Today I preached and presided as the supply pastor for Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas on the first Sunday of Advent.
Central Lutheran Church is among the founding member churches of White Rock Center of Hope. Hope founder Donagene Christian was a member of this congregation..
Sermon
My message, “The Time is Now” is based on Romans 13:11-14 & Matthew 24:36-44..
You can watch on Facebook (sermon begins at 22:38) or read the manuscript.
Excerpt
What time is it?
No, I haven’t forgotten to wear a wristwatch, and I certainly haven’t lost the ability to read the large digital display on my cell phone. This morning I’m wondering about the current time in a way that goes much deeper and defies simple answers.
Over the last few years, I’ve asked myself a question more often than in all my prior decades: “What time is it?”
By this I mean, “what time is it in my own life?”
Like many of you, I pretended I was immortal – or at least lived like I was – for far too long. It took something extraordinary to change my thinking.
My introspection began after I was faced with an unexpected reminder of my mortality. On an ordinary day three years ago, someone sought not only to do me bodily harm but intended to beat me to death. Thankfully, I survived and have continued my ministry as CEO of White Rock Center of Hope.
That experience changed me. It humbled me. And it led me to adopt a new approach to life. While I am not in any hurry to depart this life for the next, I recognize that I cannot know the number of days I have left.
So . . . circling back to that initial question, “What time is it?
My answer: “It is time that I recognize my own mortality and live well and wisely in light of it. I do not fear the end of this life nor fixate on when it will arrive. Instead, aware that it is coming, I am free to lead a loving life guided by faith.”
Whew. That is a heavy way to begin a sermon – especially as a guest preacher.
It is, however, the most honest way I know to begin answering the day’s question: “What time is it?”
An Advent Invitation
Advent calls us into a season of holy waiting – a waiting that is not passive, nor idle, nor sleepy. This is a watchful, hopeful, active waiting.
The time is now. For now, we live awake, we walk in the light, and we keep watch for the Advent of Christ.
Prior Visits
I am on Central’s campus on a regular basis as they provide space for White Rock Center of Hope’s administrative offices. I visited to bring a Hope ministry update on August 17, 2025. I have also visited as a guest pastor previously, most recently in January 2024 (see Preaching God is Still Speaking).