It is the Church's New Year, however, and it is a time when we reset the clock, so to speak. We return to the start of the Christian narrative and move back to the beginning of the story. But where does that story begin? One might think that the beginning would be the birth of Jesus with the shepherds or the wise men visiting the Holy Family. Or perhaps it makes better sense to back up a little and start with the angel's visit to Mary and her subsequent visit to her relative Elizabeth. Or maybe, like Mark's gospel, our year should begin not with the story of Jesus' birth, but rather with John the Baptist announcing that the Messiah is coming. All of these would seem to be good beginnings and they will, in time, be a part of the story.
Yet none of them are where we begin our new year. None of those stories are the place where we say, 'It all starts here.' Instead, every year, on the First Sunday of Advent, our readings have Jesus speaking to his disciples about things that seem to be pointing to an end rather than a beginning. They are apocalyptic and have Jesus speaking about the last things, the end of the age. "About that day and hour," Jesus says, "no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matt 24:36). Jesus goes on to tell his disciples to remain vigilant precisely because they do not know when the time will be fulfilled. "For the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour" (24:44b). A strange place, indeed, to begin the story.
Then again, perhaps it is not so strange. Jesus' conversation with his disciples certainly has elements of the 'end of the age,' but the focus is on the disciples themselves. Ultimately, Jesus is telling his disciples that they should not worry about the timing of it all, but rather should concern themselves with being prepared. Jesus' words echo true for us too, and preparing oneself for the appearing of Christ is exactly what this season of Advent is all about.
It is also where the Christian story begins - with you and with me. The story begins with us preparing our hearts and making room for Immanuel to come and dwell. From there we are able to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Incarnation and beyond through the entire church year.
It is another year bringing with it another chance. Advent comes with a fresh start and a new opportunity to delve deeply into the mystery of God. Take that opportunity. Slow down. Pray. Read and meditate on Holy Scripture. Pray. Come to worship. Pray. Participate in an outreach project. Pray.
The joy and wonder of Christmas in your life is completely dependent on your own readiness to receive it. Are you ready?
