Introduction:
Nearly 2000 years ago Jesus spoke the words of this lesson to his disciples. It was Tuesday of Holy Week. It was the last day of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus and his followers were standing in the temple of Jerusalem. The disciples were marveling at the beauty of the temple. And so what does Jesus do? He tells them that this very temple will be completely destroyed, not one stone left upon another, along with the entire city of Jerusalem. He explained to them how the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem would foreshadow the end of the world. He also graciously promised to return at that time.

Could the disciples wrap their minds around all this information? Did they understand that this was Jesus last day in public ministry? Did they comprehend that in a couple of days Jesus would be arrested, put on trial, and sentenced to die? Did it make sense to them that Jesus said the kingdom of God is near? It does not seem that the disciples really understood what the Savior was telling them yet. The reality of it all was not setting in.

But what about you? Has the reality set in? Advent reminds us that the Lord is coming. Does it seem real to you? I mean, it has been almost 2000 years and no Jesus. Can he really be near? Absolutely, the Lord is coming, because God has promised us he would and God does not break his promises. And so let us look at the words of the lesson for this morning so that Holy Spirit can work in hearts.

I. Let us be watchful
As we prepare ourselves this advent season for the coming Lord, God wants us to do three things. First he tells us to always be watchful. He tells us to stand up and lift up our heads. Those words express an anxious expectation. Maybe you had loved ones come home for Thanksgiving this year. Maybe you haven't seen them for a while. For days you looked forward to their arrival. The anxiousness only increased, as their arrival got closer. Maybe you kept looking out the window, or maybe you were sitting in an airport terminal pacing back and forth watching the planes land. Our anxious expectation for Jesus second coming is so much greater.

But how often do the snares and traps of this world get a hold of us and destroy that expectation. I remember a few years ago I had a discussion with one my students who really struggled with whether or not he was looking forward to heaven. He said that he had things pretty good here on earth and wasn't so sure that heaven could be that much better. He had quit being watchful, like a sentinel who had fallen asleep on guard duty. The world had sucked him in. I think that we can all relate to how this happens. Sin, self-pity, and selfishness make us lose focus. We deserve to be ripped from God's grace because of what we have done.

But you know what, when you are considering your own sinfulness, that is the greatest time to watch for the coming Lord. For in that Lord, you will find true comfort and peace. You know that Jesus came once before as baby born in Bethlehem. You know he died on a cross outside of Jerusalem. You know he rose from the dead. You know that your sins are forgiven and you have eternal life. God promised all those things and he delivered. That proves to us that God keeps his promises and the Lord is coming.

Be always on the watch. Guard your hearts and minds against the sin of the world. The consequences for a soldier falling asleep on guard duty are extremely severe. It would be even worse for us if we stopped watching for the Lord's coming. If you feel your life drifting away from the watchfulness that you need, go to God's Word. The Bible will strengthen your resolve to keep watchful.

II. Let us be joyful
As we prepare ourselves for the Lord's coming, let us be joyful. This time of year it can be difficult to feel joy all the time. Maybe you have lost a loved one and miss them during the holidays. Maybe the stress of the holiday season is building up. Maybe there are problems with your family or your health. So being joyful this time of year may not be at the top of your list.

Pastor Keller used God's Word on Wednesday to tell us, "Don't worry, be happy." It sounds so simple, but is hard to always do. But I urge you to lift up your heads in anxious expectation. Look for the Lord to return. See our redemption drawing near. That redemption brings true joy. Sin is erased. Salvation is guaranteed. Heaven is a reality.

I have heard more people say to me that the best they feel all week is Sunday morning at church. There is good reason for that. It is not because of the beautiful building and all the warm and friendly people. Those things may help. But it is really because God comes to you in his word and promises to be with you and bless you and come for you. You receive true joy from God's Word.

So if you feel down this holiday season, if you are worried and upset, stop everything that you are doing, and listen to God's Word. Hear how much Jesus loves you. Hear how you will be in heaven some day. Hear how God is in control and works all things for your good. These messages bring joy that last forever.

III. Let us be prayerful
And finally, as we are preparing for our coming Lord, let us be prayerful. Verse 36 says, "pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." Jesus told his disciples exactly what would happen on the last day. There will be constant reminders in nature and in the world. Earthquakes, famines and wars would be prevalent. We see these signs all the time.

In the verses before us today, Jesus explains what will happen immediately before his return. "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken." We are told then to be prayerful as the day approaches so that we may not be caught with the unbelievers and suffer these terrible things.

We are told that we ought to pray that we may stand before the Son of Man on the last. Prayer for things in this earthly life is good and Jesus tells us to pray for them. But do not neglect praying for spiritual things. Especially pray that the Holy Spirit would keep you strong in your faith so that when the Lord comes, your name may be written in the book of life.

Conclusion:
Jesus said that when you see the trees sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. And so when you see the signs of the end of the world, you will know that the Lord is near. This advent season prepare yourselves for his coming. He came as baby in Bethlehem, lowly and lying in a manger. But his second coming will be anything but. He will come in all his glory, surrounded by all his angels, as Judge of the world. Prepare yourselves. Be watchful. Be joyful. Be prayerful.