TEXT

Luke 21:25-36

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (NIV)

TEXT

Isaiah 40:1-11

Comfort, comfort my people,
  says your God.
 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
 and proclaim to her
 that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, 
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
 double for all her sins.

A voice of one calling:
 “In the desert prepare
 the way for the Lord; 
make straight in the wilderness
 a highway for our God. 
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low;
 the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
 and all mankind together will see it. 
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

A voice says, “Cry out.”
 And I said, “What shall I cry?”

“All men are like grass, 
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
 because the breath of the Lord blows on them.
 Surely the people are grass.
 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
 but the word of our God stands forever. ”

You who bring good tidings to Zion,
 go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout,
 lift it up, do not be afraid;
 say to the towns of Judah,
 “Here is your God!” 
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, 
and his arm rules for him.
 See, his reward is with him,
 and his recompense accompanies him. 
He tends his flock like a shepherd: 
 He gathers the lambs in his arms 
and carries them close to his heart; 
he gently leads those that have young. (NIV)