Then [Jesus] told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."Luke 21:29-33
A new season has begun. Advent
is upon us. I often hear Advent described as a time to prepare for Christmas,
and admittedly I have used that definition many times. However, in the church’s
life, this season calls us to prepare not just for a coming holiday but for the
arrival of the kingdom of God. Advent is about God breaking into our lives and
disrupting our world. This text from Luke’s Gospel captures this peculiar
nature of Advent: that it is not just about preparing for the arrival of God’s
kingdom in the form of an infant born in Bethlehem, but also in the form of the
resurrected Christ returning to us.
At a recent advisory board meeting for Lutheran Congregational Services (LCS), I heard stories of Lutheran confirmation classes full of young people sharing meals with their Muslim brothers and sisters, building relationships while learning about the faith of the other. This is just one part of the ministry of LCS. It is a living example of God’s Kingdom breaking into our world. Combating the voices calling them to be enemies, these young people of two different faiths broke bread, shared stories and encountered the other as a fellow creation of God. This is the kingdom of God at work among us: understanding where there once was ignorance; relationship where there once was rivalry; and friendship where there once was fear. “So also, when you see these things taking place, you know the kingdom of God is near.”
At a recent advisory board meeting for Lutheran Congregational Services (LCS), I heard stories of Lutheran confirmation classes full of young people sharing meals with their Muslim brothers and sisters, building relationships while learning about the faith of the other. This is just one part of the ministry of LCS. It is a living example of God’s Kingdom breaking into our world. Combating the voices calling them to be enemies, these young people of two different faiths broke bread, shared stories and encountered the other as a fellow creation of God. This is the kingdom of God at work among us: understanding where there once was ignorance; relationship where there once was rivalry; and friendship where there once was fear. “So also, when you see these things taking place, you know the kingdom of God is near.”
Loving God, open our eyes to see the signs of your love coming in to this world. Make us peacemakers and bridge builders between people. Amen.
The Rev. Eric Reimer is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Hatboro and is on the Advisory Board of Lutheran Congregational Services.
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