12/5/2021 - When the Lord Comes Near, He Humbles His People
ADVENT 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.
SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT: WHEN THE LORD COMES NEAR, HE HUMBLES HIS PEOPLE
People tend to feel a lot of pressure this time of year. We want our houses to look good for out-of-town guests. We want to impress people with the thoughtfulness of our gifts. What a welcome relief, therefore, to hear what is required to meet the Lord: only repentance. You see, Jesus is not someone we need to impress with our good works. Indeed, repentance is the opposite of work. Repentance is the humble admission of our sin combined with the joyful trust that everything needed to bring us close to God has already been done by him. This year our Advent Sundays follow a four part progression, 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 God bless your worship.
READINGS:
FIRST READING: Malachi 3:1-7b, Through God's Word and his messengers, the Lord humbles his people.
SECOND READING: Philippians 1:3-1, Producing love and humility within us is God's work.
GOSPEL: Luke 3:1-6, In grace, God sent John the Baptist to prepare people to meet the Lord
PSALM: 66
SERMON TEXT: Luke 3:1-6 SERMON THEME: “Special Christmas” (Preacher, Vicar Justus McKenzie)