In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Perhaps the gifts of Christmas are already starting to gather around your tree. Take a look. Who is this gift for? It is for you! Your name is on the tag. Who is the gift from? God. God has the greatest gift in the world for you. JESUS! For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9)
His Name is JESUS. Which means YAHWEH, the Lord saves His people from their sins. Who is this baby? JESUS is true God and true man. JESUS comes down to save you. JESUS is the gift for you.
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won [delivered] me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death. (2nd Article)
God is keeping His promise to you in the gift of JESUS. When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4)
This Advent Season we prepare our hearts for our Savior’s birth. The gift of JESUS coming down with His Divine rescue for sinners like us. To save sinners from their sins. How does our Savoir bring recuse from Heaven down to earth? With His royal blood shed from the Cross for you. God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5) The gift of JESUS is to be received in true faith. Trusting and believing in JESUS as your LORD and Savior.
The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream to announce the Good News of the Gospel. The preaching of the Savior being born for you brings comfort to sinners. Good News of great joy in the gift from God to sinners — the gift of JESUS. How do sinners like us prepare to receive our King? Repent — Repent of your sin. JESUS declares: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1)
Prepare for the coming of your King. Come to church. Hear the word of the Lord. Live in your Baptism washed clean through water and word. Confess yours sins. Hear the Holy Absolution ringing in your ears. Come and feast on the Body and Blood of JESUS in the Lord’s Supper.
All these gifts of God bring to you — your Savior JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD! Happy Advent. Happy believing in JESUS for you! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
From Heaven Above to Earth I Come LSB 358:3
“This is the Christ, our God Most High,
Who hears your sad and bitter cry;
He will Himself your Savior be
From all your sins to set you free.
- Pastor Berndt