Linda Downing

We are on a Second Advent Alert

Side by Side
Published: November 27, 2009

Millions, including the minions fawning over the popular, blood-sucking Dracula, may lift their "Cross-equivalent," perhaps one of the vampire's long, sharp teeth, against the politically incorrect, "right wing" thoughts bared here.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving will find many continuing the frenetic shopping of Black Friday, others worn out and traveling back home, and some settled into just another weekend day to do what they please or nothing at all.

A few know it as the beginning of Advent, a period including four Sundays to contemplate one's spiritual health before celebrating Jesus Christ's birth. And that "radical" element hinted at in the first paragraph? They live in preparation for His return, His Second Advent.

News flash: Labels deceive. Not all defined as "evangelical," "professing Christian," or "right wing" are on "Advent Alert." Only one Noah built the ark.

News flash: It wasn't evangelical Christians who flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on 9/11. Advent Alert shouts expectancy, not dread. Despite signs to the contrary, the world will go to the Bible's Creator God, not the devil.

News flash: "See, I have told you ahead of time," Jesus' words in Matthew 24:25 (NIV). Read the whole chapter for real, cutting-edge, news lightning bolts.

The world, including America, is a minefield; and, it's hard to predict whose step will set off the next explosion. Bombs labeled "Healthcare Warnings" detonate daily.

Above groans of the needy, the voices of babies ripped from mothers' wombs cry from the ground like Abel's blood (Genesis 4:10). Columnist Ruth Marcus, Washington Post Writers Group, recently wrote: "To be clear about where I am: firmly pro-choice." Well, dear Ruth, we are at an impasse, not born out of stubbornness, but out of biblical conviction that this one sin may be the ruin of America.

The bomb called "Intolerance" is hard to avoid since as many are buried as there are opinions.
When Rep. Davis, D-AL, voted against the healthcare plan as it is, Jesse Jackson angrily proclaimed: "You can't vote against healthcare and call yourself a black man."

Davis is black, but Jackson expects that to translate as "do what I dictate." And, there's Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who seemingly expects Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin and the Catholic Church to change its beliefs to match his, high presumption even for the arrogant.

If Kennedy will go alone into true "communion," he might hear the voice of the One whose body and blood fills the bread and wine.

Other bombs? They are "Legion," the name the demon, exposed by Jesus, spoke (Mark 5:9), too many to identify: increase in cruelty toward children and animals; continuation and even admiration of oppressive governments; idolatry.

One calls itself a foul, four-letter word, "Debt," some $12 trillion and climbing. One tries to disguise itself as cooperation and tolerance but, in reality, bears the name: "Annihilate Israel."

The true call of this month before Christmas, this Advent? Repentance, simply defined as turning from our way to God's. We are on Second Advent Alert.

Finding truth requires the right starting point. That is the quest of this column. If you are a seeker of simple truth, we can find it together - side-by-side.

Linda M. Downing is a freelance writer. Contact her at lindadowning.com.