Advent is the time when Christians commemorate the coming of Christ in history, his daily presence in our lives and his coming again in glory. In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul tells the Romans of his day — and us — to lay aside the works of darkness and to put on the armor of light. This kind of armor is a far cry from the armor that would be used in war, or in in any kind of violence or harm inflicted upon others.

Isaiah’s reading relates to the same issue but from the view of making peace, disarmament (beating swords into pruning hooks) and taking up the good works that sustain daily life and growth in human beings, individuals, families and communities. We are to take up the ways of peace and peacemaking and walk in the light of the Lord.

At the core of today’s Gospel passage from Matthew is the message, “Stay awake and be prepared.” In other words, be watchful and vigilant. Advent is a journey of preparation and hope in which we ritually, liturgically and personally prepare ourselves for the commemoration of the Incarnation of the Lord at Christmas. The light that both Isaiah and Paul speak of is to be our guide and companion as we journey ultimately to a new heaven and a new earth.

Unbound works through community leaders in our local programs to enable families to become decision makers. Our sponsors are brought into this work through their financial support and through their correspondence. This combined effort on the part of sponsors, sponsored friends, staff, preachers and board provides a way for a child and family, or an elderly friend, to walk gradually out of poverty into a part of that new heaven and new earth promised by the Scriptures and for which we are urged to be watchful and awaiting in our readings today.

Lord, we believe you came in our own history, and that you come in our presence to one another, and in the good works and efforts of all the members of the Body of Christ. Even now we put on the armor of light and walk in your light. With faith and hope, may our work ultimately be part of that great reality of a new heaven and a new earth. Amen.