Is Jesus on His way now?

November 9, 2025 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 Is Jesus on his way now? 22nd Sunday after Pentecost Year C Prelude Greetings Welcome to everyone joined us in the God moment. Welcome – this is a busy service, promise to keep it moving. Ending service early. Call to Worship (From Psalm 145) One: Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised! Many: We’ve come together as God’s people, eager to offer our praise! One: God’s greatness is unsearchable. Many: With one voice, we declare God’s mighty acts: One: Justice, kindness, saving grace – these mark God’s every move. Many: Surrounded by this company of people who love God, let us worship the Lord our God! (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Invocation God of Love, Divine Traveler, We see only a fraction of your presence, God. We know you only in part, as we experience this world with our senses, our experiences, and what is tangibly in front of us. How does the sacredness of each earthly breath draw us closer to your presence on this side of Heaven? May we grasp the beauty of this world, even on the gloomy days. May we cherish our relationships here on earth even when times are challenging. May we know that God is forever present with us and will care for us as we arrive at our eternal home on the other side of Heaven. Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Michelle Torigian) Song I Want Jesus to Walk with Me UMH 521 A Sermon for all Ages Can I borrow our young people for a minute. Tuesday is a special holiday. Does anyone know what it is? Can you tell me what a veteran is? Do any of you know any veterans? Do you have any veterans in your family? Well I have hear some special cards for you to make, you can color the picture and write a special note saying Happy Veteran’s Day. I made one for my son at the park district on Friday. You can make a card for someone that you know. Or if you want to make the card later in church you can give it to me, and I will make sure that our veterans get it. I am going to ask all of our veteran’s to stand. And I want our young people to give them a special blessing – Let us all say Thank you for your service! Children’s Sermon: “Jesus Is on the Way” Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1–17 Theme: Waiting faithfully for Jesus to come [Visual or Object] Bring a picture of the 3I/Atlas spaceship (or just say “a visitor from space”) and a small flashlight or star ornament. Story / Conversation Leader: Have you ever waited for someone special to come visit? Maybe a grandparent, or a friend from far away? How do you feel while you’re waiting? (Let the children answer — excited, impatient, happy.) Well, did you know that right now, something amazing is traveling through space? There’s a little visitor from far, far away called 3I/Atlas. It’s moving through our solar system — kind of like a tiny traveler in God’s great big universe. Even though we can’t see it with our eyes, scientists say it’s still on its way. That reminds me of Jesus. During Advent, we say “Jesus is coming.” We can’t see him flying through space like a spaceship, but we believe he’s on his way — coming to bring light, love, and peace. (Shine the flashlight or hold up the star.) Every time we show kindness, help someone, or pray, it’s like we’re turning on a light — getting ready for Jesus to come. Message Jesus doesn’t want us to just sit and wait. He wants us to get ready — by being loving, helpful, and kind right now. When we do those things, we’re showing that we believe Jesus is on the way, and we’re making room for him in our hearts and in our world. Prayer Let’s pray together: Dear God, Thank you for sending Jesus, the light of the world. Help us to wait for him with joy, to love others, and to shine your light every day. Amen. (Chat GPT 5) Modern Affirmation of Faith UMH 885 Service of Baptism and Reception into the Church UMH 33 The word sacrament means God moment – the moments when God’s is present in our life. In the Methodist church, there are 2 sacraments. Communion and baptism. As a congregation we just have communion. Today we get to witness God’s presence in baptism. We are blessed to witness God’s presence in the Rickmon family, as three members of their family will be baptized today. We can be grateful to God for having us present in this special moment. We pray that God will continue to unfold in your lives and in the lives of our congregation. Prayer of Illumination God of wisdom, open your word to your people today, and open the hearts of your people to your Word. Let us receive the truth that your Spirit is speaking to the church, trusting that it will nourish and strengthen us. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Haley Ballast) Scripture 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 Sermon Is Jesus on his way now? So have you heard about the mysterious object that has been flying through space for months. Supposedly it is getting faster and faster and is scheduled to reach earth by December 19th – Just in time for Christmas. Now in the milky way galaxy everything including comets and space objects revolve around the sun – this mysterious object seems to have a mind of it own. It is called 3I/Atlas. 3 means that is the 3rd such object ever discovered, I means that it is intergalactic- not from this galaxy and Atlas is the telescope that discovered this object which is the size of Manhattan Island. The internet has been chattering about his object since last summer. Some people say that is a strange comet, others say that there is life on board this strange ship, some say that it is accelerating as if it has a motor, some say that is seems to be surveying all of the planets and is now headed to earth. There is so much chatter about his object that I have lost track of what is real and what is not. As it heads to earth, we are not sure if we would go outside and witness this object or if we should run and hide. I guess that depends on whether the life on board is friend of foe. And if they know about the bibles story of end times. What if it is Jesus coming back to earth just in time for the second coming? What if this the Left Behind series in action. I mean we honestly don’t know what or who is on board. There have been rumors of Jesus return for centuries. All of the chatter has caused all kinds of hysteria. Paul addresses the hysteria of the second coming in our scripture in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. The people are convinced that Jesus is coming back. Paul tells them to calm down and to keep the faith. Paul reminds all of us that in chaotic times it is our faith that sustains us. The Lectionary very heavily edited this text. Paul tells the Thessalonians that what they are experience in not the end of the world. Before the day of the Lord there has to be major protesting in the streets and the lawless one must be revealed for who he really is. Even Paul says this prophecy is not about current events – it is about cosmic events. This is the ultimate battle between good and evil. That is a battle that is fought everyday. We used to have a bishop who said that Jesus has come back to earth several times in several different forms. Actually even Paul says that we don’t have to worry about whether Jesus is on his way – Jesus is already here. The battle between good and evil is fought in our hearts. Everyday we have to choose how to live. We have to decide if we are going to serve Christ, or the lawless one – the anti Christ. 2. Advent: Jesus Is On the Way As Advent approaches, we are reminded again that Jesus is on the way. Not just as a baby in a manger two thousand years ago, but as the living presence of God still breaking into our world. The Greek word parousia—often translated as “coming”—can also mean “presence.” That means Advent is not only about waiting for Jesus to arrive someday. It’s about recognizing where he is already showing up: • In a word of kindness, • In a shared meal, • In the work of justice, • In the quiet strength of prayer. The question isn’t just “When will he come?” but “Are we making room for him now?” 3. What Does It Mean to Be Faithful Today? Faithfulness today doesn’t always look like heroic acts. It looks like daily courage—showing up for others, telling the truth, doing what’s right even when no one notices. To be faithful is to keep our eyes on Christ rather than on fear. It’s to care for creation instead of consuming it. It’s to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, comfort the grieving. Faithfulness means refusing to let cynicism have the last word. In modern days—when our attention is pulled in a thousand digital directions—serving God might mean slowing down, praying deeply, listening carefully, and acting compassionately. 4. Holding Fast to Hope Paul ends this passage with a blessing: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father… comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.” Notice that—good work and good word. Faith is not passive waiting; it is active hope. While the universe spins and comets pass, we are called to serve, to build, to love, to stand firm. Maybe Jesus’ coming is not so much about escape from this world, but about renewal—God breaking in to heal and restore. And maybe our role, in this Advent season, is to help clear the path. Conclusion: On His Way Just as the 3I/Atlas moves steadily through space, unseen by most but real nonetheless, so Christ is already on his way. The question isn’t whether he’s coming—it’s whether we’re ready to meet him. So as Advent draws near, let’s be found faithful: • praying when the world panics, • serving when others withdraw, • giving when others hoard, • loving when it’s hardest to love. Because faithfulness—steady, quiet, courageous faithfulness—is the surest sign that we believe Christ is, indeed, on His way. (Second Half of the sermon is ChatGPT 5) Song Jesus Lover of my Soul UMH 479 Pastoral Prayer Lord’s Prayer Closing Prayer for Facebook As we abide together on this side of Heaven, May the Christ of Hope lead us to righteousness and justice, May the Spirit of Strength fill our hearts with courage, May God, our Joyful Creator, graciously settle our hearts with peace. May we find ourselves on journeys seeking glimmers of paradise and the presence of the Divine among us. Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Michelle Torigian) Stewardship Moment We are truly grateful to our guest for joining us this Sunday. We are in the midst of our stewardship campaign. Membership asks that we support the church with our gifts, our time, our talents, our presence and our witness. This is a time for each of us to assess that means. We are about halfway done with stewardship season. So this week we are passing out the church budget. Our guest do not have to take one if you don’t want. We are passing the budget, or spending plan out this week, and invite everyone to take a look at it. The highlights of this year is an increase in salaries and also several technological upgrades. Passing the budget out this week. Encourage everyone to look at it. A member of finance will speak more about changes in the budget next week. I will also ask members of the finance committee to stand. You can ask them questions, or there is a box outside in eh narthex to write questions down. You will be receiving a pledge card in the mail next week. Asked to prayerfully consider you pledge to the work of the church and we will turn the pledges in on November 23rd. Just a week ago, many of us observed All Saints Sunday, remembering those whose lives came to an end in the last year and lifting up some of the saints of the church. As our lives continue, each one of us has the opportunity to decide how we share our time, our talent and our treasure for the things we most desire. If all people were to know about us was captured on our credit card bill or our check book record, what would they show? If all our time was divided into categories, what portion would our “giving to others” time slot show? And if the demonstration of our talent could be seen, would it show up in a list of faith-related activities? Truly, all of us are challenged to offer our lives as stewards of God’s many gifts. This is the time in our service for you to respond to this invitation: with your offering of treasure, of time, and of talent. What does your offering say about you? How might you change what you offer if you were to look at your gift as a distinctive demonstration of your identity as a follower of Jesus, the Christ? Prayer of Thanksgiving Living God, as we present these gifts to you, we say “thank you” for the ways Jesus modeled true stewardship, sharing all he had as he taught, healed and witnessed to your love. Now please accept our gifts as signs of our true identity as disciples/followers of Jesus. Help us translate this money into acts of compassion, justice and reconciliation. Open our eyes to see a glimpse of the way your will may be done on earth, as it is in heaven. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Encourage you to look at announcements. There is a lot going on this time of the year. November 23rd is our church conference, annual meeting. Lunch will be served that day, it will be a celebration of the end of our pledge drive. Encourage everyone to come to fellowship, and then stay for church conference. Church conference is open to everyone. I know there has been some tension in the past, but remember Paul’s word to hold fast to our faith in tough times. We have done an tremendous amount of work this year, and God is still working with us. Let us stand strong together, and feel God’s presence and listen to God’s word. God hold our future. Community Time Joys and Concerns Benediction Hear again the promise God made to his people long ago: Do not be discouraged! Be strong and courageous. Keep working, for I am with you. My Spirit remains with you and is living among you. So do not be afraid! “Benediction,” re:Worship Additional Illustrations

What do you Treasure?

August 10, 2025 Luke 12:32-40 What do you Treasure? 9th Sunday after Pentecost Year C Prelude Greeting Call to Worship We are people who have been called to follow where God leads us. By faith we can obey, even when asked to walk into an unknown future. We are people who have been challenged to tell God's story to others. By faith we have the ability to share the good news. We are God's children who are invited to feast at the Table of grace. By faith we will embrace our sisters and brothers in Christ. (Thom Shuman, Lectionary Liturgies) Invocation Song Take Time to be Holy UMH 395 A Sermon for all Ages PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of Abraham and Sarah, God of Jesus Christ, God of our mothers and fathers, you are a God who acts in history. Yet we confess that we are too busy with our own lives to perceive you at work in our time. We fall into fear and despair about our troubled world, as if you had no care for us. Forgive our lack of faith and help us to join you as you labor to bring new life on earth; in the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Reprinted by permission of the publisher from Touch Holiness, ed. Ruth C. Duck and Maren C. Tirabassi. Copyright © 1990 by The Pilgrim Press. Assurance of pardon God’s grace is given freely. God’s love is steadfast. Receive the good news that you are forgiven, and live liberated from sin to the glory of God. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Terri Ott) Prayer for illumination God, your Word directs every step we take. Help us listen closely to your Word as it is read and preached today, so we may understand your message and follow your will. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Terri Ott) Scripture Luke 12:32-40 Sermon What do you Treasure? Fifth grade was an interesting year – during the first half of the year, we had Ms. Conner and during the second half of the year we had Ms. Johnson. They were two very different teachers, but they had one thing in common – they loved to leave the class unattended – for long periods of time. They would walk out of class so much, our class developed a whole different culture when they were not around. The teacher would give us a reading assignment and walk out of the room. Every time she was gone one of the bullies of the class would start a class wide conversation and soon the whole class was derailed. The time unattended would usually end with the bullies picking a fight. The new girl, Angela became the target of a lot of these fights. She would say something to Dinah, and Dinah would beat her up. No one in the class wanted to see Angela get picked on, but no one, not even the teacher could control Dinah. And Dinah wanted to keep it that way. I remember the first day after winter break like it was yesterday. The teacher walked out of the room. All of us are actually working on our assignment. Angela stands up and disturbs the peace by telling us that she has an announcement. She tells us that it is a new year, a new day, and from this day forward things are going to be different. She says she is tired of getting beat up everyday, and that she is no longer afraid. From now on, she was going to stand up for herself, and no one was going to hurt her anymore. As we sat and listened to Angela’s speech – we were all encouraged. We wanted to believe that things had changed. That bullies could no longer control the class. Maybe if Angela got peace, then there was hope for us all. Angela stopped talking, and we were all ready to clap for her, we were proud of her. But then Dinah stands up and says that she has heard enough, and that she is not going to let Angela disturb the peace. She picks a fight with Angela. The teacher returns in time to break up the fight and take them both into the hall. All of a sudden, we hear Dinah bop Angela in the nose, blood splashes on the floor and Angela screams. The principal comes, and both Dinah and Angela get suspended, just like they always do. Oh well, so much for a brand new day – Dinah’s behavior still has a stronghold on our class. Everyone goes back to the assignment – it is business as usual. Sometimes I feel like my life today is a lot like it was in fifth grade. Sometimes it seems like the bullies of the world are in control. You look at people getting away with bad behavior. You see people working hard, but nothing changes. Sometimes you wonder who is overseeing all of this. When will Christ step in and keep life fair for us all. If Jesus was here, would life be so out of control? If people knew that Jesus was watching them, would they behave differently? Jesus promises that he will come back a second time – but he doesn’t say when. Sometimes, his absence can cause a lot of anxiety and concern. Our scripture for today starts out with Jesus saying – do not be afraid little flock, because your father delights in giving you the kingdom. You know the bible spends a lot of time telling us not to be afraid. That is the one message that unites both the Old and the New testament. Do not be afraid. There is a lot about life that stresses us out.. But in Luke 12 – do not be afraid is not a word of comfort. It is more a word of……good advice, maybe even a warning…..a stern suggestion on how to live. He also tells us to be prepared for the unknown at any time. In this scripture, Jesus wants us to take account of our lives, our worries, our sense of security, our fears, our faith, even our treasures. Do we treasure the things in front of us or do we treasure the kingdom of God. We our behavior be any different if Jesus was standing in front of us? In my fifth grade class, the teacher was gone so much that out class developed a whole sub culture. It was someone’s job to watch outside to see when the teacher was walking down the hall. When Debbie saw the teacher, she would tell us all to get back to work. But there was a small group of us, who didn’t want to be a part of the drama, who were working all along. We didn’t have to jump when we got the signal because were already trying to stay on task. We learned later that our teachers liked to go to other classrooms and spend time talking to the other teachers. The good thing was that once the principal got involved in the fight in the hall, the principal asked the teacher not to leave the classroom so much. Heavenly Service There was once a blacksmith who worked hard at his trade. The day came for him to die. God sent his angel to the smith, but to the angel's surprise, the smith refused to go. He pleaded with the angel that he was the only blacksmith in the village and it was time for all his neighbors to begin their planting and sowing. He would be needed. The blacksmith did not want to appear to be ungrateful and was looking forward to having a place in God's kingdom, but could he put it of for a while? The angel went and made the blacksmith's case before God. And God agreed. Sometime later, after the harvest, the angel returned to bring the blacksmith to heaven. But again the smith requested that his return to God be delayed. "A neighbor of mine is seriously ill and it's time for the harvest. A number of us are trying to save his crops so that his family won't be destitute. Please tell God I am grateful for his blessings to me. But could you come for me later?" And the angel returned to heaven. Well, it got to be a pattern. Every time the angel would come to bring the faithful blacksmith to heaven, the smith would shake his head and explain to the angel that he was still needed by someone on earth. Finally, the blacksmith grew very old and weary and so he prayed to God to send his angel to bring him to heaven. Immediately the angel appeared. "If you still want to take me home, I'm ready to live forever in God's kingdom." The angel laughed and looked at the blacksmith with delight and surprise. "Where do you think you have been these years?" Keith Wagner, Do You Have a Backup Plan? God is present in our faithfulness. Luke 12 has two lessons for us – first to stay prepared, and second this is definitely a stewardship lesson. Actually all of Jesus words are a lesson in being a good steward of life. This lesson encourages us to take an audit of our lives. Where do you spend your time, how do you spend your money, where do you give your talents. Is God a part of what you do or not? Luke encourages us to put God first. But Luke is not so direct as Matthew. In Matthew Jesus says sell everything you have and give it to the poor. The early church used to do just that. No one could have anything for themselves. Eventually, the church let people keep their wealth, but willingly help others. Today, we don’t have to give everything to the poor, but Jesus does give us financial planning tips to live by. 1. Don’t worry – God not only provides for your needs, God provides for your discipleship journey. 2. Set your priorities – Put God First. And 3. Invest in people and relationships, not things. Take care of people in need. This scripture reminds us that we all have to stand before God at some point – whether it be death or the second coming. When you are face to face with God – where is your treasure – in yourself and what you have achieved, or in heaven? What are your priorities? God wants us to strive for a stress free life. Do not be afraid. Let us pray. Song In Christ there is no East or West UMH 548 PRAYER OF THE DAY Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. We come convinced of many things but trusting very few. Holy God of limitless surprises, meet us here in this place as we touch that which we cannot see, that which we have not dared to hope. Written by Katherine Hawker. Posted on Liturgies Outside. Re-posted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2013/07/opening-prayers-hebrews-11.html. Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment Often when we come to this time in our worship, we move almost by rote. People who come frequently know it takes generous giving from many to keep the congregation “in the black.” We invite individuals and families to participate in the offering, encouraging one another to be “good stewards of the gifts God has given you” or to “return a portion of what God has given to you.” But in Jesus’ teaching in Luke 12, the faithful (called “little flock” as a diminutive word of affection) are directed: “Sell your possessions, and give alms.” The word “alms” is different than regular stewardship. It comes from a Greek word for “compassion” or “mercy.” Alms are a response of compassion in the face of the poor. Our offering time today gives us opportunity to share as stewards – regular giving for the support of this congregation – but also as people of compassion, giving “alms.” Please give now, putting your treasure where you want your heart to be! Every sermon that we hear is a stewardship sermon. Every sermon is a reminder for us to put God First. For us to care for the things that God cares for, and for us to invest in the world around us. Because when we invest, we make the world better for all of us. Today, let us be good stewards of the gifts that God has given us. Prayer of Thanksgiving God of mercy, you have made us in your image. Thank you for this opportunity to respond with compassion, in imago dei, giving alms, beyond our regular, weekly giving. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Invitation to Communion (just print the title) Jesus often helped his disciples and others recognize more about God. Often he spoke about God’s generosity and God’s desire to provide for believers. When we come to moment in worship, we see tangible evidence of God’s intention to “give (us) the kingdom”. This table holds gifts of bread and juice, true signs of God’s nurturing care. In this one loaf, we, who are many, are “membered”, each one of us one part (or “member”) of the one body of Jesus the Christ. In this one cup, we are united, like many grapes coming together to be made into juice. As we eat and drink, we can glimpse what God intends: enough for everyone, shared with all who come. No one is turned away, no one is forbidden. All are welcome at this table of the Lord. That, surely, is a sign of God’s Realm “in this very room.” (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Communion Announcements Remember to rsvp for Jean Erdman’s party. You can tell me today, and I will make sure that you are included on the list. Mr Utke made a display in fellowship hall of the entries that we made for the Kankakee County Fair. We are preparing for the Will County Fair, so he is taking a poll of which picture to participate in. What is God calling us to do in the future, what does god have in store for the ministry. All are invited to be a part of the conversation. The DS encourages us to being the gospel to the community. Once again the vote was 36 – 0 for reimagining the endowments. Closing Prayer for Facebook Children of God, by faith, God has brought us this far. Go now in the blessing of the God who goes before you and behind you, surrounding you on all sides with grace as we journey toward a better country in our neighborhood, our community, and beyond. Amen. Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, February 2024. Community Time – Joys and Concerns Benediction Go, clothed for compassion Attired with joy Covered by peace And dressed for action Knowing that the God who knit you together Goes with you In strength, gentleness, and power (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Cheryl Lindsay) Additional Illustrations Sermon Opener - Ready or Not, Here I Come - Luke 12:32-40 When you were a child, did you play the game, "Hide and Go Seek"? The person who is "It" closes his or her eyes, counts to ten, and then searches for the other children who are hiding. "1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10. Ready or not, here I come!" Something like that is going on in our text. The master is off to a wedding banquet. His servants are at the family farm. Some are alert, ready for his return; some are not ready. The countdown has begun. No one knows exactly when the master will return. At the end of our story, Jesus says, "You ... must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour" (Luke 12:40). Clearly, Jesus is talking about his Second Coming. Clearly, Jesus is speaking of his return at the end of the world. Clearly, we must be ready to meet him when he returns in power and majesty. We don't know when that will be, but we are called to wait with patience and act with faithfulness, like good servants. The countdown has begun. We live between the lightning and the thunder. The First Coming of Christ is like the lightning. We wait; then comes the thunder. When we see the one, we know the other will follow. The countdown has started: 1-2-3-4.... The Second Coming of Christ is like that. We know it's coming, but we don't know when it will arrive. Between the lightning and the thunder we are called to wait with patience and faith and act with faithfulness and obedience to the master's teaching. The countdown has begun for the Second Coming. In addition, the countdown has begun for our death. At death, as well as at the Second Coming of Christ, we must be ready to meet the Lord face-to-face. We don't know when we will die, but we are called to wait patiently and act faithfully in this in-between time. "Ready or not, here I come" Jesus said.... Back to School Good Behavior Even though it certainly still feels like summer across the country, many schools are back in session in the next few weeks. Here is a story for all of the teachers, students, and school personnel who are getting ready for another academic year. Lutheran pastor Larry Henning tells a humorous story about when he was in the fourth grade. He writes: Our teacher, Mrs. Cannon, would periodically leave the room and say, I’ll be back in a few minutes. Just work quietly at your desks on your math worksheets. Now, my friends and I tried hard to figure out just when Mrs. Cannon was coming back. We would take turns going to the door to see if she was indeed making her return. Why this obsession about the exact timing of her return? Because in her absence, we were throwing chalkboard erasers around the room and didn’t want to get caught by her sudden and unexpected reappearance. Mrs. Cannon was a good teacher who was nice most of the time, but her wrath in response to willful disobedience was an awesome thing to behold. ... Meanwhile, our classmate Elaine never worried about just when Mrs. Cannon might reappear. Why? Because Elaine would be at her desk the whole time faithfully doing her math -- faithfully doing what Mrs. Cannon asked her to do. Whenever Mrs. Cannon would return, she would find Elaine faithfully at work. Elaine was so good! (I wonder whatever happened to Elaine.) The purpose of sharing this story -- a story that some of us may have variations on -- is to suggest an analogy to the gospel reading. In the story, Elaine is doing the work her teacher has set before her. So whenever her teacher returns, she is busily engaged in her work. She has no need to fear the return of her teacher, unlike the boys in the story. In our lives, the Rabbi – the Teacher -- from Nazareth has given us work to do as well. We are to live as those who belong to God. We are to love as those who belong to God. If we are faithfully engaged in such work for the sake of God’s realm, then we need not fear those times when Jesus enters our lives, when Jesus returns in the stranger, or alien, or outcast. We will be ready, for our hearts are turned toward God, and we have been faithfully doing the work of love that we are given. Larry Henning, adapted by Mark Richardson, Ready to Risk If I Should Die Before I Wake Many of you are familiar with the childhood prayer "Now I lay me down to sleep, " but I was little surprised to learn that it is a shortened version of an Old English prayer, which goes like this: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, bless the bed that I lie on. Before I lay me down to sleep, I give my soul to Christ to keep. Four corners to my bed, four angels there aspread, two to foot, and two to head, and two to carry me when I'm dead. I go by sea, I go by land, the Lord made me by his right hand. If any danger comes to me, Sweet Jesus Christ, deliver me. He's the branch, and I'm the flower, pray God send me a happy hour. And if I die before I wake, I pray that Christ my soul will take. The prayer has an important refrain, that Christ is the keeper, the caretaker of our soul. And, when we slip into the unconsciousness of the night I suppose, on a daily bases, we are never nearer death. It was out of this fear of sleep that this prayer was written. At night, when we are vulnerable, we want someone watching over us. So, we prepare ourselves with a prayer: If I should die before I wake... Our text this morning asks us to be prepared, to be dressed ready for service. We are to keep our lamps burning for we do not know when our Lord returns. Brett Blair, www.Sermons.com Christ Return - Watchfulness There is a woman who is buried under a 150-year-old live oak trees in the cemetery of an Episcopal church in rural Louisiana. In accordance with this woman's instructions, only one word is carved on the tombstone: "Waiting." Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995, p. 275. __________________ Giving Up Our Comfortable Customs One of the favorite stories of the great Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegard, concerns an emperor, touring his domain and receiving the accolades of his people. When the entourage reached the market square of one village, his carriage was surrounded by cheering villagers and peasants. To the amazement of his neighbors, one brash young farmer stepped out of the crowd and approached the emperor’s carriage. "Give me a boon, Sire," he pleaded. "Grant me a special blessing." The villagers were even more amazed at the emperor’s reply: "Of course, my good man," he said. "Get into my carriage. Come with me. Live in my palace. Eat at my table. Marry my daughter. Be my son-in-law." The young man exclaimed his delight. To be the emperor’s son-in-law! Then he thought about it. No more Saturday nights at the pub with his friends. No more dirty, comfortable peasant clothes. He’d have to get dressed up. He’d have to take a bath - maybe every week. He’d have to clean his fingernails. He’d have to learn the manners of the court. He sadly shook his head and lowered his eyes. "No, Sire," he said. "I would be too uncomfortable. It would pull me out of my comfortable customs. It would be too hard to live up to. It would take too much of me." "If you want to do something for me, give me a plot of ground, a farm, a house of my own; but to live in your palace, eat at your table, be your son-in-law - this is too much." So he declined it. You see - he wanted the emperor’s blessing; but he wanted it on his own terms. He wanted to be blessed in doing what he wanted to do - not what the emperor wanted him to do. He wanted to be blessed right where he was, not moved out of his comfortable customs. He wanted the blessing, but not the responsibility that went with it. Carveth Mitchell, The Sign in the Subway, CSS Publishing Company. A Palace in Heaven There is a legend from the first century about the disciple Thomas who was sent by Christ to India. Thomas was employed by the local king Gundaphorus to build a new palace, and he was given money to buy materials and hire workmen. Thomas gave the money to the poor, but always assured the king that his palace was rising steadily. The king became suspicious when Thomas kept putting off his requests to see the work in progress and finally sent for Thomas. "Have you built my Palace?", he asked. "Yes", Thomas replied. "Then we shall go and see it now," said the King. Thomas answered: "You can not see it now, but when you depart this life you shall see it. I have built you a palace in heaven by giving your money to the poor and needy of your kingdom." The King was furious and had Thomas thrown in prison. All that night he considered how he should put Thomas to death. It seems good to me, the king said, to flay him and burn him with fire. But that night the king's brother dies and sees the kings palace in heaven which has been built by Thomas' charitable work. He makes a request to return to earth. His dead body is suddenly revived; he tells his brother of the magnificent palace awaiting him in heaven. Thomas is freed from prison and the king and his brother become Christians. Suggestion by Richard J. Fairchild: http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/c-or19sn.html. Adapted by Brett Blair. The Saddest Story Bishop Peter Storey from South Africa tells a story of three men in town for a convention. They were assigned rooms on the 51st floor of the convention hotel. They had been out for an evening -- having had a late dinner and entertainment. When they came in, the elevator was out of order. Can you imagine that? In a room on the 51st floor and no way to get there but to climb the stairs. It was a terrible dilemma, but they had no alternative. Being creative, they decided that they would devise a way to make that climb bearable. For 17 stories -- as they climbed the stairs -- they would tell funny stories. Then, for the next 17 stories, they would tell scary stories. Then, for the final 17 stories, they would tell sad stories. Well, it did work. For 17 stories, they laughed and laughed as they told funny story after funny story, taking their minds off of their arduous climb. Then, for the next 17 stories there were the scary tales -- and that helped because it seemed to energize them. Then as they began the last trek -- up the steps of the last 17 stories -- they began to tell sad story after sad story. When they got to the 50th floor, they had run out of stories seemingly. No one spoke up. Then it happened. One fellow broke the silence, "Fellows, here is the saddest story of all. I forgot the key at the reception desk." The key -- whether a door is being opened, or a door is being closed; the key is that we stay awake. Because we never know when we are going to be surprised by a new possibility; nor, do we ever know when something important is going to be taken from us. Maxie Dunnam "Should I replace the bandage on his ankle?" inquired the nurse of the doctor. "It looks well enough to be removed now." "Yes, give him a new bandage," said the doctor. "He doesn't really need it there but I want him to come back, so I can check up on something else about him. Without the bandage he won't return." Many times patients are brought to the doctor by members of their family for some hidden reason because the patient will not come for the true reason. This is done to avoid unnecessary rebellion or anxiety. It is important that the trouble be ascertained and the cure administered. People sometimes come to church for some selfish reason, but whatever brings them can lead to a good result. Many ask the question, "Why did this happen to me?" Defeats sometimes set the stage for victory. Those who suffer great sorrow may become equipped to give understanding love and help to others. The alcoholic may be more willing to receive assistance from one who suffered the same failing. Thousands of good deeds are performed daily in patterns that circumvent the barriers of human pride. Each of us may ask, "What hidden blessings has God in store today?" Challenging difficulties can cause us to build character and faith or give us opportunity to serve others in Christ's spirit. Read St. Luke 12:32 "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Sometimes Less is More

December 1, 2024 First Sunday of Advent Jeremiah 33:14-16 Sometimes less is more Year C Prelude Greeting Introit Lighting of the Advent Candle Reader One: From deep in the past, Jeremiah calls to us, “The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (Jeremiah 33:14). Beloved, the days are surely coming when the yearning of the land; the longing of the sun, moon, and stars; the desperate need of the people of earth for flourishing and peace will receive their fulfillment. Congregation: While fear, anxiety, misinformation, and suspicion surround us on every side, we choose to watch and wait in hope, preparing our hearts to notice and cooperate with God’s grace already at work in our midst. Reader Two: We light this candle of hope as a sign of our commitment to pay attention and prepare for the days that are surely coming and are already here—the days when God’s kin-dom of love, justice, and mercy will reign. Light the first candle of the Advent wreath. Call to Worship Children of God, pay attention! The days are coming when God’s peace will reign and all creation will flourish under the reign of our Creator. The days are surely coming! Children of God, prepare your hearts! The days are coming and are already here when God will come near and show us how to recognize God’s reign among us. The days are surely coming and are already here! Children of God, be alert and listen! God has come near to build the kin-dom on the earth here and now. Will you join in? The days are surely coming and are already here! We come to prepare our hearts to pay attention, to listen, and to follow God’s call to build the kin-dom of earth as it is in heaven. Amen. Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, June 2024. Song O Come O Come Emmanuel UMH 211 Verses 1-5 A Sermon for all Ages DO you know GOD's PHONE NUMBER? Do you know HIS email address? Can we send a card or letter all the way to heaven? Then how can we hear from Jesus and how can HE hear from us? [Give the children an opportunity to answer that question.] The answer is through prayer and reading the Bible. We can pray anytime and never get a busy signal. God is always home. Jesus is always there to hear our prayers. The BIBLE is GOD's Word - written to us from the beginning. It has so many exciting things to tell us. The Bible also says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" John 1:1. All we have to do is read the Bible if we want to hear from Jesus! All we have to do is pray if we want JESUS to hear us. Right here in the Bible is a scripture promise straight from GOD! It says, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" Jeremiah 33:3. (Some people call this verse God's phone number.) The Bible is full of words to warn us, guide us, and comfort us. All we have to do is open the Bible, ask HIM to show you what HE wants you to know for today, and then read it. And when we are hurting, or sad, or full of happiness that we want to share with God, we have a direct line - a Bluetooth connection - to the ear of GOD with the promise that if we call him, HE will always answer. He says, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee." Isn't that a great promise? I love that I can CALL Jesus anytime, night or day. I just need to pray or read the Bible! Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for making it SO easy to get in touch with you. Thank you that you are always home and never too busy to hear our call. Thank you that we don't have to yell really loud for you to hear us. We can whisper our prayers, and YOU can even read our thoughts and hearts. We don't have to even say words that others can hear and you know what we are thinking. That makes us feel very special, Jesus. That makes us feel your amazing love for us. Thank you, so much! In Jesus' Name, AMEN. Prayer for Transformation and New Life God of the Possible and Probable, Gloom often encapsulates us when life is confusing and conflict is great. Our faith is rattled, and we are swallowed by shadows of fear. The world often feels like the end is near even when a new beginning is around the corner. We forget that even when shadows have lengthened, there remains a crack in the surface. Light begins to stream into our space, and warmth dances upon our hearts. When fear unnerves us, may we cling to the hope of God’s love and the possibilities of joy once again. Amen. Words of Grace Take comfort, dear friends, that God’s grace will fill our hearts with joy as we know that light grows ahead. May we cling to the crumbs of hope as we step into the nighttime with faith, knowing Divine Bliss accompanies us in each step. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Michelle Torigian) Scripture Jeremiah 33:14-16 Sermon Sometimes less is more And just like that, we go from Thanksgiving with turkeys, football and pumkins to Christmas with the lights, basketball and evergreens. Literally this year, one day we are sitting down for a bog meal and the next day – it is time for the Christmas parade. This year, the switch was so jarring because November was so nice outside, and today it was 12 degrees when I woke up. Who wants to go out in that kind of weather? This time of year there are usually two kinds of sales being advertised in the newspaper: Post-Thanksgiving and pre-Christmas. I could not help wondering if those two terms do not describe the spiritual state of many of us “post-Thanksgiving and pre-Christmas. Permit me to cite some examples. IF YOU ONLY OBEY THE LAW AND NO MORE YOUR FAITH IS PRE-CHRISTMAS. How is that for a starter? If most of us were brought before Heavenly Tribunal this day and were asked to defend ourselves before the Righteous Judge of the Universe, I suspect that most of us would start off naming the things we haven't done. Let us see, "Thou shalt not kill . . . ." Why there! That's a good start. I certainly have never killed anyone. "Thou shalt not steal . . . ." Why certainly that leaves me out. Or Adultery. And I certainly don't mistreat my parents. Most of us would take refuge in the things we don't do. And yet I say to you that if you obey the law and that is all, your faith is pre-Christmas. Jesus spent very little time condemning evil-doers. He spent a great deal of time condemning good folks who were worthless. For example, the priest and the Levite who passed by the man lying in the ditch; they may have kept all the laws, but their faith was pre-Christmas. Or the rich young ruler who "had kept all the commandments from his youth up." Jesus told him there was still one more thing he needed to do; he needed to take everything he had and sell it and give the money to the poor and leave it all behind and follow Jesus; Being good was not good enough. Or the goats at the last judgment. The hell of fire was prepared not for those who had broken the laws of adultery, stealing and killing. Rather it was prepared for those who had a chance to give a cup of water to a man who was thirsty or a piece of bread to a man who was hungry; or clothing to the naked, or to make a simple visit to the sick or imprisoned. Chances came time after time to these folks and they let them get away unfilled. How about you? Are you willing to go beyond being respectable to being responsible? A lawyer asked Jesus what was the great commandment. Jesus did not answer with a "Thou shalt not . . . ." He summed up all of Christian living with a thou shalt; "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind, soul, and strength; and thy neighbor as thyself." "Thou shalt love . . . " And who is your neighbor? Jesus answered with a story about a good Samaritan who took time to minister to one in need. We need good Samaritans today. You may have heard the story about a woman who rounded the street corner and came upon an accident victim lying on the sidewalk. Suddenly, she was grateful for the first aid course she had recently completed at the local YWCA. "I was going for a walk today," she told her husband later, "and saw this poor man lying on the sidewalk in pretty bad condition." "Then," she continued, "all my first-aid training came back to me, and I knew just what to do. I bent right down and put my head between my knees to keep from fainting!" An article in the CHRISTIAN HERALD tells that one of the best apartments in New York is near the banks of the East River. Yet the living room windows face to the West, away from the river view. When the buildings were erected, in 1925, animal pens and a large slaughterhouse were in sight of the apartments, so the planners faced a more desirable view. This happens to people. Instead of changing the circumstances and improving the conditions . . . we simply turn away or we put our head between our knees to keep from fainting. This is how we have dealt with migrant labor camps, penal reforms, city slums “we have just looked in another direction. Christ calls us to be servants. Servants do the work. Your faith is pre-Christmas if you only obey the law. IN THE SECOND PLACE, YOUR FAITH IS PRECHRISTMAS IF YOU LOVE ONLY THOSE PEOPLE WHO LOVE YOU. Everybody loves people who love them. That doesn't take any great act of commitment, does it? There was once a fellow who was a general ne-er do well. He never contributed anything to his community that I know of. He wasn't malicious at all. He was simply lazy and what some would call "worthless." Still most members of the community were charitable. After all, they would say, "he is good to his mother." EVERYONE is good to his or her mother. Not everyone of course. There are some bums out there. Still, it takes no great leap of devotion to love your mother or your brother or people who go to the same church or live on the same street. Everybody does that. They even say that about the Mafia: "They really take care of their own!" That's great. So what? Jesus said, "Even the Gentiles love those who love them." The test of Christian faith is whether you can love persons whom ordinarily you might not even be able to stand. The cause of Christ has been crippled through the years by those who say they love Christ but cannot love humanity. The world sniffs out hypocrisy in the church quicker than a bear sniffs out a handout in a state park. The penetrating TV news show SIXTY MINUTES recently filmed a story on the church in South Africa. The obvious angle was the glaring hypocrisy of apartheid in the face of clear Christian teaching that in Christ, "There is neither Jew nor Greek." Surely the church would be against racism, wouldn't it? The story showed otherwise. While declaring out one side of the mouth that apartheid was racism and sin, the leader of the major Christian denomination in South Africa said out the other side of his mouth that the two races shouldn't mix. In fact, when the denomination declared that racism was clearly against biblical teaching, 105 churches pulled out to form an allwhite denomination. The story closed with cameras focused on a sea of all-white faces singing joyfully to an all-white God. The editors of SIXTY MINUTES knew what the Christians in South Africa evidently do not “the gospel of Jesus Christ wipes out racial barriers. In his autobiography Mahatma Gandhi tells of his interest in the Bible as a student. He even attended a Christian church one Sunday. When he entered the sanctuary, the ushers refused to seat him. They suggested that he worship with his own people. Gandhi was so disillusioned he left, and later wrote, "If Christians have caste differences also, I might as well remain Hindu." So sad. By the way, how are you doing so far? Your faith is pre-Christmas if all you do is obey the law and no more. Your faith is pre-Christmas if you love only those people who love you. FINALLY, YOUR FAITH IS PRE-CHRISTMAS IF IT HAS NEVER MADE THAT VITAL MOVE FROM YOUR LIPS TO YOUR HEART. We get disturbed because Christmas has been so captured by our culture that it has almost lost its religious significance, but that is true to a lesser extent of the Christian faith itself. How about you? Do you have Christ on your lips but not in your heart? "Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." A church with one of those signs on which you can change messages was right next to an S&H stamp redemption store. On the sign was this message in front of the church: "Soul & Heart Redemption Center." Remember the description of the prodigal Son's change of heart: "He came to himself." The following is an account of a young man whose life history was the subject of a government report on juvenile delinquency: A young man who was a very serious problem to his parents and local authorities because of his antisocial behavior, spent several weeks one summer in a peaceful rural area with members of a religious group well-known for their kind, simple modes of living. His behavior among them was exemplary. The following summer, after another violent year in the ghetto, he returned to the country and to his peaceful, friendly mode of living with the comment, "The real me is here." Perhaps we have missed the whole point of Christmas and Christianity “no longer shall we be dependent on an external law but upon an indwelling spirit. The surest testimony has always been this one, "You ask me how I know he lives, he lives within my heart." Our faith is pre-Christmas if it is a faith of the lips but not of the heart. This is to say that your faith is still pre-Christmas if you have never made a commitment of your life to Jesus Christ. Remember the story of the Methodist preacher who called his Bishop and told him that Jesus Christ was visiting his church in person that day and asked what he should do. "Look busy," was the immediate reply. We are a busy people. We are even busy about the things of God. And yet, "busy-ness" is not the key to the Kingdom of God. Our lives may still be fragmented, our busy-ness lacking