12/12/2021 - WHEN THE LORD COMES NEAR, HE HUMBLES HIS ENEMIES
SERIES THEME: WHEN THE LORD COMES NEAR
"Advent" is a Latin word that means "coming." The season of Advent is the four week period before Christmas that the Church uses to connect the two "comings" of Christ. The first time the Lord came into our world it was as a tiny, helpless baby, born in a manger in Bethlehem. However, when Jesus comes again, it will be in all his power and glory with his angelic army behind him. He will be coming as judge at the end of time. Let us use these four weeks to see how the events of Jesus' first coming remove all our fears about his second coming. We can hold our heads high when the Lord comes near.
November 28 - He Humbles Himself
December 5 - He Humbles His People
December 12 - He Humbles His Enemies
December 19 - He Lifts Up the Humbled
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT: WHEN THE LORD COMES NEAR, HE HUMBLES HIS ENEMIES
Last week we saw that the Lord sends messengers to call us to repentance. This week we learn that those who refuse to heed that call to humble themselves will be humbled anyway. The Lord who once came near in flesh and now comes near in Word and sacrament will one day come near with consuming fire and judgment. The Lord will humble his enemies. This truth does two important things. First, it adds urgency to God's Advent call to repentance. Second, it gives us comfort when we, as God's people, experience opposition from the world. Those who oppress and harm God's people will face justice.
God bless your worship
READINGS:
FIRST READING: Zephaniah 3:14-17, Christians rejoice that God has taken away our punishment and defeated our enemies.
SECOND READING: Philippians 4:4-7, Bring all concerns to God in prayer and rest in his peace.
GOSPEL: Luke 3:7-18, Jesus' enemies include those who refuse the Gospel.
PSALM: 130
SERMON TEXT: Luke 3:7-18
SERMON THEME: “Dealing With Pretend Penitence” (Preacher, Pastor Adam Mueller)