Signs of Hope in Light of Christ’s Coming

Today marks the first Sunday of Advent, a season of hope and anticipation. As we light the first Advent candle, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and the promises fulfilled in Christ. Our texts today from Jeremiah and Luke offer us hope and guidance as we look to Christ’s coming, both in His birth and in His glorious return.

In Jeremiah 33:14, the prophet Jeremiah declares, “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah”. This prophecy points to the arrival of the Messiah, fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. The righteous Branch sprouting from David’s line is a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness. Similarly, in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of signs in the heavens and on the earth, signs that point to the nearness of God’s kingdom.

God’s kingdom is not distant but near, breaking into the world through Christ. Just as seasons change predictably, God’s promises are reliable. We can trust in His Word for both now and eternity. These signs remind us that the time is at hand to prepare our hearts and minds, not in fear, but in the confident hope of God’s faithfulness. Rather than focusing on the uncertainties of the world, let us count how much we can give to Jesus. Our response to God’s faithfulness should be lives of worship, generosity, and love.

When we take an exam, compete in a competition, play a sport, take on a challenge of some kind, or move house, we do a lot of preparation and work ahead of the date. We don’t know the date Jesus will return, but we do know that he will. Today, with you, I want to reflect on who our anticipation is directed toward and how we are preparing to receive Jesus as we wait for His return. May we properly await the coming of our Lord and may the New Church Year be one in which we begin anew with the memory, gratitude, and hope of Jesus.

In Luke 21: 25 – 36, signs from sun, moon, and stars which indicate warnings will fill the earth with fear and a sense of being trapped with no place to escape. There wouldn’t be an exception, and the heavenly signs will cause people to be filled with fear. Jesus said, they will have no source to trust and no reason for hope. The end will come, Jesus continued. The great sign of the end is the return of Jesus.

We will see the full power and glory of Jesus. In Jesus God’s full glory will be revealed to the earth. This will bring greater fear to those who are unprepared, but not for those who are prepared, believing in Jesus.

We do not know when, but how will we react when this occurs? In verse 28, Jesus asked, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near” Jesus invites us not to bend over with fear and trembling. He leads us to stand up straight and lift our head high because we will see the Redeemer coming to rule the earth.

Jesus speaks of signs that may appear frightening, but they signal the nearness of God’s kingdom. Instead of fear, these signs call us to lift our heads in hope. There are times when we face unsettling signs or situations and witness pain and tragedy in our world. There are hurting people around us, and in the world, and they need our prayers and support.

In verses 34 to 36, Jesus warns against complacency and encourages vigilance in the face of life’s distractions and challenges. Let us nurture a life of prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength because Jesus invites us to stay spiritually alert. Our Lord does not want us to be consumed with the cares of the world. When people are in fear, He wants us to lead them to Him with the light of truth. He wants us to be always watchful in prayer, feeling that God is present and at work and that the kingdom of God is near, no matter what the circumstances.

Christ’s return is not a cause for fear but for hope. Signs of the times are opportunities for spiritual preparation. Deceivers may arise, and suffering or persecution is certain in the world, but we can depend on God in His words and promises. Alertness and prayer are the right attitudes and actions during this time of waiting. Let us not depend on material things – fortresses, wealth, or beauty – for protection. Instead, may we pray for strength and remain spiritually alert.

As we await the fullness of God’s kingdom, we are called to reflect His character in our lives. Jeremiah describes a kingdom where justice and righteousness prevail, and Jesus calls His followers to live as citizens of God’s kingdom.

This is a season for examining our lives and asking how we can embody love and justice in our communities. The promise of Christ’s return is an invitation to faithfulness in every aspect of our lives. God’s faithfulness inspires us to live in hope and faith, knowing that the same God who sent Jesus as a baby will one day return in glory. May we be prepared to stand before the Lord as a faithful follower.

As we light the first candle of Advent, we are reminded that Jesus is the Light of the World. The signs of His coming are not meant to fill us with fear but to encourage us to live in hope, readiness, and faithfulness. May we, as a community, stand firm in the promises of God, trusting in His Word and looking forward to the day when Christ will return. Let us interpret current challenges as opportunities for hope and trust in God’s ultimate plan.

Christ will return in glory, and he expects His people to be ready for his return. As we wait, may we live lives that reflect His kingdom, marked by love, justice, and a deep reliance on His Spirit. Lastly, as we enter this season of Advent, may we give thanks for the hope we have in Christ. Let us remain spiritually alert and ready, not in fear but in confident expectation of God’s promises. Jesus is our hope. May we act with courage, grace, and gratitude in the hope of Christ’ coming.

Thanks be to God! Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)