1st Sunday in Advent – Sermon 136

Today – is the first Sunday in Advent – the first Sunday in the New Church Year –

Have you made any New Church-Year Resolutions yet?

No? – well maybe we should?

Maybe we should be thinking about – what we should be doing to help – our – Spiritual growth in the coming year –

But choosing and keeping New Years Resolutions is not easy – So what should we choose?

‘When I shall bestow on Israel and Judah – all the blessings I have promised ‘–

‘I shall make a righteous branch springing from Daniel’s line’

‘ This will be the name given to Him’ – “Lord of Righteousness”

The reason for the Season is ‘Jesus’

Advent means ‘ to come to’ –how God comes to us – in Jesus Christ- as a child and as a man –

While taking a school assembly and after lighting the first Advent Candle – the local vicar asked the children – what we call the season that comes before Christmas – one young boy – in the front row – put his hand up – and shouted – firmly – ‘winter’

We all know the seasons – the signs that tell us something is changing – the fall of leaves – in Autumn – the frost and snow – in winter – (not yet fortunately) and the new shoots that emerge in the spring –

Jesus uses the parable of the Fig tree to remind us – about the importance of signs from God – and our need to be alert to them –

Compared with other trees in Israel – the fig tree has the fewest leaves – in the winter – so when its leaves do appear – it’s a sure sign that something is – changing –

God never hides from His people – its we who hide from Him – He always sends us signs and signals – to prepare us for what He is about to do

Advent is not only about How Jesus came to us 2000 years ago but also how He comes to us today

We are entering one of the busiest times of the year – presents to be bought – friends and relatives to see – church services to attend – don’t forget tonight’s Carol service –

But its also the time – when the Gospel message needs to be preached the loudest and the widest –

We all know – that Christmas is coming – and we all – need to be reminded of the fantastic importance of it all!

In the four weeks to Christmas – we need to – sharpen our appetites – and not just for the Christmas turkey – but for the challenge – God presents to us – each year – in Advent- in getting the message of Jesus across to those we know-

So for our first New Years resolution – we should follow Jesus’ advice – to wake up – and ‘be alert to God’s presence – and make sure we and those around us – are well prepared for Him – when He comes to call- –

Point 2     He will open the way to God for you

Jesus tells us that we should ‘pray at all times – for strength – to pass safely through what is coming’

Paul says – we must pray to make good whatever is lacking in our faith’

Prayer is a vital part of our activity as Christians –

In Advent – and throughout the coming year – we need – to pray to the Holy Spirit for strength and power – to help us look again at His word – and the promises of His kingdom –
to change and accept afresh – Jesus Christ – into our lives – and to live in the power of His Spirit –

Jesus brings – new life – on a worldwide scale –
He has opened the way to salvation for all who believe and follow Him

Jesus came to die on the cross – so that our sins can be forgiven – so we can be brought back into a relationship with God –

Advent calls – us back to the heart of what it is all about – to – refocus our expectations – of supposing that we have already experienced all that God has to offer us –

To look again – for the Glory – still to be revealed – through us – by God –

Are we wise enough to accept a baby who has been born to take away our sins?

What we need is to remember that the task ahead of us – is never as great as the power behind us –

Point 3      what it means for us –

So – there’s two – keep alert – and pray – what about a third?

How about giving thanks!!

‘What thanks can we give to the Lord in return for you’ – says Paul –

‘What thanks for all the joy you have brought us – making us rejoice before God’

From today we need to anticipate the joyful experience of the coming birth – and give thanks to God for the gift of Jesus into our lives –

In this season of Advent – it is important that we – all – grow in Christian love – and are wholehearted and joyful about our faith –

As society tries to rob Christmas of its true meaning – its all the more important for every believer to stand firm in the faith – and give thanks and praise to God –

Our faith is a joyful faith – based on the solid rock of Jesus

Paul rejoiced that the faith of the new believers in Thesselonica – was not extinguished –

Like them – we too – need to remember that – God is truly – on our side – and will – direct all our ways – increase our love – make it overflow into others

There’s Nothing that He cannot strengthen
No sorrow that He cannot relieve
No heart that His love cannot soften
He can make us blameless – pure – holy – and our pathway sure

And -We need to lift up His Name –
And thank Him for it

Conclusion

Advent is – not just about the Advent Calendar – and counting the days to Christmas –

There can be no better start to the new year than that