Advent 2A - First Thoughts

Second Sunday in Advent, Year A

Upon my first read of this week's texts, these verses jump out at me from the OT, PS, and NT lections:

Isaiah 11:9

They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

Psalm 72:19

Blessed be his glorious name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen.

Romans 15:5-6

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When you look at the words "grant you to live in harmony with one another" juxtaposed against the reading from Isaiah, we realize that God's intention is for those who war against each other to live together in peace. In our world of violence, terrorism, and war, we long for the place where the lion can lie down with the lamb. We are tempted to despair, wondering if such a world could ever exist.

But that is the new reality which is breaking forth in the Kingdom of God. Living in the already-not-yet means that we continue to strive for peace and harmony, even though we know that the Kingdom of God is not yet fully come. But knowing that the Kingdom of God is already at hand means that must look for the glimpses and glimmers of the Kingdom breaking in among us. We must strive to live at peace with all people. When we are able to do that, we rejoice and glorify God. At that time, "the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea."