This morning on the occasion of the start of a new church year and the first Sunday of Advent, Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA).started a new series: Advent at Advent – Waiting and Wondering. It is the first series I’ll be preaching in this community of faith that is guided by the lectionary.
Sermon
My message, “Pay Attention is based on Jeremiah 33:14-16 & Luke 21:25-36.
You can watch the message below or read the manuscript.
Exerpt
in both the Old Testament reading and in the Gospel reading the recipients of the messages are living through challenging times. There are plenty of reasons to feel discouraged.
This was true in Jeremiah’s time. It was true in Jesus’ time. And, it is true in our time as well.
Be honest. Are you anxious about the times we are living in?
- Are you worried about the economy?
- Are you uncomfortable with the introduction of religion into our public schools?
- Are you concerned about the possibility of a mass deportation of many of our neighbors?
Or perhaps your worries lie elsewhere. What I do know is this: many in our midst feel scared and many feel anxious. Many fear what is happening and what may be ahead.
And so we start a new church year by reorienting ourselves.
Surely you paid attention when the first candle of the Advent wreath was lit to begin this service. And I trust that you remember this is not just any candle; it is the candle of hope.
Siblings in Christ, I don’t know about you but for me one of the reasons I am here today is hope. Because I am a person of faith, I am filled with hope and I am reminded that hope calls us to look toward the future – the future God intends for us and for all of creation.
Advent takes time. You can rush if you wish, but I promise you Christmas won’t come before December 25th.