Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ

by Fleming Rutledge

“ ‘Theology begins . . . with the opening of the scriptures by the risen Lord.’ The messianic ‘time of legibility’ of the scriptures is inaugurated wherever the risen and reigning Messiah is present and active, himself interpreting the scriptures ‘where two or three are gathered [together].’ When the scriptures are heard and preached in the congregation, and the same Holy Spirit who was sent from heaven upon the apostles comes again upon the church, we are enabled also, through the stories, patterns, and types of scripture, to read our present time.”

I’ve always wanted to design an Advent calendar. You would open up one of those cute little windows and there would be John the Baptist glaring at you, saying, “You brood of vipers!”