Passage: Luke 21:25-36 Speaker: Pastor Jon Kopp Series: Advent (Past)
Speaker: Jon Kopp - The word “advent” simply means “the appearance of a notable person.” In the Christian calendar, it refers to the arrival of Christ. His First Advent is a reference to Jesus’ incarnation and Christmas. His Second Advent is a reference to when He will come again. During the advent season, we take time to slow down and look behind us to Christ's first coming at His birth and ahead of us to His Second Coming when He will keep His promise to return to reign as Our Gracious King. So, we are people who reside between Advents. Advent is all about looking both ways. By looking at His first coming, we're reminded of all that Christ has done. By looking toward His second coming, we are expectant of all Christ will do. In Luke 21, Jesus is explaining how to be ready for His coming. As we wait for his return, we find ourselves asking some of the same questions the disciples ask in this text, “How long will it be, Jesus, until you these things happen?” and “How will we know when you will come for us?” Jesus’ answer for us and for all of God’s people is to live in hope, trust His Word and stay awake. We will not know the day or the hour of His return, but may God help us to live today in perpetual preparedness, unshakeable security, and surprising hope.