Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Galatians 4:6 "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." Christmas has passed, and Epiphany approaches. The heart of the season is this: through Jesus, we are not only forgiven but adopted as God’s children. Jesus, fully God and eternally one with the Father, became fully human—born of a woman and raised under the Law. He perfectly fulfilled that Law to redeem those enslaved by it. We resist the label “slave,” yet sin held us in bondage—Jews under the Mosaic Law, Gentiles under the law written on their hearts. Christ’s death paid the price to set us free. But redemption’s goal is far greater than mere release. It is adoption: by pure grace, we become God’s sons and daughters, full heirs with all the rights of children. The Holy Spirit—the “Spirit of his Son”—is sent into our hearts to confirm this new identity. He enables us to cry “Abba, Father,” an intimate term like “Daddy,” expressing trust, love, and bold ...

Galatians 4:5 "To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Christmas has passed, and life returns to normal. As wondrous as Jesus’ birth is, it is the cross and resurrection that changed everything. All creation and history point to Christ crucified and risen. God sent His only Son to rescue us. Through Jesus, we are not only forgiven but adopted as God’s children—this is our focus this week. Yesterday’s verse showed that the timing of Jesus’ coming was no coincidence but part of God’s eternal plan. Jesus is fully God—eternally one with the Father—and fully human, born of a woman and raised under the Mosaic Law. He perfectly fulfilled that law to redeem those enslaved by it. Today’s verse uses the Greek word exagorazō for “redeem,” meaning to buy someone out of slavery. Christ’s death paid the price to free us from sin’s bondage—a bondage shared by Jews under the Mosaic Law and Gentiles under the law written on their hearts. Born under...

Galatians 4:4 "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law," We’ve been studying how the prophets foretold Christmas centuries in advance. Our annual celebration of Jesus’ incarnate birth has passed, and soon we’ll pack away the decorations and return to normal life. Yet we must not forget His birth. As wondrous as that birth is, it is the cross and Easter morning that changed everything. All creation and history point to Christ on the cross. Our brokenness—our tendency to do what is right in our own eyes while unable to save ourselves—put Him there. So God sent His only Son to rescue us. Through Jesus, we are not only forgiven but adopted as God’s children. That is our focus this week. Today’s verse shows that the timing of Jesus’ birth was no mere historical coincidence (e.g., Roman stability or human readiness), but rooted in God’s sovereign plan from the beginning of creation. “God sent forth His Son” highlights t...

Isaiah 9:6&7 "6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." The prophets revealed God’s plan and His promises. The Bible—both Old and New Testaments—is the storehouse of God’s Word, giving us the fullest understanding possible. Isaiah wrote these words about 700 years before Jesus’ birth. Without divine inspiration, he could never have foreseen such details. Yet even with these clear prophecies, God’s full perspective remains beyond our grasp. Generations of believers have studied Scripture and left us a rich legacy of hymns and writings to help us ...

Isaiah 9:2 "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." This week, we’ve explored how Christmas resembles John the Baptist: both boldly proclaim Jesus’ arrival to the world. The world’s response is often mixed—sometimes celebrating, sometimes trying to silence or imprison the message. Like John, we want to steadfastly praise and worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Christmas Day and every day! Jesus praises John as “a prophet? Yes, I say unto you, and more than a prophet” (Matthew 11:9). John is unique as the direct forerunner who announced “He is here!” while pointing to the personally present Jesus. In Jesus’ view—rooted in the Old Testament He often referenced—a prophet is God’s spokesman or messenger, tasked with: • Calling for repentance and faithfulness. • Foretelling future events or consequences (often judgment for sin or hope for restoration). • Speaking aut...

Matthew 11:8&9 "8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet." Christmas is much like John the Baptist: it boldly announces Jesus’ arrival to the world. Sometimes the world celebrates; sometimes it tries to silence or imprison the message. May we remain steadfast—like John—in praising and worshiping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Christmas Day and every day! In these verses, Jesus asks the crowd why they went into the wilderness to see John. He dismisses the notion that they expected a man in fine royal clothing. He then affirms that they went to see a prophet—yes, and more than a prophet—highlighting John's unique role as the Messiah's forerunner, fulfilling Malachi 3:1. This week's study reminds us that our experiences shape expectations, and John's interactions with Jesus va...

