What's in Jesus names?

December 24, 2011 Christmas Eve Isaiah 6:9 Year B (not lectionary) Do ants have ears? A grandmother and her three year old grandson were talking about things that grandmothers and three year old grand sons talk about… Grandma – do ants have ears? Grandma wanting to sound like the expert on all things, yet having no idea responds – why do you have something to tell them? She goes on to tell him that ants are very small. You would almost have to look at an ant in a microscope to see an ant head to see if an ant had ears. She suggest to her grandson that perhaps he should ask his dad to look up on the internet whether ants have ears or not. The grand son continues that would not be necessary. Since the ants were ants and he was a human, if they did have ears they probably wouldn’t listen to him anyway. The only way to communicate with the ants and talk to them is to become an ant. That is the only way they would truly listen to him. God wants us to listen to who God is That must be how God feels about us – God knows that we were created with ears, but we don’t take the time to listen. God is continually speaking to us, guiding us in life, giving us the answers that we seek - and for some reason we don’t hear God at all. The only way to truly communicate with us, is to be one of us Tonight is more than the birthday of Jesus Christ Tonight is so much more than the birthday of Jesus Christ. It is so much more than the birth of a baby boy – on any given day there are 10,657 babies born just here in America. Tonight is so much more that even the story of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus in a Manger surrounded by angels and shepherds. The human events of the story are wonderful and important. But the point of the story – is the incarnation. God heard our cries and our pain, and God came to dwell amongst us. To live with us, to be a part of our lives, to reminds us that there is so much to all of then what meets the eye. There is so much to the story of Jesus. There is so much more to the story of salvation then the story of Christmas eve. But this is where we begin the story of Emmanuel - God with us. Characteristics of God in names The prophecy of Isaiah – in Isaiah 8:8 says that a child shall be born and his name shall be Emmanuel – God with us. I have been paying attention to all of the names in the bible that end in el – Michael, Gabriel, Israel, Ezekiel. Each one is a characteristic that is bought into the world in the presence of the person the name is given too. Each is a unique gift of God. Michael – one who is like God, Gabriel – God is my strength, Israel – one who struggles with God and lives, Ezekiel – God strengthens. Emmanuel – god with us. The names of Jesus Mary and Joseph named their baby yeshua – meaning God will save his people. We call him Jesus. But jesus was no ordinary baby, and he did not have no ordinary relationship with God. how could you choose any one name, one characteristic that would emanate in that child the fullness of God. Of the spirit of life itself, in all of its slendor, its glory, it wonder? It is estimated that the Lord Jesus has been given over 700 names and titles in the bible. The names of the messiah Isaiah 9:6 tells us four of those characteristics. Four names that are very important to us: wonderful counselor, mighty god, everlasting father, prince of peace. All very strange names for a child. Studies show that in todays world – a child given a strange name is 4 times more likely to be a juvenile delinquent. Wonderful is a very strange name to give a child. Especially the name wonderful counselor. But when we think about the characteristics necessary to be the lord of all lords and the king of all kings, and the man of all persons. The healers of all ills, the solver of all problems, the provider of all needs, the messiah of all times. Wonderful counselor, everlasting father, prince of peace. He would need to be someone who is able to communicate to anyone, who is able to say all things to a all people, able to step in the middle of any situation and make it right – he would need to be a wonderful counselor - someone able to understand anything and give an answer. He would need to have strength, he would need to be able to win any battle, and to be strong enough not to be intimidated by struggle – he would need to be mighty God. He would need to be not just the father of our family, but of our families. Ipads, rockin elmos, and American girl dolls go out of style – but the gifts of Jesus Christ last forever – he is everlasting father. In order to control our world, he would have to be more than just a nice person. I have had to learn the hard way that with some people – being committed to living peacefully with people who have no intention of living