The message of the First Sunday of Advent each year jolts us awake to be alert for Christ’s coming. The frightening signs have been characteristic of all history, and should not be naively taken to refer only to our own day or any particular age. Originally, these events were seen as accomplished in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 C.E., which signified for the early Christian communities the definitive end of the old order and the beginning of the new — thus vv 25-26 are simply the continuation of vv 20-24. The coming of the Son of Man on a cloud derives from the prophecy of Dn 7:13-14, and should be interpreted in the light of the entire prophecy. Jesus enthroned in glory now has fullness of dominion. It is up to us to clear away the obstacles to his lordship in our own hearts and in the world.

Thus, v 28 describes the posture that should characterize every Christian at all times — eager, joyful anticipation of the fulfillment of the new order that has already begun, even though we are now faced with the tragedy of suffering and persecution. Vv 34-36 offer concrete qualities of this life in the spirit — attentiveness, discipline, and prayer.

As Christians, we do not await the coming of the Messiah as did the Jewish people, and Advent is not for us a make-believe entry into pre-Christian times. However, we can still learn from how they expressed their anticipation and their spirit as recorded in the Scriptures can enrich our faith. We now wait as a people who have already tasted the reality of God’s order, yet are seeking its fullness. The message of Advent is not merely that we must be watchful for something to happen, but that we are now filled with the presence of the glorified Christ, and must bring him into the world if his glory is to be fulfilled.

Vv 14-26 are a later addition by another author to this book, and are a commentary on the prophecy of Jeremiah in 23:5-6. The royal dynasty of David ended with the Babylonian exile in the time of Jeremiah. After the return and restoration, it was no longer possible to have a king who was a direct descendant of David, and so the prophecy of Nathan (v 17, see Sam 7:8-16) came to be reinterpreted — the Lord himself would raise up a true descendant of David, in spirit rather than merely physical, whose kingdom would endure. Note vv 25-26 as a beautiful image of God’s faithful care.

God’s goodness and constancy are seen in this psalm as motives for trust in his guidance. Response: "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul."

In writing to the young Christian community of Thessalonica which he had himself instructed, Paul was fearful that they were not fully grounded in faith and were being led astray by false preachers as well as the danger of persecution. He prays that their faith and love may be strengthened so that they may stand firm until Christ’s coming and the new life begun in them may achieve its completeness.

1. How should watching and waiting be balanced with activity in a Christian’s life?

2. How does Christian love hasten the coming of Jesus?