Advent Sunday of Hope - Nov 25, 2007

The First Sunday Of Advent: Hope

Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the Sunday in which we remember the hope we have in Jesus.

The prophets of Israel all spoke of the coming of Jesus, of how a savior would be born, a king in the line of David. They spoke of how he would rule the world wisely and bless all nations.

Isaiah 9:2-6
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

On Christmas Day, the Christ of our hope was born. On Good Friday the Christ of our hope died. On Easter Sunday the Christ of our hope rose from the dead. He then ascended into heaven. On the last day, the Christ of our hope will come again to establish His kingdom over all things on earth.

As the followers of Jesus, we await his return. We light this candle to remember that as he came to us as humbly in the manger at Bethlehem and gave light to the world, so he is coming again in power to deliver his people.

We light this candle to remind us to be alert and to watch for his return.

(Light the First Candle)

LET US PRAY - Loving God, we thank you for the hope you give us. Help us prepare our hearts for the Lord's coming. Bless our worship. Help us live holy and righteous lives. We ask it in the name of the one born in Bethlehem. Amen.

HYMN:


“Can You Hear Me, Now?”
Brian Reid, NTUBC, November 25 2007

Introduction poem;

Someone whispered; “God, speak to me.”
And a meadowlark sang; but, they did not hear.

So, the person yelled; “God, speak to me!”
And, the thunder rolled across the sky; but, they did not listen.

The person looked around and said; “God, let me see you.”
And a star shinned, brightly; but, they did not notice.

Then, the person shouted, “God show me a miracle!”
And a life was born; but, they did not know.

So, the person cried out in despair;
“Touch me God, and let me know You are here!”
Whereupon God reached down;
But, the person brushed the butterfly away, and walked on.

* Can you hear me?
Can you hear me, now?
Can you hear me, now?

God hears every word we speak, every prayer we pray, every cry we voice, and every despair that we express. He hears, because He listens.

We fail to hear God speaking to us, because we only listen with our ears.

Proverbs 1:24 says;
“I called you so often, but you didn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.”


To understand God’s role in the Church, His Church, all we need to do is listen; listen for His still, small, voice.

I listen for God’s voice, here in the silence of this sanctuary. I listen as the choir sings, on Sunday mornings. I listen in the midst of the noise – during Young Peoples, on Thursday night. I listen during Bible study, as two people share their thoughts – with one another. I listen for God, as I interact with the children.

I also listen, when I am walking in the wilderness; for it is while I am in the heart of His creation, that I feel most, closest to Him. And, when I see a deer, or rabbit, or any other animal, then, I know God is close by.

I listen for God’s voice, when I drive my motorbike; as I stop to take in the beauty around me. In my car, I listen for God’s voice, with the stereo turned, way up, or, all the way off.

For, I listen for God’s voice, with my ears, my eyes, my hands, my nose; and most often – with my heart. God speaks to us, in all these ways; but we must be attentive to His responses – for (frequently) He communicates, without using words.

Hebrews 2:1, the author suggests;
“So, we must listen carefully…”

Through His communication with us, in whatever form He uses, He directs our paths – on a daily bases. He supports and reassures us in a variety of ways – by opening windows and closing doors. He guides us in the direction we should go, but then allows us to make those choices.

He walks beside those who seem to be always searching aimlessly; and He whispers encouragement in our ears. He picks up and carries, those frozen with fear. He calls to those who have wandered off the path.

But, do they listen, can they hear?

Proverbs 2:1;
“My child, listen to me; and treasure my instructions.”

God directs us by His voice; He speaks to us, if we listen – if we really, really listen. God also comforts us in a variety of ways.

By His voice, through other people. By His voice, within the words of scriptures. By His voice, deep within us. By His voice, when he allows, or does not allow, something to happen. And, He speaks to us, by His voice, when the answer to a prayer, is ‘no answer.’

We long to hear from Him, but don’t recognize as He presents us with an opportunity to do something for him, or in His name. That’s God’s way of telling us, He has confidence in us, and in our abilities. We seek to hear from Him, but refuse to be like Him – when He gives us those opportunities.