Matthew 11:6&7 "6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. 7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?" Merry Christmas! This season stirs all kinds of emotions—joy for some, deep suffering for others. Our expectations are shaped by our experiences. In Matthew 11, after a year in prison, John the Baptist has a moment of doubt and sends disciples to ask Jesus, “Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another?" Jesus replies by pointing to His works—echoing Isaiah 35:5–6: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor hear good news. These are not just miracles; they are proof of His messianic identity and the arrival of God’s kingdom of healing, justice, and salvation. Once John’s messengers leave, Jesus turns to the crowd and asks what they went into the wilderness to see: “A reed s...

Matthew 11:4&5 "4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them." Christmas is here—whether you're experiencing joy or deep suffering this year. Your expectations often shape your experience. In these verses, John the Baptist—once boldly proclaiming Jesus as the “Lamb of God” and witnessing the Spirit's descent at His baptism—is now imprisoned for over a year in Machaerus after condemning Herod Antipas's marriage to Herodias. From his cell, he sends disciples to ask Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come?” This question reveals John's tension between faith and doubt. Jesus responds by pointing to His works, directly echoing Isaiah 35:5–6 and other prophecies: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised...

Matthew 11:3 "And said unto Him, Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another?" Christmas is near, and our anticipation builds as we prepare our hearts. Like us, the Jewish people at Jesus’ incarnation held varied expectations for the Messiah. John the Baptist had once boldly declared Jesus the “Lamb of God” and witnessed the Spirit descend at His baptism. Now, imprisoned for over a year in the fortress of Machaerus after denouncing Herod Antipas’s marriage to Herodias, John sent disciples to ask this question. The inquiry reveals a moment of tension between faith and doubt. Prolonged suffering and Jesus’ ministry—focused on healing and preaching rather than political or military deliverance—prompted John to wonder if Jesus truly was the promised Messiah. This verse highlights a key Gospel theme: faith often coexists with doubt, especially in hardship. Yet God meets us in our uncertainty with grace and evidence. It also contrasts human expectations of a triumphant,...

Matthew 11:2 "Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples," We are in the fourth week of Advent, and Christmas is almost here! Our anticipation is building as we prepare our hearts and minds. Last week, our study from Psalms strengthened our love for righteousness and hatred of wickedness. God calls us to share His heart by pursuing compassion and justice, opposing evil, and aligning with His ways—because “The LORD reigns forever!” Let us renew our commitment to praise our Lord and Savior in worship that echoes heaven’s eternal chorus, now and always. All our preparations come with hopes and expectations. The Jewish people at the time of Jesus’ incarnation similarly held varied expectations for the Messiah. John the Baptist, who had earlier identified Jesus as the Messiah and seen divine confirmation at His baptism, was now imprisoned in the fortress of Machaerus—likely for over a year—after condemning Herod Antipas’s marriage to He...

Psalms 146:10 "The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD." God imputes Christ’s perfect righteousness to believers through faith in Him—a gracious, unearned gift secured by Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Though imperfect, the righteous repent and seek to follow God’s will in covenant with Him, reflecting His character daily. God delights in this! Yet He hates wickedness. He actively thwarts the plans of the wicked, overturning their paths and foiling their schemes. God calls believers to share His heart by pursuing compassion and justice, stirring our consciences to oppose evil and align with His ways. Today’s verse declares that God’s reign is timeless, personal, and permanent—no term limits, no successors. “The LORD reigns forever” echoes Psalm 93:1, Daniel 4:34, and Revelation 11:15. “Zion” signifies both the historic city David captured—where God chose to dwell in the temple—and the spiritual dwelling place of His people. T...

Psalms 146:9 "9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; He relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked He turneth upside down." Verse 8 states that “the LORD loveth the righteous.” Though no one is sinless, God imputes Christ’s perfect righteousness to believers through faith in Him—an unearned gift rooted in Christ’s atoning sacrifice. The righteous, though imperfect, repent and seek to follow God’s will in covenant relationship with Him, reflecting His character in daily life. Today’s verse reveals God’s balanced nature: compassionate toward the vulnerable and just against the wicked. He actively protects strangers, orphans, and widows while frustrating the plans of the wicked, turning their paths upside down and subverting their schemes for His righteous purposes. This dual theme runs throughout Scripture—from the Law of Moses to Jesus’ teachings and James 1:27, which defines pure religion as caring for orphans and widows. The verse comforts the marginalized a...

