The world is slowly coming to terms with the appalling devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in Philippines. When the Bible mentions such ‘natural’ disasters, they are usually a precursor for an account of the ‘end times’ and Christ’s second coming. For some Christians, any talk of the ‘end times’ engenders a certain anxiety. We are told by the Archbishop of Canterbury, that rather than being a time for giving and peace, Christmas is now a time of great anxiety and stress for those who are overly concerned about creating the ‘perfect Christmas’ (Luke 21.5-19).
This week's news
The full extent of the awful devastation wreaked by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines is now being revealed.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has warned of the ‘absurd and ridiculous’ pressure to have the perfect Christmas which is putting relationships under strain and ‘spoils life’.
Controversy surrounds the Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka.
Teenagers say goodbye to Facebook and hello to messenger apps.
Prince Charles celebrates his 65th birthday in India.
Reflection
In some versions of the Bible, Luke 21.5-19 has the heading ‘The destruction of the temple and signs of the end times’, which signposts those well-known passages describing wars, uprisings, earthquakes, famines and pestilences, and a time when ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom’. Given the tragic events in the Philippines, the on-going intra-religious problems in Syria, Iran and Pakistan and the ethnic-related violence in Egypt, those with a penchant for ‘end time’ prophecy would argue that we are fast approaching those times mentioned in Daniel, Revelation and Luke’s Gospel.
In today’s portion of Scripture, Jesus uses his disciples’ comments about the Temple to discuss a time that will be characterised by upheaval and persecution. However, for some biblical scholars, Jesus’ apocalyptic scenario related to his disciples (and followers), rather than a prophetic message for our times.
We know from another Gospel passage that Jesus used the ‘Temple’s’ destruction as a metaphor for his own death and resurrection – John 2. 19-22. Unlike a mortal structure, that could be destroyed, Jesus wanted his disciples to recognise the significance of his earthly sacrifice, and the full extent of his power and authority.
There was little doubt that Jews accorded huge spiritual and cultural significance to the Temple, and it can be argued that some were so fixated with this structure that they virtually worshipped it.
In our consumer driven society, the people’s ‘temple’ is arguably materialism, and the lead up to Christmas is often the time when it is particularly venerated. This last week has seen the major department stores unveil their Christmas adverts, each of which is seeking to outdo the others in their attempts to lure us to purchase their wares.
For some, this season has become noted for its anxiety and stress, with parents in particular feeling overly pressured to create the perfect Christmas through purchases. To paraphrase the prophet Ezekiel, ‘they [the parents] eat their food in anxiety and drink their water in despair’ (Ezekiel 12.19). As the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, points out, this fixation with spending at Christmas is both unwelcome and has little to do with Christianity.
Just as talk of the end times can make many anxious, the lead- up to Christmas can also engender its own worries, many of which are consumer-related. In both instances, Jesus, the ‘Prince of Peace’, tells us not to be anxious or overly concerned because ‘… not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life’ (Luke 21.18-19). As we approach the Advent season, let us focus on the sovereignty of Jesus and ask that his grace, power and peace enable us to overcome all anxieties, as well as put all priorities and events into perspective.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
when we consider the times in which we live
and the events that occur,
it is easy to be anxious or in despair.
Thank you for the assurance of your presence and peace,
even at those times when there is chaos and discord.
Enable us to see the world through your eyes,
where, as a Sovereign Lord,
you are firmly in control of all events,
and there is a purpose and a plan to all things.
This we ask in Jesus’ precious name.
Amen.
Questions
- How do we consider those individuals who walk the streets with signs talking about ‘repent; for the end of the world is nigh?
- As Christians, how should we respond to topic of the end times? Is it something we ought to fear?
Action
According to the Archbishop of Canterbury, many families have become overly anxious and pressurised into spending money they don’t have to create the perfect Christmas. What can we do to counter this growing tendency?
Young People
At any given time, wars, floods and famines are wreaking their devastation somewhere around the globe. Some may see these as a forerunner to the ‘Second Coming’, others will have a different view. But they are undoubtedly an opportunity for Christians to display Christ’s grace and love in the form of aid and assistance. You are encouraged to support Christian relief and development organisations that work to bring about real change in situations of despair.
Richard Reddie is a writer and researcher. His latest book, Martin Luther King Jr: History Maker, is published by Lion Hudson. He worships at St James Church (CofE), West Streatham, London.
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