Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. …9 For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, 9-11

Advent is a season that tends to call us to look in the rearview mirror at the manger and the birth of Jesus; the first “Adventus” or coming of Christ.  The readings at the beginning of Advent however remind us that we’re not just called to look back – but to look ahead to Jesus’ second “coming,” not in meekness like a child, but in judgment.

Now, I’m not one to spend much time focusing on the details surrounding the second coming of Christ.  One reason is that biblical details on the subject are nebulous and a matter of great debate.   The other reason I don’t focus on the details of the second coming is captured in the passage above from today’s readings.  It’s because, “God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation.” We who trust in Jesus Christ have nothing to fear in his second coming.  We don’t have to worry about what it will be like. We don’t have to worry if we’ll be early or late for his arrival.   He’s coming for us… we’re not going to him.  All we have to do is trust; and live lives that bear out that trust.  The rest will work itself out.

So – Advent is not just a time to look backward – at Jesus’ first coming. It’s also a time to look forward to the promise that he will come again. It’s a reminder that as Christians we have something to “look forward” to with excited anticipation.

Prayer:  God:  Help us to live and speak today as those who excitedly expect you to come to take us home at any moment.  Amen.