December 1, 2024

Readings:

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Psalm 25:1-10

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Luke 21:25-36

Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21:28

For many people Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) signals the beginning of their Christmas preparation. There are stories of folks who camp out all night to make sure they get the best bargains on items they can’t live without for Christmas gifts and décor.

When Jesus challenges his followers to prepare for Advent, he challenges them in Old Testament language to observe natural phenomena as a prelude to the Son of Man coming with power and great glory.

We are called to “stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” It is a call to be aware and thoughtful of what is going on around us. We are in need of the redemption that is only available through Jesus the Christ.

Rather than searching for bargains, we might want to consider searching our hearts. Searching our hearts to discover what is actually important to us. If grabbing the sale item is the most important thing in our world, then go for it. It is however as fleeting as the wrapping paper tossed aside on Christmas morning.

On the other hand, if we are searching for something a little more lasting than a Black Friday bargain, we may want to reevaluate our priorities. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenged his listeners to “strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Stop. Take just a moment to evaluate your relationship with God. Decide where your priorities lie. Look around. Redemption is available to all of us because of the Advent of Jesus the Christ. The rest is just the artificial trappings of a commercial celebration.