The 2nd Sunday of Advent: Preparation
(Free Version)- Year B; Isaiah 40:1-11; 2 Peter 3:8-15; Mark 1:1-8
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Our readings this week speak to one of the major postures of Advent: the posture of preparation. As we prepare for Christ’s return, for the kingdom in our midst, we are also keenly aware that we are unable to fully prepare, that our preparation is nothing in light of the preparation which God does for us. Our call, then, is to simply change direction, to “repent,” to turn from the false and hollow things, and turn to God.
In our Old Testament reading (Isaiah 40:1-11), God declares that the time is now for comfort. The people have been in exile long enough. They have been locked away, far from home. Now is the time for forgiveness. Now is the time for homecoming.
This homecoming requires preparation: a new highway, which will disrupt things. Those who live on high mountains looking down on everyone else, will find themselves lowered. Those who are down and out, their lives in the depths, will be raised.
None of this happens because we (God’s people, or people in general) have made ourselves good enough. No, we are like grass. Even our good deeds fade away. But, when everything else fades, God will stand forever. The Mighty One is the One who shows his might as a nurturing Shepherd.
Our epistle reading (2 Peter 3:8-15) is assurance to a waiting people: the Lord will come. It seems like it has been a long time, but God will be faithful. The world as we know it will dissolve, will burn away. But, there will be a new/renewed heavens and earth, where justice will be done. What do we do in the meantime? We are invited to live this different kingdom—loving our neighbors and seeking God’s kingdom in the world. To do so will naturally set us apart as we wait.
Mark begins his gospel (Mark 1:1-8) by quoting our Isaiah reading, along with other Old Testament readings, and introducing who he declares as God’s messenger: John the Baptist. John announces the homecoming which was promised in Isaiah 40. John fits the part of a prophet fairly well: offbeat, wearing and eating weird stuff. Through baptism, John reminded Israel of their identity: they are the Red Sea crossing people. They are a people whose very existence reveals God’s faithfulness to set free. Now is not the time for mourning. Now is the time for homecoming.
Some in our congregations remember their baptism. Some do not remember it. It’s ok either way. I was a pretty spiritually attune kid, always interested in spiritual things. I was baptized at the age of seven. Honestly, the only reason I was baptized that late was because I was really afraid of being under water. I was scared of a lot of things as a child: I was the last of my peers to learn how to roller skate, ride a bike, to learn how to swim. For me, there was no way that baptism would be the result of peer pressure. There was no way to enter it casually. To be plunged into the waters was frightening! And, as I look back on it, apprehension is actually quite appropriate in approaching baptism. If we really believe that our baptism is participation in Christ’s death and resurrection, it changes everything, and we ought to approach it with fear and trembling; though not, with terror, for God always desires our good.
Today, at my church, we place a humble bowl of water at the entrance of the worship space. Members of the congregation are invited to dip their hands in it as they walk in or as they leave. I used to get freaked out when I saw churches doing this, thinking that something superstitious was happening. In truth, when we touch the water, we are being reminded of our baptism, of the water from which we emerged on that day. We are reminded of our deliverance. We are reminded of the story of which we are a part. We are saying that there is no story bigger or more important than this one. We are the people who walked with Christ through the waters.
Mark begins his gospel with John’s calling God’s people to remember their story and to prepare them for the one who is coming who will actually be God’s presence, God’s Holy Spirit with us, in us. Jesus was God’s physical presence in the world, and even after his death, resurrection, and ascension, he did not leave us alone. The Holy Spirit lives in our hearts, the most personal way that God could live amongst us.
Yet, we are always tempted towards other stories and, by extension, other definitions of who we are. Some of the same fears that drove the different groups of the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry towards counterfeit stories are the same fears that drive us today: shame, fear of disconnection, and control.
We wrestle in fear with our own imperfections. We often believe that something is wrong with us. For some in Jesus’ day, this fear led them to seek to get rid of their shame through obeying the law perfectly, and by separating from others who they believed were unclean. Often, that inner shame drives us. We are so afraid of being worthless or of not being unique that it leads us to deep insecurity. We ask: what is wrong with me?
For some, there is a tendency not to want to rock the boat, or to ever be out of sync with the changing world around them. In Jesus’ day, many of the religious leaders capitulated to Rome because Rome seemed to have what was needed for success in the world. We too often seek the approval of others (individuals, constituencies, ideologies) at all costs.
For some, the issue was and is control. Many in Jesus’ day responded to the persecution they experienced with violence, a refusal to be oppressed any longer, even if it means turning into the very thing which they hate. We crave control because we fear that, if we are not in control, we will be controlled. We believe that, to be in control is to be safe.
John is preparing the people of Israel for God’s kingdom by reminding them of their story and their identity. He knew that, in order for them to see Jesus for who he is, they needed to see him as the fulfillment of their story, the fulfillment of their identity and longing as the people of God. He is their forgiveness, their justice, their peace, and their home.
In the same way, the first step in preparing for God’s active presence in our lives is to remember that we are his. And yes, this involves repentance, a change of direction, because there are so many other things that want to define us. How often do we allow shame, approval, and control to take center stage in our formation! The gospel of Jesus reminds us that we are not defined by these things! We are those who have been redeemed, liberated, and washed.
May we hear the good news: God is here, and we are his witnesses. Comfort has come to those who have endured pain. Your sins are forgiven. Those who have been exiled are welcomed home. Yes, it may seem like you have been waiting a long time, but God will be faithful to see you through.