He Comes to Us

Many churches, even though they do not celebrate the sacraments every Sunday, do so on the first Sunday of Advent. One reason for celebrating communion at the beginning of Advent is because it is a significant day on the church calendar. Most of these same churches will also celebrate communion on Ash Wednesday, Pentecost, etc.

One could ask if there is a more basic reason for observing communion on the first Sunday of Advent. We might first ask the question, "What is the meaning of advent?" The ancient prophet, known as the second Isaiah, wrote to his people while they were in captivity in Babylon the following words recorded in Chapter 40: Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, "Here is your God!" Yahweh came to his people in the midst of their suffering under bondage in a foreign land.

Christians believe that God came again to his people while under Roman bondage. He sent the long-sought Messiah, who was known as Jesus of Nazareth. We also believe that he comes to us in our own bondage and personal need. Finally, we believe that sometime in the future his Kingdom will be fulfilled and he will come to reign with us forever.

For Christians, his coming now and in the future is a result of his having won the battle with the forces of death and destruction through his own death and resurrection. We celebrate that victory through the sacraments. Therefore it is most appropriate that we do so as part of the Advent experience. Sound the trumpet, for the glory of the Lord shall be revealed.

Prayer: As we prepare for this Advent communion service, we are reminded of those who welcomed the Messiah: Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi. We are also reminded of those who said goodbye to him on the cross: The three Mary's, the disciple he loved, the Centurion, and many others.

But we praise God that through the resurrection, we can individually meet him again at his table this very day. Bless your church. Heal those in need of your touch. Support those who are faltering. We come in need of that heavenly food and living water which you share with us so generously. May it be a true blessing to all who are gathered in worship. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.