Matthew 24:36-44

Introduction: The Unexpected Guests

Although it seems to be less frequent in the digital age, “drop-by” visits  by neighbors, family or friends often leave us unprepared. We haven’t had time to vacuum the floors, puff up the pillows, or put the kettle on. Our Advent text this week presents another surprise, perhaps a bit more significant than an unannounced guest: that this life could end at any moment.

And while an apocalyptic text may seem an odd choice for the season of Advent, we are to remember that our waiting is not only a waiting for the Christ child to be born, but for Jesus to return in glory to “judge the living and the dead.”

But who wants to hear about the end of the world other than intense street preachers and the occasional…