Sunday 27 November 2022 is the First Sunday of Advent.

Traditional Advent Sunday majors on the theme of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. So we have this ominous – somewhat frightening – text in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 24:36-44) which forms the basis of today’s sermon.

As Rev. Geoff McKee explains, he believes in the second coming of Jesus Christ. He believes that Jesus will appear again on earth as undeniably the King of all before him. However, as Geoff explains, he does not believe that the text in Matthew’s Gospel refers to that particular event.

Today’s Main Scripture for the sermon – from the New Testament

Matthew 24:36-44 (from The Message translation of the Bible)

36 “But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.

37-39 “The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah’s. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away.

39-44 “The Son of Man’s Arrival will be like that: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.

Video recording of today’s service from St. James’