Noticing the Signs

This is the first Sunday in Advent. The reading is from the late chapters of Luke in which Jesus offers some warnings about things to come. With recent happenings – the pandemic, fires and floods – it has sometimes felt like the world is coming to an end. Jesus tells the disciples to be alert, but also to be sure their hearts are not burdened with concerns. We do need times for rest, but we also need to be sure we’re not checking out. Jesus warns them and us to be alert, to notice the signs. Advent is not only preparation for the birth of Jesus, but for the return of Jesus into our world and lives. Maybe we should take on an advent spiritual practice of taking time each week to write down a place or way or instance when we’ve seen God that week.