Sunday 30 November 2025 - The Son of Man is coming

Sunday 30 November 2025

Today is Sunday the 30th of November, the First Sunday of Advent. Welcome to this new season of Advent. Take a moment to arrive. Ask for the grace you need for this time of preparation. Reflect on the ways in which you are longing for Jesus this Advent as you hear Salt of the Sound sing ‘Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus'. Come Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free From our fears and sins release us Let us find our rest in Thee Israel's strength and consolation Hope of all the earth Thou art Dear desire of every nation Joy of every longing heart Born Thy people to deliver Born a child and yet a King Born to reign in us forever Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone By Thine all sufficient merit Raise us to Thy glorious throne Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 24:37-44 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. ‘Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.’ Notice how you respond to these words of Jesus... What does it mean to you to be alert, to stay awake in this context? Perhaps this passage brings up anxieties or fears for you. But can you hear it as a call? As an invitation to be ready? To draw near to the God of love, keeping close as we wait for His return? The fundamental message of Jesus is love. You might be asked to show love to the “unlovely” today. Or to keep loving where that is the most challenging thing to do. Or simply to accept the love of God given to you, warts and all. Listen to the passage again and notice what draws you most. Matthew 24:37-44 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. Speak with God about what is staying with you... perhaps a word or a phrase... maybe it’s your fears, about whatever it is you dread. Be persistent in prayer. Ask God for help as you wrestle with these words of Jesus. It is sometimes in the wrestling that inexplicable peace arrives. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus