Drew Downs

Make a New Normal

Mark 13:24-37

  • Beginning Advent with the Little Apocalypse inspires fear when we’d rather see joy—but reveals that we’re actually afraid of joy.

  • We begin Advent with an apocalyptic gospel—here’s why it is not only fitting, but important for us to deal with our own apocalyptic lives.

  • We begin Advent with apocalyptic imagery, not to scare us straight as much as remind us that God’s promise is change.

  • The apocalyptic opening to Advent always shook me. Now I realize that this is the whole point. Advent isn’t about the baby, but about us. Advent 1B | Mark 13:24-37 The people collected their weapons. The secret gatherings swelled with supporters coming from all over the hill country. The ragtag militia was beginning to look…

  • Mining the Same Territory After spending the last month preaching about keeping awake and preparing for the coming of Jesus, to have Advent 1 start with the exact same message is strangely consistent. For those of us who use the Revised Common Lectionary, we get a gospel for the first Sunday in Year B which…