Advent is here: a time of eager anticipation for the coming of the fullness of God through the awaited Messiah of Israel. And whenever someone important is coming, we must prepare. When family comes to visit we don't leave the house unkept but make special effort to have it be an extension of our welcome and an overflow of our love for those we expect. And the guest we expect this advent isn't just any ole body. No - it is the king of the ages, the Alpha and the Omega, The Lord of all creation. How do we prepare for such royal arrival?!
We are in luck because the prophets have foretold before hand what we should expect when this king arrives. He will bring shalom/peace/wholeness like the world has never known. Through his righteous reign, justice will be reality on earth. No longer will the fat and powerful devour the meek and lowly. No, the tables are being turned upside down (or maybe even back right-side up). The way we've been taught to understand the world will be no more. In this kingdom, the lamb need not fear the wolf, nor the calf fear the mighty lion. In this kingdom the cow and the bear now graze together in perpetual celebration of creation once marred by human sin now freed to flourish through the glory of God that will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. In this kingdom, power isn't defined by who has the most money, the most land, the biggest guns, the most destructive weapons. In Gods kingdom, true power is revealed and true power rest in the vulnerable trust of a child who knows and understands utter dependence and relationship for life. For indeed, "a little child shall lead these all."
As we wait patiently and expectantly for such a king who will bring to fruition such a kingdom, may we find ourselves making this future world present in the here-and-now by the power of God's spirit engendering love and righteousness among us as God's precious and chosen people. This world God has created, blessed, and named as good, very good, is beloved by its Creator: our king will not give up on us / on it. He will restore it, renew it and transform everything that is contrary to His rule and His way. His glory will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.
A challenge for us this Advent: How can God use me/us to be a living sacrament (a tangible and visible expression) of this future alternative kingdom in my/our present context?
