For seven years I taught in Nashville which is known not only for its rich musical tradition but also as a place where biblical religion was vital in peoples rsquo lives Riding along one day I saw on a church bulletin board the Sunday sermon announced Repent for the End Is Near The topic for

The readings today throb with a sense of joyful expectation The prophet Baruch echoes a hope for release from exile and oppression by portraying Lady Jerusalem as a priest who takes off the robes of mourning and puts on the cloak of God rsquo s justice and the miter that displays the glory of God r

This celebration is especially appropriate at the beginning of Advent when we recall the two great figures of expectation who prepared for the coming of Christ John the Baptist and Mary Forming a virtual liturgical Ode to Joy the readings resound with affirmations of the gracious love of God sho

As we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus in history, the readings remind us that Christians should shape their faith in terms of hopes as well as of memories.

To celebrate Christ as king is to enter into the deepest mysteries of faith.

s the days grow shorter and the trees become bare ruin rsquo d choirs where late the sweet birds sang Shakespeare Sonnet 132 the liturgical year winds down with images of the end of history Daniel speaks of a time unsurpassed in distress but followed by a general resurrection of the dead when