THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (DEC. 10TH)

Do not despair or give up! The Return of Christ is at hand!

By Bp. Joseph Boyd (Ancient  Church of the West) 

The Song of the Long-Awaited King 

Introduction 

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather in the second week of Advent, our hearts are filled with anticipation and hope, echoing the age-old cry of the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah. Today, our reflections are anchored in the profound truths found in the Scriptures, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of the Orthodox perspective on Christ's Second Coming. 

Exposition 

Let us turn our attention to the words of the Prophet Isaiah (30:19,29-30), reminding us of the Lord's longing to be gracious to His people. In our journey of faith, we find solace in the promise that even in times of trial, the Lord patiently waits to show mercy to those who seek Him. 

In the Prophet Malachi (3:1-7), the messenger of God, echoes the anticipation of a coming Refiner, whose purifying fire will cleanse and refine His people. As we await Christ's Second Coming, let us reflect on the purifying work He desires to accomplish within us, purging away the impurities that hinder our communion with Him. 

The Psalmist today (Psalms 50) calls us to present our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, recognizing that our God desires not merely external rituals, but a contrite heart and a spirit humbled before Him. In this season of Advent, let our hearts be open to His transformative grace, allowing Him to mold us into vessels fit for His eternal purposes. 

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Romans (15:4-13), directs our attention to the Scriptures, which provide us with endurance, encouragement, and hope. As we await the Second Coming of Christ, let us immerse ourselves in the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, drawing strength from the promises that point to the unity we experience in Christ as members of His Body, the Church!

In the Gospel Reading today, according to Luke (21:25-33), Jesus Himself speaks of the signs preceding His Second Coming. As we witness the world's tumult, let us not be disheartened, but rather, let us lift our heads in anticipation, knowing that our redemption draws near. The Lord's words are a beacon of hope for those who have set their hearts on Him. Christ will return and He will save us!

These passages weave a tapestry of longing, anticipation, and hope. They point us to a truth embedded in the Nicene Creed that we, as Western Orthodox Christians in our English Patrimony, hold dear – the acknowledgment of Christ's Second Coming to rule and reign forever. This is not a distant, abstract doctrine; it is the heartbeat of our faith, the rhythm that guides our spiritual journey. 

The Combined Meaning of the Scriptures 

In our tradition, we understand that our faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a transformative journey of theosis – a process of becoming one with God. The Second Coming is not only an external event to be awaited but an internal reality to be lived out in our daily lives. Our Faith calls us to internalize the apocalyptic nature of Christianity, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. Let us pray for the grace to internalize the apocalyptic nature of our faith, allowing the transformative power of Christ to guide us towards theosis, that we may be prepared for His Second Coming. 

As our glorious hymn this morning expresses…

Come, thou long expected Jesus,

born to set thy people free;

from our fears and sins release us,

let us find our rest in thee.

Israel's strength and consolation,

hope of all the earth thou art;

dear desire of every nation,

joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,

born a child and yet a King,

born to reign in us forever,

now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal spirit

rule in all our hearts alone;

by thine all sufficient merit,

raise us to thy glorious throne. Amen.

Summary 

As we navigate the currents of this world, let us remember that our faith is a journey towards Christ's eternal reign. Let us embrace the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit within us, eagerly anticipating the glorious day when Christ will come again. May we be found faithful, living righteous, well-ordered, Christ-centered lives, for in doing so, we participate in the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth. 

Collect

ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Savior Jesus Christ, Who livest and reignest with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.