First Sunday Of Advent
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VII, Cycle B
Seasonal Theme
Advent is a time of expectation, anticipation, and preparation for the coming again of Jesus in Bethlehem and in our hearts.
Theme For The Day
The hope for, and the joyful anticipation of, the coming again of the Christ into our hearts.
Comments On The Scripture
In the next weeks of Advent and Christmas we will read often from the book of Isaiah, the greatest of the Hebrew prophets whose name means "Jehovah is Salvation." From this book and 2 Kings 19 and 20 we can learn a little about him. Born about 765 B.C., his father was named Amoz. Isaiah must have lived in Jerusalem and knew well the liturgy and area of the Temple. Married to a prophetess, the couple named their two sons after Isaiah's preaching themes. He tells us of his call to be a prophet and his prophetic work over forty years, plus the reign of four Judean kings. Unlike many of the prophets, he was a friend of these kings and a well-known figure of his day with a hand in the formation of national policies. Isaiah had a disciple whom he taught and who must have been influenced by Amos and Hosea who were also prophesying in Israel at that time. Isaiah died sometime after 700 B.C. Tradition says he was sawn asunder (Hebrews 11:37).
His main message seemed to be that the time of God's patience was ending. Harper's Bible Dictionary states of Isaiah: "... pre-eminently a prophet, embodying high ethical, social, and spiritual qualities which made his utterances the voice of God to the people" (p. 285).
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 64:1-9
The Plea Of The Remnant
This chapter is a continuing of Isaiah's prayer. He calls upon God to destroy his enemies. There is a wonderful threefold combination here as joy and righteousness and the remembrance of God. The secret is God's presence which becomes the power to serve him. In verse 6 we have a confession of the prophet, thus in verse 7 God hides himself when they come to him. Then comes the wonderful plea to God. You are our Parent! Don't be angry with us or forget our iniquity -- remember we are your people! (v. 9). Isaiah's reasons for God deserting them were stated earlier: the nation's sins (50:1) and God's commitment to God's word. But because of God's compassion (54:7) and kindness God will restore the nation to himself. They will have to count on God's faithfulness and promises.
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
How It Ought To Be
Before taking up the tough subject of the divisions within the Corinthian church, Paul greets them (v. 3) and then he writes them as if they were well-behaved Christians (vv. 4-9). It looks to me as if he was flattering them before the scolding which begins in verse 10. What that bunch of quarreling Christians needed most was in verse 3: God's grace and God's peace. Paul is thankful these are available to these Corinthians even though they don't seem to realize it. They must acknowledge what God has done for them and what they ought to be in Christ. If this is not sarcasm, what a wonderful way to approach a congregation which deserves scolding. I have a hunch that once a congregation takes the steps of acknowledging what God has done for them and what they ought to be in Christ, most or all of the quarreling would disappear.
The Gospel
Mark 13:24-37
The Necessity Of Watchfulness
It's a great reading for the sleepy early service people, "Keep awake!"
Mark 13:1-37 is the longest speech of Jesus in Mark. It is about the last days and, according to Mark, was only given to the four senior disciples. These secrets were not meant for Jesus' public teachings. It has been called by some "the little Apocalypse." There is a similarity with Daniel 7-12 and the book of Revelation. Of course it was selected by our church foremothers and forefathers because of its focus on being watchful, alert, and prepared which is the general emphasis of Advent.
We must remember that this is a pre-scientific view of the universe.
The coming of the Son of Man is consistent with what the early Christians expected. See Deuteronomy 30:4; Isaiah 13:10, 14:12; Daniel 7:13; and Zechariah 2:6. We can get the same idea in Acts 1:9-11.
Verse 30 is best understood as those things which will take place, not at his second coming, but within his own generation. And they did! Jerusalem did fall and the destruction of the Temple did take place.
There are some truths we can glean from all this puzzling apocalyptic writing:
1. It's risky to forget God and become absorbed in the earthly.
2. It says it is only the devout who can see into history.
3. It speaks about the second coming of Christ. We ought not to forget it and that history is going somewhere.
4. We live in the shadow of eternity and must be prepared for it all the time.
Preaching Possibilities
Each of the three readings for this Sunday can easily stand alone or be put together under the Advent theme of getting ready, anticipating, and being prepared. If used separately, outlines might look like this:
Old Testament
Title: The Power To Serve
The main moves could be:
A. God's presence brings us a profound joy.
B. God's presence brings us a righteousness the world cannot (will not) provide.
C. God's presence brings us a remembrance of God and all God has done for us.
D. Altogether we have, then, the God-given equipment to serve God and God's people.
New Testament
Title: How We "Oughta" Be or Oughta-Be Christians
The main sermon moves could be:
A. We "oughta" have God's grace and peace. This ought to be from God to us and then from us to others (v. 3).
B. We "oughta" continue to grow in Christ in our speech and knowledge (v. 5).
C. We "oughta" not lack in any spiritual gifts.
D. We "oughta" be strengthened and blameless (v. 8).
E. We "oughta" acknowledge our call into fellowship with Jesus Christ (v. 9b).
F. Then we can describe how we ought best realize the above results this Advent season in this congregation.
Gospel
Title: Anticipating His Coming Again
Possible moves in this sermon might be:
Begin by describing your own preparation for the birth of a child.