Psalms 146:8&9 "8 The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: 9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; He relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked He turneth upside down." God is your advocate. Are you His? You should be. God is gracious; everyone should hope in Him and trust His perfect plan. He alone acts, creates, and rules—we can do nothing without Him. Humility is the only fitting response to such a God. Verse 8 declares that “the LORD loveth the righteous.” What does “righteous” mean? It means living in conformity to God’s holy and just standard—both in right standing before Him and in moral uprightness, obedience, and a heart that pursues what is right. No one is sinless, yet God grants righteousness to believers through faith in Jesus Christ. Christ lived perfectly and imputes His righteousness to those who trust Him. This is a divine declaration, not earned by human effort, roo...

Psalms 146:8 "The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:" God is your advocate—defending the wronged, feeding the hungry, and freeing captives. This verse reveals His compassion and faithfulness, inviting us to trust Him as our true hope and deliverer. We see these promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who healed the sick, liberated the oppressed, and proclaimed the Good News to all the world. This truth calls us to turn to God, place all our hope in Him, and trust His perfect plan. He is the One who acts, creates, and rules; we can do nothing without Him. Humility is our only fitting response to such a gracious God. Especially in Advent, let us keep the coming of our Lord and Savior foremost in our hearts.

Psalms 146:6&7 "6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: 7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:" Feeling trapped, oppressed, or hungry? Good news: God is your advocate. He defends the wronged, feeds the needy, and sets captives free. “Executeth judgment for the oppressed” declares Him the righteous Judge who upholds the rights of the marginalized—a theme echoed throughout Scripture. “Giveth food to the hungry” promises provision for both body and soul, sustaining all who lack. These verses reveal God’s compassion and faithfulness, inviting us to trust Him as our true hope and deliverer. They find their fullest expression in Jesus Christ, who healed the sick, liberated the bound, and brought good news to the poor. Especially in Advent, let us keep the coming of our Lord and Savior foremost in our hearts.

Psalms 146:5&6 "5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: 6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:" In this third week of Advent, we celebrate our Lord and Savior and the ways He comes to us—past, present, and future. Psalm 146 directs us to place our hope in the King of Kings. All Scripture points to Jesus and celebrates God’s sovereign action: He creates, He rules, He accomplishes all things. Apart from Him we can do nothing. True humility acknowledges that God—not we ourselves—reigns. Blessed happiness comes when we trust fully in the God of Jacob, placing our hope in Him alone. Verse 6 affirms God’s supreme power as Creator of heaven, earth, sea, and all that is in them. This truth establishes a firm basis for trust, contrasting God’s eternal reliability with the frailty of human leaders. The verse closes by declaring that God “keepeth truth for ever”—He remains fait...

Psalms 146:5 "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:" We are in the third week of Advent, celebrating our Lord and Savior and all the ways He comes to us—past, present, and future. Last week, we reflected on Isaiah’s prophecies of Christ’s return, when all creation will be transformed into a unified, peaceful world under God’s rule. Today, Psalm 146 directs us to place our hope in the King of Kings. All Scripture points to Jesus and celebrates God’s sovereign action: He creates, He rules, He accomplishes all things. We can do nothing apart from Him. True humility acknowledges that God—not we ourselves—reigns. Blessed happiness and divine favor come when we trust fully in the God of Jacob. He is our unfailing help and ultimate hope, far surpassing human limitations with His omnipotence and faithfulness. We are called to steadfast reliance on this good and gracious God, who forever upholds the oppressed, feeds the hungry, opens t...

Isaiah 11:10 "And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious." The “root of Jesse” refers to a descendant of Jesse (David’s father), fulfilling God’s covenant promise of an eternal Davidic dynasty. This leader will draw the nations not by force, but by his righteousness and glory. The Gentiles will seek him, signaling the universal reach of God’s kingdom—extending beyond Israel to all peoples. Paul quotes this verse in Romans 15:12 to affirm his mission to the Gentiles. The Messiah’s “resting place” is glorious, evoking divine presence, perfect peace, and the ultimate realization of God’s promises, when the knowledge of the Lord fills the earth. This vision captures the heart of Messianic hope: a unified, peaceful world under God’s rule. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 11:8&9 "8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." During Advent, as we reflect on how our Lord and Savior comes to us, Isaiah offers vivid images of the messianic age. Yesterday’s verses described natural enemies—cow and bear, lion and ox—grazing and resting together in safety, with even the lion eating straw like the ox. Today’s verses extend this vision: innocent children play unharmed near deadly serpents like the asp and cockatrice. This striking imagery portrays a complete reversal of violence throughout creation, restoring Eden’s peace. The root of this harmony is the universal knowledge of the Lord, filling the earth “as the waters cover the sea.” When Jesus returns, this peace—both natural and spiritual—will overcome the effects ...

