First Week of Advent
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24 ESV
We are about to begin the season of Advent. Everyone is looking forward to Christmas and the celebration of the Savior’s birth, but I doubt that many people think: “Oh good. It’s Advent.” It seems that many think of Advent as the ‘runup’ to Christmas. Advent means coming. In the season of Advent, it is traditional to consider the different ways that the Savior comes to us.
When people think of Jesus’ Coming, they probably think of His 2nd Coming in Glory. Christ will come to judge on the Last Day as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There will be no missing Him. But we don’t have to wait till judgment day, because Jesus comes in mercy to communicate with us in His Word. Jesus promised that whoever hears His word and believes in Him will not come into judgment, but has already passed from spiritual death to spiritual life.
When we study the Savior’s Words, Jesus comes to us. He speaks to us. He comforts us. Honestly, the best way to be prepared for the celebration of the Savior’s birth is not by putting up lights or wrapping gifts, but by unwrapping His Word. There He tells us why He came in humility – to be our righteousness and to bear our sins.
Jesus comes to hearts rejoicing, Bringing news of sins forgiv’n;
Jesus comes in sounds of gladness, Leading souls redeemed to heav’n.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Now the gate of death is riv’n.
The Lutheran Hymnal 56:3