Happy New Year!
Well at least it will be on Sunday as we begin a new church year with the First Sunday of Advent. The word Advent simply means 'coming' and during this season in the church calendar we look forward to our Lord's coming as a human baby at Bethlehem and also to his final coming as king at the end of time. We also remember the way Jesus continually comes to us in His word and sacraments. Advent is therefore a time of waiting, preparing, and hoping. This involves both repentance and joyful anticipation.
This Sunday we will be reflecting on being prepared for the Lord's return. We will hear His call to "stay awake" as we wait for His coming again. We'll consider what it means to be prepared and awake as I preach on Matthew 24:36-44.
Despite popular opinion, this text is not about a 'rapturing' of all true Christians before the final judgement of the world. It is about ensuring we are ready to receive the gift of forgiveness at the final judgement through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice.
Please have a read of the gospel before Sunday and when you come to verses 40 and 41 consider this more literal translation: 'At that time two men will be in the field, one will be taken away [to prison] and one will be forgiven. Two women will be grinding in the mill, one will be taken away [to prison] and one will be forgiven.'
Being prepared is not about proving our faithfulness and piety. It's about being ready to receive the forgiveness and life won for us on the cross.
Divine Service will begin at 11.00am
Service will be followed by a community lunch at the church - please bring something along to share.
God's peace until we meet on Sunday,
Pastor Matt
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