Sunday, December 13, 2009
Of Maternity Wards and the End of the World
“Are you ready for the end of your world as you know it?” With this question the obstetrician glanced at my friend before pulling a screaming, healthy boy out of his wife’s womb; and indeed, his world has changed for ever: sleepless nights, no more time for selfish exploits, some tears here and there- but a joy he never imagined one could ever experience. All because of a little helpless bundle of flesh, newly born, crumpled and pink, and the most beautiful child the world (or at least he) has seen to date.
Another friend of mine, a woman
this time, is expecting a baby in a month or so. It is number one, so even less certainty when it will arrive. About four weeks ago she packed her bag: all the bits and bobs you need when your water breaks and your stressed-out husband takes you to the maternity ward. So now she is ready, and all she can do is wait; wait for the inevitable, for junior is going to come out. But nobody knows when exactly, and when he comes, you better be ready.
Both of these stories lend themselves to a seasonal analogy: we are in the middle of a season which Christians traditionally call “Advent”, meaning “coming”. Contrary to popular opinion it is not the coming of Christ as a man that believers think about- that happens at Christmas. Rather this season focuses on the second coming at the end of time. The Bible is very clear that this world as we know it is going to end: for each of us when we die, but for the whole world when God decides to wrap up history. The Holy Book also says that both of these endings will surprise many, because they will come suddenly: our own death, and the end of the world, are certain, but we don’t know when they will happen. Consequently we are enjoined to prepare, and this is what Advent is all about.
In the words of our analogy from above: we are meant to pack our bags. We all know that we cannot take anything with us when we die, so it is not a matter of getting things ready in that way; rather it means being prepared and having our affairs in order: no lose ends, no regrets, to relationships which still need mending – simply ready to go when the moment comes, and come it will, but we don’t know when. And for those who are prepared this moment holds no fear; rather it is a moment to look forward to, like to the arrival of junior. It will be different from what we can imagine, but it will be good.
So are you ready for the end of your world as you know it? If not, now is a good time to do some packing.
Another friend of mine, a woman
this time, is expecting a baby in a month or so. It is number one, so even less certainty when it will arrive. About four weeks ago she packed her bag: all the bits and bobs you need when your water breaks and your stressed-out husband takes you to the maternity ward. So now she is ready, and all she can do is wait; wait for the inevitable, for junior is going to come out. But nobody knows when exactly, and when he comes, you better be ready.Both of these stories lend themselves to a seasonal analogy: we are in the middle of a season which Christians traditionally call “Advent”, meaning “coming”. Contrary to popular opinion it is not the coming of Christ as a man that believers think about- that happens at Christmas. Rather this season focuses on the second coming at the end of time. The Bible is very clear that this world as we know it is going to end: for each of us when we die, but for the whole world when God decides to wrap up history. The Holy Book also says that both of these endings will surprise many, because they will come suddenly: our own death, and the end of the world, are certain, but we don’t know when they will happen. Consequently we are enjoined to prepare, and this is what Advent is all about.
In the words of our analogy from above: we are meant to pack our bags. We all know that we cannot take anything with us when we die, so it is not a matter of getting things ready in that way; rather it means being prepared and having our affairs in order: no lose ends, no regrets, to relationships which still need mending – simply ready to go when the moment comes, and come it will, but we don’t know when. And for those who are prepared this moment holds no fear; rather it is a moment to look forward to, like to the arrival of junior. It will be different from what we can imagine, but it will be good.
So are you ready for the end of your world as you know it? If not, now is a good time to do some packing.
