First Sunday of Advent - Lessons from the Fig Tree

For someone who hung out with fishermen, have you ever noticed that Jesus spends a lot of time talking about plants?  Think about it: fig trees, trees, mustard seeds, whatever seed the sower is sowing, trees of life, growing trees, withering trees, leafy trees…there’s far fewer fishing metaphors, when you get right down to it.

There’s a point, though.  He’s talking to a large number of people in  metaphor, and not a lot of people know what fishing is about.  Everyone, though, has seen a tree.  Except maybe if they lived in certain parts of Saskatchewan.  You can mark the changing of the seasons by watching trees, Jesus says, and he’s right – when trees get leaves, you know that seasons are changing.  Or, you live in southern Alberta in Chinook country.  But today, Jesus says that like trees gaining leaves, it is possible to look at the world around us and see signs of his return.

That’s a bit of a tall order, I think.  I’m not going to preach on the end of the world, partly because I’m deeply suspicious when anyone tells me that they know when it will be.  Even Jesus’ criteria are a big vague: signs in the moon, and the stars, and on the earth…confusion by roaring of the sea and waves….the powers of heaven shaken.

A few generations before Jesus was born the volcanic island of Thera in the Mediterranean sea had blown up in a massive eruption that gave origin to the legends of Atlantis and affected weather patterns all over the globe.  People probably still talked about it, because the earth has been a restless place for a long time.  Yet Jesus says that when those things happen, you may now know “that the kingdom of God is near.”

The kingdom of God is near.  Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come.  This is Advent; and beloved, I do wish that the kingdom of God would be near.  I wish that the kingdom of God would be visible and tangible and touchable and be a reminder that at least somewhere in the world there is grace, and peace.  In Advent we wait, we prepare for the coming of Jesus, both as a baby at Christmastime, and as the King who comes in glory. 

Remember, though: Advent is the beginning of our year, and from this season flows everything else we do; our preparations – spiritually and personally – during this time shape our selves and our community.  Like trees growing, these things take time.  We are asked to be patient, and wait, while God brings about these things.

So, if we are to watch for trees, beloved, then this is the time.  Now is the time to look for leaves sprouting, to see how the future is shaping up.  But it’s also time to turn and look at something else; because the health of a tree – whether or not it gives leaves – depends on its roots.

I like the example of the fig tree that Jesus uses, partly because a) fig trees are useful and produce tasty fruit; but also b) fig trees can grow massive roots.  Take this picture of a fig tree at Ankor Wat in Cambodia: the roots are huge.  To look at the fig tree is to understand how deep and big its roots really are – and a tree won’t grow if its roots are compromised.

 

At Advent, as our attention is called to the fig tree, it is a reminder that we are also called to take root, and grow.  It is a reminder that a we bear fruit as faithful Christians that those around us will see the kingdom of God come near.  It is a reminder that we know there are signs that we can look for to know that God is near.

I have several good friends who are first responders: firefighters, police, and medical technicians; they are trained to run toward the first sign of trouble.  And so, Jesus says today, are we: when you see these things, stand up and raise your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.  When others are faint with fear, we are called to lift up our heads and look for God’s presence.

We have the double blessing today of both beginning the season of Advent and officially welcoming new members into our community.  As I’ve said, you can join the community at any time of year; and membership isn’t a necessity for involvement, either.  But this is a day to celebrate these families who have taken the step of affirming their faith with us and becoming part of our family.

Becoming part of this family comes with some challenges, though, and I’ve sat down with all of you and we’ve talked about them: there’s the challenge of living with a great diversity of people; the challenge of growing in faith, love, and obedience to the will of God in this place; the challenge of leadership both in this family and in the community around us.  The sheer challenge of getting involved and getting along in a diverse group of people.  You can meet those challenges because your roots are strong enough, beloved of God; find your roots here, and bloom with us.

Jesus counsels you, beloved, to not to get caught up in wine, or worry; you don’t need to sedate yourselves with pharmaceuticals or phylacteries or Angry Birds; worry focuses your attention on the bad, so that when you could be seeing the kingdom of God, instead you turn your back.   

I see the kingdom of God in you, beloved; I pray that you see it among yourselves.

I said that I have one wish for Advent: to see the kingdom of God come near.  And beloved, I find that wish fulfilled here, with you.  I see Christians of different backgrounds and traditions coming together as family.  I see new believers walking with old; I see children welcomed into this family because they belong here and they offer life.  But most of all, beloved of God, I see your roots.

Your roots are showing.  Your roots of compassion, caring, community, and family bring forth fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.  Your roots are showing; your fruit is the kingdom of God come near.  The Lord is your righteousness, and you proclaim God’s glory.

In this season of Advent may you see the kingdom of God come near: may you see Christ as the light of the world; may you see each other as family; may you bless each other as you are each a blessing to our community.  May Christ be the light that you bear to the world in its time of need; may people see by your leaves and roots that the kingdom of God has come near; that the kingdom of God is within them, and among them; that heaven and earth will pass away, that the grass withers and the flower fades; but that the word of our God abides forever.

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

Amen.