Advent: A Time For Encouragement

1.   What does the Advent season mean to you?  Do you observe special traditions?   2.   What was your most memorable Advent?   Read Luke 21:20-28 3.   Jesus predicts troublesome times for the people of Israel and Jerusalem  by employing OT imagery (see Isaiah 13:9-10; 24:18-20; 34:4; Ezekiel 32:7-8; Joel 2:1, 30-31; 3:15).  He is pointing to the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 AD.  How does Jesus describe the time?   4.   In v.27-28 Jesus points his listeners to a prophecy of Daniel (see Daniel 7:13-14).  What exactly did Daniel see?  How and when was this prophecy fulfilled (compare to Matthew 28:18)   Read Luke 21:29-36 5.   How are Jesus’ followers to prepare for the upcoming crisis? What will provide them strength and comfort?   6.   If you are faced with a crisis what advice and comfort can you take out of this text?