Here’s an exegetical commentary on each Year B Advent reading, along with suggested sermon titles.
First Sunday of Advent: Mark 13:24-37
Sermon Title: “A New Creation Dawning”
Historical Context: Within Mark 13, Jesus prophesies the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. Considering that Mark was likely written around or after the Roman destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, this chapter can be seen as an apocalyptic reflection on a cataclysmic event that had already taken place.
Literary Form: The language is apocalyptic, using cosmic images to describe transformative events on earth.
Theological Themes:
- Apocalyptic Hope: Though apocalyptic language often involves upheaval and judgment, it promises a renewed world.
- Alert Living: The exhortation to “keep awake” can be understood spiritually, encouraging an attentive and purposeful life.
- God’s Unpredictable Timing: The uncertainty about “that day or hour” underscores the need for readiness.
Second Sunday of Advent: Mark 1:1-8
Sermon Title: “Beginnings in Barren Places”
Historical Context: Mark’s beginning is abrupt, bypassing Jesus’ birth and early life, focusing instead on his adult ministry’s initiation. It emphasizes the transformative message of John the Baptist and the connection to Israel’s prophetic tradition.
Literary Form: A pronouncement story with Old Testament backdrop from Isaiah.
Theological Themes:
- New Beginnings: John the Baptist’s appearance signifies a new spiritual epoch.
- Repentance and Transformation: John’s call to repentance is an invitation to internal and societal transformation.
- Prophetic Echoes: The use of Isaiah connects Jesus’ story to Israel’s larger narrative, rooting the new in ancient promises.
Third Sunday of Advent: John 1:6-8, 19-28
Sermon Title: “Witnessing the World’s True Light”
Historical Context: The Gospel of John, likely written later than the Synoptics, offers a high Christology from its outset, describing Jesus as the pre-existent Word made flesh.
Literary Form: A blend of narrative and poetic theology, with a particular emphasis on themes of light and testimony.
Theological Themes:
- The Word and the Witness: John distinguishes between the Word (Jesus) and the witness (John the Baptist).
- Identifying Christ: The religious leaders’ queries about John’s identity underscore the central Johannine theme: recognizing and bearing witness to Jesus.
- Living as Testimony: John’s life and message challenge believers to live as testimonies to the Light.
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Luke 1:26-38
Sermon Title: “Embracing Heaven’s Unexpected”
Historical Context: Luke’s Gospel, with its emphasis on marginalized groups including women, provides a detailed account of Jesus’ birth, situating him within the larger narrative of Israel’s history.
Literary Form: An annunciation narrative. This form, where a divine message is delivered, often involves an initial fear, a divine reassurance, a message, and a sign.
Theological Themes:
- Divine Interruptions: God’s unexpected announcements, often disrupting human plans.
- Mary’s Model of Discipleship: Her response, “Let it be,” embodies faithfulness and surrender.
- Jesus as Fulfillment: The description of Jesus’ future reign connects to Jewish expectations of a Davidic Messiah, yet challenges those expectations.
GPTs-and-Me 