The concept of Advent, which means "coming," invites us to wait and look forward. But what exactly are we waiting for? In Christian theology, there's often talk of two "advents" or comings of Christ – the first being his birth in Bethlehem, and the second being a future return. This idea of a "second coming" has captured imaginations and sparked debates for millennia.

But what if, instead of fixating on predicting when or how this might occur, we focused on how we should live in the meantime?

The Gospel of Luke offers some intriguing insights. It speaks of signs – on the earth and in the heavens – that will precede great changes. Solar eclipses, shooting stars, earthquakes, and other natural phenomena are mentioned. These events, which may have seemed beyond comprehension to ancient peoples, have always been part of our world. So, does their occurrence mean we're living in the "end times"?

The text presents an interesting contrast between two groups: "the people" and "you." When faced with troubling signs, "the people" are described as fainting or dying from fear. But "you" – presumably the faithful – are instructed to "stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

This distinction is profound. It suggests that our response to world events is a choice. We can either be paralyzed by fear or we can choose hope and action.

But what does this "redemption" look like? The Greek word used here carries the idea of being released or freed through the payment of a ransom. This raises thought-provoking questions:

1. What are we in bondage to?
2. What is the "payment" that will set us free?
3. What does true freedom look like?

These aren't easy questions, but they're worth pondering. In a world where we can feel enslaved to fear, materialism, or countless other forces, what would it mean to be truly free?

The text also speaks of the "coming of the Son of Man" – a phrase rich with meaning in Christian tradition. Some scholars interpret this as a moment of judgment, separating the righteous from the wicked. But this raises another challenging question: Who are "the wicked"? Is it always "the other" – those on the other side of the tracks, from a different political party, or of a different race? Or do we all, at times, fall short of our highest ideals?

Rather than getting caught up in trying to predict the future or judge others, perhaps we're called to focus on how we can make a positive difference right now. Can we, as individuals or communities, truly change the world? While that might seem daunting, we can certainly impact the lives of those around us.

Imagine a world without evil. What would that look like? It's a powerful exercise to envision such a reality – a world without war, where children aren't sent to fight, where compassion reigns supreme. While we may not be able to create this utopia single-handedly, we can catch glimpses of it in acts of kindness, moments of reconciliation, and efforts to alleviate suffering.

As Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." This simple yet profound statement challenges us to embody the values we wish were more prevalent in society. Instead of being consumed by the negative events around us, we're invited to be agents of positive transformation.

So, when we see troubling signs in the world, how should we respond? The biblical text offers a surprising instruction: "Look up, for your redemption draws near." This isn't a call to passive waiting, but an invitation to active hope.

What might this look like in practice?

1. Cultivate awareness: Stay informed about world events, but don't let them paralyze you with fear.

2. Choose hope: Actively look for signs of goodness and progress, even in challenging times.

3. Take action: Find ways to make a positive difference in your immediate sphere of influence.

4. Build community: Connect with others who share your values and work together for the common good.

5. Practice compassion: Extend kindness and understanding, especially to those different from you.

6. Nurture your spiritual life: Whether through prayer, meditation, or other practices, stay grounded in something greater than yourself.

7. Be the change: Embody the values and characteristics you wish to see more of in the world.

As we navigate uncertain times, it's natural to wonder if "the end is near." But perhaps the more important question is: How can we live in a way that brings more light into the world, regardless of what the future holds?

Instead of fearing the end, we can work towards new beginnings – in our personal lives, our communities, and our world. We can choose to stand up, raise our heads, and be part of the redemptive work that's always unfolding around us.

The "kingdom" we're invited to build isn't a far-off, otherworldly place. It's a reality we can help create here and now, through acts of love, justice, and compassion. Every time we choose understanding over judgment, generosity over selfishness, or hope over despair, we're ushering in a little more of that kingdom.

So, is the end near? Perhaps. But more importantly, new possibilities are always emerging. Our task is to be awake to them, to nurture them, and to play our part in bringing more light into the world.

As we face the challenges of our time, may we find the courage to stand up, the wisdom to look up, and the compassion to lift others up. For in doing so, we may discover that our redemption – and the world's – is indeed drawing near.