A. There are many ways we can expect him to come into our lives and congregations this year.
1. Into our hearts and how that ought change us.
2. Into our church and how that should re-prioritize our ministry.
3. Into our community and how that will change how we try to live together and treat each other.
4. Into our nation and other nations to the unchurched who need to hear of the Savior.
B. So here are some of the ways we can prepare for his birth again this year.
1. Study the scripture and strengthen our piety.
2. Pray often on a regular schedule thus renewing our relationship with the Christ.
3. Gather as a congregation for worship often thus developing a precious fellowship among those who sincerely are anticipating his arrival again.
C. Now frame by returning to how a family prepares for the birth of a new baby.
D. Close by re-reading verses 32-37.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves (using all three readings)
A. Begin by describing your own preparation for the birth of a child into your life. You might retell the television ad for Diehard car batteries as they keep the car ready to go in a cold climate.
B. Now move to the three passages of scripture and relate how all of them expected a coming and then a second coming of the Messiah.
1. So Isaiah would prepare for the birth of the Savior by rediscovering the power of the presence of God in his life enabling him to serve God and God's people. He knew he could count on God's kindness and forgiveness if he would repent of his sins and untruthfulness.
2. So Paul would prepare by celebrating God's peace and grace (v. 3). He would voice his thankfulness to God for Jesus Christ. He would seek to be further enriched by God (v. 5) and identify the spiritual gifts given to him. And, lo, Jesus is born again in Paul's heart.
3. Mark would make a great effort to be alert in his discipleship, always on the ready and expecting
Christ's arrival and birth again at any time. He would renew his resolve not only to be more faithful in worship attendance but also much more faithful in bringing others. (The one who invites and witnesses is almost always more blessed than the one invited.)
C. Now make your own witness as to how easy it is to prepare for the coming of Jesus again that we miss it when it does happen over and over again.
D. Now frame your sermon by returning to your description of preparing for the birth of a child in your family.
E. Close by reading verses 32-37 of Mark 13.
Prayer For The Day
Prepare our hearts this day, O God, for the birth again of the Christ that we might know the peace and power and joy of his presence there. Help us to live on the alert not only for the awareness of your kingdom breaking in, but also for the needs of others that they too might know the blessings of being loved by you. In Christ's name. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
"Four-toast Henry" from Myanmar (Burma) was one of the students preparing in Hong Kong to return to his country as a professor in a new seminary. He told me of the preparations which he had to make in order to prepare for the birth of my goddaughter, Katie. He had to prepare food to take along for the stay in the hospital. He had to hire a car to transport his wife the 45 miles to the nearest medical facility. He had to hire a doctor, nurse, and cleaning lady for the time of delivery. He also had to bring along a portable generator and any medicine she would need. It was all in order to be prepared in anticipation of the birth.
At a church meal following a funeral, a man told me they were expecting a baby any time now, so each night in cold, cold Iowa, he removed the battery from his car and kept it in the house where it would be warm and ready to start the car. Might we anticipate the coming of the Christ Child with such eager and careful anticipation?
Charles L. Wallis has written about this season of Advent in his book Speaker's Illustrations for Special Days. "Advent and adventure have a common derivation. Advent should be a season of Christian adventure. Many of the noble visions of the past have become blurred; but as Christmas approaches, new hope and new faith enter our hearts. The adventure of life is renewed and reinvigorated. We are given, as it were, a new spiritual lease on life; for a spirit of expectancy and enthusiasm comes to those who remember the hope that God in Christ brings to people."
Captain Gerald Coffer of the Air Force told how prisoners of war during the Vietnam war would tap out encouragement to each other by tapping on the cell plumbing. When the guy next to them was really hurting, they would tap out "GB" for "God bless." "GN" meant "Good night." Isaiah would tap out today "GP" for "God is present." Paul would tap out "G and P" for "Grace and peace" and Mark would simply tap "BA," "Be alert." Let us tap out the good news of Advent to those in prison all around us.
