Advent Cendles courtesy photobucket.com |
Taking notes and gleaning from
Pastor Jerry’s sermon on the first Sunday of Advent.
Pastor was reading from Luke
21:25-36. These words of Jesus were both
a warning and a challenge to be ready.
To be alert – to be awake!
The first candle was lit today, the candle of HOPE. We have this blessed hope that Jesus will come for us someday. We do not know the day or the hour. For some He will come sooner than for others.
The first candle was lit today, the candle of HOPE. We have this blessed hope that Jesus will come for us someday. We do not know the day or the hour. For some He will come sooner than for others.
Advent is a time of
preparation. We are reminded to prepare
our hearts for the joy of the first advent when Jesus was born. May we invite Jesus to be born in our heart
if we have not already done so.
Yes enjoy Christmas and all that
it is, but may we also prepare for the Second Advent, the return of Jesus.
Pastor asked us to look beyond
the trappings of the season and to focus and rediscover the importance of being
prepared for the next advent which is the return of Christ.
It is not cause to be afraid, or
to use scare tactics, but rather to understand it is time to prepare our hearts.
The theme of Advent is to keep awake.
Jesus told us “Behold, I am
coming soon,” and to notice the fig tree when it sprouts. We know that it will soon bloom and unseen things
are already taking place.
Many are in fear and faint because
their lives are not right with God.
Advent is a time of preparation and getting ready for both advents.
If life is good and all is going
well, we may not be too concerned, but if on the other hand, there are problems
with health, finances, work, relationships; then the words of Jesus may strike
a different cord.
Enjoy Christmas as you will, but
realize that Christmas is not always a happy time for some. Many have suffered terrible tragedies,
disappointments, and loss of loved ones in death who will not be here to
celebrate with us this Christmas.
Know this that the sun will rise
in the morning, and the SON of God is coming.
May we enjoy Advent and enjoy
Christmas, and may we encourage one another to be vigilant and to live with
advent daily?
1 comment:
I'm encouraged. I'll pass it on. Thanks, Hazel.
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