Sermon: Nov 27, 2022
Reading: Romans 13:11-14 / Matthew 24:36-44
The gospel passage was not meant to instill a fear of God’s sudden judgment or the fear of what might happen. God does not manipulate or want to control us through the use of fear. Fear is not part of the loving relationship we are invited to have with God. Will there be a day of judgment? Yes, scripture and Christ both tell us that the day will come so we must be ready.
Paul encourages us to be ready by living our lives now as if we were already living as citizens in God’s future kingdom on earth by standing up to oppressive structures, by putting on the armor of light, the love of Christ, and by treating all people with love, respect, and dignity.
The season of Advent asks us to place ourselves in a very unique frame of mind; we remember and celebrate what has happened in the past; with the birth of Jesus and the love God has shown us; we look future with hope and prayer for God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven ready for Christ to come again in love and great glory; all while being mindful of the present our present time; as disciples of Christ and children of God putting on the armor of light of Christ so that his love may shine brilliantly into the world so that the radiance of his love may envelop and be experienced by all people. We do all this with hope and faith, trusting that the work God began in the birth, life, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will continue to transform us and all of his creation as we are made ready live into God’s Kingdom.
