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.
Luke 21:29-31
Advent is a season of waiting. This passage reminds us that
there are times when we must wait. Often
these times of waiting are difficult and long, so we miss the little signs of
God in our lives. Jesus invites his disciples
to “look at all the trees” as signs of the seasons and, especially,
as evidence that “the kingdom of God is near at hand.” Many times it is
difficult for people navigating their way through the aftermath of a disaster
to see signs of the nearness of God. Together Liberty Lutheran and the other
faith-based organizations of Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster seek to help people see the signs of God’s presence.
As we decorate our trees this Christmas may we be reminded that
God’s presence is near at hand, in our hearts, promising to produce in us new
birth, new growth, a whole new life. And let us give thanks for Liberty
Lutheran that shines as a sign of God’s unchanging and unquenchable love for us
in Christ, the newborn king.
Gracious God, help us to realize your presence in our lives. Be
with us in our times of waiting, especially in those times that are difficult
or full of upheaval. Amen.
Pastor Karl Jones is Disaster Response Coordinator, PA Southeast
Conference, United Church of Christ and a long-time partner with Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern PA.
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