Brothers and Sisters, first a greeting and blessing to you all on this first day of Advent! As I reflected on today’s readings, I was drawn to this verse:
Turn Thine Eyes
Look up oh busy one from thy toil,
Pressed by many tasks as thy burn much midnight oil.
Racing from deadline to deadline; Rushing to and fro.
Many tasks and hours pass, yet so many more to go.
Step back from Grinch, Scrooge, and even Big Man Jolly; snowmen, reindeer, and bushes of holly.
Turn thine eyes and heart toward something more dear,
And behold the coming of our LORD to whom we should draw near.
As time and sun rush briskly through the day, slow thy pace and put thine efforts to better pave the way.
For the ONE who approaches without delay,
To rescue so many who have gone astray.
Put thy back to politic, bad news and fear,
And take a breath for soon our MASTER will appear.
Another opportunity knocks for your faith to deepen,
And reaffirm – “JESUS is the reason for the season!”
I pray we all have many moments with our families this Advent, focusing on the many ways the Lord comes into our lives and changes our hearts. Amen.
[Readings: IS 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7; 1 COR 1:3-9; MK 13:33-37]