with you is just not enough. You cant be a name of peace, but a prince of peace. Isaiah 9:6 says for unto us a child has been born for us, a son given to us, authority rests upon his shoulders – he is our messiah, our savior. A job only given to Jesus Christ, only to be carried out by the very power of God. the names given to the baby Jesus are more than characteristics of God. they are God’s pledge to not only be with us but to help through the darkness of life. They are our hope, our life, our inheritance. They are the light of the world. If you read our scriptures for this season, luke, john and Isaiah – they all agree on one thing. The messiah is our light, not just our light but the light of the world. John says that the light shines in the darkness and the light cannot extinguish. The light comes from a wonderful, might and everlasting source – from God. Redemption is realizing that a part of God is inside of you I have heard it said that when each of us is born, a part of god is born in each us. The fullness of God is born in the messiah. But for each of us, we receive a part of God’s heart, soul and mind in our bodies and our lives. And that we should spend our lives loving God with all of our hearts mind and soul – so that that little light inside of us can shine as it is intended. Our redemption in the world is dependent on letting God’s light in our lives and making a determination not so much to shine, as to be used by God. Our redemption is to live up to the characteristics of our name in God. Our strength, our joy, our struggles, our witness are all a reflection of the messiah – the Christ, our lord and savior jesus Christ. Galations 3:26-28 says that we too have been given a name- in Christ, we are the children of God. We are the presence of god – Emmanuel – as long as we reflect the light of Christ that we come tonight to recognize. Reflection on what the night means for us and the world Tonight I want us to reflect on the true presence of God in this room, in this world and this moment. Christmas comes to the world, at this moment – when we can stop preparing, stop shopping, stop getting ready. And be still and listen. Listen and truly hear what a wonderful god we serve. Where we can stop giving and learn to receive receive a merry Christmas, a savior has come, God is present can you feel his presence? God is speaking to you through the night, are you listening? Listen and reflect on the meaning of this night….

We are Godbearers

December 18, 2011 Year B Fourth Sunday of Advent “We all must be God-bearers” 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Luke 1:26-38 This is the season of expectation We have been through the cycle of hope, joy, love for the advent season. We have thought about the coming of Christ in our lives. We have looked forward to the second coming. And now it is time to truly be present to the importance of the first coming. Of God coming into the world in the form of a child, to live our life, and the transform our world. In our time. Our message for today is expectation – What will God do when God comes into my life – again this year. How will things be different. How will I be different? How can I make the world around me different? The problem with Mark For the first two Sundays, we have not read the gospel lesson. Personally, I think Mark does the best job of telling the good news. Mark is the first of the gospels written. As a matter of fact, Matthew and Luke both use Mark as a reference, which is why they are so similar. The problem with Mark is that you won’t be hearing stories of angels, and shepherds, and mangers, and stars, and Mary and Joseph. That is just not his concern. So this 4th Sunday of advent, if we want to talk about expecting – we have to look at Luke. Because if we want to talk about expecting God – we have to talk about Mary – the mother of Jesus. But I want to go farther and call her the Mother of God – I will talk more about that later. What we know about Mary Historically we don’t know much about the mother of Jesus. In Hebrew her name would have been Miriyam. Since the Greek don’t have a y in their language – in English, we have the name Miriam. According to Luke, she lived in Nazareth, the northern part of Israel. We tend to imagine her as a young girl, since scripture says that she had not married yet. Truth is, we don’t know how old she was. Retelling of story Scripture says that the angel Gabriel comes to her and announces that she will be pregnant. And bear a son, who will be very important. He tells her the Holy Spirit will come upon her and she will give birth. Her child will be holy also. Gabriel also tells her that her cousin Elizabeth is also pregnant. Mary says here I am, use me. And the angel leaves. A short history of angels Luke records that