Saturday prior to Advent 1

[1]

Luke 19:28-40—These verses inspired the hymn, The Advent of Our King (LSB 331).  We come to the beginning of a new church year. The harvest is complete. Thanksgiving festivities have come to a close. We now prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth. We anticipate Christ’s sure and certain return in glory. This year will it be a miserable or a merry Christmas? If you are prepared to meet Christ when He comes in the clouds of heaven you will be in the right frame of mind in celebration of His first Advent. Circumstances may change. Our perception to them is what is important.

 

1 The advent of our King                                  4 In glory from his throne                  
Our thoughts must now employ;                                Again will Christ descend,
Then let us meet him on the road                              And summon all who are his own
With songs of holy joy.                                               To joys that never end.

 

2 The co-eternal Son                                                   5 Let deeds of darkness fly
A maiden's offspring see;                                           Before the approaching morn,
A servant's form Christ putteth on,                            For unto sin ‘tis ours to die
To set his people free.                                                And serve the Virgin-born.

 

3 Daughter of Sion rise                                               6 Our joyful praises sing
To greet thine infant King;                                          To Christ, who sets us free;
Nor let thy stubborn heart despise                            Like tribute to the Father bring,
The pardon he doth bring.                                          And Holy Ghost, to thee.

God our Father, you loved the world so much you gave your only Son to free us from the ancient power of sin and death. Help us who wait for his coming, and lead us to true liberty. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. [2]

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Prayer for Saturday of the week of Advent 1 For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Friday prior to Advent 1

[1]

Luke 21:25-36 – Watch and pray as preparation for the sudden return of Christ.

Jesus speaks concerning conditions of the world prior to His return. Of this we can be certain, the end will come. Will it be this generation? Consider verse 36. The signs of the end are clearly given in verses 25-26. Know the signs!  Thus in this Advent season we prepare for the end and for the celebration of Christ’s return. How might we do this? Consider verses 34-36.

What you should know concerning Christ’s Return

1.      The world will be destroyed – Vv. 25-28, 33

2.      The end will involve everyone – V. 35

3.      The end will come suddenly – V. 34

4.      Moral and spiritual preparation is needed – Vv. 34-35 [2]

 

Collect for Advent 1 – Stir up Your power, O Lord and come, that by Your protection we may be rescued  from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mighty deliverance; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

A prayer of supplication – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because You desire not the death of a sinner but rather that he should turn from his evil way and live, graciously turn away from us the punishments which we by our sins have deserved and which have been borne for us by our Lord Jesus Christ, and grant us ever to serve You in holiness and pureness of living; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. [3]

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C, John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

[3] Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House

 

 

Thursday prior to Advent 1

[1]

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13—under the theme “The Return of Christ” Paul urges us to prepare for Christ’s return by being blameless in holiness.

Be blameless in holiness at the return of Jesus Christ. When Christ comes, we are to be pleasing to Christ. Paul explains what these requirements are. Who can meet them? Is it possible to meet these demands? Love – not only Christians but all people (verse 12).  Be blameless in holiness – not only before men but before God (verse 13).  How is such perfection obtained? It is found in the holy one of God.

Fit for the Master’s Return – Vv.12, 13

1.      Christ is coming again. Paul announces his coming as fact. V. 13

2.      Conditions in which Christians need to be. Vv.12, 13

When Christ returns we are to be pleasing to Christ. Paul explains what these requirements are. Who can meet them? Is it possible to meet these demands?

A.      Love for all. Not only Christians but all people. –V.12

B.      Blameless in holiness – not only before men but before God. –V.13[2]

Today is Thanksgiving, the quintessential American holiday. It is a time for us to take inventory of our life and to return thanks to God. It’s a time for us to be appreciative for everything we have.

Jesus entered this world to live a perfect life for you. He bore your sin as His own all the way to the blessed cross to die in your place and then victoriously rise from the dead on the third day to give you His life. His resurrection brings hope of an eternal future for those who trust in Him.

Because of His work you are free – to help and serve your neighbor in love. We have a glorious future with the Savior!  “He who did not spare His Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him graciously give us all things.” -Romans 8:32 [2]

 

Almighty God, most merciful Father, who openest  Thine hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing, we give Thee most humble and hearty thanks that Thou hast crowned the fields with Thy blessing and has permitted us once more to gather in the fruits of the earth; we beseech Thee to bless and protect the living seed of Thy Word sown in our hearts that in the plenteous fruits of righteousness, we may always present to Thee an acceptable thank offering through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

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[1] Thanksgiving image copyright © Google images

[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C, John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

 

Wednesday prior to Advent 1

[1]

Jeremiah 33:14-16– Sunday’s Theme is “The Return of Christ.” Under that theme our Old Testament lesson reminds us that God will send a Messiah to execute justice and righteousness on the earth.

