Wesley Word- Nov. 24, 2021

Jessica Hall   -   November 24, 2021

To go along with service on: Sunday, November 28, 2021 

Experiencing Grace

Exploring Truth

Signs of the Season: The Signs of His Coming
Jeremiah 33:14-16 & Luke 21:25-36

This Sunday we begin the season of Advent and a series called: Signs of the Season. Most of us know the season of Advent is about preparing for Christmas and celebrating again the coming of Jesus Christ. While most of Advent is about preparing to celebrate the first coming of Christ, we take the first Sunday of Advent to look forward to His Second Coming.

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is one of the basic doctrines of Christianity, right up there with His Incarnation, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. There are many signs the Bible says that will announce its arrival. Many people look at the natural and social upheavals of our day and wonder if the time is now. Christians have been doing that since New Testament times and this is a good thing because we should be always be looking for and preparing for Jesus’ return.

While the signs in the Bible of Jesus’ return are too many to go into here, I can tell you that, from my reading of the Bible, unfortunately, things are going to get worse before they get better. I can also say that when things start happening we will not have to wonder if now is the time, we will know and we will have cause to rejoice. 

Many people seem to talk as if Jesus’ return and the signs that will accompany it are going to be small and obscure, requiring us to piece things together. (If you have to ask if something is the Mark of the Beast, it isn’t. It will be clear and nobody will do it by accident.) For many, these signs also cause fear and anxiety. If we can know anything about the signs of his coming, we can know that they will be big, clear, and joyful rather than small, vague, and fearful. Or at least they will be for those of us who are looking for them. 

This Advent, as we celebrate Jesus’ first coming, let us look forward to His Second Coming.   

Questions for Reflection/Discussion:

  1. As you read about the signs of Jesus’ coming in the Bible and as you consider the signs of the world around us, what troubles you and what gives you hope?

Expressing Love: Family/Mission Activity

Salvation Army Bell Ringers- This is a great time of year to be the hands and feet of Christ by ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Donations in the red kettle stay local – directly impacting the lives of your neighbors by helping them in their time of need. Something as simple as ringing a bell can be the difference between an empty kettle and one that raises the funds that sustain the help The Salvation Army provides all year long. When you volunteer to stand at a kettle, you’re not just ringing a bell…you’re changing lives. Sign up for one of the stations in Muscatine here!

Announcements:

  • Community Thanksgiving Service: TONIGHT 6:00pm at Church of the Living Water (3120 Park Avenue West, Muscatine)
  • Large Manger Needed!- Wesley is looking for a large manger that is about 4-5’ wide and 2’ tall for our Christmas Eve Services. Can you help us? Please contact the church office ASAP if you can!
  • Advent Candle Readers- If you and/or your family would like to read for the lighting of the Advent candles leading up to Christmas; sign-up sheets are available in the back of the sanctuary.
  • WOW (Worship on Wednesdays) Resumes December 1st

 

 

      • 5:30-6:00 catered meal
      • 6:00 Mid-week worship
      • 6:30-7:30 Small Groups for kids, youth and adults
  • Kids’ Holiday Shoppe: Sat, Dec. 11th, 9am-12 pm. We are currently accepting donations of new or like new items, wrapping paper/bags, tissue paper, tape, and gift tags! Donations can be dropped off in Room 1. We also need volunteers to help set-up, provide cookies, and help out the day of the event. Contact Sonia Baker if you can help at soniabaker@wesleyonline.org. 
  • Festival of Lessons & Carols, Sunday, December 12 at 2:30 pm. Join in singing traditional carols, hear the Muscatine Littlest Angels Choir, Children’s Choir, Youth Choir, and Wesley’s Chancel Choir, and experience seven Scripture readings that prophecy and proclaim the story of Jesus’ birth.