Second Sunday

Today's Saying

And all mankind will see God's salvation.-Luke 3:6

Today in Liturgical churches we celebrate the second Sunday in Advent. It is time to prepare our hearts both for Christmas and the Christ who is coming again in power.
The text in the common lectionary is Luke 3:1-6.
This is where John the Baptist is sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus.
There are four things about this text that Luke wants you to know.
First of all it is a historic even that took place in the real world. It is not some made up story thst illustrates a point. So Luke tells us who was the Governor at this time, who the Jewish King was and the identity of the High Priests.. This nails the event to a particular time in history.
Second John receives his message from God. God’s word we are told came to John. John sees his task as preparing the way for the coming Messiah.
Third John’s coming was promised by an Old Testament prophet called Isaiah and Luke quotes him at this point. The coming of John at this time and in this place is not accidental but part of God’s plan for humanity.
Fourth the good news that because of John and the coming Messiah “ all mankind will see God’ s salvation” .Salvation will not belong , any longer , to just a special people.
The good news this morning is that you and I are part of the “ all mankind”. We have been saved and are being saved by this Jesus that John proclaims.
It is Advent and time to prepare your heart for the coming Christ.
It is Advent and John is calling us to get ready to see Jesus.
It is Advent and Christmas is coming.
It is Advent and the loving God has opened the very doors of heaven to us all.
It is Advent and we wait for the coming christ.
He will come gain.
Alleluia!

Pastor Joan has just finished her sermon for this morning. Here is a part of it:
This morning Luke takes us to the calling of John the Baptist. There a number of people he wants you to see . Each one will have to face and decide who Jesus is for themselves.
There is Pilate. One day he will stand face to face with Jesus and have to decide if Jesus is a king or not. He will make the wrong decision.
There is Herod he too will have to face Jesus and he too will be wrong.
There are the High Priests they will look on Jesus and demand his death.
Each one had his chance to respond and choose badly.
Then there is John . He will obey and in his obedience he will die. But he knows who the Messiah is. He will have chosen to accept God’s gracious gift.
Finally there are those who hear John. Some will see the Messiah and some won’t. Some wlll decide like Pilate, Heropd, and the High Priests to turn their back on Him.
But some will hear John and look for Jesus. They will become part of the early Church.
This morning John speaks to you. He tells you Jesus is coming. He tells you to get ready. He tells you to wait his coming. He tells you that God has saved and is saving you through this Jesus.
Now get ready for His coming again.
Get ready.