Luke 21:25-33 (NRSV)
Read Luke 21:25-33 on biblegateway.com
Verse 25"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. Verse 26People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Verse 27Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Verse 28Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Verse 29Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; Verse 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. Verse 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Verse 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Verse 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Devotion
Every generation has known "distress among nations," and disasters are often so severe that people "faint from fear and foreboding at what is coming on the world.” What is coming? Advent speaks to us of the goal of human history, assuring us that our lives are not a Shakespearean "tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” History's appointed end is not destruction, but redemption.
Prayer
O Advent Christ, grant us to live with uplifted heads, alert to every sign of your coming and presence. Amen.