Sunday Readings: Isaiah 2.1-5, Romans 13.11-1, Matthew 24.37-44

Jesus said to his disciples, “Keep awake, for you do not know on what day your God is coming.  But be sure of this: If the owner of the house knew when the thief was coming he or she would keep a watchful eye and not allow the house to be broken into. You must be prepared in the same way. The Son of Man is coming at a time you do not know” (Matthew 24.42-44).

The destruction of the temple in A.D. 70 leaves Israel’s spiritual icon in rubble, creating an indelible memory much like 9/11—a wake-up call.  The gospel writer Matthew wants believers to recognize they are the new temple, living stones of a new community of faith.  

The birth of Jesus Christ reveals a divine value in human life and relationships. The birth of God in human flesh is an emptying of divine prerogative and a privileging of our human capacity to heal, share, forgive, reconcile, free, accompany. We are pregnant with the Spirit and in labor to bring God’s kin*dom to birth among us

In finding gifts that delight and express our love, we experience the warm circle of belonging most families want for themselves. Now is a time to let neither “I love you” or “I’m sorry” go unsaid. No is the time to beat our guns into microscopes, transform our bombs into bread.

Advent is a season for imagining peace is possible at home and afar. Our global world challenges us to widen our family circles. Our work to build peace rekindles the promise the Christ child brings to the world, promise that lives in each of us.

• When have you experienced God’s presence in your life?  Share its meaning with someone in your life.