Gospel | Mark 13:24-37 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Ancient of Days by Jesse Reeves, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, and Rich Thompson

Lyrics:
Though the nations rage
Kingdoms rise and fall
There is still one King
Reigning over all
So I will not fear
For this truth remains
That my God is the Ancient of Days

None above Him none before Him
All of time in His hands
For His throne it shall remain and ever stand
All the power all the glory
I will trust in His name
For my God is the Ancient of days

Though the dread of night
Overwhelms my soul
He is here with me
I am not alone
O His love is sure
And He knows my name
For my God is the Ancient of Days

Though I may not see
What the future brings
I will watch and wait
For the Saviour king
Then my joy complete
Standing face to face
In the presence of the Ancient of Days

For my God is the Ancient of Days

Passage:
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation: The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; 25 the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 He will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

28 “Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize that he is near—at the door.

30 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

32 “Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son—but only the Father.

33 “Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.

34 “It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert. 35 Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning. 36 Otherwise, when he comes suddenly he might find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!”
(Mark 13:24-37 CSB17)

Musical Reflection:
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, tune by Rowland Hugh Prichard

Reflection Notes:
This jubilant Advent text was written by the well-known hymn writer, Charles Wesley. While several tunes have been used over the years, one of the most popular for the Advent season is HYFRIDOL, a lilting Welsh melody composed by Rowland Hugh Prichard in the early nineteenth century.

Prayer:
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.