Advent I - With Eyes Wide Open

Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.  Luke 21

At least where I live, in downstate New York, the signs that summer has long past are everywhere.  The trees which were once a lush green put on their festive fall look for a relatively brief period before Sandy ripped leaves, stem and all, from thousands of branches (and thousands of branches from tree trunks).

It would be difficult - in these secular times - to gauge the seasons by the merchandise being sold in every store, online or through TV cable shopping channels.  Plastic Santa light-up figures began appearing at local mega stores along with school supplies way back in late August.

We can step away and look more closely for the signs and signatures of Advent.  Granted, these changes are more subtle.  Reading passages of the season on a daily basis - for only 15 minutes - can plant the seed of expectancy, of possibility, of hope.  We can tidy our surroundings, letting go of "things" we no longer need or use.  I find this exercise a form of shedding my old skin and starting again on a journey, not burdened by 'old stuff'.  After all, even at the end of times (or one's own earthly time), people move on to a new life, not their riding mowers or their 3 food processors or the 3 cars in the driveway.

Listening to music or watching a Christ-themed program on the TV can help train the mind to the bigger picture.  Something important is coming - whether our own end and new beginning or the end of a tired year and the preparation of our hearts for the arrival of our Lord, Brother and Saviour.

Keep your eyes open ... watch for the subtle but discernible changes that the long awaited, long expected, longed for redeemer is coming!