it is Gabriel who brings this message to Mary. In the Jewish tradition, there are many different beliefs about angels. In some beliefs there are lots of angels, in some there are just a few. Some believe that there are two different types of angels, and some think of only two. Only 2 are named in the bible – Michael – or Mikael - his name means who is like God? And Gabriel – a soldier for God. Michael is mentioned by name in Daniel, Jude and revelation. Gabriel is mentioned in Daniel and Luke. They are both arch angels – or chief angels. Competition between Gabriel and Michael Rumor has it that the competition for God’s attention was fierce between these two. When they heard that one of them would be named to give the good news to Mary – they both did all they could to get the job. As I was preparing for last week's sermon, I rediscovered the story of a Conversation between God and the archangel Michael. It is a little long, so I won't share it with you in full. It seems there was quite a bit of Rivalry between the archangels Michael and Gabriel, and in the story, Michael goes to the throne of God and is being a real pain, carrying on that God has made a mistake and that Gabriel could never convince Mary to be the Bearer of the Son of God and that God must have rocks in his head to think That the plan would work. Michael's suggestion was something along the Lines of sending down a fully grown Son of God, in all his glory with the Heavenly host (lead of course by Michael) at his heals, which was sure to bring humanity back to God! It was a great yarn with much humour, until it came to the punch line. Michael can't believe that God is going through with the hair-brained plan or that Mary would say yes to it. God allows the company of heaven to watch what unfolds. First Mary's incredulity, then her acceptance and finally her visit to Elizabeth and her song in response to Elizabeth's greeting. I want to share this last bit with you: "For a long, long moment silence reigned in the courts of heaven as the vision of Mary and Elizabeth slowly faded away. Then finally Michael spoke, "you're right, Lord. As usual you're right. She is brave. And she'll be a wonderful mother for Jesus. But I still don't understand. Why? Why are you risking everything by sending Jesus to be the child of such a poor family; to risk the childhood deaths all earth's children risk? I know Mary will love your Child. But the odds are so against her!" Slowly, with a gentle smile on a mighty face, God once again ascended to the throne and looked down at the sometimes troublesome archangel. "What was Mary's answer, Michael," God slowly asked? "She said, 'yes,'" Michael replied. "That's right," God nodded. "She's poor, illiterate, unwed, and pregnant. She's risking being disowned by all those about her. And she knows being outcast would be but the prelude to a sudden and painful death. She knew all that, and she said, 'yes.'" "Just one yes, and the world has changed. Just one yes, and the darkness is gone forever." "One day my Child's people will cower in fear. One day they'll feel its useless to go on. One day they'll decide all is against them: that the way I call them to is a way that can't be travelled." "When that day comes," the Lord God concluded, all my people will have to do is remember a teenaged peasant girl. And as they remember they'll see how even one person saying 'yes' can change death into life." "What do you say, Michael," the Lord God quietly asked? "Is my plan a good one?" [4] Fun and laughter aside, the plan was a good one, and one teenage girl's "yes" to God has changed the course of history. What are our expectations as we take our Advent journey? What are our expectations as we wait for Christmas? Story told by Rev. Sally Buckley – St. Andrew’s Anglican Parish- Western Australia In the end – it was not Michael or Gabriel’s plan that prevailed, it was God’s plan. It was God’s plan to use a young woman willing to say yes. It was her obedience that mattered. Mary as Theotokos – God bearer Catholics call her Blessed Virgin, or Mary Mother of God. The Greek orthodox call her “All holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorified lady and ever virgin Mary. How is that for a title? In the Greek orthodox church she is referred to as the Theotokos. I said that I was going to stop giving you foreign words – but this one is important to all of us. Theo means god and tokos means birth giver. In English that means God bearer. Mary is important in the Greek orthodox church because she is the one who bought God into the world. Not just the presence of God, but the actual God himself in the form of Christ. We too are God bearers The good news this holiday season is that we are expecting too. Expecting and expected. Expected to be God bearers. To bring