Tree of Hope

Figs and fig trees are mentioned in Genesis, Deuteronomy, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Jeremiah, Micah, Joel, Matthew Mark, and Luke. Possibly more.

In today’s text from the gospel of Luke we also see Jesus tell us that the fig tree is also a way to tell the seasons of the year because when a fig trees leaves begin to show up again it apparently mean that it was summertime.

As we look around Kingman we can also see that the seasons are changing right now. I was talking to Aubreigh as we were getting into the car the other day at church and she noticed that the leaves on the trees in the church parking lot were changing colors and falling off. I noticed Friday that our big tree in the backyard has lots some of its leaves after the rain that we had on Thursday. Trees are a great way to know that the seasons are changing and that we need to start preparing for a new one. Trees don’t typically lose their leaves unless it has been cold for a while and they realize that the weather has turned.

So as the weather changes so does our wardrobes. We pull out our coats and we start adding wood to our fireplaces to keep warm. I’ve seen a lot more gloves lately as people come into church, trying to keep their hands warm. People start making more soup and bread during the wintertime to have those meals that really warm you up inside. There are all kinds of little and big habits that happen as the weather and seasons change around us. For some people that means moving to warmer weather from colder weather climates. For others it might mean an extra sheet on the bed at night. Maybe it means a nice hot cup of tea while you are reading a book or watching a movie in the evenings. Whatever it is that we do, we change our habits and our lifestyle based on the season that we are in. And right now we are gearing up for colder weather and longer nights.

Jesus does a similar thing in today’s reading. Jesus is trying to prepare the disciples for when the Son of Man will come. He shares with them all the signs that will happen on the earth so that they will know when he comes. This time when we hear Jesus tell them to be prepared he tells them that their redemption is drawing near. In this story of Jesus coming again it doesn’t sound so much a tale of woe as it does that we should be excited in our time of preparation and waiting.

Then Jesus follows the tale of preparation by telling them the parable of the fig tree and how as we talked about earlier a fig tree is a sign of seasons to come, so too then there will be signs to prepare for the kingdom of God and its coming.

We also hear in the Old Testament reading a story about a tree. From that tree there will be a righteous Branch that will come from the line of David and he will execute justice and righteousness. Jeremiah talks about not just justice and righteousness but that people will live in safety and that we should all prepare and be ready for the day when that person comes.

In both our texts today we hear the Bible tell us about trees. We have the fig tree and we have the righteous branch. In the beginning of my sermon I told you some interesting facts about fig trees in particular and the first one about abundance, fertility and sweetness is one that I found interesting and appropriate. As we prepare for this tree to come we know that it will provide abundance and sweetness. We receive and abundance of gifts from this tree and because of that we can taste the sweetness of its fruit. As we think about this tree that is springing forth we prepare for the day that its leaves will sprout and when it will provide its fruit for us. As I thought about these images and the fact that it is the first Sunday in Advent I began to imagine this tree as the tree of hope.

In Advent we are in a new church year and much like a regular calendar year it is full of hope and expectation for what is to come. Our texts today invite us to prepare with joy and expectation what it to come. Not only are we preparing for the child that is to be born on Christmas, but we are also putting our hope in that same baby boy that he will come again and rescue all people and that he will execute justice in all the land. This is the tree that we are waiting for and the tree that we get to see grow each week as we come expectantly each week during the season of Advent.

How is it that you are preparing for the coming Messiah? What kinds of things are you doing to make ready the way for this baby boy? I have seen around town, and I’m sure that you have as well, lots of houses have already put up their Christmas lights and all kinds of decorations around their yard to prepare for Christmas. This weekend in my own house we brought all the boxes in from the garage and we decorated our Christmas tree with ornaments and put out decorations around the house. Today and tomorrow are the days that the outside decorations and lights go up for us. You can see right here in our worship space that that we have transformed this place into a place that is waiting expectantly for this baby.

You can see right here in our worship space that that we have transformed this place into a place that is waiting expectantly for this baby.

Decorations are great, lights are beautiful, and trees up in our house are relaxing to look at and help us to prepare in a way, but how is it that we truly prepare? For it is not a tree in our house that we are waiting expectantly for, but for that righteous branch, for the budding of the fig tree, for the tree of hope to appear in this world, in our lives, and in our hearts. In a world that is filled with turmoil. In a world where we more easily criticize than we do praise and lift up. In a world where it can be difficult to find joy and hope, we need that tree in our lives and we need to prepare for it.

As we all find ways in our lives to prepare for the coming of the tree of hope, for this righteous branch to once again spring up in this world and in our lives, know that it is already prepared a place for you. There is a spot for you under the mighty branches of this tree. This tree will provide shade for you in the summertime and it will protect you from the rain in the wintertime. Know that no matter what happens in this life that the tree is and has always been here to provide you with all the blessing and gifts it can provide and it is waiting expectantly for you too.