Advent Heads Up!

1st Sunday of Advent, 12/1/24 Luke 21:25-36 Advent Heads Up! I. With Christian wisdom II. With Christian hope III. With Christian living Did you hear? Do you know? Hear and know what? That Christmas will occur in twenty-four days. Of course you know. So do I. I saw my first Christmas tree on display in the window of a neighbor’s house more than two weeks ago. And the Christmas advertising began before that. And along with it came the not-so-subtle reminder that I have a lot that needs to be done to get ready for Christmas. And if I work at getting it done before Christmas arrives, I can be sure of two things: 1) I’ll become exhausted at times, and 2) I won’t get everything done, at least not the way I want to. There are more things to do to get ready for Christmas than I have the energy and time to accomplish. Do you identify with that description? I’m sure you do. And even if you’re no longer able to prepare for Christmas to the extent that you used to, you wish you could. And that unfilled desire brings its own seasonal remorse. So, it’s a good thing we’re not focusing on Christmas today. Instead, we’re focusing on something else. And this beautiful brass wreathe to my right is a reminder of it. It’s Advent! In fact, today is the first day of the Christian season of Advent, the season in which we prepare for the coming of our Lord. But I’m guessing that fact didn’t get much attention, if any, in your life before you arrived here in church today. Advent advertising doesn’t exist. In fact, I’m guessing only a minority of Christians observe it. They head right into Christmas along with the rest of the world without giving Advent a thought. I’d like to be sure that doesn’t happen to you, so I’m going to give you a heads up, an advent heads up. Advent is now here, but what’s it really all about? Could you use a reminder? Then pay attention. Heads up! Advent heads up! Let’s listen to Jesus share that very encouragement with us this morning here in Luke 21. Part I. I’m often amazed at the different reactions of people to the same event. Not so much when it comes to a sporting event. I realize that the outcome of the event will fill one competitor with joy and the other with disappointment. I’m talking about things that happen in our world. Two people can react to the same event in opposite ways. And if you’re one of the two people involved, you might be surprised by the opposite reaction. Luke 21 relates the events in the life of Jesus on Tuesday of Holy Week, the week which ended with his crucifixion. He knew his time with his disciples was limited, so he focused his attention on the important things they needed to know. One of them was the signs that the end of the world was about to occur. Listen to his description once again, “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Jesus makes it clear that the signs that his return is immanent will fill many people with terror. In fact, they’ll faint. That time will be so terrifying that they will mentally, physically, and emotionally shut down. It will be their body’s defense mechanism in reaction to something it simply can’t handle. On the other hand, Jesus tells you and me, “Heads up!” Why would our reaction to this same event be different from the rest of the world’s reaction? Two reasons: One, we will see someone we’ve never seen before, not even in pictures. Think about it. Up to that time the only image of Jesus that Christians have will be those that other artists have created. But on that day we will finally see him—the One who loved us so much that he sacrificed himself so that we could enjoy life in his presence forever. And that’s the second reason. His return will be our “redemption.” Just what does that mean? It means that Jesus will return to deliver to us what he won for us and what we long for every day—a perfect life with him in heaven. He will usher us out of this sinful world into the new heavens and the new earth that he will create for us. Think of the Garden of Eden before the Fall into sin. Perfection. Eternal happiness. With God. The world doesn’t see that happening. So, when it sees the signs of the return of Jesus, it can’t understand what’s about to occur. But you can. You do. You are filled with Christian wisdom now so that you understand what the return of Jesus is all about. Advent heads up! Heads up with Christian wisdom, wisdom to know what’s happening. II. I started by stating the obvious. It’s almost Christmas. Here’s another obvious observation: It’s winter. Light snow. Freezing temps. Wind chill indices at our near 0 degrees. Winter is here. And that means the leaves on the trees are dead and so are the plants in the ground. But did you notice the seasonal signs that Jesus connects with Advent? Not things in nature dying but coming to life. Listen to his words once again, “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” Yes, it’s true. When Jesus returns to this earth on the Last Day it will be the last day in this world’s history. For the first time since the creation of the world time will stop. But that’s when eternity will begin. It will be the start of a new life, a life with God, a perfect life, life the way he intended it to be and he created it to be in the beginning. No death. No sorrow. No morning. No crying. No pain. Just life. Perfect life. Wouldn’t’ that be great! But how can we be sure? Is it just a pipe dream? Only wishful thinking? Not at all! It’s certain. It’s sure. It’s guaranteed. How do I know? Because Jesus rose from the dead and promised it. No matter what happens to you in this life, no matter how uncertain your life is right now or will become, your eternity is certain, secure, and guaranteed. That’s Christian hope. Christin hope is not a wish, it’s reality. It’s God’s promise to you. So, Advent heads up! Heads up with Christian hope! II. One final obvious observation. You only live life once. And so? Live life to the fullest. The ancient Greeks said it this way, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” That’s some solid advice, if this life is the only life there is. But Advent Christians such as you and I know that’s not true. The point of this life is not to enjoy it to the fullest, but to be prepared by faith in Jesus to enter the life in heaven after this one. So don’t let this life distract you! Jesus said it this way, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Advent heads up! Heads up on worldly living! And don’t think that only applies to the addict passed out in the ally or the person so consumed with making money that he has no time for anything else. Take this warning to heart, especially at this time of year. Don’t let the attractions become distractions! Jesus might return before Christmas arrives; perhaps even before you get your Christmas tree decorated. Instead, Jesus tells you to watch. Does that mean we need to drop everything and live every waking moment with our heads up and our eyes trained on the clouds? Not at all. But it does mean that we should carry out our daily Christians lives to the best of our ability to the glory of Jesus, always aware that he could return at the next moment. So, watch! And pray! Perhaps prayer is one of the most neglected aspects of the Christian life. I know my prayer life could use some improvements. How about yours? Pray for Jesus to keep you ready for his return. Pray for him to help you help your loved ones be ready for his return. Pray for him to open opportunities for you to help people who don’t know Jesus as their Savior come to know him, and thus to be ready for him. That’s what we’re praying for when we say, “Thy kingdom come.” We want his kingdom to come to us and others through the preaching of his word and the use of the sacraments. Instead of living like you have at least another day to live, live as if you didn’t. Live like tomorrow Jesus might return. He just might, you know. Advent heads up! Heads up with Christian living. Amen.