god into the world into the lives of our friends, people in the street, even to those far away. Even though the soldiers have returned from Iraq, we are still far away from world peace, even though it is Christmas time, people are still hungry. The hospitals are full of people, there is poverty, there is despair. All things that we can do nothing about ourselves, but we know that God can do the impossible. I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me. I can do the impossible. Story of 80 year old woman giving birth Linzi was an 80 year old woman who lived in a nursing home. When Linzi announced that she was expecting, people thought that it was dementia. That was three months before Stephanie came to work at the nursing home as a nursing assistant. That was three months before Stephanie found out that she was pregnant. When Linzie would talk to Stephanie about being pregnant – she thought nothing of it. She was very polite and understanding of Linzie until she discovered that she was having a baby herself. All throughout the pregnancy – she would share stories with Linzie. Linzie was a hair dresser in her earlier life and she had never had a baby. But she and Stephanie always seemed to have a lot to talk about. Stephanie would let Linzie feel her stomach, and feel the baby jumping. When Linzie would talk about her pregnancy – she was always willing to listen and to go along with her story. Finally Stephanie had the baby – and of course she brought the baby to work so that everyone could see him. Linzie was the first person she took him too. Linzie was very excited about the baby – she started to ask Stephanie about the birth experience – what did it feel like, what happened, how did she react, who was there to help. Stephanie felt close enough to Linzie to share all of these experiences. When it came time to show the baby to everyone else – Stephanie asked if Linzie wanted to go with her as she showed off the baby – Linzie was delighted. They put Linzie in her wheelchair and handed her the baby. And as they went throughout the nursing home – Linzie told everyone that her baby was here. She told people that she was pregnant and here was the baby - This was baby Joshua. Stephanie’s baby was not named Joshua – but Stephanie knew that Linzies baby was Joshua. And that for some reason God had brought the two of them together, so that they could share their journey together. even allow 80 year old women to give birth for the first time. If my God can do that, surely God can address anything going on in my life. As a matter of fact, the bible is full of the stories of women who could not have children, having children – and those babies of promise going on to do amazing things. If God can make an 80 year old woman give birth – what can god do for you. The real question is what can God do through you? If you are willing like Mary – to be a God bearer for God? The difference between a house and a home If we look quickly at 2 Samuel – David has become king, he has overcome all his challenges . and he decides that he must make sure that God has a house of brick and cedar just as he has. Now he said yes to God. He was a faithful servant – and yet God said no, I don’t need you. If he was faithful and Mary was faithful. Why would God say I can use Mary, and not David? David agreed to provide God with a house, Mary was willing to give God a home. David was going to use brick and mortar, Mary was willing to give God love. David was giving out of his success, Mary was giving out of her obedience. David was willing to give God a place to live, Mary was willing to give her life. And God’s presence in the world lives in the presence of our souls, inside of us, not in the things that we have or give. God trusted us, God favors us earthen dirt vessels, with imperfect lives, imperfect thoughts, and dirty hands to bring the glory of God into the world. Obedience makes the impossible possible It is my obedience to God that makes the impossible, possible. During this season of expectation, let us let go and let God. It is not about what I can do for God, it is about what I can let God do for me. Here am I , the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word. I want us to end together saying the words of Mary’s response to God and to the world. I hear that these words are so powerful, that they are banned in certain countries that are afraid of change. The magnificat My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed: for the mighty one has done great things for me and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arms; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has bought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he has made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” Amen.

Why is He Coming?

