Advent Tone.

When asked about the significance of Advent, one tends to give an answer that has to do either with the nativity or the second coming. Both have to do with looking forward to the coming of Christ in one way or another, either from the viewpoint of looking back to the past, or looking forward to the future. And yet, Advent is more here and now than we tend to realize. It certainly is about the past birth of Christ, but not only that. It certainly is about the second coming of Christ, but not only that. Advent it made to set a certain tone for us to tap into.

Attend any symphony or musical or movie and you will come to pick out recurring themes within the over all soundtrack. The music may deviate to other intricate dances, but certain bits of the score will be repeated, often in relation to certain characters. Such sounds come to represent the essence of the character, whether it be Indian Jones, Maiden Marian or William Wallace. Such music cresendos and we know that villians are about to fall, maidens to be rescued, romantic kisses kissed and epic battles fought. Even a few simple, memorable notes can que us in to pay attention- something big is about to happen, the hero is going to come on stage any minute.

In Advent, we are brought to focus on the tone of Christ's coming, joining our voices with those of ages past which will echo on to tomorrow as posterity too takes up the cry, "He is coming! The King is coming in glory!" It links us to the past, as we form the bridge to which our children too will take up the joyful shout. It is about past, present and future. Not only about what was or will be, but about what is. About I AM. The tuning fork was struck ages ago even before the birth of the Bethlehem star when a Messiah was promised. The tone of waiting, of hoping. That sweet, enduring note has not died out. It rings on still through time and all creation. He is coming. My God, He is coming.

Amen.