Isaiah 11:7 "And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox." When Jesus returns, He will establish a kingdom of perfect peace and justice. This verse paints a vivid picture: natural enemies—the cow and bear, lion and ox—will graze side by side, their young resting together without fear. Even the lion, a carnivore by nature, will eat straw like the ox. This imagery is not literal (a lion’s digestive system couldn’t suddenly process straw), but profoundly symbolic. It points to a complete reversal of violence and hostility throughout creation. Predators and prey will dwell in harmony, reflecting the restoration of Eden’s peace before the fall. Theologically, this prophecy reveals God’s redemption is cosmic in scope—encompassing not only humanity but all creation (Romans 8:19–22). It anticipates the new heaven and new earth where sin’s curse is fully removed, death is no more, and everything is made new (R...

Isaiah 11:5&6 "5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins. 6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." Isaiah paints a vivid portrait of the coming Messiah. Clothed in righteousness and faithfulness, Jesus judges not by outward appearance or hearsay but with perfect equity, especially defending the poor and meek. One day He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips (v. 4). Today’s verses continue this theme of righteous rule. Verse 6 then shifts to a breathtaking vision of transformed creation: predators and prey dwelling in peace, led by a little child. This striking reversal of the natural order symbolizes the end of all violence and fear, restoring the harmony lost at the Fall. It is a picture of total shalom—peace among people,...

Isaiah 11:3&4 "3 And shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears: 4 But with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked." More than 700 years before Christ, Isaiah painted the clearest Old Testament portrait of the coming Messiah. From what looked like a dead stump of David’s ruined dynasty, God would raise an eternal King, endowed with the sevenfold Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. In today’s verses we see Jesus perfectly fulfilling this prophecy: • He judges with “quick understanding in the fear of the Lord”—a deep reverence that guides flawless discernment, never swayed by mere appearances or rumor (John 2:25; 7:24). • He defends the poor and meek...

Isaiah 11:2  "And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;" In Advent we celebrate Christ’s coming—past, present, and future—confident in His return because biblical prophecy has proven true again and again. More than 700 years before Jesus’ birth (Isaiah ministered ca. 739–681 BC), Isaiah gave the Old Testament’s clearest portrait of the Messiah: His forerunner (40:3–5), virgin birth (7:14), gospel preaching (61:1), atoning death (52:13–53:12), and final triumph (60:2–3). Yesterday’s reading pictured the Davidic dynasty as a lifeless stump after centuries without a king. Yet from Jesse’s roots (David’s humble father) would come a tender shoot—a Branch. What seemed dead was only sleeping; God would raise an eternal King. Today’s verse goes further: “The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him” signals a permanent anointing, unlike the temporary enabl...

ISAIAH 11:1 "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:" We have entered the second week of Advent. Last week we reflected on Jesus’ warnings about His sudden return—“like a thief in the night”—and the need to stay ready every day. Why trust ancient prophecy? Because it has already come true in Jesus. This week we look at some of those prophecies to deepen our wonder. Isaiah ministered (739–681 BC) to a Judah that had turned away from God. His book contains the Old Testament’s fullest portrait of the coming Messiah: His forerunner (40:3–5), virgin birth (7:14), gospel proclamation (61:1), atoning death (52:13–53:12), and final triumph (60:2–3). Today’s verse is one of the clearest. After centuries without a Davidic king, the royal line looked like a lifeless stump. Yet from Jesse’s roots (Jesse, David’s humble shepherd father) would spring a tender shoot—a Branch. That Hebrew word for “shoot” (netzer) echoes the name N...

Matthew 24:44 "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." These are the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This verse comes from the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25; Mark 13; Luke 21), Jesus’ major prophetic teaching given on the Mount of Olives just days before His crucifixion. After the disciples marveled at the temple’s beauty, Jesus foretold its total destruction, prompting deeper questions about the end times and His return. Throughout this week we’ve focused on the Second Coming and its central call: constant readiness. No one knows the day or hour—not even the angels or the Son, only the Father. Christ will return unexpectedly, “like a thief in the night.” This uncertainty is not meant to frighten but to awaken us to sober, holy, and faithful living. Just as a homeowner would stay alert if he knew when a thief was coming, we must remain spiritually watchful every moment because we do not know the time. Readiness is n...

