Snow Warning

Snow Warning!
Advent 2A
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Only 20 more days until Christmas; and It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas isn’t it! Last’s night light dusting of snow really contributed to that Christmassy feel. Of course, with the mention of the “S” word by the weatherman, that annual customary feeling of panic also set it. The Food Lion was packed yesterday as people rushed to get ready for the BIG SNOW storm heading our way. One little-old-lady commented to us that it looks like winter weather is on the way!

As we made our way around the store picking up a few groceries – NO we were not part of the snow-panic-crowd, just our regular shopping day – I was struck by how one little word like “snow” can evoke all kinds of emotions.

For many, especially the kids, the prospect of snow brings on that feeling of real excitement. Even Nikki, when she saw the dusting of snow on the porch and cars was already hoping and planning for a snow-day on Monday! The prospect of snow and the hope of a snow-day from school gets kids all excited; and whether the forecast is for a dusting or a foot, the weatherman is every kid’s friend when he says that “S” word.

But for adults, the forecast and threat of snow can and do cause panic. They realize that they are out of milk, out of bread, out of wine, out of cookies, out of toilet paper, and out of all the other “essentials” and if it does snow – they’re just not ready.
I am always struck by how many people at the first mention of snow, rush out to buy snow shovels each and every year. What do they do with the one they bought last year, and the year before, and the year before? But as soon as the weatherman uses the “S” word – people panic because they just are not ready.

This whole snow event thing and our reactions to it really got me to thinking - especially as we continue our journey through Advent. Advent is the yearly reminder that the promises of Christ’s coming as the Savior of the world all came to pass; and just like the weatherman, John the Baptist gives the warning that the coming of the Messiah is at hand. He calls out “Prepare the way of the Lord!” and many people come to do just that. They, like kids who pray for snow, had been praying for the coming of the Messiah, and there was joy and expectation as they crowded around the Jordan River. They wanted to be ready.

Advent is also the yearly reminder that the promises of Jesus’ Second Coming will also come to pass! The message of “Prepare the Way of the Lord” resonates from pulpits all around the world, but few people take it all very seriously. They go on about their daily lives completely indifferent to the threat that Jesus is coming so we need to be ready! In fact, there are more Christians at home or shopping on this Second Sunday of Advent, than are in Church. There are more folks – including Christians – who are getting ready for Christmas this morning than are thinking about the need to be ready for the Coming of Christ.

But my friends, Christ IS Coming! When? We do not know! And while the weatherman can send people into a panic with the “S” word when he gives the snow forecast, there will be no news flash, no forecast, no advanced warning of the impending return of Christ. There will be no time to rush to the Church for baptism, for repentance, for sacraments, or for reconciliation when Christ does come!
They will not have the luxury of some advance warning – beyond what we get at Church each week during Advent – to get ready at the last minute, like folks who wait until the snow is coming before they rush out to the grocery store for milk and bread. When Christ does come, it will be suddenly, without warning, without time to prepare. Advent is supposed to be that warning, that forecast, that opportunity to hear the news of Christ’s return, and to get ready.

When Christ does return, for many it will be a day of joy – just like kids who wake up on a snowy Monday and discover that there is no school! For many, the return of Christ will be a long awaited, long anticipated, long prayed-for, long hoped-for event. And their joy will be full because they spent their lives ready for that day.

But for so many others – including in my opinion so many who think and call themselves “Christians” – the return of Christ will be a terrible day! It will be a day of panic… a day of horror… and day of doom – because they thought they had plenty of time to get ready! They lived with indifference to the warnings; and convinced themselves that they have plenty of time before Christ returns to get back to Church; plenty of time to get baptized; plenty of time to get their kids baptized; plenty of time to read their Bible and pray and get to Sunday School and be and do all the other things we are expected to be and do as Christians. They will be just like the folks who seem to never buy snow shovels or milk or bread until there is the threat of snow – but unlike a snow event – there will be no time.

John the Baptism cried out – “Prepare the Way of the Lord!” And many preacher today are calling out that same message – “Prepare the Way of the Lord!” But, is anyone listening? Does anyone care? Are we so naïve to think that the Lord will keep his Promise about the First Coming of the Christ, let us continue to delude and distract ourselves with the annual celebration of his Birth, and that he will somehow NOT keep his promises of the Second Coming of this Same Christ? Are we so blind not to see the signs and warnings? Can we continue to be so deluded and numb with our own self-importance, our own self-satisfaction, our own priorities, our own excuses, our own agendas – and live with the attitude that we can do what we want - when we want - any way we want – all with the misguided expectation that somehow because God loves us, He will just have to put up with us anyway – along with our indifference and arrogance? What a dangerous place to be! What a dangerous way to live!

You know, in a sense, the promise of Christ’s return is in a small way, fulfilled each and every time we say Mass. Each time we gather around this Holy Altar, Jesus comes again. He visits us and blesses us with His presence at this Holy Table; and does so in love and as a reminder of all these promises. That is why we say, when we declare the Mystery of our Faith – “Christ has died! Christ is Risen! Christ WILL Come again!” because in a beautiful, wonderful way – we see that right here. We see his Death, we see his Resurrection, and we see His Return – right here on this Altar Sunday after Sunday. That, my friends, is a living forecast of his Promise and a partial demonstration of his Guarantee to come again at the END of the Age as the righteous Judge and King of the Universe.

John the Baptist gave the “snow” warning – “Prepare the Way of the Lord”. Today, - each week, I give you the same “Snow” warning - “Prepare the Way of the Lord!” because the Lord IS Coming! But don’t take my word for it… take the Word’s word for it, because that Word made Flesh will be here in just a few moments in the Holy Eucharist, to remind us that we need to be Ready – NOW!

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.