By Jo-Ann Brant, interim VP for academic affairs, academic dean
Scripture: Mark 13:24-31, 32-36 (NRSV)
This mashup of traditional poetic portrayals of God’s coming in judgement disturbs our contemporary Christmas seasonal mood of parties, gift giving and decorative displays. What do ominous celestial signs, the promising budding of a fig tree, a parable in which slaves are left in charge of the master’s home, with the stern warning to “keep awake,” have to do with Christmas? “How are these signs,” asks the modern fool? “A darkened sun or moon is an eclipse. I eat seasonal produce twelve months of the year, so why greet the budding of a tree with anticipation of fresh fruit? I am so troubled by the presence of slaves in Jesus’ parable that I feel free to disregard its message.”
According to Timothy J. Geddert, an Anabaptist New Testament scholar, Mark’s point might be that everything is a sign. If we are to stay awake during this Advent season, we need to look beyond the advertisements calling us to participate in reciprocal gift giving and see the sales signs as reminders of the joy that comes from giving from our abundance. The plates of Christmas baking, cups of eggnog and array of delectable morsels are not an invitation to overindulge but a reminder that God’s reign signals the end to dearth and famine. We have been left in this world unsupervised not to run amok but because we have been entrusted to love the world just as God loves the world. Advent as a period of waiting becomes a sign of God’s trust, and when we are awake to our act of waiting that love is awakened in us.
Scripture: Mark 13:24-31, 32-36 (NRSV)
“But in those days, after that suffering,
the sun will be darkened,26Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. 27Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.and the moon will not give its light,
25and the stars will be falling from heaven,and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 28“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly.