Luke 21:34-36

“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap.” vss. 34-35a

When the future is uncertain and we can’t be sure how world events are going to play out, feelings of fear are not unusual, and we can begin to wonder how our families are going to be affected. In those situations temptations abound and some people look for ways to dull anxiety and free their minds from worry. And of course the culture provides a myriad of distractions and a multitude of addictions. Jesus told his disciples to be on guard against those mind-numbing alternatives lest they miss the coming peaceable kingdom. We can easily apply his words to our day and say that he’s advising us to be mindful and not mindless as we move into our uncertain future. Advent is a good time to practice that kind of living as we count the days until Christmas. Instead of focusing on the terrors that seem to be on the way, perhaps it would be more beneficial to look for signs of the kingdom popping up in our congregations and neighborhoods. Since Christ is in our world we should expect to see signs of his presence every single day. We don’t have to follow the world into the deadends and rabbit holes of the internet. Love and joy are in our world to stay and, just when we’re losing hope, they come to pay us a visit!

Thought for the Day: Where do I look for consolation and peace?