12/19/2021 - WHEN THE LORD COMES NEAR, HE LIFTS UP THE HUMBLED
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
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT: WHEN THE LORD COMES NEAR, HE LIFTS UP THE HUMBLED
By this time of the holiday season, people are often weighed down. They feel guilty about presents that are not perfect, or parties that did not go as planned, or year-end projects that did not get completed. To top it all off, now is when it dawns on people how little attention they have given to the spiritual preparation Advent invites. If that is how we feel, perhaps the frenzy of December has actually done us a favor. We have been stretched to our limits. We have been made aware of our shortcomings. We have been humbled. Perfect! For being made aware of our weaknesses does not disqualify us from God's care. It does the opposite. It is what prepares us for the work he does best. He is a God who lifts up the humbled.
God bless your worship
READINGS:
FIRST READING: Micah 5:2-5a, The humble, tiny town of Bethlehem would be exalted. For there a special son would be born who would bring spiritual peace to the ends of the earth
SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:5-10, We cannot do enough good works or offer enough sacrifices to raise ourselves up to God. So the Son of God obeyed the law for us and by his sacrifice has made us holy.
GOSPEL: Luke 1:39-55, In Spirit wrought humility, Mary knew she needed a Savior. God lifts her up, making her the mother of that Savior.
PSALM: 85
SERMON TEXT: Luke 1:39-55
SERMON THEME: “God Lifts Up the Humble” (Preacher, Pastor Adam Mueller)