God’s promise to send a Branch from David will be fulfilled. In verse 14, God promises to fulfill a promise. Was not the promise fulfilled in Christ? Is there still a promise to be fulfilled? Has the promise been fulfilled in you? Let’s look at the one who is coming. Who is He? He is the Son of David - royalty (verse 15).  He is work in justice and righteousness (verse 15b). The result of His coming is salvation (verse 16).

Who is this coming one?

1.      He is the royal son of David. V.15

2.      His work is that of justice and righteousness V.15b

3.      The result of His coming – salvation. V.16 [2]

Lord our God, grant that we may be ready to receive Christ when he comes in glory and to share in the banquet of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever  and ever. [3]  

A prayer for Christ’s return – O Lord, absolve Your people from their offenses that from the bonds of our sins, which by reason of our weakness we have brought upon us, we may be delivered by Your bountiful goodness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.  [4]

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series C, John Brokhoff © 1979 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

[3] Collect for Wednesday of the week of Advent 1, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

[4] Collect for Christ’s Return, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Tuesday prior to Advent 1

[1]

Psalm25:1-10; key verse, verse 6— Remember, O Lord, Your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. The Advent season is a time spent in reflection. We remember the Savior’s prophecies and we see how He fulfilled them. We remember His promises to restore and forgive us and we see how He worked everything out according to the Father’s plan. As we prepare for the beginning of the Advent season, spend some time thinking of the many gifts and blessings the Savior has given you. How ought we respond with thankful and grateful hearts? How can thanksgiving be translated into thanks living?

A plea for help from the humble and reverent

Like several other psalms, Psalm 25 is an acrostic, or nearly so; there are a few irregularities in the acrostic pattern. James Montgomery Boice suggested three reasons why there are nine acrostic psalms (9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, and 145).

First, the acrostic pattern is a literary device used to add beauty and form to the psalm. Second, it gives the sense that the subject is being covered completely, as if from A to Z. Third, the acrostic pattern may be a device used to encourage learning and memorization.

This psalm is merely titled A Psalm of David. We do not know the precise time period it came from; David was so often in trouble that it could have been from several different points. It is a wonderful display of the heart of a well-taught believer in a season of crisis.

Troubled by enemies David lifts up his soul casting his trust upon the LORD.[2]

Collect for Psalm 25: Lord God, you show us your ways of compassion and love and you spare sinners. Remember not our sins; relieve our misery; satisfy the longing of your people; and fulfill all our hopes for eternal peace through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. [3]

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-25/

[3] Collect for Psalm 25, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Monday prior to Advent 1

[1]

Psalm 89:6, 14-16, 18, Antiphon, Zechariah 9:9b – Behold your King is coming to you; righteous and having salvation. These words were fulfilled by Jesus when He entered Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday. They hailed Him then but later rejected Him. How would Jesus fare if He were to enter our city today?  Christ is always coming to us whether we recognize Him or not. In which ways does He come to us? Hint: It all starts with the word “W” – Word, Wafer, Wine, and Water. Prepare for Him now while there is still time. There will come a time when time shall be no more.

While many may seem rushed during this particular time of the year, we will celebrated Thanksgiving this week spend some time with your Lord in devotion and prayer. Consider the many blessings He has given you as we begin to prepare for His coming as the promised Savior and Redeemer of the world.

The title of this psalm is A Contemplation of Ethan the Ezrahite. There are several men named Ethan in the Hebrew Scriptures, but this man is mentioned specifically in 1 Kings 4:31 as someone who was famous for his wisdom – yet surpassed by Solomon’s greater wisdom. This means he was likely a contemporary of Solomon and was also alive during the reign of David.

“Ethan is probably identical with Jeduthun, who founded one of the three choirs (cf. 1 Chronicles 15:19; 2 Chronicles 5:12). Ethan shared with Heman a reputation for wisdom.” (Derek Kidner)

They enjoy the favor and fellowship of God’s face: They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.

· They rejoice all day long in the name – the character and nature – of the incomparable God.

· They find their strength in God, especially in His favor: You are the glory of their strength.

