I have always struggled with how to preach the early lectionary texts in Advent. They are always so un-Christmas like. The gospel text for first Sunday of Advent is about Jesus' warning that his coming is as a "thief in the night." How does that square with our culture's approach to Christmas? No wonder so many people are impatient with Advent (when do we get to sing Christmas carols?).
I have finally understood that Jesus' coming is a form of judgment, and those who are not prepared will miss its significance and its blessing. Jesus has been coming at Christmas for two thousand years, and people have perpetually missed his coming even as they have sung the carols. A consequence is that they are unready for the judgments that come quickly, as a thief in the night.
Illness, loss, accident, crime, financial problems, family distress--these are all judgments in that they are tests of who we are, how we live, and what we believe and value. They often come upon us quickly, when we are not looking for them and are unready for their appearance.
The promise of Advent is peace, a peace that comes from God. That peace is the product of believing and experiencing God's enduring love, eternal purpose, and abiding presence, all though the gift of Jesus Christ. This peace cannot be taken from us, and it will see us through all the seasons of life.
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