Mark 13:24-3
“So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.’ vs. 29
Early Christians were firmly convinced that Jesus would return to gather believers to himself and free them from the tribulations and evil of this world. Naturally there was great speculation about when this would take place, and many believed that there would be signs in the heavens that his coming was imminent. In the centuries that have followed those early years of expectation some have continued to keep track of what can be seen in the skies. Comets and eclipses have regularly been interpreted as indicators that Jesus would be coming soon and preachers have been moved to proclaim far and wide that the end was near. Since nothing ever has happened following those bold predictions, many have concluded that it’s pointless to keep on waiting. They abandon apocalyptic thinking and reinterpret the many passages in scripture related to the Second Coming. The problem with such conclusions is that faith without anticipation can lead to apathy and resignation. Advent reminds us that there is hope for our world and that evil will not always have its way. One day the kingdom of God will be established on earth…and woe to us if we ever give up looking for signs of its coming!
Thought for the Day: Why is apocalyptic imagery a blessing?
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