Advent is a time of expectation, anticipation, and preparation for the coming again of Jesus in Bethlehem and in our hearts.
Theme For The Day
The hope for, and the joyful anticipation of, the coming again of the Christ into our hearts.
Comments On The Scripture
In the next weeks of Advent and Christmas we will read often from the book of Isaiah, the greatest of the Hebrew prophets whose name means "Jehovah is Salvation." From this book and 2 Kings 19 and 20 we can learn a little about him. Born about 765 B.C., his father was named Amoz. Isaiah must have lived in Jerusalem and knew well the liturgy and area of the Temple. Married to a prophetess, the couple named their two sons after Isaiah's preaching themes. He tells us of his call to be a prophet and his prophetic work over forty years, plus the reign of four Judean kings. Unlike many of the prophets, he was a friend of these kings and a well-known figure of his day with a hand in the formation of national policies. Isaiah had a disciple whom he taught and who must have been influenced by Amos and Hosea who were also prophesying in Israel at that time. Isaiah died sometime after 700 B.C. Tradition says he was sawn asunder (Hebrews 11:37).
His main message seemed to be that the time of God's patience was ending. Harper's Bible Dictionary states of Isaiah: "... pre-eminently a prophet, embodying high ethical, social, and spiritual qualities which made his utterances the voice of God to the people" (p. 285).
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 64:1-9
The Plea Of The Remnant
This chapter is a continuing of Isaiah's prayer. He calls upon God to destroy his enemies. There is a wonderful threefold combination here as joy and righteousness and the remembrance of God. The secret is God's presence which becomes the power to serve him. In verse 6 we have a confession of the prophet, thus in verse 7 God hides himself when they come to him. Then comes the wonderful plea to God. You are our Parent! Don't be angry with us or forget our iniquity -- remember we are your people! (v. 9). Isaiah's reasons for God deserting them were stated earlier: the nation's sins (50:1) and God's commitment to God's word. But because of God's compassion (54:7) and kindness God will restore the nation to himself. They will have to count on God's faithfulness and promises.
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
How It Ought To Be
Before taking up the tough subject of the divisions within the Corinthian church, Paul greets them (v. 3) and then he writes them as if they were well-behaved Christians (vv. 4-9). It looks to me as if he was flattering them before the scolding which begins in verse 10. What that bunch of quarreling Christians needed most was in verse 3: God's grace and God's peace. Paul is thankful these are available to these Corinthians even though they don't seem to realize it. They must acknowledge what God has done for them and what they ought to be in Christ. If this is not sarcasm, what a wonderful way to approach a congregation which deserves scolding. I have a hunch that once a congregation takes the steps of acknowledging what God has done for them and what they ought to be in Christ, most or all of the quarreling would disappear.
The Gospel
Mark 13:24-37
The Necessity Of Watchfulness
It's a great reading for the sleepy early service people, "Keep awake!"
Mark 13:1-37 is the longest speech of Jesus in Mark. It is about the last days and, according to Mark, was only given to the four senior disciples. These secrets were not meant for Jesus' public teachings. It has been called by some "the little Apocalypse." There is a similarity with Daniel 7-12 and the book of Revelation. Of course it was selected by our church foremothers and forefathers because of its focus on being watchful, alert, and prepared which is the general emphasis of Advent.
We must remember that this is a pre-scientific view of the universe.
The coming of the Son of Man is consistent with what the early Christians expected. See Deuteronomy 30:4; Isaiah 13:10, 14:12; Daniel 7:13; and Zechariah 2:6. We can get the same idea in Acts 1:9-11.
Verse 30 is best understood as those things which will take place, not at his second coming, but within his own generation. And they did! Jerusalem did fall and the destruction of the Temple did take place.
There are some truths we can glean from all this puzzling apocalyptic writing:
1. It's risky to forget God and become absorbed in the earthly.
2. It says it is only the devout who can see into history.
3. It speaks about the second coming of Christ. We ought not to forget it and that history is going somewhere.
4. We live in the shadow of eternity and must be prepared for it all the time.
Preaching Possibilities
Each of the three readings for this Sunday can easily stand alone or be put together under the Advent theme of getting ready, anticipating, and being prepared. If used separately, outlines might look like this:
Old Testament
Title: The Power To Serve
The main moves could be:
A. God's presence brings us a profound joy.
B. God's presence brings us a righteousness the world cannot (will not) provide.
C. God's presence brings us a remembrance of God and all God has done for us.
D. Altogether we have, then, the God-given equipment to serve God and God's people.
New Testament
Title: How We "Oughta" Be or Oughta-Be Christians
The main sermon moves could be:
A. We "oughta" have God's grace and peace. This ought to be from God to us and then from us to others (v. 3).
B. We "oughta" continue to grow in Christ in our speech and knowledge (v. 5).
C. We "oughta" not lack in any spiritual gifts.
D. We "oughta" be strengthened and blameless (v. 8).
E. We "oughta" acknowledge our call into fellowship with Jesus Christ (v. 9b).
F. Then we can describe how we ought best realize the above results this Advent season in this congregation.
Gospel
Title: Anticipating His Coming Again
Possible moves in this sermon might be:
Begin by describing your own preparation for the birth of a child.