“Why is He Coming?” Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Third Sunday of Advent Year B December 11, 2011 Whoever got us into the mess should be killed A woman was in the midst of her Christmas shopping. She still had just a few gifts to get. But it seemed that these were the hardest gifts. Everything that she has circled in the sale papers, when she went to the store they were sold out. And when she was shopping, all of the stores were crowded and the lines were long. After she finally got her last gift, she went to get in the elevator to go home. There was a crowd already in the elevator, but everyone was gracious enough to pull together and to let her in. They gave her room for her and her packages to get on the elevator. In exasperation of the day, she says – whoever came up with all of this Christmas mess should be shot. They should just string him up and hang him in a tree. Everyone in the elevator responds – they already thought of that – they crucified him.’’ Without Easter, there is no Christmas Without Easter, there would be no Christmas. Without Christmas there would be no Easter. They go hand in hand. If we forget about Christmas – then Easter is just a supernatural myth that has no meaning. If we forget about Easter, then Christmas becomes a sentimental story that we can all feel good about. But together, they are about the coming of Christ into our lives, and the point of our salvation. We are grateful for the first coming, and preparing ourselves for the second coming. Advent is like being locked up in prison Someone said that advent is sort of like being locked in prison, waiting by the door for someone from the outside to come and open the door and set you free. Advent is learning to wait on God in a very special way. There are a lot of people in the prison of life – we need to tell them that God is coming. That is why the book of Isaiah is important to us. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me The spirit of the lord is upon me, because the lord has anointed me, he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners. We have heard these words before – yes they are in the messiah. But they are also in Luke. These are the words that Jesus stood up to say as he was in the synagogue and he announced that it was time for him to start his public ministry to the world. Liberation theology These are words of liberation, comfort and grace for all people. The Hebrew word for people in need is anawim. It literally means the righteous people, who have been treated unjustly. The good news for me is that God has a relentless determination to ensure justice and mercy in the world. The anawim The lay leader of Rust has been talking about meeting the needs of the anawim. I was struck as she talked about the need of people and that there seem to be so many people in need today. Who are the anawim today? Single parents, children, those who are hungry, those who don’t have jobs, those who are afraid of violence. It is important for the church to meet the needs of these people. But advent is the time for us to also spread the good news. We spend so much time wondering how to get these people into our churches. There are two times a year, when the world is knocking on our door, waiting for us to speak up and tell them about our savior. And all that he has done for us, and all that he can do for them. This is the time to tell them that God has heard their cries and sent a savior into the world to set them free. This is our time to introduce them to that savior – Jesus Christ. God cares enough to do whatever it takes to set them free – even sending his son into the world to be killed. Another seminary word for you, especially at Garrett. Liberation theology. That is what God is doing all around the world to set his anawim free. It talks of what God does in poor countries, in countries where there is oppression, amongst those who understand oppression well, but are learning to take care of themselves, with the help of the Holy Spirit. The advice of Thessalonians Our text in 1 Thessalonians says don’t quench the spirit. Always let the spirit do its work, in us and in the world. But the spirit of God is what frees our souls from the oppression of the world. Last week we looked at 2 Peter – that was the last book written in the New Testament. 1 Thessalonians is the first book. It would have been written in 50 AD – fifty years after Jesus’ appearance on earth. This is the generation who waited for God. The whole theme of Thessalonians is when Jesus is coming back. They ask the question – how long do we have to wait? They are as impatient as a young child waiting for Christmas. And Paul had to talk to them about what to do in the meantime. For a child – the time between thanksgiving and Christmas can seem like an eternity, not a month. Paul wants us to know that even in our waiting; we are to live as Christians. As if Christ is in our lives, because indeed he is. The advice that he gives to us in our waiting – Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstance, don’t quench the spirit, listen to the prophets, and test everything. Repeat after me - rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything, and test everything. Remember the joy that we have in life today, the joy we have in Christmas, is the joy that we have because our lives are lived in the spirit of Christ. Whatever else is going on – if I have Christ, I have joy. The inner peace from God Anne FitzPatrick writes of coming home one night after a pleasant outing with her husband and friends to find that their house had been broken into and robbed. The house had been ransacked and many