Advent | Hope - The Rev. Chad E. JarnaginLuke 21:25-36 English Standard Version (ESV)The Coming of the Son of Man25 “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, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And 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, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”The Lesson of the Fig Tree29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the 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 say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.Watch Yourselves34 “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.35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 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.”The word “Advent” is from the Latin “Adventus”, which means “arrival” or “coming.” Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the arrival of Christ, the Word made flesh. The readings and liturgies not only direct us towards Christ’s coming, they also challenge our modern reluctance to slow down and wait. Last week we spoke about embodying the Kingdom... and being people of Christ’s Kingdom means living differently from the mainstream.As we begin this Advent, here are two things for us:1. Slow down to pay attentionWatch for moment in our days where Christ is revealed... This slowly changes the way we see the world. Remember, God isn’t required to show up, God IS... we should be compelled to be present. Moments that seem set apartness or unusual may be holy moments.2. Prepare to make roomAdvent intentionally prepares us for Christmas. It can be a season that helps slow down, while embracing patience... As we prepare him room, we making room for holy moments.N.T. Wright describes Advent as a season mixed with prophecy, politics, prayer, and perseverance... and Christmas becoming cozy. While Advent calls us to stay or become awake. We can invite / yield to the Spirit, in our relationship with prophecy, politics, prayer, and perseverance. If we do, our awareness of God in all these things will bend us into hope.Overall, Luke 21 is encouraging preparation and awareness. Beginning a new church year / liturgical season with Advent reminds us that the work of advent (arrival / coming) it is a beginning of newness. New hopes, we rhythms, new perspectives.
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