Year C    Book of Alternative Services, page 268                November 29, 2009

according to Luke. 

  25 "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. 28 Now when these thing begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." 29 Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 34 Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place.        Luke 21:25-36  (N.R.S.V.)

PART ONE

 A          Who are the characters in this reading?

            1)      None are named. 

            2) 

            3)

 

B          What are they doing?

            1)            Jesus is speaking.

            2)            Compares with Mark 13:1-8

            3)

 

C         What is this reading about?

Earth and heaven show signs of waiting for God's redemption. (vs. 25) People "faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world." (vs.26)

Jesus says that his "generation will not pass away until all things have taken place"; the destruction of the temple.

 

PART TWO

A          What does this message reveal about GOD?

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (vs. 33)

B          What does this message reveal about US?

We are living in the age of the Messiah.

C         What message does God want us to hear?

"Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. (vs27) God reigns in the midst of disaster. The word of God is not destroyed. God's word is revealed in Jesus and will survive all forms of disaster.

 

PART THREE

A          What is the Good News you hear in this reading?

God is always with us in God's word.

B          How are we to be stewards of this Gospel?

Don't let worry get us down. Don't fear change. Live as the redeemed of the Lord, celebrating and living God's word with us. Read, Study, and Pass on God's word to the whole world.

C         Write a personal prayer about this reading.

O God, you spoke to us by Jesus and gave us the words of eternal life. Help me work with others to understand the meaning of this word, to live by the Spirit of Jesus, and pass it on to those who have not heard it.

 

 

 

 

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

We begin our journey toward Christmas by lighting one single candle, the sign of light and hope. As a sign of our desire to welcome the news of our Saviour's birth we ask God to help us confess our sin and change our ways and live in hope of the kingdom present and coming.

 

            Most holy and merciful Father,

            we confess to you, to one another,

            and to the whole communion of saints

            in heaven and on earth,

            that we have sinned by our own fault

            in thought, word, and deed;

            by what we have done,

            and by what we have left undone.

 

We read mail, newspapers, magazines, and secular books, but we have not been faithful in reading your word. 

            We will read your word every day to have hope.

 

We have not sought the help of others to understand scripture.

            We will read your word with our family and friends.

            We will study your word with others.

 

We were silent when the leaders of our nation passed laws removing your word from our schools. It was the only time many children ever heard your word.

            We will act and find ways to help young people hear your word.

 

Accomplish in us, O God, the work of your salvation,

            That we may show forth your glory in the world.

 

            Almighty God have mercy on us,

            forgive us all our sins

            through our Lord Jesus Christ,

            strengthen us in all goodness,

            and by the power of the Holy Spirit

            Keep us in eternal life. Amen.

 

            We pray with …

            We give thanks for…

            We remember the departed…

 

With thankful hearts we say, Amen.