12/14/2025: Third Sunday in Advent

IMMINENT ARRIVAL

Do you remember the feeling when someone important is about to arrive at your place? It’s a mixture of anticipation and excitement and nervousness. Did you make all the correct preparations? Will the person be happy to see you? When and how will the person arrive? Will there be any surprises?

During these weeks before Christmas, we anticipate the imminent arrival of Jesus. He’s an important person! We are about to celebrate his birth. He could return on judgment day at any time. But in worship we realize that he impacts our lives when the Bible is read and when the sacraments are administered. Suddenly we feel the excitement of an imminent arrival.

Our worship in the season of Advent follows this path.

    • First Sunday in Advent: Imminent Arrival of the King

    • Second Sunday in Advent: Imminent Arrival of the Judge

    • Third Sunday in Advent: Imminent Arrival of the Messiah

    • Fourth Sunday in Advent: Imminent Arrival of Emmanuel

IMMINENT ARRIVAL OF THE MESSIAH    

The Messiah is an important person. “Messiah” is the same word as “Christ” or “Anointed One.” He is someone who has been anticipated for a long time. Now we look at a time when his arrival is imminent!

The historic Christian Church gave Latin titles to each Sunday. They titled the Third Sunday in Advent “Gaudete,” which means “Rejoice!” As we reach the midway point of Advent, we ask Christ to empower us to do just that. We rejoice because God fulfills all his promises in Jesus.

God bless your worship.

Pastor Mueller preaches on Matthew 11:2-11

Watch service online. (Sunday, 10:45 AM MST)

View or download this week's service folder.

Leigh Webster