December 1st, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"Signs of the Savior: Hope in Times of Upheaval" (Luke 21:25-36)

Lectionary Readings — First Sunday of Advent — December 1, 2024

Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36

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Call to Worship (based on Luke 21:25-36)

Leader: Look to the heavens, O people of God! See how creation itself speaks of Christ's return!

People: We watch for signs of God's presence in our world, ready for the day of his appearing.

Leader: Though nations tremble and people lose heart,

People: We stand firm in faith, for our God is coming to redeem us!

Leader: The world and its powers will be shaken,

People: But we shall see the Son of Man coming with glory and might.

Leader: When darkness surrounds us and fear threatens to overwhelm,

People: We lift our heads with hope, for our salvation draws ever closer.

Leader: As surely as spring leaves herald the coming summer,

People: These signs proclaim that God's kingdom is breaking into our world.

Leader: Though creation itself may pass away,

People: God's promises endure forever, unchanging and true.

Leader: Let us remain watchful and ready,

People: Our hearts focused on Christ, our spirits alert in prayer.

Leader: In this Advent season of waiting,

People: We prepare ourselves to stand before our coming King.

All: Together we watch, we wait, we hope, for Christ will surely come. Amen.

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Opening Prayer (based on Jeremiah 33:14-16)

Let us pray:

Eternal and faithful God, as we gather in worship on this first Sunday of Advent, we come before you with hearts open to the profound mystery of this season. You spoke through your prophet Jeremiah, promising a time when righteousness would flourish and justice would prevail. Today, as your people, we claim that ancient promise anew.

In these times of global uncertainty and personal challenges, we remember that you are the God who keeps every covenant. You promised to raise up a righteous Branch from David's line, and in Jesus Christ, you have shown your faithfulness across generations. As we begin our Advent journey, help us to see your hand still at work in our world today.

Lord, in this season of preparation, make us ready to receive your Son in new and life-changing ways. Open our eyes to recognize the signs of your kingdom breaking forth around us. Where hope has grown dim, use us to kindle its flame once again.

As you promised security to Jerusalem, grant us the deep peace that comes from trusting in your unfailing word. May our congregation be a beacon of your love and righteousness. Guide us in making our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods places where your love is tangibly present.

We ask for wisdom to discern your movement in our midst, courage to follow where you lead, and compassion to serve those whom you place in our path. May this Advent season be a time of spiritual renewal and deepening faith for all of us.

Through Jesus Christ, our coming King, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

[Note: All Scripture is taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.]

Sermon Outline: "Signs of the Savior: Hope in Times of Upheaval" (Luke 21:25-36)

Introduction:

• Set the context of Advent as a season of waiting and preparation

• Note the paradox of beginning Advent with an apocalyptic text

• Connect the "end times" with the hope of Christ's coming

I. The PANORAMA of Prophecy (verses 25-26)

• A. Signs in the celestial bodies - Sun, moon, and stars as cosmic witnesses - Connection to creation's role in God's revelation

• B. Distress among nations - The roaring of the sea and waves - Global confusion and anxiety

• C. Human response to divine intervention - People fainting from fear - Anticipation of coming events

II. The PRESENCE of Promise (verses 27-28)

• A. The Son of Man appearing - Coming in a cloud - connection to Old Testament theophanies - Display of power and great glory

• B. The call to stand firm - Raising heads instead of cowering - Redemption drawing near

• C. Hope in the midst of chaos - Different response of believers - Anticipation versus anxiety

III. The PARABLE of Perception (verses 29-33)

• A. The lesson of the fig tree - Natural signs and spiritual discernment - Seasonal awareness and spiritual alertness

• B. The nearness of the kingdom - Recognition of God's active presence - Understanding the times

• C. The permanence of Christ's words - Contrast between temporal and eternal - Reliability of divine promises

IV. The PRACTICE of Preparedness (verses 34-36)

• A. The call to spiritual vigilance - Warning against being weighed down - Specific challenges: dissipation, drunkenness, daily worries

• B. The discipline of discipleship - Being alert at all times - The importance of prayer

• C. The goal of preparation - Standing before the Son of Man - Escaping the things that will take place

Conclusion:

• Return to Advent themes of waiting and watching

• Call to hopeful preparation rather than fearful anxiety

• Invitation to embrace spiritual disciplines during Advent

• Contemporary application for living in uncertain times

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers