Nov 29, 2010
Presented Sunday 28 11 2010 at St Stephen's Uniting Church Toowoomba
Readings: Isaiah 21:1-5; Ps 122; Rom 13:11-14; Matt 24:36-44
What do you do when visitors are coming? If you are like me you run around getting the house tidy. When I was at Tannum Sands I sometimes had so many dirty dishes that on Bible Study nights I would hide them in the kitchen cupboards, so no one would see them. Even though I did this, I love to have visitors, so sometimes when I couldn’t get everything ready or hide all the plates, I didn’t mind too much about the mess, and neither did any of my guests.
At advent time we think prepare for the coming of Jesus, and the coming of God’s love amongst us. We think of the first Christmas, we think of the way God is breaking into our lives now. We also look forward to the time when God’s Kingdom will truly come on earth. (The second coming.) I don’t know about you but I know that if Jesus came to visit me today or any time soon there is much in my life I would like to change. On the other hand I would very excited to have such a visitor.
So get ready, get your house in order but also live with a sense of Joy and hope. The same type of joy and hope that many people especially Children have around Christmas time - why - because a very special visitor is coming.
Questions for thought or discussion. How would you feel about having a visit from Jesus tomorrow? What would you do in preparation for his coming? When you are visiting someone what kind of reception do you most want? (Do you want a tidy house, and a wonderful spread? Do you want warm welcome and an appreciation of your visit?)