BE VIGILANT,
STAY AWAKE
Two thousand years ago a man and his pregnant wife set out on a journey. They found themselves homeless in a small town and took shelter in a cave. On a cold and silent night a child was born, while over the surrounding hillsides winged emissaries of God descended to frighten poor shepherds with their announcement that something momentous was happening and that God was coming among his people. While the armies of King Herod conducted their search and brought death and destruction to the land, the Prince of Peace eluded them. Only wise men were able to find their way through barren lands and hot deserts to bring their precious gifts. It is an ageless story recounted in a million Christmas pageants and presentations down the centuries, but it is different every time, because we are different. The gospel message for the first Sunday in Advent is simple: Be vigilant. Stay awake. Something important is about to happen. It may get lost amidst the story of this year's Christmas–the cries of loneliness and pain from the victims of terror and war, the starving refugees and the slaughter of the innocent, the eternal struggle against evil in its latest manifestations, wise men from the West bringing their mixed gifts of bombs and bread. The prophets were right when they called for vigilance. The world did not notice a minor incident in Judaea in the days of Caesar Augustus when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Nor do we realize how often God seeks to make his presence felt in our world when we are occupied with other business. As we try to climb out of the rubble of evil's onslaught and seek to bring healing to the bodies and spirits of those who have been wounded, let us also take care of our souls. There is a part of us that is greater than anything terror can hurl at us and far more enduring than anything that we regard as important in this life. The birth of the Holy Child is God's reminder that life will always prevail over death, that good will triumph over evil, and that love will always be victorious over hate. We know that deep within our hearts, but we need to be reminded of it. Advent is a time to wake up to that awareness that God is still with us. I invite you to worship this Advent and Christmas season as you seek to find that peace for your soul that fulfills your deepest longing. May God touch your heart and bless you and your family in this season of hope and renewal as you live in the presence of God. Dr. Harry L. Serio |
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