Christmas Lights! (Advent A1)

It has been suggested that "It is highly significant that the lectionary readings begin the Advent journey with a reminder of who we are before rehearsing the story of Christ's coming." This will preach. It is a beautiful use of Beuchner's gospel as tragedy, comedy and fairy tale. Unfortunately I have to disagree a bit, the darkness of the human condition is not central to these readings.

The days of Noah are understood in context of such wide spread evil that the race would be destroyed were it not for Noah's family. Dark days, but look at Matthew's context. The darkness is of sight, not of evil oppression, here the people are in the dark not the heart of the darkness. Jesus points out that up to the time of the flood people went about their daily lives and celebrations, apparently happy and completely unaware of what was to happen. His point is that so unexpectedly will the Son of Man come. The lectionary affirms this context, it doesn't point to Genesis as the Hebrew text with its judgment, but to a hopeful call to "Walk in the light of the Lord."

What is central to all the readings is an expectant hope that sheds its light abroad and gives us reason to live!

We are to keep watch - keep awake. We rail against the darkness that would lull us to sleep. It reminds me of diving through the night. No matter how awake I am, I get sleepy. It is good to remind ourselves about the darkness and the daze it creates, but let us hold high, in worship, in celebration that great day of light!

This passage and the second Sunday after Christmas are bookends for this season. Light, light, light!