Sermon Dec 2, 2018 - Luke 21:25-36 The First Sunday of Advent "Hope"

This past Sunday, December 2nd, was the 'First Sunday of Advent'; which for those of us here at Woodlawn meant it was the Sunday on which we light the candle of 'Hope'.  In the sermon, I looked back at the previous three sermons I've given here at Woodlawn on the occasion of the 'First Sunday of Advent' and the lighting of the 'Hope Candle'.  This year I again told a story from my days back home on the Ranch in South Dakota.  It was again a story of going from a sense of hopelessness to a sense of hope... this is the condition that we experience when we become believers and followers of Christ.  Where there was once no hope, there is now firm knowledge... faith... in the love and grace of our God.

One of the things that we need to remember about the 'Advent' season is that it is a tool, just as the Bible... and so many of the other trappings of our worship service are... tools to direct us to and in our worship and relationship with God.  Some Christian denominations (and non-denominational churches as well) eschew the whole 'Advent' concept out of the contention that it is not in the Bible.  Well, that ignores the fact that it is simply a tool to prepare us for the coming of Christmas and beyond that the Second Coming of Christ.  To contend with Advent simply because it isn't in Scripture would also mean that 90% (or more) of our worship practices should also be scrapped... for they're not in the Bible either.

Advent is a tool, think of it that way, use it that way... utilize this season to help you draw near (and dear) to the coming of Christ.

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Hope & Grace!
Roy

Luke 21:25-36 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Coming of the Son of Man
25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree
29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Exhortation to Watch

34 “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”