The Gospel reading on the first Sunday of Advent always gives us a snapshot of the apocalypse - or the 'last days' - where similar images of quest, danger, risk, and reward play out. Matthew’s version (24:36-44), that we get this year, compares these times with the days of Noah - a righteous man told to prepare for a flood, which would wipe away the sinfulness of humanity. The world stood idly by as Noah built his boat, and even once it started raining no one believed. But Noah knew what was coming, and salvation awaited him and his family.

‘Why do you go to church?’ is a question I’ve been asked. And my answer is, quite simply, because, like Noah, I know what’s coming. I know where the world is going and who’s in charge of it all. That’s why I pray, that’s why I read the Bible, that’s why I not only go to church, but support the church. I try to live life with the end in mind, not living in fear but in faith. Temptations to live differently abound. Temptations to cut corners, stretch the truth, and do way too much out of my own self-interest. But the words of this passage - to keep awake and be ready come to my aid, sometimes through the words of Sister Harriet; when you hear the dogs, keep going. When you see the torches in the woods, keep going. Never stop, but know that a taste of heaven lies ahead, keep going.

Reading
The History of the Book of Common Prayer - Percy Dearmer
The Sorrows and Pleasures of Work - Alain de Botton
Healing Light- Agnes Sanford