From the Pastor’s Desk
I recently listening to a podcast called Clerical Errors and they frequently have a top 12. The past week, they had a top 12 for Advent that I wanted to share with you! Though, it is really a top 11 because 8 was skipped…
12. Advent gives us a chance for the Old Testament prophets to rock it.
11. Some of the Hymns are off the chain. Some of the ones mentioned, Hark the a Thrilling Voice is Sounding; O Come, O Come Emmanuel; Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord; Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates; O Lord How Shall I Meet You. I would also mention one of my favorites, Savior of the Nations Come.
10. It teaches beautiful piety from wonderful examples of faith, especially Mary, and Zechariah.
9. John the Baptist is the coolest. Had the coolest job, too.
8. Didn’t catch it. I don’t think it was there. I listened a few times.
7. Anticipation. Eagerly anticipating Christ’s coming.
6. Easy way to introduce children to the Church Year. Advent wreaths and candles are awesome.
5. Helps us to prepare for hearing God’s Law and Gospel.
4. Gives us an opportunity to wrestle Christmas back into the hearts and minds of God’s people. Santa Claus is the worst. He is creepy and he only gives gifts to you if you behave. Jesus is the best. He gives gifts to the people who don’t deserve it.
3. Teaches repentance from a different angle than Lent.
2. Reminds us that God keeps His promises.
1. Jesus comes to us.
If you are interested, you can listen the Clerical Errors Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.
Explanation of the Week
The coming of God in all His unveiled power at Mt. Sinai was terrifying to the people of Israel. The thundering voice of the Lord puts sinners in fear of death (Deut 18:15-19). God, therefore, raised up a prophet like Moses, the Messiah, the Christ. God came to His people veiled in human flesh. The skies poured down the Righteous One from heaven; the earth opened her womb and brought forth Salvation (Introit) through the blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of the Lord (Lk 1:39-56). The fruit of her womb is the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the One whose sandal strap John was not worthy to loose (Jn 1:19-28). In Jesus we are delivered from fear and anxiety. In Him alone we have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:4-7).