A Different Kind of Kingdom (and a Different Kind of King)
The leftovers are in the fridge, and the naps are over. Christmas decorations are starting to be put up (or maybe they’ve been up for a while now). Music selections are changing to the Christmas season (or maybe they’ve been on repeat since the end of October.). I’m not saying that’s happening in our house, but I’ve heard that others have done it.
We are entering into this wonderful season of preparation for Christmas. Even the weather is cooperating and sending us a batch of that white stuff. It is beginning to look at lot like Christmas.
For the Christian church, this means we’re entering a season of the church year called ‘Advent.’ Simply defined, ‘Advent’ means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival.’ It’s a time for preparation - just as our forefathers prepared to meet the King at his birth, we also prepare to meet him at his return on the last day. We’re preparing our hearts, repenting of sin, turning to our God for help and rescue.
It’s a time of expectation - every promise that God has made has always been fulfilled. We expect that the same in this case. Our hope is a sure thing, and we know that God will continue to keep all of his promises. We know he is coming back to rescue us from our sins and ushers us into eternity.
It is a time for joy. When God keeps a promise, we rejoice with saints and angels. Joy bubbles from of our hearts, through our vocal cords, and out of our mouth. We can’t help but sing and shout our joy to the Lord!
This Sunday, we’re starting our Advent journey with one more parable from Jesus. It’s one more parable with money and gifts given at its core. This Sunday, we’ll be looking at the Parable of the Talents (Luke 19:11-28). Yes, right before Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he told one final parable about the coming Kingdom. It’s a parable that challenges us to be ready. It’s a parable that urges us to live faithfully while we wait for the return of the King. It’s a parable that teaches us about the true nature of the King and his kingdom.
So, stay safe on the roads! We’ll send an email and post on Facebook if there are any changes to our worship plan for tomorrow based on the weather. If you can’t make it in, you can always tune into our live or archived service on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@theMountMKE).
God-willing, we’ll see you tomorrow! I can’t wait to get ready for Christmas together with you.
We are his! Pastor Nate
PS. Our midweek Advent services begin this Wednesday. We will gather for a devotional service at 4:30 pm and then enjoy a soup supper to follow.
