Many people know that the word Advent is derived from a Latin root that means "to come." The readings for the First Sunday in Advent all share the Advent theme of the coming kingdom. Each selection develops this theme in a slightly different way.
In Isaiah 2:1-5, the prophet looks forward to a day when all the world will acknowledge the God of Israel. In this messianic age, swords and spears will be transformed into agricultural tools. In other words, peace will reign and all will worship the one true God.
Psalm 122 is a joyful hymn that has a similar theme to the prophecy from Isaiah. It looks to a time when all will come to the house of the Lord and gladly worship in peace.
In Romans 13:8-14, the Apostle Paul speaks of the law of love and relates loving behavior among believers to the approaching day of the Lord when Christ shall judge all people.
The Gospel from Matthew 24:29-44 looks to Christ's future return for the last judgment. Since no one knows exactly when this will take place, our Lord exhorts us to be ready always. Advent is a special time to emphasize our preparations to meet Christ both in our present life and at the end of history.
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