Sermon Advent 1 30th November 2025
Well! Christmas is approaching we have under a month to go. But what is so important to us. Buying presents, making sure we have enough food, arranging to see family and friends over Christmas.
All that is great, but what about the true purpose of Christmas. Where does Jesus fit into all these celebrations? Christians are nearly as bad as those who don’t know Jesus. There is a majority of people now in this country who don’t even know who Jesus is. Christmas is now called the winter holiday.
But are we at Laindon Baptist Church different. How do we feel about Christmas?
But what should we be thinking of first, it’s advent. What is advent? Ticking off on a calendar, the days before Christmas, opening the days that contain gifts of chocolate each day. Or as we should be doing, thinking about Jesus returning to Earth, gathering up the true believers, and taking them to the new City. The new Jerusalem. Do we look forward to this event, or think that as nothing has happened for 2 thousand years, it is not likely to happen in our lifetimes.
What does the word advent mean. In the Cambridge dictionary it says the fact of an event happening, an invention being made, or a person arriving: No mention of the return of our Saviour.
From the Bible reading from Matthew we had earlier.
That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. ‘Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Advent is just as important as Christmas
Advent sheet 1.
For the first Sunday of Advent, the readings focus on hope and anticipation, with key passages from the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Scripture Readings
1. Genesis 3:14-15: This passage speaks of the promise of redemption and the coming Messiah, highlighting the hope that begins with the fall of humanity.
Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
This verse emphasizes the prophecy of Jesus’ birth.
Isaiah 9:2: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” This passage reflects the hope and light that Christ brings to the world.
Themes of Advent
Hope: The first week of Advent is often associated with the theme of hope, as believers prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ. The readings remind us of the promises made throughout the Old Testament regarding the Messiah’s arrival.
Anticipation: Advent is a time of waiting and preparation, reflecting on the significance of Christ’s first coming and looking forward to His return.
Reflection
As we read these passages, consider how they speak to the hope and anticipation of Christ’s coming. Lighting the Advent candle for hope can also be a meaningful practice during this time, symbolizing the light of Christ entering the world.
So how do we feel about the coming of the risen Lord.
Are we ready? It could be today, or in other 1000 years we do not know.
But remember when Jesus returns He will only take those who belong to Him. Those who have asked Him into their lives, and said a prayer of repentance.
Let us think of those who could be left behind. They could be members of our own family, our friends, the majority of those that we come close to.
Let’s make a start in praying for them, the lost, that they may be found. For us that we may have the strength to lead others to our Saviour.
Dear Lord we pray for the lost, so many people. So many people that do not know you. Those who come to church, but haven’t committed themselves to you. Those who haven’t been born again. Please Lord give us the strength to come forward in your strength, a new commitment to serve you, with all of our hearts, all of our bodies, all of our souls. In Jesus name. Amen.
If you feel that you are missing out of God’s love, and salvation, please speak to one of us. We are always ready and open to give help.
God Bless All
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