Sunday 2 December

First Sunday of Advent

Jeremiah 33:14-16, Ps 25, 1 Thessalonians 3:12 – 4:2, Luke 21:25-28.34-36

Increasing our love

Advent fixes our attention on the coming of Christ. We live between his two comings – the first in humility and weakness at Bethlehem and his second in majesty and power at the end of time. Jewish images of the end times depict scenes of disorder in nature and great human suffering. However, for the Christian, the return of Jesus is a moment towards which we look in hope. Jesus urges us to “stay awake.” St Paul’s prayer, “may the Lord be generous in increasing your love,” is a lovely suggestion for action and “staying awake” this Advent.