Prepare. My mother was a very prepared packer. I never had to worry about running out of sunscreen, bug-spray, anti-itch cream or hand sanitizer. One year when I was getting ready for summer camp, I tried to get rid of a poncho my mom packed for me, because I thought it looked dorky, only to discover upon my arrival at camp, that she had found it, and re-packed it.
Prepare. I remember preparing for our first daughter to be born. As brand new parents, my wife Paula and I didn’t know what to expect. We read “new parents” books, we stocked up on diapers and baby wipes, we received all sorts of advice (solicited and unsolicited). We tried to prepare ourselves for this little human that we would suddenly be given to care for (and keep alive). Were we prepared? For the poopy diapers? For the sleepless nights? For her beautiful eyes? For her gaze of utter love and dependance? No. No we weren’t.
Prepare. When we prepare for a guest to come to our house, Paula makes sure that the house is clean and spotless for our guests. This may not surprise you, but my standard of cleanliness is substantially lower. But in any event, if guests are coming to the house, you need to prepare. And as much as I tend to hold on to stuff, she has taught me the importance of getting rid of the clutter.
Prepare. Advent is a time of preparation. The word advent means “arrival.” During Advent we prepare for the arrival of Christ. We prepare for Christmas. You are likely preparing for Christmas in your churches by lighting candles and decorating the sanctuary. You are likely preparing your homes by hanging lights on your house and decorating your Christmas tree. You are likely preparing your hearts and lives by taking a moment to “pause” as Lori talked about last week.
Prepare. “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3)” For the prophet, what that looks like is God’s grace building up the low places in our lives; and leveling off the places that are higher than thou or arrogant, smoothing out the rough places (the ruts), and clearing out the rocks, etc.
Prepare. We hear John the Baptist echo these words, “Prepare the way.”
Living in the Advent of Christ, living as though Christ would come any minute, gives us a different orientation to our lives. That is, we take an honest assessment of our lives. What is preventing us to live into the fullness of who we are created to be? What do we need to change in our lives?
Prepare. “What would you do if the world would end tomorrow?” These days, it does often seem like the world (as we know it) is ending. In a quote attributed to Martin Luther, he responded, “I would plant a tree today.” In light of these apocalyptic images, the crowds asked John (Luke 3:10), “What then should we do?” To which John replies: “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none.” Or as Dorothy Day said: “If you have two coats, one of them belongs to the poor.”
Prepare. What then should we do? This is the question many of you are asking, and many of our churches are asking as we face these uncertain times. In the words of my colleague Pastor Kristen Corr Rod, “When it looks like the world is ending… Care about each other.”
--
This week's Advent Reflection is written by Pastor Josh Ebener, Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop. This reflection is part of the Northern Illinois Synod's Advent Project based on the Pause, Prepare, Ponder series found on Sundays and Seasons.
