2025 Advent Sermon Series

The two arrivals of Jesus; the incarnation, the Son taking to himself a human nature ‘for our sake,’ and the promise that ‘he will come again…’ The Church exists between these two ‘advents’ to bear witness to our living Saviour and King. The Church’s year opens with Advent, a season to prepare our hearts to be faithful in the mission entrusted to us, alert and ready for our Lord’s ‘arrival.’ This year we explore Jesus’ words concerning his return as recorded in Matthew. We begin with his call to watchfulness. The prediction of the sudden fall of Jerusalem provides the context to warn of the suddenness of the end of the age when the ‘Son of Man’ returns to usher in his kingdom. Therefore keep watch, be prepared by remaining faithful.

Advent is a season of two perspectives. It is a time to reflect and to prepare for the celebration of the incarnation, Jesus’ arrival in humility. It is also the season of anticipating his return in glory. In the parable of the ten bridesmaids Jesus warns his disciples to be prepared for his second and sudden arrival. No one knows when the Bridegroom will come, only that he will. Those called ‘wise’ are ready and prepared, others, the ‘foolish’ will be caught out, and being unprepared will be shut out and miss out. No-one can be ready for us, each of us must prepare by resting our faith in Christ, however, as a community we can encourage and guard one another, living in expectation and readiness for the Day. Let us look forward to the wedding banquet to come, urging one another to ‘be prepared.’

In the season of Advent we prepare to celebrate the first and anticipate the second ‘arrival’ of King Jesus. How are we to live between these two great days? In the parable of the talents Jesus gives the encouragement to diligently invest his resources until he comes, he also serves a warning to those who show no concern for him or his estate. We’re called to take stock, have we grasped who Jesus is? Does he have our heart? Is that evident in our faithful response? It is our privilege to invest the Master’s wealth, the time, talents and treasures he gives us, that the good news of his reign may be made known. At the close of this year let us focus on his kindness and majesty, and commit ourselves afresh to faithfully serve the king who first served us, to give us the right to be called his brothers and sisters.

In concluding this Advent series on the second coming of Jesus Christ by considering Being Family. Are we ready for the coming of Jesus? Are we sheep or goats? De we believe in heaven or hell? We need to care for one another rather than ourselves, God calls us to be obedient allowing Jesus to captivate our hearts. The love we have for Jesus flows through us to others.
WAKE UP! to the day when Jesus comes.