Sunday, December 4, 2022 —
Advent means “coming.” Jesus came into our world at the very first Christmas. Jesus comes into our hearts through the Word and Sacraments. And Jesus will visibly come back to the world as Judge of all. The Advent season is a time for us to examine ourselves, our lives, our motives, our priorities, and our faith so that Christmas can bring us true and joy that lasts until we stand before Him.
King David’s dynasty ended with the Babylonian Captivity. It was cut down like a tree and all that was left was a stump. But in our Old Testament Lesson Isaiah foretold the day when out of that stump a tender shoot would arise that would reestablish the His royal line forever. Jesus, the Son of David, is that shoot, and His kingdom will last forever. His rule is just and right, and that qualifies Him to judge the world. When He does, He will then establish His rule of justice and peace in the perfection of the “new heaven and new earth” where “the wolf will dwell with the lamb … and a little child will lead them.”
Our Epistle Lesson reminds us that God’s people face the coming judgment not with fear but with hope, because God has raised up the Root of Jesse. As we hear and study Scripture, the Spirit works endurance and encouragement that results in such a hopeful view of the coming Judge. Our hope in Him reshapes our hearts and results in renewed lives. That renewal enables us to do as Paul urges and accept one another as God has mercifully accepted us, whether Jew or Gentile.
In the Gospel Lesson John the Baptizer came in fulfillment of prophecy as the forerunner of the Messiah. His appearance was a shocking surprise to many, who came out into the wilderness to hear him preach. He cried out, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” He called out sin and unbelief with bold, even shocking words. It’s better to be judged here in life so that we can repent and be ready for the one judgment that matters most—the last Judgment when Jesus comes back!
Our sermon will focus especially on John’s words in the Gospel Lesson: “Prepare the Way for the Lord.”
This Week’s Lessons:
Isaiah 11:1–10
Romans 15:4–13
Matthew 3:1–12 (sermon text)
Psalm 130