Advent 1C (Luke 21:25-36)

In today’s Gospel lesson, on this first Sunday of Advent, Jesus urges his followers to remain vigilant and alert in anticipation of the coming of the Kingdom of God. It’s important to remember that the Kingdom of God—central to Jesus’s good news—is not separate from the coming of the Son of Man. While Advent often focuses on preparing for the celebration of Jesus’s birth, that’s not the true point. Christmas is not simply about marking his birthday; rather, it signifies the coming of God's presence within us. 

Jesus not only proclaimed this message but embodied it, showing us what it means to live in the presence of God. He didn't just speak of God’s presence—he lived it, birthed it, and breathed it. The breath, strictly biological, becomes the path to this inner presence, making it truly incarnational.

So, we are called to stay alert, mindful, and attentive to our breath in moments of silence and contemplation. As part of our Advent observance, over the next four Sundays, we will read, recite, and reflect on four poems. These selections come from Malcolm Guite’s Waiting on the Word: A Poem a day for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. You can hear Guite reading the poem on https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2020/11/29/advent-sundaychristina-rossetti-5/

I hope you hear Jesus speaking through the words of Christina Rossetti, as she urges us to "unveil," like Rebekah, the hidden breath of God within, and to "triumph," like Esther, in the presence of Christ. I invite you to first read the poem silently, and then recite it aloud, listening for the rhythms that may dance with your breath.

Advent Sunday by Christina Rossetti

Behold, the Bridegroom cometh: go ye out
With lighted lamps and garlands round about
To meet Him in a rapture with a shout.

It may be at the midnight, black as pitch,
Earth shall cast up her poor, cast up her rich.

It may be at the crowing of the cock
Earth shall upheave her depth, uproot her rock.

For lo, the Bridegroom fetcheth home the Bride:
His Hands are Hands she knows, she knows His Side.

Like pure Rebekah at the appointed place,
Veiled, she unveils her face to meet His Face.

Like great Queen Esther in her triumphing,
She triumphs in the Presence of her King.

His Eyes are as a Dove’s, and she’s Dove-eyed;
He knows His lovely mirror, sister, Bride.

He speaks with Dove-voice of exceeding love,
And she with love-voice of an answering Dove.

Behold, the Bridegroom cometh: go we out
With lamps ablaze and garlands round about
To meet Him in a rapture with a shout.