Preparing for Jesus

Advent is a season of preparation, but not just for the celebration of Christmas. Advent is about preparing for the extraordinary while living in the drudgery of the ordinary. It’s a time to prepare for the coming of Jesus in glory because we are a people who live in anticipation, who live in hope.

The apocalyptic imagery in Luke 21 draws attention to the end times, and many focus on the signs—cosmic disturbances, natural disasters, and human turmoil. But Jesus’ message isn’t about fostering fear; it’s about calling us to readiness, hope, and faithful living in the present.

We are to heed the call to pay attention. We are preparing for eternity right now by living attentively.

Romans 13:11–12 NLT

This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.

Some of you parents, may feel overwhelmed by the concerns of daily life, often putting off spiritual conversations with your children but Romans 13:11-12 reminds us that the time for action is now, not later.

I invite you parents to start a weekly family night where you intentionally gather to discuss a Bible verse or biblical theme. This will ignite meaningful discussions about faith and instill a sense of urgency to live out your beliefs actively, fully preparing your family for the spiritual challenges they may encounter.

The signs of the times are not a reason for fear or speculation; they are a call to faithful response and preparation. Today, how should we respond to these signs and how should we prepare for Jesus’ coming.

1. Recognize the Signs Without Being Consumed by Them

Jesus describes dramatic signs in the heavens and on earth—events that could easily cause fear. But He doesn’t tell us to cower or panic. Instead, He says, “Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (v. 28).

The signs are not the end but a reminder that God’s kingdom is near. They point us to God’s sovereignty and the certainty of His promises. Rather than being consumed by speculation or fear, Jesus calls us to be confident and hopeful: "Your redemption is drawing near."

2 Timothy 1:7: "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" – a counterpoint to fear.

Imagine a lighthouse standing on the edge of a rocky coastline. When storms rage, the waves crash violently against the lighthouse, and the skies grow dark. Yet, the lighthouse doesn’t tremble or panic. It stands firm, anchored to the rock beneath it, and its light shines brightly, guiding ships safely through the storm.

This is what Jesus calls us to do in the midst of the "signs" He describes in Luke 21—cosmic disturbances, turmoil, and uncertainty. Just like the lighthouse, we are not meant to be overwhelmed or paralyzed by fear. Instead, we are called to stand firm, anchored in the promises of God, and let the light of Christ shine through us.

The lighthouse doesn’t stop the storm, nor does it deny the reality of the waves. Its purpose is to guide others through the danger, offering hope and safety. In the same way, when we live as people of hope, our faith becomes a beacon that points others to Jesus and the redemption He promises.

How often do we allow fear to take hold when we see signs of uncertainty in the world? Instead of fixating on the signs, let them direct your attention to God’s promises. Stand firm in hope, knowing that Jesus is near.

2. Live Alert and Prayerful Lives

Jesus warns against two pitfalls: indulgence (e.g., drunkenness) and distraction (e.g., anxiety about life). Both dull our spiritual senses, making us unprepared for His coming. Instead, He calls us to be alert and pray continually.

· Spiritual Alertness: Be mindful of what fills your heart and mind. Are you so caught up in the busyness of life or the pleasures of the moment that you neglect your spiritual readiness?

To be spiritually ready we need to be intentional about making time for God, more than just on Sundays. There are 7 days a week 24 hours in each day. Which in total is over 10,000 minutes in a week. To give God a tenth of your time would be to devote little over 2 hours per day. For some of you, you try to cram all your devotion into one day, and some of you want me to do it for you.

Friends, it doesn’t work like that. As your pastor I am telling you now to be spiritually ready you gotta put the work in through the week.

1 Peter 5:8 NLT

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

· Prayerful Dependence: Prayer keeps us connected to God, aligning our priorities with His kingdom and giving us strength to endure life’s challenges. Mark 14:38: Jesus’ instruction to His disciples to "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

In Matthew 26:41, Jesus urges His disciples, 'Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation.' Picture the disciples, heavy with sleep, when their Master sought their vigilance. Their negligence led to betrayal and fear. Just as they faced a critical moment, so do we. If we, too, ignore the call to be alert and pray, we risk drifting away from our faith at the hour of temptation.

Some of you hosted Thanksgiving at your homes, and I imagine you were not waiting for your guests by spending the time lounging on the couch or worrying about what might go wrong. Instead, you prepared with anticipation—cleaning the house, cooking a meal, and making sure everything is ready. In the same way, Jesus’ call to alertness and prayer is about active preparation, not passive waiting.

What habits or distractions are dulling your spiritual senses? Is it the TV, social media, shopping, whatever it maybe change them so that you can be more spiritually alert for the Second Coming of Christ.

3. Embody the Hope of Redemption

The promise of redemption is central to Jesus’ message. Despite the unsettling imagery, He assures us that God’s Word will never pass away (v. 33). His promises are unshakable, even when the world feels uncertain.

Redemption is not just a future reality; it begins now. As we await Jesus’ coming, we are called to live as people of hope, embodying the values of His kingdom—justice, mercy, and peace.

Hope is active, not passive. It shapes how we live, interact with others, and face challenges.

Isaiah 40:31: "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength..."

Conclusion: Preparing for Jesus

Advent calls us to prepare for Jesus, not just by recognizing the signs of His coming, but by responding to them with faithful action:

· Recognize the Signs: Let them direct you to God’s promises, not paralyze you with fear.

· Live Alert and Prayerful: Stay spiritually awake and connected to God through prayer.

· Embody Hope: Let the promise of redemption shape how you live and serve others.

This Advent, instead of focusing on the fearsome aspects of the signs of the times, ask yourself:

· How can I prepare my heart for Jesus today?

· How can I live as a witness to His coming kingdom?

Lord Jesus, as we journey through this Advent season, help us to prepare our hearts for Your coming. Open our eyes to see the signs of Your kingdom breaking through, and give us the courage to respond with faith, hope, and love. Keep us alert and prayerful, ready to welcome You with joy. Amen.