Anticipation

 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37

As I read and prayed about the texts for this week one, word kept coming to me: anticipation. Fortunately or unfortunately, it came with an ear worm of Carly Simon’s song, an-ti-ci-pa-a-a-a-tion.

Anticipation can be positive or negative. For example, we anticipate our birthdays positively or negatively. As children, we count ½ birthdays because we have such a positive anticipation of getting older. Comedian Jack Benny made a big deal about never having birthdays after he turned 39. He lived to age 80. Obviously he had a negative anticipation of birthdays, at least when he was on stage.

Advent always begins with a look at the future hopes, anticipations, of the disciples. The gospel reading comes from Chapter 13 of 16 in Mark, so it’s shortly before Jesus’ death. What does the end time look like? When will it happen?  In answer, Jesus gives a description, and then says, but no one, not even he, knows when it will occur.

There will be signs, so watch for them. The signs will be as obvious as a fig tree with fresh shoots indicating the new growing season is coming. And then, despite his declaration that no one knows when this will happen, Jesus says he believes it will be soon.

… As a result of the unknown timing, the response is to be alert, aware of the signs. In response to these words, the disciples and early followers like Paul believed the end times were coming soon. “Don’t make major changes in your lives, so you can focus on being ready for Jesus to come again.”  

We, 2,000 years later, are still called to keep awake, to anticipate, Jesus’ coming. But for many of us, the anticipation of a cataclysmic event seems unlikely. Some define the second coming as having happened at Pentecost, with the wind and fire and exuberance of the entry of the Holy Spirit into the crowd. So, there is no need to look for a major event in the future.

The awareness, the alertness, should be focused on looking for Jesus’ presence all around us. Paul reminds us that through the Holy Spirit, we have been given gifts to use. Instead of waiting for the end times and Jesus’ spectacular return, let’s watch for Jesus’ presence in those we encounter each day and use our gifts in the relationship. Further, let’s anticipate that he will show up often.

Here are a few ways we might notice Jesus appearing today:

… Jesus was at the bargaining table as Hamas and Israel struggled to find a way to release hostages.

Jesus has been with the hostages, and will be with them as they heal from the trauma. Jesus has been with the families of the hostages as well as with those whose loved ones have been killed. He has been there even with those who don’t believe in him. And Jesus has been and continues to be in Ukraine and Sudan and every war-torn place on earth.

Jesus is present with students as they prepare – or not – for finals.

Jesus is with those who grieve loved ones, especially during the holidays.

I think Jesus would have enjoyed the night at the Phillips Center with Paula Poundstone as she made fun of a variety of situations and human foibles.

Jesus is with us and with all who hunger and thirst for justice and fairness, and with those to whom they have been denied or limited.

Whatever is happening, anywhere and anytime, we can anticipate that Jesus is present.

… And, Jesus is with us as we work and pray and wait our way through the time of transition from one pastor to the next. This time is one of hard work for a congregation and its leaders.

In order to clarify the future of ULC, President Becky and I have called for a conversation to discuss the importance of campus ministry. We can’t imagine not supporting students in a variety of ways, but how important is it? How much money can we put toward it? Who will volunteer to make it work? This conversation is scheduled for January 21 after worship.

Last week, Pat and I attended a meeting on Zoom with Sarah Locke, a campus minister in Jacksonville. The more she talked, the more we realized that we don’t know what we don’t know about campus ministry. We want Sarah to come here and educate us about what campus ministry is like today. We want her to come before our conversation so we are better informed as we look to the future.

Becky and I anticipate, or at least we hope and pray for, a lively discussion and a better sense of direction for the congregation on January 21.

… I hope this week, this month, as we wait together and anticipate the coming of baby Jesus, God incarnated, that we will watch for Jesus’ presence in whoever we meet and wherever we go, and wherever he leads us into the future. Amen