12/21/2025: Fourth 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 EMMANUEL    

Emmanuel is an important person. “Emmanuel” means “God with us.” It was a special name given to Jesus already 700 years before he was born. Who is with us when Jesus is with us? God himself. God became a human being in a special way, becoming truly human but remaining God.

God is still with us. We encounter him in a special way when we gather with two or three others in worship. He is so near to us that the thrill of anticipation is almost unbearable. Let it wash over you as you celebrate Christmas this week.

God bless your worship.

Pastor Hartmann preaches on Matthew 1:18-25 … “Visited By Grace”

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

View or download this week's service folder.

Leigh Webster