First Sunday of Advent Sermon

Eʋe: Minɔ dzadzram ɖo na Eƒe vava

Twi: Ahosiesie ma Awurade no ba a ɔreba

Jeremiah 33:14–16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13, Luke 21: 25-36

WHAT IS ADVENT?

Advent is a sacred season of expectation and spiritual preparation. It is a time when the Church pauses to remember that Christ has come, Christ comes to us daily, and Christ will come again in glory. Advent calls every believer to look inward, repent, realign, and prepare the heart for the Lord’s coming. It is not merely a liturgical observance, but a spiritual awakening – an invitation to rise from spiritual sleep, forsake worldliness, and stand ready for the return of the King.

1. GOD’S FAITHFUL PROMISE OF A SAVIOR (Jeremiah 33:14–16)

The prophet Jeremiah speaks God’s assurance to Israel at a time when their future seemed uncertain. God declares: “The days are coming… when I will fulfill the promise.” This promise points to the coming of the Righteous Branch, Jesus Christ, who brings justice and righteousness.

God keeps His promises even when our circumstances appear hopeless. Israel was broken, yet God promised restoration. The coming of Christ reveals God’s unchanging faithfulness. Advent therefore reminds us that God is not slow in fulfilling His promises – He is faithful in His time.

Soul Search:

Are you losing hope because of struggles, delays, or pain? Advent is God’s reminder that He fulfills what He promises. Stand firm, for the Righteous Branch still reigns.

2. THE SIGNS AND THE CALL TO WATCHFULNESS (Luke 21:25–36)

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus describes cosmic and earthly signs – fear, confusion, and distress among nations – as reminders that this world is passing away. Yet in the midst of distress, Jesus instructs believers: “Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The world may become unstable, but believers must remain steady. Fear grips many hearts, but hope strengthens the faithful. Advent is therefore a call to spiritual watchfulness, not spiritual carelessness. Jesus cautions: “Be careful… do not let your hearts be weighed down… Be always on the watch and pray.”

Soul Search:

Is your heart weighed down by sin, pleasure, discouragement, or worry? Advent calls you to awaken spiritually, pray more, watch more, and draw closer to Christ.

3. PREPARING THROUGH LOVE, HOLINESS, AND A STRENGTHENED HEART (1 Thessalonians 3:9–13)

Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, prays that the believers will grow in overflowing love, be strengthened in their hearts, and remain holy and blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus. This epistle teaches that preparation for Christ’s coming is not fear-driven, but love-driven. Holiness becomes the garment of those waiting for the King, and a strong heart is essential in a world that is spiritually shaking.

Soul Search:

Are you growing in love? Are you pursuing holiness? Is your heart strong in Christ or weak in the flesh?

ILLUSTRATION

A story is told of a village chief who announced that he would visit every household but did not disclose the day. Some families cleaned their homes immediately, while others delayed. As days passed, many grew relaxed. One morning, the chief returned unexpectedly. The homes that were ready welcomed him with joy; others were embarrassed, still sweeping and arranging their rooms.

In the same way, Christ’s coming is sure, but the timing is unknown. Blessed are those who remain ready and watchful.

4. HOW THEN SHOULD WE PREPARE? (APPLICATION)

1. Prepare Your Heart Through Repentance
   Advent calls believers to turn away from secret sins, bitterness, lukewarmness, and spiritual laziness. A repentant heart is a prepared heart.
2. Prepare Through Watchful Prayer
   Jesus commands: “Watch and pray.” A prayerless Christian is unprepared for the coming King. Vigilant prayer keeps the spirit awake.
3. Prepare Through Love and Holiness
   Let your daily life reflect Christ. Allow love to overflow toward others. Let holiness become a lifestyle, not an occasional event.
4. Prepare with Expectant Hope
   Do not fear the signs of the times. Instead, lift up your head. Your Redeemer is near. Advent is a season of hope, not fear.

CONCLUSION

Advent reminds us that:

• God has kept His promise in Christ
• Jesus will come again in glory
• This world is temporary and fading
• Only the prepared will rejoice at His appearing

Therefore, let every believer echo the prayer of the early Church:

“Come, Lord Jesus.”

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, prepare my heart for Your coming.
2. Cleanse me from all sin and renew my spirit.
3. Strengthen my heart to watch and pray.
4. Help me grow in love and holiness.
5. Make me ready to rejoice at Your appearing.

By: Rev. Sylvanus Yao Kpodonu (SKY)