THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
"This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Luke 21:25-36
Psalm 25:1-9
Everyone knows when Christmas Day is. Retailers remind us, newspapers,
television, and radio call out the countdown: 25 days of shopping left
till Christmas. Even so, we know that stores on Christmas Eve day will
be packed with people trying to get their shopping done.
It's human nature to put off to the last moment the things we need to
do. Jesus reminds us today that no one knows the day or the hour He
will come again. We can't put off our relationship with Christ any
longer. Today is the . . .
THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
"This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Luke 21:25-36
Psalm 25:1-9
Everyone knows when Christmas Day is. Retailers remind us, newspapers, television, and radio call out the countdown: 25 days of shopping left till Christmas. Even so, we know that stores on Christmas Eve day will be packed with people trying to get their shopping done.
It's human nature to put off to the last moment the things we need to do. Jesus reminds us today that no one knows the day or the hour He will come again. We can't put off our relationship with Christ any longer. Today is the time to prepare for the second coming, for Jesus will come suddenly, and we want to BE READY to receive Him. Those who are unprepared and did not keep watch will be left behind on the day of our LORD'S return.
In the days ahead, we will make preparations to celebrate Jesus' birth. His birth breaks in on us new every day as we remember and plan for Christmas. In the same way we get ready for seeing Jesus again at the end of the age, which might even be today. So, live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back today.
Did you notice the candle? it is the first Advent Candle and is called the Prophecy Candle. Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by a Son. Heb. 1:1,2 Behold, a branch is growing of loveliest form and grace, as prophets sung, foreknowing it springs from Jesse's race. Tomorrow I will continue the meaning of advent.
If you could know that Jesus would appear
Before another morn should give its light,
Oh, would your heart be filled with joy or fear,
If you could know that He would come tonight?
PRAY - Stir up, we implore You, Your power, O LORD, and come that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and be saved by Your mighty deliverance; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen