Crown, Roots and Advent

"I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus." (1 Corinthians 1:4)

Today is an interesting mix of the liturgical calendar.  We are celebrating "Christ the King Sunday" - the end of one liturgical year (year A) and the first Sunday in Advent - the start of the new liturgical year (year B).  Some churches are "only" doing "Christ the King" because four Sundays in Advent could happen in December.  The churches I serve went with the combination so we can celebrate Christmas Eve on Sunday the 24th.  No matter which time line we are using we can be celebrating Christ as Lord (King) of our lives as we look at Jesus "family tree," or "Roots."

The Scripture readings, today, are talking about the Messiah and the coming of the Messiah while also talking about the King of kings, Lord of lords.  Isaiah is pointing out Jesus comes from Jesse "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jess" (Isaiah 11:1) and the "Spirit of the Lord will rest on him." (Isaiah 11:2a)  Paul is pointing out, to the Corinthians, how he "always thanks my God" because of the "grace given you in Christ Jesus."  (1:4) These are about the Messiah, Jesus - the birth we are getting ready to celebrate in about a month.  Jesus is pointing out He will return!  "At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory."  (Mark 13:26)  God keeps God's promises!  Jesus WILL return and we need to be ready for it to happen.

So....Advent.... The time of celebrating the already - The King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Messiah's birthday from 2000+ years ago - and thinking about Jesus' "roots" and family.  At the same time we need to be preparing for Jesus' return - the "not yet."  Even as Caregivers, maybe especially as Caregivers, we need to be stopping to take time with God, to strengthen our relationship with God so we ARE ready for Jesus to return.  Something to think about.......