focus, our vision lacking in power, purpose, and promise. Why? Because we have never given all to Christ. The good news for is – there is a cure for prechristmas spirituality. Advent. The 4 weeks of waiting and preparing ourselves for what happens after Christmas. For the coming of Christ in our lives, not the inaurguration. Advent always starts with the chaos and confusion of the world and ends with hope, peace, love and joy of christ. Advent is a time to calm our spirits and to pay attention to what God is really doing in the world. Our scripture for today is our prechristmas promise that God is here with us today. The book of Jeremiah takes people through some rough times. Jeremiah tells us that things will get worse before they get better. The good news for us is that things do indeed get better. Two things that we can be sure of when it comes to God, God keeps God;s promises. God always does what it right. Righteosness means to do what is called for in a situation. The right actions for the right situation. Done by the right person. God always acts through the actions of the righteous person. Jesus is that person for us. When I look into the future- in my spirit, I truly do believe that change is coming. Things are going to be different next year. Not just because of the president, but more importantly because of your and I. Jeremiah challenges each of us at this moment in time to look at the world – what are the things that need to change? Who are the people who need to come to God’s table? What are the obstacles that need to be taken away? What are the actions that need to be taken. We are challenged to think about it, to pray about it and to do what we can. It is time to prepare ourselves to be instruments of peace. Jeremiah is a short verse – but it says the days are coming. As a matter of fact, Jeremiah says the days are coming 16 times. The days are coming when life gets better. Jeremiah also talks about a stump of Jesse, more powerful than a tree. In a comic strip, the Wizard of Id, a jailer heard a strange noise coming from a jail cell. He asked what was going on, the prisoner replied I am trimming the Christmas tree. When the jailer come to look – all he saw was two branches. Criss cross from one another in the form of a cross. The prisoner reminded him that Christmas was about the cross of Christ, and that we should always see christ in everything that we do, especially Christmas. What really matters is what happens post Christmas. After christ has come into the world. Let us prepare ourselves for that day. Let us pray. Song Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming Prayer’s of the Peaople (after each petition please say “God of our Salvation, hear our prayers) Do not print the prayer Christ is coming. He is coming to make all things new. Eternal God, during this season of Advent, help us prepare Christ’s way, help us center our hearts, minds and prayers on your holy presence in our midst. God of our salvation, hear our prayers. As the days grow short and the nights loom long, we praise you for these seasonal reminders that there is time for work and for rest. For those of us who know warm homes and soft places to sleep, we give thanks for these precious gifts. We pray for those who are unhoused and those whose home is unsafe or financially insecure. May all your children get the rest they need to thrive. God of our salvation, hear our prayers. As divisiveness and conflict plague us and wars rage across the world, Holy God, we focus on the generosity, kindness and care you encourage within us. As we contemplate the vulnerability of Christ, born a fragile in- fant in a violent world, let us drop our facades and the masks of strength we hide behind. May this season of Advent prepare us to celebrate the strength that can be found in weakness and the power held in humility p2and love. God of our salvation, hear our prayers. As your people gather in homes and churches to celebrate this season, let us be reminded of all the reasons we have to rejoice in you. Let us be reminded of your protective presence, of your gentleness and love, of your peace which passes all understanding. Guard our hearts and minds this Advent, Savior God, so we can rejoice over your faithfulness through Jesus Christ our Lord. God of our salvation, hear our prayers. As a people of faith, we lift these prayers to you, trusting you hear us and receive us. Finally, hear us now, as we pray the prayer Christ taught us by saying together, “Our Father …”. Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moments For many of us, December is a month of spending. Some of us spend more on food and drinks as we host parties or welcome our extended family and friends for a meal. Some of us spend money for gifts or for the materials needed to create gifts. Some of us, knowing we’ll soon come to the end of the tax year, are reminded to share additional gifts with charities, schools, and our church. Today is a day to begin that mindful giving to support the ministries of this congregation. Your gifts make possible _______________________ (name one or two specifics in your congregation). As we round out our Thanksgiving weekend, let’s begin this month by generously offering our tithes and our gifts. Prayer of Thanksgiving Gracious God, in this season of anticipation, we offer our gifts to put our money where our heart is. We pray these gifts help us prepare our lives for the coming fullness of your Realm. We’re grateful these offerings signal our readiness to wake up! May they allow us to join in building up a wide-awake community, helping move our congregation, our community and our world a bit closer to justice and joy. Amen. (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Invitation to Communion In some circles one person might encourage another: “take a shot” to fortify them in the face of difficult news. Here, we invite each person to participate in communion to fortify us in the face of the “little apocalypse” of Luke 21. Jesus spoke of distress among nations and people fainting from fear in anticipation of the coming day of redemption. However, or in what arena, we imagine God’s possible action, these emblems of bread and cup are signs of “God-with-us”, symbols of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. So come! Launch into this new year with this feast, shared in remembrance of Jesus. Communion Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook As we open the doors to the dawn of this season, May the Creator of Our Hearts fill us with Joy, May the Light of Christ fill our hearts with Hope, And may the Spirit of Tranquility assure our souls with Strength. Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Michelle Torigian) Community Time – Joys and Concerns Benediction We do not leave this sanctuary and leave God behind. God’s call to prepare our hearts, our minds, our communities and our world for the coming Christ, is clear. May this call be ever before us; guiding us, inspiring us, enabling us to be Christ’s body – his hands, his feet, his heart – in this, God’s world. May the grace, hope, peace and love of God our Creator Redeemer and Sustainer be with us all, now and forever. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Terri McDowell) Additional Illustration

Peace, Joy, Hope, Love - the Promises of Advent

December 1, 2019 Hope, Peace, Love and Joy First Sunday of Advent Year A Isaiah 2:2-5 Children’s Sermon OBJECT: A Globe LESSON: What do I have here? That's right. It is a globe of the Earth. Where would you say is the most important place on the globe? Some might say Washington, D.C. People in France would probably say Paris. Hundreds of years ago, the prophet Isaiah was given a vision of the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. Do you know what a vision is? A vision is something a person sees in a dream. In this case, God showed Isaiah the holy Temple in Jerusalem in his dream. Isaiah had a vision of what Jerusalem would be like someday. It would be the most important place in all the earth and people would come from all over the world to worship there. There would be no more wars or armies. Doesn't that sound wonderful? That hasn't happened yet but it gives us hope. Just like Isaiah saw hope for a better world in the future, Advent and Jesus' birth gives us hope also. PRAYER: Thank You for sending Jesus to give us hope for a better world. AMEN Isaiah 2:1-5 Common English Bible (CEB) The LORD’s mountain 2 This is what Isaiah, Amoz’s son, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 In the days to come the mountain of the LORD’s house will be the highest of the mountains. It will be lifted above the hills; peoples will stream to it. 3 Many nations will go and say, “Come, let’s go up to the LORD’s mountain, to the house of Jacob’s God so that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in God’s paths.” Instruction will come from Zion; the LORD’s word from Jerusalem. 4 God will judge between the nations, and settle disputes of mighty nations. Then they will beat their swords into iron plows and their spears into pruning tools. Nation will not take up sword against nation; they will no longer learn how to make war. 5 Come, house of Jacob, let’s walk by the LORD’s light. Common English Bible (CEB) Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible Stewardship moment This is the season of gifts. Give and receive. What is the greatest gift that you ever received? Who gave it to you. Season of giving physical gifts, but they all represent some form of hope, peace, love and joy. Ultimately, that is what we want to give. This season, remember to put God first. Give as God calls us to give – to make a difference not just to our family and friends but to all of the world. A better world for some of us, better world to all. Give to further the mission of the church. Sermon We begin the school year by buying new clothes and school supplies, we start the calendar year with fireworks and parades, we start the fiscal year by looking at the budget. We start the Christian year by turning everything upside down. So that the beginning is the end, and the end is the beginning. Afterall that is what Jesus did – turned everything upside down, so that there something new and exciting could begin. The book of Isaiah starts about where our world is – there is devastation, darkness, hopelessness. In chapter 1 of Isaiah – the country is devastated from being taken over by another land. They are at a loss for what to do. For us – there are so many things going on to bring devastation. But Isaiah takes a look at that devastation, hopelessness, darkness and tries to make sense of it. He turns it into hope, peace, love and joy – by getting us to focus on the presence of God in our lives. Every Sunday in advent there is a reading from Isaiah. We are not going to read every one of them this year. But I think this one is important. I remember writing a whole research paper on this one – I wish I could find it. This one speaks to me, because it speaks of the importance of peace. I think the world needs more peace and understanding. In Schaumburg the ministerial alliance decided to have an intentional conversation on the meaning of peace. We were unique because we have muslim, jewish and Christian participation. That was actually unique, because usually if you can get the jewish synagogue to participate, then you wont get the mosque. And if the mosque is present the synagogue wont. We had some very understanding clergy. Interestingly, when we invited the lay people to come – some said no, as long as the other was in the room they would not talk. I taught a workshop on peace, and asked what was the meaning of peace. One of the jewish persons said – peace was the presence of American b1 bomber in his country. As long as it was there, he knew there would be peace in his country. Interesting. We all have our images of what represents peace. And we have different images. But this verse teaches us that there is only one God. When we all look to that God and trust him. Then and only then will we understand peace. One author suggests that children's letters to Santa reflect that same desire to reach out to God. The tiny town of Rovaniemi, Finland, is the official international site for sending letters to Santa Claus. They have an aptly named Santa Claus Village nearby, and they postmark their letters with a Santa Claus postal seal. Each year, the Rovaniemi post office receives hundreds of thousands of letters from over 184 countries. Although form letters are sent out to most of the requests, the most heartrending ones are personally answered by a volunteer team of university students from the surrounding towns. One postal clerk at Rovaniemi says, "We can see everything that is going on in the world through the letters." Children in war-torn areas ask Santa to send them peace on earth. Children whose parents are dying ask for the miracle of healing. One child may ask for a new Power Ranger doll from Santa; another child on the other side of the globe may ask for an artificial limb to replace the hand or leg that was blown off by a land mine. But why