· They enjoy God’s protection: Our shield belongs to the LORD.[2]

The theme for the first Sunday of the Church year, Advent 1, falls under the theme, “The return of Christ.”  In the Old Testament lesson (Jeremiah 33:14-16) we learn that God will send a Messiah to execute justice and righteousness on the earth. In the Epistle, (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13) St. Paul reminds us to prepare for Christ’s return by being blameless in holiness. In the Gospel lesson, (Luke 21:25-36) we are told to watch and pray as preparation for the sudden return of Christ.

Collect for Psalm 89: Mighty God, in fulfillment of the promise made to David’s family you established a lasting covenant through your firstborn Son. You anointed your servant Jesus with holy oil and raise him higher than all kings on earth. Remember your covenant, so that we who are signed with the blood of your Son may sin of your mercies forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. [3]

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-89/

[3] Collect for Psalm 89, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Advent 1– Series C study notes

 

Advent 1– Series C 

Jeremiah 33:14–16

1 Thessalonians 3:9–13

Luke 19:28–40 or Luke 21:25–36

The Lord Jesus Comes in Humility to Redeem Us

Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come, that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mighty deliverance; for You lice and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

The Season of Advent focuses on the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and this first Sunday establishes this theme for the rest of the season. The Son of God came long ago to be our Savior, “a righteous Branch,” descended from David (Jeremiah 33:15). As He then came into Jerusalem, riding on a lowly donkey to sacrifice Himself for the sins of the world (Luke 19:28-40), so does He come to His Church today in the humility of Word and Sacrament to deliver the fruits of His Passion: the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. He absolves us and establishes our hearts, “blameless in holiness before our God and Father” (1 Thessalonians 3:13). The same Lord Jesus, who came to Jerusalem then, and who comes to us now in peace, will come again with power and great glory on the Last Day. Then there will be “distress of nations in perplexity,” with “people fainting in fear.” Yet, as we anticipate that great and terrible day, He bids us to rest securely in Him: “Raise up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:25, 26, 28).

Read Luther's sermon on the Three Wise Men for context -

Luke 19:28-40

Luke 19:28 –

Καὶ εἰπὼν ταῦτα ἐπορεύετο ἔμπροσθεν ἀναβαίνων εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα.

And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

Jesus went up, on ahead, up to be glorified, not as the world, but by the cross. He leads the way...

Luke 19:29-

Καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἤγγισεν εἰς Βηθφαγὴ καὶ Βηθανίαν πρὸς τὸ ὄρος τὸ καλούμενον Ἐλαιῶν, ἀπέστειλεν δύο τῶν [a]μαθητῶν 

When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 

went to Mt of Olives...Gethsemane is connected to the Mt. Olives...where David was betrayed...where the Kindred brook was located. 

Luke 19:30-

λέγων· Ὑπάγετε εἰς τὴν κατέναντι κώμην, ἐν ᾗ εἰσπορευόμενοι εὑρήσετε πῶλον δεδεμένον, ἐφ’ ὃν οὐδεὶς πώποτε ἀνθρώπων ἐκάθισεν, [c]καὶ λύσαντες αὐτὸν ἀγάγετε.

go into the village opposite in which upon entering you will find a colt tied upon which no one ever has sat. Untie it and bring it here.

(See - 1 Kings 1:33, 34, 38). Jesus is riding in a King which has been redeemed (See Exodus 13:15) See Genesis 49 donkey and vine.

Luke 19:31-

καὶ ἐάν τις ὑμᾶς ἐρωτᾷ· Διὰ τί λύετε; οὕτως [d]ἐρεῖτε ὅτι Ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ χρείαν ἔχει.

if someone were to ask you, for what reason do you untie it, say, "The Master has need of it..."

Luke 19:32-

ἀπελθόντες δὲ οἱ ἀπεσταλμένοι εὗρον καθὼς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς. 

those going out found it just as he had said.

Luke 19:33-

λυόντων δὲ αὐτῶν τὸν πῶλον εἶπαν οἱ κύριοι αὐτοῦ πρὸς αὐτούς· Τί λύετε τὸν πῶλον;

And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 

while they were untying him, the owner said, why are you untiring the donkey?

Luke 19:34-

οἱ δὲ εἶπαν [e]ὅτι Ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ χρείαν ἔχει.

And they said, “The Lord has need of it.”  