of the things taken had not only monetary value, but sentimental value as well. Anne was at first shocked, then angry and finally frightened. Her inner spring of security had been poisoned. For weeks, the break-in was never far from any of Anne's conversations. She became suspicious of anyone she didn't recognize and had trouble sleeping. She had become shackled to bad memories. One evening, several weeks after the robbery, the theft was again the topic of family conversation. Anne's teenage son, Bill, said, “We should stop dwelling on what happened to us. We lost only things, but [the thieves] lost a lot more. They're out of grace of God by breaking his law.” Bill went on to suggest that they should pray for the intruders. Slowly, Anne began to understand the godly wisdom her 17–year–old son had spoken. She later said that as she was able to forgive the thieves, her own sense of inner peace returned. The Sunday of joy The third Sunday of advent is known as joy Sunday. It is the Sunday when we remember the joy that we have in Christ. The candle we light is usually pink – lighter than purple to remind us that we are almost near the end. Next week its back to purple again, to remind us that life always gets worse before it gets better. But we have to keep on moving forward anyway. Sticky notes and joy I want to try an interactive demonstration today. I want to give a few of you a sticky note – stick it on you. It has a word on it, but I don’t want to share what the word is just yet. Funny thing about sticky notes though – they were designed by an engineer at the 3M company. He was given the assignment to design some sticky glue. He designed it – but he was embarrassed to tell his supervisor. When his colleagues questioned him about what he had been doing all of these months – he told him that he designed this special glue – but the thing is it doesn’t stick very well. You can stick it to you – but the thing is, it really doesn’t stay. You can pull it off. You can put it back on you, but and it will stick again, but I wouldn’t exactly call it glue – because it doesn’t stick. His colleagues looked at him and told him that he had hit the jackpot. This was a special glue that could be put on the back of some paper, and people could use them as sticky notes. That they can take off and put back on again. 3M and that engineer, made a lot of money off of something that was invented by accident, with a result they weren’t expecting. Can someone tell me what word is on their sticky note? Joy – what does joy have to do with the invention of the sticky note? The sticky note was not something that the engineer set out to invent, he thought he was going to lose his job and he ended up creating one of the most important product of the company. Can’t seek joy There are a lot of people out there in the world looking for joy. But the thing is, you can’t buy joy. There is lot of people out there in the world right now at these moments who are seeking joy – in things, in people, in situations, in drugs, in experiences. But the thing is – they get disillusioned – because no matter how hard you look – joy is not yours to find. Because joy is a gift from God. Anytime we set out to find joy, it may last for a moment, but the reality is that if you are looking for it, you can be sure that you are going to lose it. If you set out to get it, you are going to fail. Joy is a byproduct of seeking something greater. If you are looking for joy, you won’t find it, but if you are looking for Jesus Christ – it will be given to you abundantly. Joy comes to you when you serve Jesus Christ. When you know that God is with you, and that your life is in Christ – everything else falls into place. Rejoice always We are not called, we are recalled The spirit of the lord is upon me to because the lord has anointed me to bring good news. That is not our call – that is our recall. Our reminder of what the world needs now – the freedom and joy that only the lord can bring. We are not waiting on Christmas, we are waiting on the lord to set the captives free. Amen.

The One Who comes

December 4, 2011 Year B Second Sunday of Advent Isaiah 40:1-11 2 Peter 3:8-15 “The One Who Comes” Eschatology is our word for today Eschatology is our word for today. A word ending with logy always means the study of. Theology is the study of God, psychology is the study of the human psyche, and anthropology is the study of man. Escha means last, final, end, or in this case fulfillment. Eschatology means the study of the last days, the end times, and the fulfillment of human history. What is going to happen when Jesus comes again? Advent is a time to give thought to who God intends you to be – not who you were, not who you are – but the fulfillment of God’s mission in you. Every Sunday is little Easter The whole point of our faith is a celebration of that Jesus died, was resurrected and promised to come back again. We are always an Easter people. Everything that we do is in preparation for his return. We live in the shadow of the resurrection. Looking forward to what is to come, not looking back on what might have been. Without Easter, there would be no Christmas Without Easter, there would be no need for Christmas. We remember the first coming, so that we can understand the first coming. Christ came into the world – so that we could have eternal life. We need to keep that in foremost in our minds as we get ready for Christmas. Preparing for Christmas is in full blooom Have you noticed that Christmas is in full bloom? Stores are packed; the lights are out, Christmas movies are on. I used to say it won’t be Christmas until….. What about you. One of my favorite