December 1, 2015

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).

            The traditional reading for the First Sunday in Advent is Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The theme works on at least two levels. First, there’s the language of the coming of the King. Advent focuses us on Him who is born King of the Jews and who will reign as King over all things in God’s great day of restoration. The theme also works because at the very beginning of the Church’s year, when we’re preparing for the beginning of Jesus’ earthly life and work, it focuses us on the end and climax of that work in Holy Week.

            Christmas is a big deal. Even when we Christians feel all put-upon because the world prefers, “Happy Holidays,” to, “Merry Christmas,” there’s no denying that Christmas is a big deal. Last Friday was Black Friday; yesterday was Cyber Monday. The news reported last night that cyber-retailers expected sales approaching $3 billion yesterday. Keep in mind: that’s Christmas shopping.

            Christmas is a big deal, but the reading for the First Sunday in Advent reminds us that Christmas is a beginning, not the end. The end is the cross, where sin is atoned for. The end is an empty tomb where new life is given. Advent reminds us to keep our eyes on the prize, to start with the end in mind, to remember that the baby whose birth we celebrate this month is the Messiah whose death and resurrection we’ll celebrate for all eternity.