First Sunday of Advent 2006

02 December 2006

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

We have recently heard of the dire consequences of what could happen to our world if we do not do something about climate change. Literally millions of people could be at risk due to rising sea levels. Countries, cities and towns could disappear under water. Other areas could be affected by drought and vast numbers of people could face starvation. In addition fish stocks and marine life are under threat and face extinction.

The words of St Luke may not sound so far fetched. At the beginning of Advent, St Luke speaks about signs in the sun, the moon and the stars; on earth nations bewildered by the clamour of the oceans and the waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the earth. With such warnings we could feel helpless and hopeless believing everything is on the path to destruction.

Advent tells another story. At the beginning of a new liturgical year, the message is that we do have a future and it is one of fulfilment and not destruction. We are a people of hope, placing our trust in the child Jesus born in Bethlehem. Jesus, through his life, death and resurrection, will bring all things into harmony. He overcomes the hostility that exists between peoples and between humanity and the rest of creation. He comes to bring peace. He is the teacher of peace and way to peace. On the night of his birth, the angels proclaim "shalom" to all people on earth.

Jesus comes as God's gift. Gifts can be accepted or rejected. St Luke tells us to watch ourselves because our hearts can become coarsened by our way of life and cares of life. Though we can hear messages and recognise signs our hardened hearts, set in their ways, can prevent us from taking action.

During Advent we are called to increase our love for one another and the whole human race. We can also deepen our love and appreciation of creation. We will only care for our world if we love it. We will only shape the future of our world in hope if we love that of which we are part. The world and ourselves are of God’s making and in our existence we tell something of the mystery of God who created everything in love.

Such programmes as "Planet Earth" show us the beauty of creation and the wonder of animal and plant life. In a consumerist and materialistic society, it is easy to cut ourselves off from the rest of creation. We find ourselves exploiting other people and the world, rather than as the prophet Micah would say - acting justly, loving tenderly and walking humbly with our God.

Often during Advent people have calendars and open a window every day in expectation of Christmas. Whether we have a calendar or not all of us can open the windows of our life to the God of all creation who comes to us in Jesus, Saviour of the World.

With my best wishes and prayers
Bishop of Clifton

To be read and / or made available in all Churches and Chapels in the Clifton Diocese on the First Sunday of Advent 2 and 3 December 2006