Luke 21:25-36

25“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

29Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 34“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

And this “kingdom of God,” or of heaven, “is at hand.” As these words were originally spoken, they implied that “the time” was then fulfilled, God being “made manifest in the flesh,” when he would set up his kingdom among men, and reigning the hearts of his people. And is not the time now fulfilled? For, “Lo! (saith he) I am with you always,” you who preach remission of sins in my name, “even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20.) Wheresoever, therefore, the gospel of Christ is preached, this his “kingdom is nigh at hand.” It is not far from every one of you. Ye may this hour enter thereinto, if so be ye hearken to his voice, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

Is not the time now fulfilled?

If you say it is not, what does that say about our preaching and living out “remission of sin”?

Where the gospel, the forgiveness, of Christ is given evidence, the presence of G*D is at hand. In forgiveness we find ourselves forgiven. Remember Jesus’ model prayer, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive the sins of others.”

As we begin this Advent season we find ourselves practicing, yet again, the basic processes of forgiveness.

Clarity of our own sin.
Clarity of other’s sin.
Clarity of a new way of looking at sin.
Clarity of a new path to take.
Clarity of a community to walk with.

May you reach out to receive that which is near at hand - the presence of G*D.