This Sunday is the start of Advent, the time of preparing our hearts for the birth of the Messiah Jesus. In the song O Holy Night, there is a line that says, "The thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices". That is a word that people identify with. Weary. There are many things people are weary of:

- Weary from politics
- Weary of conflict
- Weary of economic pressure.
- Weary from relationships.

We need to re-storied again. Jesus is our hope.

This year for advent, we are looking at lectionary passages from Luke. Today's is from the last speech Jesus gave before his crucifixion. Jesus talks about the end times when there will be false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution. He tells us to do two things:

1) Straighten Up
2) Lift Up Your heads

We do not need to fear the future. Jesus will be coming back to claim his own. He will judge all people and will judge his people in righteousness. So do not fear. Be not afraid. God is in control.

Courage is more than something you muster up, it is from the Holy Spirit. As we approach this Advent, let us lean into looking to Jesus our hope. We need his power. Power to keep alert always and be ready for his return.