First Sunday of Advent

During the four Sundays of Advent, the Church looks back on Christ’s coming to earth at Christmas in celebration, while simultaneously looking forward with anticipation to Christ’s second coming and the consummation of his eternal Kingdom. And during this season we examine ourselves and prepare our souls for both, though much emphasis is given in these weeks to the second (in fact, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that Advent was linked officially to Christ’s first coming).

That’s why, on Advent 1 in this year’s lectionary cycle, we’re drawn to St Paul’s first letter to a young church at Thessalonica where Christ’s second coming is one of the most prominent themes. It’s mentioned in every chapter.

And from this book we will examine the passage assigned for Sunday to see if there may be something particularly helpful for us in this season of preparation.