The Posture of Advent Part 1: Thanksgiving
The Posture of Advent Part 1: Thanksgiving
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
The sermon begins by inviting listeners into the season of Advent as a time to slow down and reset their posture toward waiting for Christ’s return, using a poem and a golfing analogy to illustrate how proper posture matters and requires intentional adjustment.
It traces the arc of God’s rescue plan from Israel’s ancient hope through the first coming of Jesus and into the present “between the already and the not yet” of Christ’s inaugurated kingdom. The central focus is on the posture of thanksgiving as the first of several stances Christians are to adopt while waiting, grounded in Paul’s exhortation to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
The message defines thanksgiving biblically as a continual attitude shaping life and conduct, not just occasional gratitude, and explains why it is vital for faithful waiting. Practical implications and disciplines for cultivating a thankful posture are woven throughout, emphasizing that thanksgiving reflects God’s character and prepares believers for Christ’s coming.