do children and adults write to Santa for both tangible and intangible things? One clerk remarks, "People used to have the saints to call on when they felt they couldn't reach God himself. Now some of them think, "˜If God can't help me, maybe Santa can. "˜" (4) There is a universal need to connect with God. At some time in our lives, all of us will look up and say, "Please, God. Listen to my need." There is a universal need for God. Christmas speaks to that need. When we could not reach God, God reached out to us. As someone has written, "Christmas is love tugging us back to God with a powerful clasp of a tiny hand reaching out from a bed of straw." There is a universal need for God and there is a universal need for peace. Isaiah writes, "He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." We are all looking for something beyond ourselves – the divine. And a God of mercy, justice and love takes care of everyone. When our prayers are answered and our needs are taken care of we don’t need to depend on war to get our needs met. We can sit next to each other in peace and unity. Here's an interesting fact: Research has discovered that no two nations with McDonald's restaurants have ever gone to war. The so-called Golden Arches Theory of Conflict Prevention, conceived by Thomas Friedman in The New York Times, holds that countries can only support a McDonald's when they have reached a sufficient level of economic prosperity and political stability to make war unattractive to its people. (6) The world is moving away from war one Big Mac at a time. Do you catch the significance of that little fact? One way to reduce conflict in the world is to attack the conditions in the world that make for war--injustice, poverty, and abuse. Even if it doesn't make the world safe for democracy, that is what followers of Jesus are supposed to be doing anyway. Frankly, I really don’t believe that McDonalds has that kind of power. More importantly, McDonalds is not that altruistic. They go where they can make a profit. We have to remember, that the church is the place that Jesus created to be the place of peace. We are the high mountain that everyone will come to learn the ways of God and the ways of peace, hope love and joy. The scripture says that God will judge between the nations and give justice. God does not judge us, God is the intercessor that deals with each of us fairly. We don’t need a b1 bomber to deal with our enemies. The setting is West Africa. The casings from bullets fired during the Liberian civil war in the 1990s are being made into crosses by local artisans. It was George Togba's idea to make these crosses. He is a native of Liberia. At the peak of the country's 17-year civil war, George and his family were among 600 people who sought refuge in St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Monrovia. The military raided the sanctuary, and George saw most of the refuge-seekers killed in front of him, including his mother. They were all unarmed. "I escaped the massacre and joined the war effort," George said. "But I didn't really want to be a soldier." Nonetheless, George made it through the war, and when peace was finally restored to Liberia in 1996, he had to find a way to support his family. "I had a dream," he says, "where I was changing the shell casings into symbols of peace." He gathered up several of the used shells that littered the war-torn countryside and started to work. "I leave the lower part of the round intact," says George, "so that you can see what it was intended to do--destroy life--but above that is the symbol of life," he explained, pointing to the cross. About 30 other artisans and former soldiers have joined George. This creative and meaningful effort provides income for many families in Liberia. The project was sponsored by the Lutheran World Federation. The crosses serve as a reminder to all that "nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." (7) Friends, that's our job--to transfer symbols of hate into symbols of love, symbols of death into symbols of life, symbols of hopelessness into symbols of God. How do we do that? One small act of love and concern at a time. Those counter productive tools can be turned into productive tooks. Tools to protect us from one another can be turned into tools to share. What would happen if we strove to turn swords into plowshares. To all use those tools of production and sharing. Advent is the beginning of us being the people God called us to be. A little girl named Jana was given a part in her church’s Christmas drama. Jana was so excited about her part that her mother thought she was going to be one of the main characters. Jana, however, would not reveal to her mother the part she was supposed to play. After much anticipation, the big night finally came. The parents were all there eagerly awaiting their children’s participation in this Christmas drama. One by one the children took their places. The shepherds fidgeted in one corner of the stage. Mary and Joseph stood solemnly behind the manger. In the back three young wise men waited impatiently. Meanwhile, Jana sat quietly and confidently. Then the teacher began: “A long time ago, Mary and Joseph had a baby and they named Him Jesus. And when Jesus was born, a bright star appeared over the stable.” This was Jana’s cue. She got up from her chair, picked up a large tin-foil star, walked behind Mary and Joseph and held the star up high for everyone to see. When the teacher told about the shepherds coming to see the baby, the three young shepherds came forward and Jana jiggled the star up and down excitedly to show them where to come. When the wise men responded to their cue, Jana went forward a little to meet them and to lead the way, her face as alight as the real star might have been. The play ended. They had refreshments. On the way home, even though she only had a nonspeaking role, Jana said to her Mother, with great satisfaction, “I had the main part!” “You did?” Her mother asked, wondering why she thought that. “Yes,” she said, “because I showed everybody how to find Jesus!” (1) I guess she did have the main part. She pointed all the other actors toward Jesus. This advent may you strive to be that light to the world. Let us pray……. Additional illustrations I Shall Not Rush Here is a version of the 23rd Psalm that ought to be mandatory reading each day of Advent, and a unison reading each Advent Sunday. The lord is my pace setter . . . I shall not rush He makes me stop for quiet intervals He provides me with images of stillness which restore my serenity He leads me in the way of efficiency through calmness of mind and his guidance is peace Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for his presence is here His timelessness, his all importance will keep me in balance He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity by anointing my mind with his oils of tranquility My cup of joyous energy overflows Truly harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours for I shall walk in the Pace of my Lord and dwell in his house for ever. A version of Psalm 23 from Japan, as reprinted in Mother Teresa, Life in the Spirit: Reflections, Meditations, Prayers, ed. Kathryn Spink (San Francisco, Harper & Row, 1983), 76-77. We've Done Everything Else "We have learned to soar through the air like birds, to swim through the seas like fish, to soar through space like comets. Now it is high time we learned to walk the earth as the children of our God." William Sloan Coffin Never Give Up Hope In Anne Tyler's novel, “The Amateur Marriage,” we witness a sad series of events. The book's main characters are Michael and Pauline, a pair of World War II-era sweethearts who get married and eventually have three children. But then one day their oldest child, Lindy, just disappears. She runs away from home and promptly falls off the face of the earth. For the first days, weeks, and even months, they watch for her return. They seize on any and every clue as to her whereabouts. The pace, they peer out windows, they listen for a key scratching at the front door's lock, they sit bolt upright each time they think they hear footfalls on the driveway. But Lindy does not return. Over the years, her absence becomes just another part of life. They never finally give up on the idea that they'd see her again, but they stop watching for her. At first they were certain she'd be back soon. They would not have been at all surprised had she walked back through that front door. Years later, though, the surprise flipped: after a while, they would have been surprised if she had come back. Lindy does return eventually, although her mother Pauline never lives to see it. When Lindy shows back up, her father says to her, "Your mother never gave up hope, I could tell." Of course, Pauline had gotten on with life. But she just had a way of glancing out the window that let you know the hope was still there. When she had the chance to take a cruise with a group of friends, she refused. She came up with a dozen excuses but everyone knew that deep down the real reason was that she didn't want to be gone in case Lindy came back. We may not live to see our Lord's return. But as we go through our routines in these days of Noah, we certainly want it to be true that as people look at the shape of our lives, they can say of also us, "Those Christians never give up hope. We can tell." Scott Hoezee, Comments and Observations The Season of Preparation Today marks the beginning of the season of Advent, a time of preparation, a time of going toward the coming again of the Messiah, a time of great expectation and great anticipation. But exactly what is it that we anticipate? What are we getting ready for? What do we expect to happen? Do we anticipate the end of the world, as some religious cults always do at this time of the year? Are we preparing our hearts and spirits to receive once again the coming of the Christ child into the world? Or are we preparing for yet another month-long shopping spree that some have called "economic first-degree murder" – willfully and with malice aforethought murdering our bank accounts? Or maybe we’re getting ready for the seven to ten pounds the average American will gain during the season (Lord, please let me be an underachiever this year!)? Or are we preparing for the suicidal traffic jams at Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke, or the general atmosphere of surliness and desperation? (A couple of years back I remember hearing on the local news in West Tennessee that shoppers were actually coming to blows for the right to buy a Holiday Barbie doll!) Are we getting ready for the depression, the anxiety, and even the rage that accompanies the secular holiday season? If we allow ourselves to get caught up in the consumer Christmas – and I firmly believe that we in America celebrate two separate events on December 25 – we can easily find that instead of preparing to sing "O Holy Night" we will find ourselves living out one holy nightmare. When the prophet Isaiah thought about the advent of God, he envisioned a world unified in worship of God and committed to peace. Isaiah dreamed of a time when the nations and people of the world would join together in recognizing the sovereignty of God and declare, "Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that God may teach us his ways, and that we may walk in his paths." In the world of Isaiah’s vision, war was a thing of the past, and the nations of the earth lived together in peace. Johnny Dean, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com An event of some significance took place in Wauconda, Illinois, a small town with a population of 6,500. For the past 45 years the town had placed two large illuminated crosses on the city water towers during the Christmas season. Then the town council received a threat. Someone was going to sue the city if the crosses were erected in the coming Christmas season, based on the separation of church and state. The town council grudgingly took them down. But that’s when the citizens of Wauconda took matters into their own hands. They didn’t counter-sue. Nor did they organize angry protests. Here’s what they did. They decided to honor the missing crosses by placing lighted reminders of Christ on their own property. All over the community, the citizens of Wauconda put up lighted crosses and nativity stars and manger scenes and trees draped in lights. They put up so many lights that you could see Wauconda from the interstate freeway! Wauconda looked like an entirely different town. All night it was as bright as day because the people decided to turn on the lights of Christmas. (6) What is the first thing God created in this world? Light. What is the last thing that will indicate the presence of God is among us? According to the book of Revelation it is light. The Advent season is our chance to remember, to celebrate, to announce to the world that the Messiah has come and that we have been called to walk in the light of the Lord. And as we walk in God’s light, we will choose justice and peace because through Jesus we have been restored to God and restored to one