Wherever and whenever God’s Word and Sacraments are in use, God is there as well. Christians typically speak of the two comings of Christ: his first coming as the Babe of Bethlehem and his second coming on Judgment Day as the returning King of Kings and Lord of Lords. To keep us properly prepared and faithfully waiting, we can speak of a third coming of Christ: his continual coming to us in Word and Sacrament.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season, Advent sharpens our focus. While we keep busy with sending cards and gifts, shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, cleaning, working, parenting, planning, traveling and the countless other tasks that make for exceptionally full calendars this time of year, the season of Advent intervenes and directs us to Jesus and his Word.
Now more than ever, it is essential to set our hearts on things above, to fix our eyes on Jesus, and to lift up our heads in anticipation. The message of Advent is clear and powerful: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. The kingdom of heaven is here. Your King has come. He will come again. Listen to his Word. Remember your Baptism. Receive his Sacrament. And wait…faithfully and patiently.”
“The one who testifies about these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20 EHV)
In Christ,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season, Advent sharpens our focus. While we keep busy with sending cards and gifts, shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, cleaning, working, parenting, planning, traveling and the countless other tasks that make for exceptionally full calendars this time of year, the season of Advent intervenes and directs us to Jesus and his Word.
Now more than ever, it is essential to set our hearts on things above, to fix our eyes on Jesus, and to lift up our heads in anticipation. The message of Advent is clear and powerful: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. The kingdom of heaven is here. Your King has come. He will come again. Listen to his Word. Remember your Baptism. Receive his Sacrament. And wait…faithfully and patiently.”
“The one who testifies about these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20 EHV)
In Christ,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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