marks of Christmas is happening today – if I make it on time. The messiah The word of Handel’s messiah *PART I* OVERTURE RECITATIVE. (Accompanied - Tenor) Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness:-Prepare ye the way of the Lord: make straight in the desert a highway for our God. AIR (Tenor) Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain. CHORUS And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together;for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. The words of Isaiah 40 Those are the words of our text today….. God is gathered with the holy court – and he tells them to comfort my people. Prepare the way, create a highway for God, so that he can come immediately into the lives of his people What a concept – make a highway for God. What would it look like to make a highway in your life. Create a big open space for God. I decorated my house – set a place setting for Jesus – to come and make himself at home in my house, in my life, in my world. God’s message to us that God is still present, God still cares, God is still at work. If you are paying attention. Isaiah 40 good news to a world where God does not matter Comfort my people is good news. Lived in a world where there was depression and despair. The word from God was that they deserved it and were paying for not paying attention to God. The people of Isaiah Also lived in a world where it seemed God did not matter anymore. People had found other distractions. We feel that way. God had no power, God had no glory. God sees from heaven, and comfort my people – give them a message that God is still in control. And will come to deliver his people. 2 Peter 2 peter is the last of the new testament writings. Not written by Peter, not even the second generation, but the third. Closest to our times and our struggles. The first generation thought that Jesus was coming in their lifetime. But there was no Jesus. The second generation and still on Jesus. Why are you telling me to prepare for something that is not coming. Is indeed coming like a thief in the night – you never know. Started this whole conversation of eschatology – the end times. What it will be, what it will look like, what will happen when Jesus comes. There are different opinions with Christendom about what that day will look like and what Christ will do. But one thing we can be sure of – that we are found doing the will of god when he comes. Christ is our proof to the scoffers that God is still real and that God still cares. And that God gives us work to do in the meantime. No control over God, complete control over how you live your life. Who god calls you to be. Advent is my chance to prepare for the second coming. Take account of my life and decide what I need to do to get closer to God. It changes every year – depending on the circumstance. While the rest of the world is getting ready for Christmas. We are getting ready for Christ. Christ intervention into the way things are. What a couple does when expecting a baby When a couple is expecting a baby – there are certain things to do. Go to the doctor, have a baby shower, eat right, get things for the baby – sort of like getting ready for Christmas. There is a phenomena called nesting – when late in the pregnancy the mother starts preparing a place for the baby – getting the room ready – usually it is at that moment that the goes into labor. And everything changes. No longer getting ready for an event, preparing to be a new person a new identity. Change from doing to being. Being a parent is in who you are, not what you do. We all have to stand before the judgement seat Being a Christian is not in what you do, in who you are. Second coming – stand before God not interested in what you did – but who you are. Why did you give, why did you forgive, why did come to church, why did you treat people the way you did. Personal gain, or for the love of god. What do I need to do in order to prepare myself to stand before My God? Who do I need to talk to? What do I need to get rid of in my personality? What do I need to give away? What is standing in the way? What do I need to pray for? How do I need to pray? All good eschatological questions. The discussion of the things to come. My fulfillment in God’s kingdom. When Christ comes in his final victory what will he find me doing? Is my heart truly ready for Christ to come. When people say that Christ has not come in 2000 years – how do I help them see that he is always around, and the signs of his coming are nearer than you think. What is taking so long? Second peter says that he delays his coming out of mercy. He is waiting for you and for me and your our neighbors to get it. God is giving us time to get our lives in order. So that when he does come, we can stand before him blameless. Not to worry about when he comes, but what how we are preparing ourselves for his coming. Scripture says that for god a one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is only a day. One man prayed, God if a million dollars is like a penny to you and a day a thousand years, can I just have a penny – I would be happy with just a that much. God responds – sure I will give you one of my pennies’s – if you will just give a day. Eschatology – the study of things to come. What does God have in store for me? What is god calling me to be? What will my future days look like, what is the fulfillment of my life. Prepare yourself for the coming of Christ, not for Christmas. Parting benediction I leave you with the last words of 2 Peter text – therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found in him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. Amen.