A Season of Hope

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: MATTHEW 24:36-44 (THE MESSAGE)

But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven's angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows. The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah's. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away. The Son of Man's Arrival will be like that: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.

A few years ago, David Letterman posted the top ten things to say if you were caught sleeping at your desk. Here is the list:

10. "They told me at the blood bank this might happen."

9. "This is just a 15 minute power-nap like they raved about in the last time management course you sent me to."

8. "Whew! Guess I left the top off the liquid paper."

7. "I wasn't sleeping! I was meditating on the mission statement and envisioning a new paradigm!"

6. "I was doing a highly specific Yoga exercise to relieve work-related stress. Are you discriminatory towards people who practice Yoga?"

5. "Darn! Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a solution to our biggest problem."

4. "Boy, that cold medicine I took last night just won't wear off!"

3. "Ah, the unique and unpredictable circadian rhythms of the workaholic!"

2. "Wasn't sleeping. Was trying to pick up my contact lens without my hands!"

And the #1 best thing to say if you get caught sleeping at your desk:

1. "Amen"

This Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent. It is a Sunday in which we prepare for the hope we have in God through Jesus. It is a Sunday in which we are reminded to stay awake and alert, to prepare our hearts and our lives for God’s presences and God’s love. It is also a Sunday in which we prepare our sanctuary into a warm and fragrant Advent abode. While singing joyfully, we will place ivy, holly, green wreaths, and love all around the church and hang our ornaments on our very own Chrismon Tree. It will be even more special when we join together for the baptism of Aaron and welcome his parents, Kristi and Austin into our family of faith! As we prepare Aaron for his journey with us as his family, we will also be preparing ourselves for a season of Adventure, anticipation and hope.

So please join us for at 10:00am at Christ Church this Sunday for a service of preparation and hope … a service in which no one will be sleeping!