Luke 19:35-

καὶ ἤγαγον αὐτὸν πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ ἐπιρίψαντες [f]αὐτῶν τὰ ἱμάτια ἐπὶ τὸν πῶλον ἐπεβίβασαν τὸν Ἰησοῦν·

And they brought it to Jesus and put their clothing on the donkey, the seated Jesus on the donkey. 

How does this happen? Review Jesus' state of humiliation. Also see his acts of obedience.  Jesus is in control of everything. The goal is Jerusalem. The baby in the manger has come to die.

Luke 19:36-

πορευομένου δὲ αὐτοῦ ὑπεστρώννυον τὰ ἱμάτια [g]ἑαυτῶν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ. 

And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road.

A sign of power is to be seated. They are enthroning their king. They know...but they don't know...

Luke 19:37-

ἐγγίζοντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἤδη πρὸς τῇ καταβάσει τοῦ Ὄρους τῶν Ἐλαιῶν ἤρξαντο ἅπαν τὸ πλῆθος τῶν μαθητῶν χαίροντες αἰνεῖν τὸν θεὸν φωνῇ μεγάλῃ περὶ [h]πασῶν ὧν εἶδον δυνάμεων, 

As he comes near the place, (the way), as the road goes down the Mt. Of Olives, the disciples shout for the miracles Jesus had performed. 

Identifying the greatness of the one coming. A new connection?

Luke19:38-

38 λέγοντες· Εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος [i]βασιλεὺς ἐν ὀνόματι κυρίου· [j]ἐν οὐρανῷ εἰρήνη καὶ δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις. 

saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 

Luke 19:39-

39 καί τινες τῶν Φαρισαίων ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου εἶπαν πρὸς αὐτόν· Διδάσκαλε, ἐπιτίμησον τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου.

And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”

Luke 19:40

40 καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς [k]εἶπεν· Λέγω ὑμῖν, [l]ὅτι ἐὰν οὗτοι [m]σιωπήσουσιν, οἱ λίθοι [n]κράξουσιν.

He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Luke 21:25-36

The Coming of the Son of Man

Luke 21:25

Καὶ [a]ἔσονται σημεῖα ἐν ἡλίῳ καὶ σελήνῃ καὶ ἄστροις, καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς συνοχὴ ἐθνῶν ἐν ἀπορίᾳ [b]ἤχους θαλάσσης καὶ σάλου,

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 

Luke 21:26

ἀποψυχόντων ἀνθρώπων ἀπὸ φόβου καὶ προσδοκίας τῶν ἐπερχομένων τῇ οἰκουμένῃ, αἱ γὰρ δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν σαλευθήσονται.

people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Luke 21:27

καὶ τότε ὄψονται τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐρχόμενον ἐν νεφέλῃ μετὰ δυνάμεως καὶ δόξης πολλῆς.

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 

Luke 21:28

ἀρχομένων δὲ τούτων γίνεσθαι ἀνακύψατε καὶ ἐπάρατε τὰς κεφαλὰς ὑμῶν, διότι ἐγγίζει ἡ ἀπολύτρωσις ὑμῶν.

Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

Luke 21:29

Καὶ εἶπεν παραβολὴν αὐτοῖς· Ἴδετε τὴν συκῆν καὶ πάντα τὰ δένδρα·

And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 

Luke 21:30

ὅταν προβάλωσιν ἤδη, βλέποντες ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν γινώσκετε ὅτι ἤδη ἐγγὺς τὸ θέρος ἐστίν·

As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near.

Luke 21:31

οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς, ὅταν ἴδητε ταῦτα γινόμενα, γινώσκετε ὅτι ἐγγύς ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ.

So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

Luke 21:32

ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη ἕως ἂν πάντα γένηται.

Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.

Luke 21:33

ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ [c]παρελεύσονται, οἱ δὲ λόγοι μου οὐ μὴ παρελεύσονται.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Watch Yourselves

Luke 21:34

Προσέχετε δὲ ἑαυτοῖς μήποτε βαρηθῶσιν [d]ὑμῶν αἱ καρδίαι ἐν κραιπάλῃ καὶ μέθῃ καὶ μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς, καὶ [e]ἐπιστῇ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς αἰφνίδιος ἡ ἡμέρα ἐκείνη 

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.

Luke 21:35

ὡς παγίς· [f]ἐπεισελεύσεται γὰρ ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς καθημένους ἐπὶ πρόσωπον πάσης τῆς γῆς.

