The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the ass and the colt, and put their garments on them, and he sat thereon. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, "Who is this?" And the crowds said, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee." Matthew 21:6–11 (RSV)
Some folk rush to the last pages of a novel so they might know how the story turns out. However you might feel about such behavior, this is what the lectionary editors have done with the daily devotional.
At the beginning of Advent, they have jumped to the end of Jesus' story. Instead of allowing us to read the early chapters of Matthew and Luke, our eyes are turned to the beginning of Holy Week.
The more I ponder this, the more I see how correct is the choice. Unless we keep fixed in our hearts and minds the purpose of Jesus' coming, we all too easily get lost in the secular Christmas our culture finds so appealing.
As we look at the decorations, lights, concerts, Christmas cards, and gatherings, we see little to nothing of the Cross. We would keep Jesus in the manger, safe and sound, so the purpose of His coming will not challenge us.
The Holy Spirit will not let us forget that Jesus' birth is without meaning unless the Cross is laid on Him, death snatches at His life, and the tomb is empty on the third day. The world's celebration of Jesus' birth will end on December 26th. Still, we know that He who has come as the helpless Child of Bethlehem will be our Risen Lord and Savior.