Signs of the Times

25 "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory.

(Luke 21:25-27)

This Sunday begins the season of Advent - waiting for Christ to return. The second coming can conjure up frightening images of the "end times" - chaos, confusion, anguish. On the surface these words seem counter to the gentle baby in the manger. But Jesus' birth was a tumultuous affair that could easily be described as chaotic, confusing, and painful. We wait now with Mary in solemn reverence for what we can not comprehend. We wait in eager anticipation for what we do not yet know. We wait, not in fear, but in hope that the Love that chose to enter the world as a vulnerable babe will permeate the hearts and souls of all in the world without end.

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Romans 8:38-39)