Sunday Reflection – November 28, 2021 (Advent I)

 

Look Up

Luke 21 25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, there will be dismay among nations in their confusion over the roaring of the sea and surging waves. 26 The planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken, causing people to faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world. 27 Then they will see the Human One coming on a cloud with power and great splendor. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, because your redemption is near.”

A lesson from the fig tree

29 Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that God’s kingdom is near. 32 I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until everything has happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.

34 “Take care that your hearts aren’t dulled by drinking parties, drunkenness, and the anxieties of day-to-day life. Don’t let that day fall upon you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. It will come upon everyone who lives on the face of the whole earth. 36  Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.”

Performed by Margaret Whisselle

Kids Korner: Look up and look for God (November 28th)

Read Luke 21:25-36 with your family. Jesus talked about all sorts of terrible things happening, but he also said look up and stand up to all the bad things.

Christianity is about changing the world from what it is like today to what it would be like if everyone lived the way Jesus asked us to live: feed everyone, make sure everyone has good medical care including vaccines against Covid, give everyone somewhere safe to live, make sure all families and friends treat each other with respect. Imagine what that world would look like. That is what we are waiting for this Advent, for Jesus to come again as a baby full of hope and promise for the world he wants us to help build, and we are ready to be Jesus’ building helpers.

Sunday Reflection – November 14, 2021

 

Keep watch

Mark 13 As Jesus left the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What awesome stones and buildings!”

Jesus responded, “Do you see these enormous buildings? Not even one stone will be left upon another. All will be demolished.”

Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? What sign will show that all these things are about to come to an end?”

Jesus said, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many people will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ They will deceive many people. When you hear of wars and reports of wars, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen, but this isn’t the end yet. Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other, and there will be earthquakes and famines in all sorts of places. These things are just the beginning of the birth pangs associated with the end.

Performed by Margaret Whisselle

Kids Korner: Don’t listen to the people who claim to be Christ (November 14th)

Read Mark 13:1-8 with your family. This story happens after Jesus and four of his closest friends walk to the hills outside of Jerusalem.

This is a message of hope. Don’t be upset with all the bad things happening in the world, they are not signs of anything. God doesn’t do that, and no one is given a special message about what God is doing. Jesus taught us everything we needed to know about God, so don’t believe anyone who says they know more or better about what God wants for the world. Sad things are going to happen, but God is not responsible for those sad things. God wants us to help make things better, not fear what we don’t know.