I'm getting a new neighbor. The lot next to our house that’s been vacant since we moved in twenty years ago was purchased a few years back and construction on a new home began about the end of October. The day they marked off the lot and set some stakes in the ground, John, my new neighbor, was walking around showing friends and family the property and talking about their plans. They called me over when I pulled into my driveway and I, too, got to see the plans and take part in a celebratory toast with everyone. A beautiful, warm fall day.
November 16 - I was outside this afternoon trying to stay ahead of the leaves that are quickly filling my lawn and gutters. John and a friend were next door working on the house, and I stopped for a minute to say, ‘Hi,’ but neither John nor I were in a chatty mood. The forecast for the next week is all SNOW – every day! The weatherman was a bit off in his forecast; the snow hadn’t started yet, and so I was eager to get leaves cleaned up, and John was anxious to get up some walls and a roof before the snow comes. There is an urgency in mid-November that did not exist on that beautiful late October day…before the leaves had begun to fall and the weather turn wintry.
We are no strangers to urgency. Lots of urgent talk these days about what Washington ought to do next regarding the economy. And, on a less serious note, perhaps some of you are becoming anxious about the upcoming holiday season, getting your Thanksgiving dinner planned…and then your Christmas shopping done.
Prior to Advent, the start of a new church year, and Christmas, we must first end the old church year. At this time of year, the Scripture readings, too, convey a sense of urgency. While we eagerly look forward to the coming of Christmas, we dare not overlook Jesus’ second coming and the many people who haven’t yet heard the Good News of His birth, death and resurrection, all for us. May God instill in us this sense of urgency to share the message of the Baby born in a manger, the Savior of the world, to those who have not yet heard.