Advent II - Sunday, December 7, 2025

 

Todd Trapani


Have you already participated in an Are you prepared for Christmas conversation? In some traditions, the theme assigned to the second Sunday of Advent is preparation, based on John the Baptist’s commission to prepare the way of the Lord.  
 
The Are you ready? conversations seem to me to end up boasting or commiserating about being overwhelmed by chores, events and obligations over the next several weeks. Much of our business over Advent is good, but certainly preparation involves something greater.

The readings for today come from four distinct periods: 
 
1. Psalm 72 is a blessing over King Solomon, the first son of David to sit on David’s throne in keeping with the promises made to King David (2 Sam. 7:1). 
 
2. Just as David’s line of kings appears to be ending, Isaiah's prophecy promises a shoot will come from the stump — a king in the line of David.  
 
3. John the Baptist is preparing the way of the Lord, who comes to baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 
 
4. Paul is reminding the church in Rome that the promises of the prophet of Isaiah are for both the Jews and the Gentiles. 

In all four readings, the power and rule of the King is exercised with righteousness and compassion and the result is harmony and peace in places previously characterized by chaos and animosity:
 
In his days may the righteous flourish, and prosperity will abound (Ps 72:7)
 
they shall not harm or destroy in all my holy mountain (Is 11:9)
 
he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his seed into the barn (Matt 3:12)
 
give you [Jew and Gentile] a spirit of unity as you follow Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5).

God’s unwavering rule — work of compassion, righteousness, harmony and good fruit — runs through history like the railroad does across Canada. God’s purpose is unwavering and steadfast: an increase of compassion, harmony and righteousness. 
 
Therefore, one aspect of preparation would be to expect and to notice the continuation of this work in my world and to await Christ’s second Advent with endurance and courage. A second aspect would be to align my purpose and focus with His. Where in my sphere of influence, the world I inhabit, can I further the work of God  by contributing to these same purposes of God?

So we begin the new church year with a season of waiting, which is what these questions require — some reflection and quiet, to consider just how Jesus is coming to us today.
 
The Rev. Lawrence Kopp 
 
 
But who may abide the day of His coming  G.F. Handel   Jakub Józef Orliński 

 
 
 

 

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