Here we are on Advent Sunday 2022.  The first Sunday of Advent carries the theme of Hope.  In today's Old Testament reading we hear Isaiah's message of Hope to Israel even in the midst of the disaster of defeat and exile.  Yet there is the hope of a future reign of peace.  We too can have hope in the midst of trials and stress - it is the promise of God.

As we close the Church year with the Sunday before Advent, our attention is drawn to Jesus as King.  Jeremiah prophesied of a righteous king; Luke tells us of Jesus crucified yet with two people acknowledging his kingship: Pilate (with irony) and the criminal to his side (with great faith).  Paul takes us behind the scenes as it were to understand that Jesus is the King of God's kingdom, he is redeemer, saviour, creator.
Have you prayed - will you pray - "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom"?

In the gospel, Jesus gives an overview of history leading up to the Second Coming.  He warned his followers of two dangers: (1) false teachers preaching false hope and (2) giving way to fear at the thought of what is to come.  In today's service we explore this passage with material supplied by Barnabas Aid.

There is hope for life after death for those who believe in Jesus. We will also one day be resurrected to life. Jesus' resurrection guarantees ours.​​