By Erica Ewing, a junior peace, justice & conflict studies and sustainability studies major from Wooster, Ohio

Scripture: Luke 21:25-36 (NRSV)

Good Morning! The advent season is a time of exciting preparation as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, a fragile baby born among the lowly, who embodies the divine and righteous love of God. Outside, at least here in Indiana, the snow is falling and friends may be calling (you-whoo anyone??) or texting to go for walks and celebrate with yummy foods. But carols, fellowship and candy canes aren’t the only things ‘you-whooing’ for our attention. The Christmas season has become a consumerist’s delight; corporations inform our materially-driven culture of what we “need” for the holidays while distracting us from their ongoing injustices: exploitation of workers and the environment.

In Luke’s Gospel we are warned to “Be on our guard lest our spirits become bloated with indulgence, drunkenness and worldly cares.” I like to read “be on your guard” as to stay awake and pay attention. As the world circles in chaos, it is a great challenge to keep looking and not fall into the worldly temptation of staying comfortable (for those who have the privilege to do so). There is much to mourn and be distracted by, but there is a multitude more to be grateful for (and plenty of work to be done). While the dominant paradigm tries to numb us, our faith calls us to pray for strength and act with courage. We are called to follow a radically different way; the way of Jesus.

So as I reflect on this first week of advent, I see it as our reminder to stay awake and reconnect to the divine. I invite you to look towards the sun, the moon and the children and past the temptations of empire. Let the crisp breeze fall afresh on you. Let your eyes be opened and your heart attuned. Jesus lived a life that refused to look away from the problems of the world or tolerate them.

Scripture: Luke 21:25-36 (NRSV)

“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.”