For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Luke 21:36

ἀγρυπνεῖτε [g]δὲ ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ δεόμενοι ἵνα [h]κατισχύσητε ἐκφυγεῖν [i]ταῦτα πάντα τὰ μέλλοντα γίνεσθαι, καὶ σταθῆναι ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου.

But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

 

Sources:

ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

Advent 1

 

28 November 2021
Luke 21:25-36
"Today's Terminal Generation"

What could be said concerning this generation? How will people remember us? Only the history books will tell the next generation how we lived and experienced life. And then come the words of our Savior for this morning. According to Jesus, there is a distinct possibility that this will be the last generation to inhabit planet earth. Could it be that the history books will not be written concerning this generation?  According to Jesus there is a distinct possibility that we are looking at today's terminal generation. Let's examine Jesus' prediction of the end of this age.

1.         An end is certain – will it be this generation? V. 36 "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man."  There will come a time when the world, as we know it, will come to a close.  As the Father spoke this world into existence in the beginning the Son will return in glory to judge both the living and the dead. Jesus is coming soon!  As we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s coming into this world as an infant we anticipate Him returning as Judge and King. Will He come in this generation?  There is a distinct possibility. All we are called to do it to look for the signs of His coming.

2.         There are certain signs of the end - vv. 25, 26 "There shall be signs in the sun and in the moon and in the stars and upon the earth distress of nations which perplexity the sea and the waves roaring. Man's hearts failing them for fear; and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."   What will be the signs of the end?

Jesus tells us that there will be distinct and specific signs. May I suggest two. There will be signs that are visible in the physical world. There will be signs that are apparent in the spiritual world.

A.        There will be signs in the physical world.  Jesus tells us that there will be anxious times in which man's hearts fail them for fear.  We are living in a time of prosperity, and in a general time of peace.   And yet, there appears to be that we are living in a time of high anxiety in our world.  There are general fears affecting people. People fear about their future. Will I have enough saved for the future? Will my children be prepared to survive and continue in this world? We sing these days that there is "peace on earth, good will toward man" and yet it appears that there is strife on this world that has not been experienced up unto this time.

B.        Jesus further explains that there will be signs in the spiritual world. The heavenly bodies will literally be shaken.  We are living in a time in which many are calling it a time of low morals. Some have referred to this time as a “post modern world” in which many are claiming that we no longer need the morals that has governed our society for so long.  Each seems to be living according to his own law. There seem to be no longer any moral absolutes. How often have heard the moral climate of our time expressed in the phrases similar to the following: "I'm OK and you're OK…you live according to your standard and I'll live according to mine. Don't judge me and will I certainly won't judge you.”

Live and let live…everything is relative!" Like the Roman culture which was not over run by a foreign force but simply collapsed from within there are some who predict that our society cannot last unless there is a revival.

Notice how subtle the end comes. It comes like a thief in the night. It sneaks up on us as almost to catch people unawares.  While most people look for the times of the end to be when the threat of war and disaster are all around; Jesus explains that the end will come in a time as most people are caught off guard. It comes when people are not looking for His immediate return.

Illustration:  Place a frog in a pot of boiling water and he will quickly jump out. But if you turn up the heat ever so slightly he will boil without ever knowing it! So it appears; that slightly over time, the moral fabric of the world crumbles and few see it unless there is a keen eye which can read the signs of the times. May the Savior give us eyes to see and ears to hear, and minds that set our sights upon Jesus.

3.         Preparation for the end - vv. 34-36 "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with fighting and drunkenness and cares of this life and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man."   We prepare by being watchful.  Ask yourselves; “what needs to happen before Christ would return physically to this earth?”  The answer is…nothing. Nothing needs to happen before we see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven. In fact, there is only one prediction that Jesus makes that predicts what must first happen before the end of this age.  In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus predicts "And this Gospel will be preached around the world as a testimony to the nations and then, the end will come." {Matthew 24: 14} Look at a globe.  Where has the Gospel of Christ not been preached?  There is not one place where the Gospel has not been preached! It has been preached on every continant and in every region!

The time of Christ's return could come at any time. Yes. This could be the last generation on planet earth.  Is this a terminal generation?  Only time will tell. As we prepare for the celebration of Jesus' first visit to this planet at Christmas, may we also prepare ourselves for His second return; His Second Advent.  When we do that, we will be fully prepared and ready to welcome Christ when He comes in His glory.

Advent Image copyright © Higher Things
Words-1,115
Passive Sentences – 13%
Readability –78.2%
Reading Level -5.8