Colossians 1:27 (CEV)
God did this because he wanted you Gentiles to understand his wonderful and glorious mystery. And the mystery is that Christ lives in you, and he is your hope of sharing in God’s glory.
“God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, may our life of faith be pleasing to you as we prepare for the coming of your Son from heaven.” (Anticipate – An Advent Experience, Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, pg. 27.)
Father, we praise you for the hope you have given us in Jesus. Help us to trust in that hope and be content. Amen
“God of mercy turn the evil inclinations of the human heart toward your justice and love that we may know the freedom to love you as we are loved. Amen.” (Anticipate – An Advent Experience, Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, pg. 24.)
Hope means expectancy when things are otherwise hopeless. (G. K. Chesterton)
God gives us hope. His purpose for us is beyond our understanding. Let’s rejoice in that hope. (inspired by G. K. Chesterton’s quote)
“Father, come to us in this time and care for our broken hearts. Forgive us of the brokenness that we spread and allow us to mend the brokenness in the world as we prepare to receive your Son again. Amen.” (Anticipate – An Advent Experience, Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, pg. 21.)
1 Peter 1:13 (NLT)
So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.
Today’s Passage: Luke 21:25-36
Opening Prayer:
Father God we are often looking for signs about what the future might hold for us. Will the weather be good? Are there any dangers around the next corner in the road? How is it that we can be so oblivious to the signs of your Son’s predicted return? May we learn from this passage, and this message, that your Son is near and that it is time to prepare for His arrival. May the Spirit guide us to make any necessary final preparations. Reassure us, Heavenly Father, that we will be ready when the time comes. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Opening Song: Casting Crowns – Already There (Official Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtg9axTtNLg
Message – Good News or Bad News… You Make the Call [used with permission from A Sermon for Every Sunday]: Will Willimon has long been recognized as one of America’s most prolific preachers, speakers, and authors. On this first Sunday of Advent, Willimon preaches from Luke 21: 25-36. In this passage, we find Jesus in what Willimon describes as “an apocalyptic mood,” talking about the destruction of the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. In Greek, the word apocalypse simply means an “unveiling,” or a “revealing,” and what Jesus reveals in this week’s text is the precariousness of the present. “God is going to end everybody here and everything here,” Willimon says. Is this good news (gospel) or bad news? Listen and decide for yourself.
Closing Song: Jasmine Murray – Fearless (Official Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqtf71mILwY
Closing Prayer:
Father God, may we not be crippled by fear or the unknown. But, where do you stand? May who we are, if we are in Christ, not be hidden from view. May we realize what is truly at stake as we testify to others about who you are and what it means to have a relationship with you. May we lay down those things, at the foot of the cross, that bind us and prevent us from living out your plan and purpose for our lives. In the precious name of Your son, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
“God of creation May you lead us in the way of Jesus to care for your creation and bless others in your name as witness of your Advent.” (Anticipate – An Advent Experience, Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, pg. 18.)
Father, we pray you will show us a path of hope in days of distress. Help us to remember that you are our hope and that abiding in you will lead us to the peace we seek. Amen
Faithfully Yours Forever 