Anything we do in life is directed by God, through His still, small voice – if we listen for it.

Proverbs 4:10;
“My child, listen to me, and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.”

God’s role in the church is to guide, direct and comfort us – whenever needed. God communicates, by His voice, though many examples;

We work hard (everyday), and sometimes we get stressed out, and over-tired, and wish our lives would be less busy. The next day it snows; schools are cancelled, and everything comes to a stop; and all we can do, is complain about the road not being clear.

But, we prayed, to God, for some relief, from our hectic lives, and when He lessens the busyness around us – we simply miss His message, because we are not listening.

Some people spend hours and hours, on the internet, in a room far away from all distraction; only later to complain about their lonely lives. Then, they pray to God for some relief from their isolation – but, say no, when someone calls and asks them to do something at the church.

God answers our prayers and speaks to us – but NOT always in words.

We seek, and ask for, spiritual renewal, but turn down, invitation upon invitation, to special services, coffee with a fellow Christian (from another church); we say no to dinner invitations from someone in our very own congregation, for whatever reason.

We miss God’s message, to fellowship within His church.

Isaiah 65:12;
“When I spoke, you did not listen…For when I called you, you did not answer.”

God speaks to us – loud and clear.

God does send us messages, but it is our responsibility to listen, and interpret those messages.

God sends us so many messages, that we simply miss, or ignore.


Back in the Old Testament, it was no different. The people of that day, cried out in anguish; “Help us Lord, take away this pain!”

And, what did God do for them, what did He do for us. Something that was soooo great, that no one could miss it; but many did, many do, and many will.


God sent His messenger, the archangel, Gabriel to Nazareth, to a small, unknown village in Galilee, to see a virgin named Mary. For, God had a message for her, that would change, everything. Not only, change everything, in her life, but change, the very meaning of Life, itself.

Mary was a devoted servant of the Lord, and listened with Great Ears, and Complete Understanding; to the message sent from God.

But, how could she, for she was pledged to wed, Joseph; and was still a virgin?

Gabriel explained; “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the baby born to you, will be Holy - with God, nothing is impossible.”

Mary could not understand, why God choose her, for the most important act of obedience, that was ever entrusted upon anyone – to deliver, and raise The Great Messiah. For God trusted her with His one and only Son.

Mary may have not have understood, why she was chosen, and she might have lacked confidence; but - in true dedication, commitment and humility, Mary did as she was asked. She was open to God message – for she listened.

Hebrews 4:7;
“Today, you must listen to his voice.”


Today, we begin this journey of expectancy, waiting and hope; for this Child, that we await, is the hope of this world.

Mary listen for, and heard, God’s message; and agreed to take on this huge responsibility.

God sends you, message, after message, after message.

Did you hear Him? Do you ever hear Him?


If you haven’t heard His message, yet; if you don’t know Christ, yet; if you haven’t received Him into your heart, yet; what better time, then at Christmas?

We celebrate the Coming of Christ, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and we celebrate the new Life of this world, the Great Messiah.

If you’ve been wondering, if you’ve been questioning, if you want to know what eternity feels like? If you want to receive the ultimate gift this Christmas - the gift of salvation - then listen for God’s still, small voice – not with your ears, but with your heart.

Come talk with me, or any of the deacons of this church; and we can help clarify – God’s message for you. God is waiting to give you, that gift of salvation.

Isaiah 43:1;
“I have called you by name…”


So, on behalf of the Lord, I ask you this question;

“Can You Hear Me, Now?” (x2)

Let us pray;

We thank you, God, for Jesus,
We thank you, for your love.
We thank you, that you sent Him,
Down from His home above.

To be our Lord, And Savior,
To be our God, and King.
And so, to show we’re thankful,
To you, our selves, we bring.

In this world, we struggle and we try and cope
We thank you, for your gift,
Your gift, Christ, our Hope.
Amen