Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for the Sermon Brainwave podcast as they explore the texts for the First Sunday of Advent, Year A. This episode kicks off the new church year with a deep dive into themes of watchfulness, waiting, and Christ's coming in history, mystery, and majesty.

In this episode, the hosts discuss: * Isaiah 2:1-5 and the vision of peace among nations * Psalm 122 and Jerusalem as a means of grace * Romans 13:11-14 on waking from sleep and walking in the light * Matthew 24:36-44 and the mystery of Christ's coming

The conversation addresses common misinterpretations of the "rapture" theology, examines what it means to be ready and watchful during Advent, and reflects on the contested reality of Jerusalem today in contrast to the biblical vision of peace. Plus, hear about Matt Skinner's new resources for Advent and the Year of Matthew!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• "Voices of Advent" by Matt Skinner - https://www.cokesbury.com/voices-of-advent"
• "Matthew: The Gospel of Promised Blessings" by Matt Skinner - https://www.abingdonpress.com/product/9781791030162/
• "Paul Among the People" by Sarah Ruden - https://sarahruden.com/book/paul-among-the-people/

Commentaries for the First Sunday of Advent can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/first-sunday-of-advent/commentary-on-matthew-2436-44-7.

⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to Advent and New Beginnings 03:03 Understanding the Meaning of Advent 05:49 Theological Reflections on Readiness and Watchfulness 08:53 Exploring Isaiah's Vision of Peace 16:42 Psalm 122 18:04 The Role of Jerusalem in Advent 21:58 The Significance of Romans 13 in Advent -- Being Awake 25:50 Walking Decently and Sarah Rudin's "Paul Among the People" 26:45 Outro

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ABOUT SERMON BRAINWAVE: Sermon Brainwave is a production of Luther Seminary's Working Preacher, which has been providing trusted biblical interpretation and preaching inspiration since 2007.

Find more episodes and resources by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/9f29qmFOdbA.