Anticipation
Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Ph.D.

Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper beginning at sundown.

The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the dawning of the reign of God in the birth of Jesus the Christ and the anticipation of the fulfillment of the Reign of God, when the Christ returns as Sovereign. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000-year old event in history. It is celebrating the promise of God’s reconciliation with humanity and an eternal Shalom for all of creation.

In this double focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and congregations, as they affirm that God comes, as my friend Jim Kay says, “all the way down” to be with us, to be present in the world. Even people who are not Christian can admit that they recognize God’s “incarnation”—God’s likeness and being present in people. Someone smiles at you when you are low, holds you while you cry, offers you care at just the right moment, and your soul wants to sing, “Angels watchin’ over me…” Those moments and so many more are God coming all the way down to our humanity, and lifting us all the way up to our best selves!!

Advent is a time we affirm that God’s Reign means justice and righteousness and wholeness for all of creation. In this time of war, Advent reminds us that we live in between the now and now yet and that we are called to live faithful lives in the meantime. It asks the question, how do we live in the meantime? How do we work for the peace that is elusive? It reminds us that we actively wait for God to finish us and to use us to fulfill what God plans for the world.

During Advent at Middle Church , there will be sermons, dancing, music and teachings that celebrate hope and expectation; reassure us of God’s soon-coming reign of justice for all; and remind us that we each participate in the revealing of God’s glory in the world.

Along with groups and educational events that are currently meeting, it is my hope that even more of us will gather into communities for this blessed time of waiting. Some will read devotionals, some will pray. Some will attend Freeman’s and Charlie’s classes. Some will gather for artwork—wreath or calendar making. Some will join the grief group, or sit at the MiddleCares table. Some will gather informally; if you are interested, let either me, Freeman or Heather know.

What are you anticipating? Whatever it is, I pray you find glimpses of it during Advent. And won’t you join a community, and wait with us together?

Love you
Jacqui

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