A. There are many ways we can expect him to come into our lives and congregations this year.
1. Into our hearts and how that ought change us.
2. Into our church and how that should re-prioritize our ministry.
3. Into our community and how that will change how we try to live together and treat each other.
4. Into our nation and other nations to the unchurched who need to hear of the Savior.
B. So here are some of the ways we can prepare for his birth again this year.
1. Study the scripture and strengthen our piety.
2. Pray often on a regular schedule thus renewing our relationship with the Christ.
3. Gather as a congregation for worship often thus developing a precious fellowship among those who sincerely are anticipating his arrival again.
C. Now frame by returning to how a family prepares for the birth of a new baby.
D. Close by re-reading verses 32-37.
Possible Outline Of Sermon Moves (using all three readings)
A. Begin by describing your own preparation for the birth of a child into your life. You might retell the television ad for Diehard car batteries as they keep the car ready to go in a cold climate.
B. Now move to the three passages of scripture and relate how all of them expected a coming and then a second coming of the Messiah.
1. So Isaiah would prepare for the birth of the Savior by rediscovering the power of the presence of God in his life enabling him to serve God and God's people. He knew he could count on God's kindness and forgiveness if he would repent of his sins and untruthfulness.
2. So Paul would prepare by celebrating God's peace and grace (v. 3). He would voice his thankfulness to God for Jesus Christ. He would seek to be further enriched by God (v. 5) and identify the spiritual gifts given to him. And, lo, Jesus is born again in Paul's heart.
3. Mark would make a great effort to be alert in his discipleship, always on the ready and expecting
Christ's arrival and birth again at any time. He would renew his resolve not only to be more faithful in worship attendance but also much more faithful in bringing others. (The one who invites and witnesses is almost always more blessed than the one invited.)
C. Now make your own witness as to how easy it is to prepare for the coming of Jesus again that we miss it when it does happen over and over again.
D. Now frame your sermon by returning to your description of preparing for the birth of a child in your family.
E. Close by reading verses 32-37 of Mark 13.
Prayer For The Day
Prepare our hearts this day, O God, for the birth again of the Christ that we might know the peace and power and joy of his presence there. Help us to live on the alert not only for the awareness of your kingdom breaking in, but also for the needs of others that they too might know the blessings of being loved by you. In Christ's name. Amen.
Possible Metaphors And Stories
"Four-toast Henry" from Myanmar (Burma) was one of the students preparing in Hong Kong to return to his country as a professor in a new seminary. He told me of the preparations which he had to make in order to prepare for the birth of my goddaughter, Katie. He had to prepare food to take along for the stay in the hospital. He had to hire a car to transport his wife the 45 miles to the nearest medical facility. He had to hire a doctor, nurse, and cleaning lady for the time of delivery. He also had to bring along a portable generator and any medicine she would need. It was all in order to be prepared in anticipation of the birth.
At a church meal following a funeral, a man told me they were expecting a baby any time now, so each night in cold, cold Iowa, he removed the battery from his car and kept it in the house where it would be warm and ready to start the car. Might we anticipate the coming of the Christ Child with such eager and careful anticipation?
Charles L. Wallis has written about this season of Advent in his book Speaker's Illustrations for Special Days. "Advent and adventure have a common derivation. Advent should be a season of Christian adventure. Many of the noble visions of the past have become blurred; but as Christmas approaches, new hope and new faith enter our hearts. The adventure of life is renewed and reinvigorated. We are given, as it were, a new spiritual lease on life; for a spirit of expectancy and enthusiasm comes to those who remember the hope that God in Christ brings to people."
Captain Gerald Coffer of the Air Force told how prisoners of war during the Vietnam war would tap out encouragement to each other by tapping on the cell plumbing. When the guy next to them was really hurting, they would tap out "GB" for "God bless." "GN" meant "Good night." Isaiah would tap out today "GP" for "God is present." Paul would tap out "G and P" for "Grace and peace" and Mark would simply tap "BA," "Be alert." Let us tap out the good news of Advent to those in prison all around us.
