Well, a few years ago, Gregg and I went on a cruise.
And on that cruise, we met a young husband and wife who were there on their baby-moon. Not their HONEYMOON, their Baby Moon. Have you heard of that term before?
I had never heard of it before, but, apparently, it’s now a word that’s been added to the dictionary.
The dictionary says that “A baby-moon is relaxing vacation taken by parents-to-be before their baby is born,” because, once the baby is born, there won’t be a lot of time for relaxation, will there?
The expectant parents we met on the cruise were telling us about all the things they were doing in preparation for the baby’s arrival…everything from Lamaze classes and baby-proofing the house to assembling a crib and preparing the nursery.
And, these first-time parents expressed to us how they were so excited about the birth, but also a little nervous and anxious about how their life was going to change.
And, I share this with you on the 1st Sunday of Advent because that’s what Advent is all about: a time of preparing ourselves with great expectation for a new birth…one that’s going to change our lives.
Yes, we’re preparing to celebrate the birth of the Baby Jesus, but we’re also preparing ourselves for change: for new birth – for new life – in us.
The bestselling Christian writer, Father Richard Rohr, says that “Advent is not a time of sentimental waiting for the Baby Jesus. The Baby Jesus already was born more than 2,000 years ago. Advent is a time to focus our expectations and anticipation on the birth of the Christ in us.”
The Birth of the Christ in us! That’s what we’re preparing ourselves for.
That’s why we sang this morning, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Emmanuel means “God with us.” Some translations say, “God within us.”
O Come, O Come, God Within Us.
The word “Advent” means “arrival” or “coming,” and it’s part of the word “adventure.”
Between now and Christmas, we’re an adventure together, to discover the Light of God within us and to prepare ourselves to give birth to it.
We’re preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ within us.
The Bible tells us that Christ was “the first-born of all of Creation.” Meaning that before God created anything else – before anything else existed – there was the Christ…15 billions of years ago!
The Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word.” God said, “Let there be Light!”
That Word – that Light – became flesh in a baby 2,000 years ago, Jesus of Nazareth.
And, as he grew older, he made it his mission to show others the Way, so that the Word – the Light – might become flesh in them, become flesh in us.
That’s why he said to us, “The Kingdom of God is within YOU.” It’s why he said to us, “YOU are the Light of the World.”
That’s why during the Season of Advent, we’re putting on focus on the Light: the Light of the Advent candles, the Light of the Star.
We’re preparing room for the Light to be born in us.
In today’s Gospel reading for the 1st Sunday of Advent, we see a 30-year old Jesus, who is instructing his disciples to prepare themselves for the coming of the Son of Man. He mentions it three times in this one passage.
“The Son of Man,” he says to them, “is coming at an unexpected hour, so keep awake, get ready, prepare yourselves.”
Now, I know this is confusing: Why would Jesus tell his apostles three times to prepare themselves for the coming of the Son of Man if he was already there, standing right in front of them!? That wouldn’t make any sense, would it?
Well, “The Son of Man,” the “Only Begotten Son,” that Jesus is referring to is the Christ.
Jesus wanted his disciples to prepare themselves – not for his coming, for he was already there – but for the coming of the Christ, for the awakening of the Light within themselves.
The 13th century Christian mystic, Meister Eckhart, said, “Everyone is the only-begotten son.” He said, “God is forever begetting the only-begotten.” God is forever begetting the only-begotten.”
And the 20th century Christian mystic and Trappist monk, Thomas Merton, put it this way. He said, “Events and images in Scripture symbolize inner experiences. Christmas is, therefore, an important occasion not in just the life of Jesus, but in our personal history. Through it, God awakens us to the divine life within ourselves.”
That’s what the season of Advent is all about: a time for us to prepare ourselves for the awakening of the divine life within ourselves.
So, my question for you on this 1st Sunday of Advent is: What are you doing between now and Christmas to prepare yourself for the coming of Christ?
Maybe (like those expectant parents on their Baby Moon), maybe you need to get the nursery ready…to prepare room for the Christ Child to be born in you.
Remember in the Bible, when it said there was “no room at the inn” for the Christ to be born? Well, if your “inn” (if your inner room) is already filled with worry, fear, lack, limitation, resentment…there’s no room for the Light to be born!
But, please be gentle with yourself.
As Jesus tells the disciples in today’s reading, this awakening will take time. That’s why he gives them the example of the barren fig tree. It takes time for it to bear fruit.
And, Jesus also tells them that this awakening (this spiritual transformation) will be difficult…there will be birthing pangs. Birthing something new is painful.
My friends, giving birth to the Light (especially when we’re living in a time of great darkness and division) will not be easy.
Maybe that’s why the first Advent candle symbolizes HOPE.
Scripture reminds us that “a Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
So, do not be dismayed, by the enormity of the world’s grief, my friends.
Where there is despair, let us bring hope. Where there is darkness, let us bring Light.
For the Light is on its way! Let every heart prepare him room.