus is coming -- look busy."
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 122 (C, E) -- Here we have the words of a man returning from a pilgrimage to the Temple. In accord with Deuteronomic law, he has spent seven days celebrating the Festival of Tabernacles. Deeply moved by the experience, the man recalls his happiness as he prepares to return home. This Psalm expresses joy and gratitude.
Prayer Of The Day
Be patient with us, God, we pray, as we often forget the benefits of Jesus' death. Our lives are busy. Our responsibilities weigh heavily upon us and we confess the problem of our wandering minds. In moments of insight, we realize that we sometimes trivialize the faith you have given us, yet the underlying joy we often feel as Christmas draws near does, indeed, awaken gratitude within us. Thank you, most gracious God, for understanding us, for your forgiveness, for your patience with us, and for the faith which tells us that none of these faults need prevent your entry into our lives. Amen.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 2:1-5 (C, RC, E)
Whatever else we may say, the writer of this passage was filled with hope. He believed in a future wherein the temple in Jerusalem would be the "heart" of a new day, a time of peace for everyone. Tragically, this has shown little likelihood of fulfillment in the physical world. And yet, what would our world be like if there were not people who sincerely believe the best could happen? I recall the time our Bishop instructed us young ordinands to reply "yes!" to the question: "Are you going on to perfection in this life?" Practical know-it-alls that we were, we refused on the grounds that we knew ourselves too well to expect that. Our Bishop quieted us with a simple question: "If you're not going on to perfection, what are you going on to?" It's those lofty goals that call us upward, and this is one.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:11-14 (C, RC); Romans 13:8-14 (E)
Paul seems to have expected an immediate return of the resurrected Christ. Apparently the early church assumed this. Time has proved this wrong. Many Christians today interpret the "return of Christ" to be a spiritual truth rather than a physical truth. Time will tell about that, and theological arguments on the point rarely result in changed points of view. What can be said of this is that there is no way we can predict the time when we, as individuals, will meet Christ, whether in an important life experience or in our moment of death. I grew up with three friends and we all stayed in touch through the years. Last week the third one died. I had recently spent an hour with him, hearing about his plans for a new project designed to take two or three years. His face was alight at the prospect and I secretly envied his anticipation. Now that's over, though no doubt a more wonderful project is before him.
The final portion of this passage was the part which changed Saint Augustine. He understood one thing Paul was saying: we do well to think about the kind of lives we're living while there is time. Jesus promised forgiveness for our sins, to be sure, yet forewarned is forearmed. The more we are able to live lives of which we need not be ashamed, the easier it will probably be to, as a poet said, "meet our maker face to face."
Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44 (C); Matthew 24:37-44 (RC, E)
Peter Marshall, former Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, once admitted he had become so preoccupied with the details of his ministry, and the illness of his wife, that he hadn't really prayed for a long time. That danger threatens the best of us. Here Jesus warns against the loss of a sense of God's action in the world. He uses the analogy of a flood to warn that God might very well have plans for us which will totally disrupt our own plans. One of Scott Peck's favorite maxims is: "Life is what happens to us when we're making other plans."
There is an apocalyptic element here, one which seems to many of us to be best interpreted spiritually rather than literally. Of course there are literal threats like floods and earthquakes and tornadoes which at times make this passage quite timely. But Jesus' true emphasis here was a warning that we should live our lives with a sense of the divine and be prepared to face whatever plan God may have for us with faith.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: "Let There Be Peace On Earth"
Text: Isaiah 2:4-5 and Micah 4:4a
Theme: Micah is included, though not formally an Advent text. However, it is fairly certain that the Isaiah passage is a late addition to Isaiah and is essentially the one which also appears in Micah, where the Isaiah version is completed by the addition of Micah 4:4a.
Thousands of years have passed since the utterance of this splendid prediction. Yet I well recall as a teenager in the years of World War II being urged to turn in available metal instruments, our modern versions of plowshares and pruning hooks, so the metal which was in short supply could be turned into cannons, fighter aircraft, and the like. Pray as we might, the time seems more remote than ever when nations shall not "learn war anymore." Africa, Northern Ireland, the Middle East, our own central cities -- perhaps it will never happen.
But is that what the writer had in mind? Perhaps there can be peace of a sort -- peace in the mind and heart of an individual. I can't will peace for the world, but I might contribute to the peace in someone's life. If we decide to "walk in the light of the Lord," maybe we can make a difference. A kind word, a generous gift, a thoughtful act -- it will make a difference. If enough of us ... One of our hymns puts the matter well: "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."
Title: "Love Means Doing The Right Thing"
Text: Romans 13:8-14
Theme: Paul precedes his warnings about the Second Coming of Jesus with the injunction: "owe no one anything, except to love one another." That may be the most important single thought in this passage. Although Paul, and perhaps most members of the early church, expected Jesus to return in bodily form, it's apparent they were wrong. Today we more generally assume we'll go to meet him, rather than Jesus coming to meet us, which is to say that it will probably be in death that the intimate encounter of which Paul wrote will take place. This is not to disrespect the beliefs of those Christians who still anticipate a bodily return. However, logic argues against the idea. I mean no flippancy to remark that wherever Jesus might return, getting airline reservations and hotel accommodations would be well nigh impossible. On the other hand, just as we can each pray simultaneously and believe God attends to each of us, so a spiritual Christ presence offers that same hope, which would simply not be possible in the event of an earthly, physical presence.
What Paul has said in this text (and incidentally, verses 8 to 10 are not included by all Christian groups in the lectionary, but they should be I think), is that preparation for an encounter with Christ is best done by living a blameless life. That's asking a bit much for most of us. Still, such a life is to be our goal, however we fall short. Jesus has already promised forgiveness for those who give it a good try.
