Every time I hear these “the end is near” sorts of warnings, I think of all the folks who have promised the end of the world.

Possible. But unlikely

But the coming of Jesus was definitely the end of the world as it was known then. We’re still trying to figure out what that means. What is the kingdom of God? What is our place in it? How does this news relate to my life?

But God is still calling us by name—not to stand on street corners and harangue folks, but to do the daily work of the reign of God. And sometimes that means boring details—like filing the music from Christmas.

Full disclosure here: I have actually had the embarrassing experience of starting to set up the singers’ folders for Christmas—and realizing I hadn’t filed the music from last Christmas! I won’t let that happen again. It’s understandable—I mean, we don’t really use that music any other time of year—but it’s the principle that’s important: staying abreast of what’s needed from us, so that those who depend on us can relax.

It’s like the fishermen of any age, keeping their nets mended (or they won’t catch as many fish) but ready to leave them behind, mended and neatly stowed, when the Lord calls.

Um, I think I need to go clean my house now.