Pastor's Pen for 05/22/2018The Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Blessed Advent. Advent focuses us on the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The earth prepares to receive her King. This preparation has been under way since the Fall into sin.

God's promises are passed down from age to age, generation to generation, and from parents to children – the promise of the coming Savior Jesus Christ for you.

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)

Jesus power defeats the Devil and bring you back to God. What a grand and glorious promise! What joy and anticipation looking forward to God's coming to earth.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation. (Zechariah 9)

Singing filled with joy at the coming of Christ. God always keeps His promises. 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)

How to prepare for God's coming to earth? Repent! Repent of your sin. Because Jesus is coming to save sinners, sinners like us. What God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, He thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus. (Acts 3)

Advent is filled with God's Word for you. God's promises. God coming to you in His Holy Word and Blessed Sacraments filling you with repentance. Gifting you repentance to receive your King, Jesus Christ.

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior...His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. (Luke 1)

God is merciful gifting you Jesus. Jesus takes your sins and buries them in His body. My soul magnifies Christ the Lord for His saving work. Christians regularly gather around our Lord to worship Him.

Advent is a great time to hear more of God’s WORD. To prepare our hearts and minds to receive our new born King. Gather around the WORD to hear more of God’s promises filled in Christ.

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel. (which means, God with us).

This Advent be filled with joy as King Jesus serves you. Rejoice in repenting and believe the Gospel. Christ serves you with His steadfast love that endures forever.

God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation....Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 12)