The preacher might very well explore what is meant by "love" here. As Paul has used the word, it has nothing to do with sex, probably also nothing to do with affection for others. "Love" has to do with how we act, how we treat others.
One might also define "neighbor," inasmuch as for Paul that meant everyone we meet. So Paul believed that in one way or another, we will encounter Christ in a very vivid way, and the more we have curbed our baser appetites, and the more we have practiced kindness, tolerance, and earnest good spirit toward people we meet, the happier that day will undoubtedly be.
Title: "Waiting For The Day"
Text: Matthew 24:44
Theme: This passage could seem just a bit intimidating if understood literally. I can imagine the neophyte Christian becoming nervous at the prospect of being caught out playing golf or going about some mundane task. Of course, it doesn't make sense to interpret this passage literally. More probably, Matthew was using a bit of figurative language to emphasize the importance to the hearer of understanding that the Holy Spirit (or "the Spirit of Christ," if one prefers) may make an unannounced appearance in one's life when least expected. The classic example was Saint Augustine, who candidly admitted that life was a ball, drinking, partying, womanizing, when to his dismay, in a moment of extreme stress, he realized that God was calling him to something quite different. He thereafter underwent a complete and, one must guess, somewhat uncomfortable change of life.
God can break in in countless ways. Sometimes a tragedy is turned into a blessing. One of the most effective pastors I know was a full-blown alcoholic, and only after losing everything dear did he find himself embraced by a power of love so overwhelming he could not resist. He has now served wonderfully for several years.
Sometimes God comes in our times of failure. Sometimes in hours of despair. Sometimes (I want to believe this) in a time of worship. The point is that, despite Matthew's colorful language, this is not something to be feared. The only thing we should fear is that we fail to understand that God has come to us at all.
ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS
An altercation was narrowly avoided in a large eastern city recently. A man driving a BMW pulled in front of a truck on a city street. The truck driver chased the car's driver down, pulled in front of him, and challenged the man to a fight. However, the driver of the car politely declined and, to the jeers of the truck driver, drove away. The truck driver was pleased with himself until a bystander informed him that he had just threatened a former Golden Gloves light-heavyweight champion.
The story appeared in a local newspaper accompanied by an interview of the boxer. He explained that he had, for some time, been an active church member in his Baptist Church. He had decided that boxing was acceptable "violence" because an opponent was voluntarily present and was presumably trained for the contest. But to hit someone like the truck driver, while an easy victory, would have violated his religious convictions. The interviewer observed that it took courage to walk away from a fight which he could easily have won. That's one way peace could come on this earth.
____________
The Honorable John Marshall was one of the United States Supreme Court's most distinguished Chief Justices, having served in that capacity from 1801 to 1835. Known for his modest manner, Marshall had the habit of starting each day with a long walk, ending up at a farmer's market in his hometown in Virginia. There he would buy meat and vegetables for his family's evening meal. One day a young man, described in Marshall's biography as a "fop," had purchased a large turkey wrapped in paper. Seeing the elderly gentleman, this outrageous young man approached Marshall and offered him a quarter if he would carry the package along to the young fellow's home. Marshall said he'd be glad to and did so. The man then took the turkey from Marshall and flipped a quarter to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, whom he did not, of course, recognize. Marshall thanked the man for the quarter and walked home. When one thinks of the pretensions of so many people in public life today, one thinks it would be a blessing if God would raise up a few more people like Judge Marshall.
_____________
I once sat alongside one of our city's best known Criminal Court judges as he listened to a succession of accused felons. I was amazed to discover that most of them were innocent, or so they claimed. However, despite some creative argumentation by defense attorneys, most of the men were sentenced to jail or prison. However, one young man appeared, a bit younger than the rest, and was accused of a fairly serious theft. As with the others, his attorney presented what sounded to me like a fairly contrived story of unhappy home life, of a new determination to change, to make something of his life. An old story, I was thinking. I presumed this young guy was headed for the slammer along with most of the rest. But the judge questioned him at greater length than he had most of the accused men. (He did have documentation before him of each man's crimes.) At last, he ordered the young fellow to be placed on probation, and the boy was released. Later, I asked the judge why he did this. He explained that a good judge must have instincts which enable him or her to recognize those who deserve another chance, and his instincts told him this young fellow just might go straight. He should have that chance. I realized I had been a witness to an act of love.
_____________
I had lunch with a fellow pastor who told of calling on a very distinguished parishioner in the hospital the previous day. The gentleman is accustomed to running things in his own world and found hospitalization very frustrating. He therefore announced that he planned to leave the hospital the following day inasmuch as he detested the regimentation he was required to undergo there. His doctor warned the man he wasn't ready to go home yet. The man's son urged his dad to be patient and remain a few more days. But the man was adamant, threw off his covers, stepped to the floor and promptly fell, breaking several ribs. Talk about not being ready for the unexpected.
____________
A friend saw a bumper sticker which read: "Jesus is coming -- look busy."
____________
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 122 (C, E) -- Here we have the words of a man returning from a pilgrimage to the Temple. In accord with Deuteronomic law, he has spent seven days celebrating the Festival of Tabernacles. Deeply moved by the experience, the man recalls his happiness as he prepares to return home. This Psalm expresses joy and gratitude.
Prayer Of The Day
Be patient with us, God, we pray, as we often forget the benefits of Jesus' death. Our lives are busy. Our responsibilities weigh heavily upon us and we confess the problem of our wandering minds. In moments of insight, we realize that we sometimes trivialize the faith you have given us, yet the underlying joy we often feel as Christmas draws near does, indeed, awaken gratitude within us. Thank you, most gracious God, for understanding us, for your forgiveness, for your patience with us, and for the faith which tells us that none of these faults need prevent your entry into our lives. Amen.
