"They say they want the Kingdom..."

Well, the first week of Advent is practically in the bag, so to speak. As we approach the Second Sunday of Advent it's easy to see that we're not yet preparing to commemorate and celebrate Jesus's birth. We're still looking to the "not yet" of the "already." You see, Jesus has already come and, in a sense, left (he remains present by means of his Holy Father, who is the also the Spirit of the Father) and he will return. This is an article of Christian faith: "he will come to judge the living and the dead."

For those of us who strive to follow Jesus, the time between his departure and return is a time of what might be called dialectical tension.

Dialectical tension arises from living the already of God's kingdom, which was inaugurated by Jesus when he came, lived, suffered, died, rose from the dead, ascended, and sent his Holy Spirit, as we await what is not yet: the full realization of God's reign, which will be established when Jesus returns.

"Advent" means "coming" or even "arrival." Hence, we look forward to Jesus's arrival even as we celebrate and commemorate his coming as a babe in Bethlehem.

Aware of his return, the time of which is utterly unknown to anyone, we are to live in such a way that we are ready. This means not putting off making those important changes we all know we need to make. These changes consist both in ceasing doing things we know are wrong, that is, detrimental to ourselves and to others, as well as doing those things we know are right- like helping those in need, being good stewards of the earth, being kind, forgiving, worshiping and giving thanks to God in accord with the first commandment, etc. In short, we need to repent. Yes, you. Yes, me.

Let's face it, the only shot you have at changing the world is changing yourself. Even changing yourself requires God's grace, which is why the prayer that ends Morning Prayer for this First Friday of Advent implores:

Jesus, our Lord, save us from our sins. Come, protect us from all dangers and lead us to salavation

With that lengthy explanation, our Friday traditio is Johnny Cash, very much in the mode of his namesake, John the Baptist, singing "The Wanderer"-

It also occurred to me that this is the first post of the last month of 2019. It's Saint Nicholas day, to boot, or to shoe, as the case may be. Enjoy your gingerbread and gifties.