Matthew 24:43 "But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up." In Matthew 24, Jesus teaches that no one—not the angels, not even the Son—knows the day or hour of His return; only the Father knows. His purpose is not to create anxiety but to call us to constant readiness and faithful living—this is the heart of Advent. Jesus uses a simple picture: If a homeowner knew exactly when a thief was coming, he would stay awake and stop the break-in. Since we do not know when Christ will return, the only wise response is to live every day watchful, ready, and faithful—keeping watch over our faith, obedience, repentance, and love for God and others. His coming will be sudden and unexpected; it will catch the unprepared off guard. So be ready—today and always. Amen.

Matthew 24:42 "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." This verse reminds us that no one – not the angels, not even the Son – knows the day or hour of Christ’s return; only the Father knows. The purpose is not to breed anxiety, but to call us to constant readiness and faithful living. So in Advent we prepare for that sudden, unexpected coming. Life will feel perfectly normal right up to the moment it happens. Wealth, status, connections, and location will mean nothing; the separation between believers and unbelievers will be instantaneous. Stay alert and spiritually awake. Don’t just wait – be proactive: resist temptation, pray without ceasing, serve others faithfully, and live free from corruption and vice. Christ will return when we least expect it. These present troubles are temporary; the greater reality of God’s kingdom lies ahead. Praise the Lord!

Matthew 24:41 "Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left." In Advent we prepare for Christ’s sudden, unexpected return. No one knows the day or hour (Matt 24:36). Just as people ate, drank, and married until the flood came and swept them away in Noah’s day, so it will be when Jesus returns—life will seem perfectly ordinary right up to the moment of judgment. Jesus paints the scene: two men in a field—one taken, one left; two women grinding grain at the mill—one taken, one left. The ones “taken” are removed in judgment (like the wicked in the flood), while the righteous remain with Christ. These everyday pairs—co-workers, close companions—show that neither proximity, social status, nor shared routine will save anyone. The separation is personal and instantaneous. Matthew 24:41 is therefore an urgent call to vigilance. Be ready, for the Son of Man comes at an hour you do not expect. This Advent, welcome Jesus into your heart today—becau...

Matthew 24:39&40 "39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left." In this first week of Advent, we prepare for Christ’s threefold coming: His incarnate birth in Bethlehem, His coming now in Word and Sacrament, and His final return as Judge and King. To prepare is to welcome Jesus into our hearts. No one knows the day or hour of His return. In Noah’s day, people ate, drank, and married right up to the moment the flood came and swept them away (v. 39). So it will be when the Son of Man returns—suddenly, unexpectedly, in the midst of ordinary life. Jesus illustrates this with a vivid picture: two men working in a field—one is taken, the other left; two women grinding grain—one is taken, the other left (vv. 40–41. The Greek verb in v. 39 for “took…away” (αἴρω) is the same verb used for those “taken” in vv. 40–41. Just as the flood took t...

Matthew 24:37&38 "37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark," In this first week of Advent we prepare for Christ’s threefold coming: • His birth in Bethlehem • His presence now in Word and Sacrament • His return as Judge and King Let us add a fourth: Jesus coming to dwell in your heart today. No one knows the day or hour of His final return, but you can know the moment He moves into your life. Make today that moment. In Noah’s day people carried on with ordinary life—eating, drinking, marrying—right up to the moment the flood came and swept them away. So too will the Son of Man come when least expected. The world was oblivious; judgment was sudden. May we never be caught unprepared. Stay awake. Open your heart. He is coming—and He longs to come to you today.

Matthew 24:36 "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only." Last week we wrapped up our series Epic Fails—God Prevails. The exclamation point is the cross: God’s blazing power and the most beautiful symbol of freedom and salvation—our greatest reason for unending thanks and praise! We serve an awesome, glorious, and generous God! Yesterday we began the season of Advent—the four Sundays leading to Christmas. “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” It calls us to prepare for Christ’s birth and to live in eager expectation of His return in glory. Traditionally, Advent celebrates Christ’s threefold coming: • His birth in Bethlehem (the Incarnation) • His presence among us now in Word and Sacrament • His final return as Judge and King I’d like to add a fourth: Jesus coming to dwell in your heart today. Let this season re-center your life on your Lord and Savior. Jesus says no one knows the day or hour of...