Advent Reflection - December 4, 2019
Scripture
Luke 21:25-28
“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, there will be dismay among nations in their confusion over the roaring of the sea and surging waves. The planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken, causing people to faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world. Then they will see the Human One coming on a cloud with power and great splendor. Now when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, because your redemption is near.”
Reflection
“I open at the close”
This is a somewhat contradictory notion. Yet these are the words Dumbledore wrote on the first snitch that Harry Potter caught, and later bequeathed to Harry. This object ended up being one important piece of the puzzle that ties the beginning of the 7 book series to end. There is an opening that ushers in the ending, and events that may seem small and minuscule at one point end up playing a part in the ultimate conclusion. And ultimately when the end of the story is near, that is the moment in which the snitch opens, bringing the beginning full circle with the ending.
This passage from the Gospel according to Luke is certainly about the end. It may seem odd that this passage is so often found at the beginning of Advent, because Advent is the beginning of the liturgical calendar and yet it is here that the lectionary places this story at the very beginning. This is a somewhat contradictory notion… and yet, this brings us full circle.
As we hope and prepare for the birth of Jesus we should keep in mind the full circle, the whole story. A story that brings redemption near.
Prayer
God of Hope,
We pray for your vision. So that we can come alongside you working in the world, to make all people know that your redemption. Amen.
Get to Know Eric
Eric Koenig-Reinke is the husband of pastor Essie and dog-parent to Bentley. Eric is a huge Harry Potter fan and Eric’s mom credits the Harry Potter books to proof that Eric could enjoy reading. Eric also likes to watch sports, and movies.