another. For these next four weeks leading up to Christmas, I hope that you will focus on how you can heal any separation between you and God and between you and your brothers and sisters in this world of every race and creed, that you may share more of Jesus’ light and life with a world that needs so badly to know God’s hope and God’s peace. I read something interesting about icebergs some time ago. I read that if you were to fly over the North Atlantic in a blimp and were to stare at a large pack of icebergs, you would begin to notice something. You would notice that all the small icebergs would be moving in one direction, while the large ones would be moving in another. Now why do you think that is? It's because surface winds are moving the little icebergs while the enormous ones are directed and moved by ocean currents deep below the surface. Right in the midst of turmoil and hopelessness, the surface winds of his day, Isaiah was undaunted in his faith. He knew that such things would pass and that the day would come when the mountain of the Lord would be established as the highest of all. He knew that the day would come when, instead of the people of God turning their backs on the Lord who loved them, once again they would be faithful and by their sheer radiance and the power of God, people would flow back up the mountain to be taught the Lord's way of peace. Every Hanukkah, the Markovitz family of Pennsylvania lit a menorah and placed it in the window of their house. It stood out in contrast to all the Christmas decorations in the windows of their neighbors. One year, vandals broke out the front window of the Markovitz home, the window that held the menorah. The whole Markovitz family was shaken by the senseless hatred of this act. After the window had been repaired, they left to spend the day with their family. That evening, the Markovitzes returned home to find almost every house in the neighborhood had a lit menorah in its front window. As Vicky, the Markovitz's daughter said, it was their neighbors' way of saying, "If you break their windows, you will have to break ours." (8) That's where it begins--it begins with us as we seek to be God's people in the world--loving our neighbors as Christ has loved us. The Advent season speaks to our need for God and the world's need for peace, and it shows us a better way--the way of love. The poet Emily Dickinson wrote: Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all. Here we are in December. December is not so much another month as it is another mood. We start talking about faith, hope and love just because it’s December. We send greeting cards to people we have seldom seen all year. We decorate our houses with greenery hoping this symbol of life will become real. We string lights around our homes, hoping against hope to chase the dark away. It’s December. I want to spend these December Sundays talking about hope, about real hope, about spiritual hope. Or as Helen Neimast said, “Waiting with hope is an affirmation that God – not you or I – is in charge, and that God is faithful, worthy of our hope.” Maybe it’s time to move to higher ground. The mountain that Isaiah mentioned is Mt. Moriah. It’s where Abraham learned that child sacrifice was not the way of the Lord, it’s where David learned that he could pray for the release of plagues on his people, and it’s where Solomon built the temple. It is where the laws of the Lord were kept and the ways of the Lord were practiced. Let us go up to the mountain, the highest mountain of all. There is no doubt that you will be busy the next 30 days. That is not the question. The question is, are you going to be any better this month? Will you be busy with things that matter? Our problem is that we try to manufacture hope. We trim a tree, we hang some lights, we pack our schedules with things to do and places to go. We take a few trips down memory lane. This is not where hope lies. Hope is not to be found in the things we do. We can even engulf ourselves in religious activities, sing the Messiah, listen to the cantatas, engage in a thousand ways to help the needy, and still wind up feeling hopeless, because we have failed to encounter God, to learn his ways and walk in his paths. Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord. Let us rise up to the place where we may learn God’s ways and walk in his paths. Let me say it plainly: Our hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame But holy lean on Jesus Name. I’m hoping today that God will be exalted in all that we do and all that we say. Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord and there learn to worship with all of our being. Let him fill our hearts and minds and souls with hope because hope alone lies in God.

The World turned upside down

December 2, 2018 First Sunday of Advent Year C Luke 21:25-36 The World Turned Upside Down Luke 21:25-36 Common English Bible (CEB) 25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, there will be dismay among nations in their confusion over the roaring of the sea and surging waves. 26 The planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken, causing people to faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world. 27 Then they will see the Human One[a] coming on a cloud with power and great splendor. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, because your redemption is near.” A lesson from the fig tree 29 Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that God’s kingdom is near. 32 I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until everything has happened.33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away. 34 “Take care that your hearts aren’t dulled by drinking parties, drunkenness, and the anxieties of day-to-day life. Don’t let that day fall upon you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. It will come upon everyone who lives on the face of the whole earth. 36 Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.”[b] Footnotes: a. Luke 21:27 Or Son of Man b. Luke 21:36 Or Son of Man Common English Bible (CEB) Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible Children’s Sermon: Lighting of the advent candle Very early in my ministry – as Associate in Aurora Wesley. I went with the Senior Pastor to meet a parishioner in the hospital dying of cancer. Apparently she had been sick for some time, because the pastor and many of her friends were preparing her for death. Many told her that she had been a faithful Christian all of her life, so she did not have to be afraid to go to be with God. Eventually I knew her well enough to visit on my own. And in that first visit alone, she asked me if I thought this was the beginning of her life or the end. She was having a hard time understanding where God was in this process, and wondering what she should be preparing herself for. I told her that honestly, I don’t think God gets caught up on defining beginnings and endings. Because we have to explain and understand everything, we tend to think in straight lines. On a straight line, the beginning is in one place and the ending is on the opposite end. We as people like straight lines, but God seems to prefer circles. In a circle the beginning and the end are random points. In every beginning is an ending and in every ending is a beginning. But the other cool thing about a circle is it goes around in a continuous loop. So instead of life happening in stages, life happens in cycles. As we begin advent, fall has ended and winter is coming. Winter turns into spring, and spring turns into summer. In life, we are born, we live, we die, our spirits are resurrected. A story begins, it ends and it starts all over again. Yeah – I truly believe that God favors circles, not straight lines. The conversations that I had with her, have stuck with me for 24 years. Because visitors came to her telling her to remember her faith and not to be afraid of death. But she told me that she was not ready to go. She enjoyed being to wake up everyday and to look at the sunrise, and to smell the flowers and to experience the love for her family and she was not ready to give that up. I told her that life was a gift from God, and it was hers, and if she was not ready to give it up, she didn’t have to. God would be with her on this side and the next. There would be days in the next few weeks, they had to increase her morphine levels to stop the pain, and she was not able to talk as much, but she would say she didn’t know what to ask me, but she just wanted me to keep talking to her about God, about circles and enjoying life. I visited her and talked and held on, and eventually she moved on to the next phase in life. This is the first Sunday of advent – the beginning of the Christian new year. A time of preparation for the coming of Christ into our world. Every advent – instead of starting at the beginning, we start at the end. Our scripture in Luke talks about what to expect at the end of time when Jesus comes back to earth. Jesus says that it will be a stressful time, when everyone is afraid and worried. There will be climate change and earthquakes. That seems like a common occurance in our world today. But the message for us who are expecting Christ to come in the clouds, is not to get stressed out, not to go along with the hopelessness of the world. To be encouraged, and to look forward to what is to come. Advent is a time for us to take account of our lives and to get right with God. To remember that God is the center of our circle, not the events in life. A major theme of advent – is repentance and recentering. The Eternal Words of Christ You have perhaps heard the story that comes out of the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War Two. There was a battleship whose forward watch spotted a light that appeared to be heading straight for the battleship. A radio message was sent saying, "Unidentified ship: you are on a collision course. Change direction 10 degrees starboard." The reply came back: "No. You need to change direction." The battleship again sent a message saying, "This is a United States warship. Change direction 10 degrees starboard." And once again the reply came back, "No." The admiral was awakened and notified and the battleship sent yet another message again repeating, "This is a warship on official maneuvers. You are ordered to change direction. Signed, Admiral Peacock." A moment passed and the reply came back, "No. Signed Seaman Smith, Tender of the Light House." Often it is WE who are the ones who need to change course. The clear light of God's Word for us doesn't change. Donald Deffner, Seasonal Illustrations, San Jose: Resource, p. 67. Adapted. Advent is intended to be our message that it is time to recenter, rethink and get right with God. Because God is about to come, and we need to be ready. The beginning of advent is a time of transition and preparation for a change. The end of some things and the beginning of new things. We always first hear a dire warning to get ready for the second coming of Christ. That is a time of stress for most people. Because they don’t know what it going to happen. They don’t know what changes the transition will bring. Jesus also says that the transition time will be a time of darkness, and fear. But that we should rejoice, because God is a circle God. So the darkness is just one phase – another will come. When we are going through troubling times, we should celebrate because better days are coming. Once again if life were a straight line, things would only head in one direction, but in a circle what goes around comes around. The good news for us is that in each phase on the circle God comes to be with us and to help us to make it to the next phase. It would have been about the same time that I went to Aurora Wesley, that Bishop Sprague came to the Northern Illinois Conference. And he spent a lot of time meeting with people in the conference so that we could know him. At one session, someone asked him if he believed in the second coming of Christ. He said that he believed that the second coming had already happen. As a matter of fact, he said that he believed in the third and fourth coming of Christ. Christ comes to the world over and over again as we need him. Advent comes every year, so that we can get ready for Christ to come to the world – again. To make things new, to bring life and death, to bring darkness and light. To bring hope in every situation and phase that we face in life. The point for us to remember, is that we have to be prepared for each coming of Christ. And not surprised when we meet Christ in our everyday life. A Colleague talked about his toddler daughter. She was very skittish, and everything scared her. At night she would cry for someone to come to take care of her. But whenever he would come in the room to get her, she would be afraid and cry even more. He wondered why she would cry and be so surprised that as her father he responded. We are like that little girl. We pray – but don’t always know what to do if God actually answers. Jesus tells us this advent – that God has heard our prayers. Wait in anticipation of his visit, and not to be caught