My Lord! what a morning; my Lord! what a morning; O my Lord! what a morning, when the stars begin to fall, when the stars begin to fall.

The lectionary passages for the first Sunday in Advent this year speak of that day when Christ will return triumphantly riding on the clouds of heaven. It is a time that supposedly will be portended by signs and frights, even stars falling from the sky. Throughout the world, many look to that final day with fear and trepidation.

However, this spiritual does not see it that way. The final day is one for rejoicing. For when Christ returns, all will finally be right with the world. Our hope, our faith in God is what causes us to rejoice whatever may come. Even if we must face the terrifying signs that Jesus said would come with the end times. As this hymn says, you will hear the Christians shout, to wake the nations underground, looking to my God’s right hand, when the stars begin to fall. Think of how exciting it is to bear such news to the world.

Why do we use such an apocalyptic vision to welcome the season of Advent? We do because the word “advent” itself means “coming.” Living into the expectation of Christ’s arrival in Bethlehem goes hand and hand with our lived expectation of Christ’s triumphant return. We celebrate, worship, sing, dance, walk the life of faith not just because Jesus lived and died two thousand years ago, but also because as we look towards the risen Christ’s return.

Our lives are meant to be lived in happy anticipation of all that God will do, in our own time and one day when God’s promises are fulfilled. Something to consider in this season of preparation is how does your life reflect this joyful hope to the world? What are some things we can do to bring glimpses of that fulfilled kingdom into our midst here and now? And as you ponder, don’t forget to sing along: You will hear the trumpet sound to wake the nations underground, looking to my God’s right hand, when the stars begin to fall. My Lord! what a morning; my Lord! what a morning; O my Lord! what a morning, when the stars begin to fall, when the stars begin to fall.

My Lord! What a Morning

Reverse Advent Calendar: As a way of fostering the peace that God desires for this world, consider making a conscious effort to listen to others more carefully this season. This includes your family and neighbors, but also think about listening to those who are different than you with special care. Always remember that Jesus was a poor refugee and sought after the outcast and forgotten.