off guard when he comes into our lives again. Let us pray. The Eternal Words of Christ You have perhaps heard the story that comes out of the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War Two. There was a battleship whose forward watch spotted a light that appeared to be heading straight for the battleship. A radio message was sent saying, "Unidentified ship: you are on a collision course. Change direction 10 degrees starboard." The reply came back: "No. You need to change direction." The battleship again sent a message saying, "This is a United States warship. Change direction 10 degrees starboard." And once again the reply came back, "No." The admiral was awakened and notified and the battleship sent yet another message again repeating, "This is a warship on official maneuvers. You are ordered to change direction. Signed, Admiral Peacock." A moment passed and the reply came back, "No. Signed Seaman Smith, Tender of the Light House." Often it is WE who are the ones who need to change course. The clear light of God's Word for us doesn't change. Donald Deffner, Seasonal Illustrations, San Jose: Resource, p. 67. Adapted. Second Coming and Faithfulness During his 1960 presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy often closed his speeches with the story of Colonel Davenport, the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives: On May 19th, 1780 the sky of Hartford darkened ominously, and some of the representatives, glancing out the windows, feared the end was at hand. Quelling a clamor for immediate adjournment, Davenport rose and said, "The Day of Judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. Therefore, I wish that candles be brought." Rather than fearing what is to come, we are to be faithful till Christ returns. Instead of fearing the dark, we're to be lights as we watch and wait. Harry Heintz All Roads Lead To Bethlehem - Luke 21:25-36 by Leonard Sweet Jesus came to save humans from being rat packs feeding on each other instead of sheep feeding with each other. This was never made so clear than in the recent “Black Friday” images of people stomping on each other and fighting it out, all done to the musical background of Christmas music. Our sentimental — yet always cynical — culture likes to start singing Christmas carols the moment Thanksgiving turkeys come out of the oven. But listen carefully: You’re hearing a lot more choruses of “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” than carols like “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” or “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” The world wants, the world needs, to celebrate Christmas. But the world does its best to keep Jesus out of it. Perhaps the first “Christmas carol” Christians should sing, in keeping with the theme of “Advent,” is the Willie Nelson special “On the Road Again.” As stores keep having cut-rate sales and on-line deals; and as holiday partying, parades, and posturing swamp every level of our lives: it is good to stand back and look at the bigger picture. What is the purpose for which Jesus came into this world in the first place? Let’s get “on the road again” with the first journey to Bethlehem, and the reason that journey was taken… Just a Minute, Jimmy! It is hard for us to understand Jesus' delay in his coming. God's time clock is certainly out of sync with ours as Little Jimmy learned one day as he was laying on a hill in the middle of a meadow on a warm spring day. Puffy white clouds rolled by and he pondered their shape. Soon, he began to think about God. "God? Are you really there?" Jimmy said out loud. To his astonishment a voice came from the clouds. "Yes, Jimmy? What can I do for you?" Seizing the opportunity, Jimmy asked, "God? What is a million years like to you?" Knowing that Jimmy could not understand the concept of infinity, God responded in a manner to which Jimmy could relate. "A million years to me, Jimmy, is like a minute." "Oh," said Jimmy. "Well, then, what's a million dollars like to you?" "A million dollars to me, Jimmy, is like a penny." "Wow!" remarked Jimmy, getting an idea. "You're so generous... can I have one of your pennies?" God replied, "Sure thing, Jimmy! Just a minute." Little Jimmy wasn't ready for that response was he? Our text this morning seems an unlikely scripture for Advent. It has nothing to do with Mary and Joseph, the Wise Men, of shepherds watching their flock. Instead it is lesson about being prepared, getting ready. In that sense then this is an Advent lesson, for this is the season of preparedness. Brett Blair, www.Sermons.com. The Power of an Imminent Crisis Folks back in Arkansas have always been fascinated by the New Madrid Fault, which runs along a line from Memphis up through southern Missouri. Back at the turn of the century, that area suffered one of the biggest earthquakes to ever hit North America. In fact, the Mississippi River ran upstream for several hours. In the fall of 1990, a scientist predicted that another major earthquake would occur in the New Madrid Fault on Tuesday, December 4. His prediction gathered a lot of attention in newscasts, public assemblies and private conversations. People stowed away precious possessions, stockpiled groceries and kerosene, and learned how to shut off their gas and water lines. Schools and businesses announced that they would be closed that week and several residents temporarily left the area. On December 2, 1990, the First Sunday in Advent and two days before the predicted quake, churches were packed. Many people stayed awake all night on December 3. But December 4, 1990, passed with no tremor. Then December passed, and the winter. Flashlight batteries drained. Extra food spoiled or was consumed. Fuel tanks sat empty once more. When a crisis seems imminent, we have no trouble keeping alert and awake. But when the threat of danger seems remote, our eyelids grow heavy and we sleep. Mickey Anders, Keeping Watch Princeton preacher James F. Kay puts it this way, “If the Gospel is good news, it is not because it predicts a bright, shiny future based on our morality or piety. The Gospel is neither a cocoon that insulates us from the sufferings of this present age nor a pair of ear plugs that shuts out the groaning of creation....The Gospel is Good News, not because it predicts a future based on our good behavior or other present trends; the Gospel is Good News because it promises a future based on God’s faithfulness to Jesus Christ.” (The Seasons of Grace, Eerdmann, 1995, p. 7). James F. Kay, quoted by William Willimon, “Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending” Preparing Ourselves for Christ Coming in the United States Americans spend six hours a week doing various types of shopping, and they go to shopping centers on average once a week - more often than they go to church or synagogue. Some 93 percent of American teenage girls surveyed in 1987 deemed shopping their favorite pastime. The 32,563 shopping centers in the country surpassed high schools in number in 1987. Just from 1986 to 1989, total retail space in these centers grew by 65 million square meters, or 20 percent. Shopping centers now garner 55 percent of retail sales in the United States, compared with 16 percent in France and 4 percent in Spain. Alan Durning, "Asking How Much Is Enough" in State of the World: 1991, (New York: W.W. Norton, 1991), 163-64. I Must Go Myself The story is told of John Henry Newman, who, in the 1800’s, was an Anglican minister in England. His religious pilgrimage ultimately took him to Rome and the Roman Catholic Church. He ultimately would become a cardinal in the Catholic Church and the most preeminent leader of that church in Europe. If you go into almost any Catholic church today you will find a Sunday school class called the Newman class. That was named after John Henry Newman. While serving as Cardinal, he received a message from an English priest from the tiny village of Brennan, a dirty little mill town north of Birmingham. It seems that an epidemic of cholera had decimated the village and the priest was asking for the help, for another priest to assist him in the giving of the sacrament, administering the Last Rites, and to do funerals, so many people were dying. Newman read the letter in his office, an office that is still there today. It has not been changed since the day he left it. Newman read the letter and he spent the next hour in prayer. Finally a secretary came in and said: Cardinal Newman. We must give an immediate reply to Brennan. Your eminence, what shall we do? Newman answered: The people are suffering and dying. How can I send a priest to do this work? I must go myself. At Advent God looked down upon his dying people--dying from sin and distraction, pride and preoccupation. How, under the circumstance could he send a substitute? He came himself—in the person of Jesus Christ. Advent is about repentance and salvation. Brett Blair, www.Sermons.com An Understanding Most Folks Don’t Know In his award winning book, The Education of Little Tree, writer Forest Carter writes of life with his Cherokee grandparents. He tells of sitting with his grandfather watching the morning sun rise over a mountain one winter morning. "... we watched the mountain while we ate. The sun hit the top like an explosion, sending showers of glitter and sparkle into the air. The sparkling of the icy trees hurt the eyes to look, and it moved down the mountain like a wave as the sun backed the night shadow down and down. A crow scout sent three hard calls through the air, warning we were there. And now the mountain popped and gave breathing sighs that sent little puffs of steam into the air. She pinged and murmured as the sun released the trees from their death armor of ice. Grandpa watched, same as me, and listened as the sounds grew with the morning wind that set up a low whistle in the trees. 'She's coming alive,' he said soft and low, without taking his eyes from the mountain." 'Yes sir,' I said, 'she's coming alive.' And I knew right then that me and Granpa had us an understanding that most folks didn't know." Little Tree learned from his Grandpa how to read the signs of nature. Reading signs, not the printed ones we see on our streets and highways, but the signs of nature and life and living is an art that takes time, practice and patience. The reward is what Little Tree called, "...an understanding that most folks don't know." John Jewel, Signs of the Times Are You Ready? In our gospel reading Jesus tells his followers that they must always be ready for his coming. It is a peculiarity of our lectionary readings that the readings for the first Sunday of Advent always come from the end of the gospels where Jesus is talking about readiness for a second coming when he will come in glory as Lord of all. In our Advent preparation and Christmas services, the theme and the scriptures will turn to the birth of Jesus. Yet, the theme of "readiness" for the coming of Christ is the main point of our Advent preparations. And so it is appropriate and important to ask: "Are you ready for Christ to come to you?" John Jewel, Signs of the Times Reflections on Black Friday On Black Friday, the day following Thanksgiving, I was observing shoppers standing in line, waiting to pay for their bargains. The lines were long and you could see the anxiety on their faces. Some were talking on cell phones, conversing with loved ones someplace else in the shopping mall who were looking for great deals. There was some pushing and shoving and some unkind words as people pressed toward the cash registers. In addition, finding a parking place was next to impossible. People were in a hurry and I observed many near misses. It was a day that was shoulder to shoulder and bumper to bumper. Instead of kindness and cooperation, there was despair and hopelessness. I thought, if God is ready to come and end this insanity, this would be a good day to do it. Keith Wagner, Hope for the Overwhelmed The Hope of a New Birth Unfortunately, our gospel lesson doesn't at first seem to instill us with any sense of hope at all. In fact, after reading this passage, we can be overwhelmed with a sense of hopelessness. This passage sounds a bit like the one we heard two Sundays ago, only this one has more doom and gloom, more destruction, more chaos and catastrophe. We hear of these mysterious signs in the sun, moon and stars. There are images of people fainting. Heaven and earth pass away, there is talk of a trap, and our hope for escape, and by the end of the reading, it seems the walls are closing in on us. And yet, in the midst of the chaos of this reading, if you look closely enough, calmly enough, there are some words of hope in the midst of the confusion. Jesus says, "when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near . . . when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near." He speaks of fig trees, an image which may not communicate much to us, but his hearers in that time knew that the fig tree was a symbol of life out of death, a symbol of the hope that comes after the winter, the hope of new birth. Beth Quick, Ready or Not..., ChristianGlobe Network, Inc.