1 Thing Matters

Our sight tends to be the sense we trust most. We say we will believe something when we see it. That presents a problem when it comes to the work of God. So often what our eye sees differs from what God decrees. This is true of the life of Jesus. In the eyes of the world, he was nothing special. This is also true in the life of the Christian. To the world, the believer does not look more blessed than the unbeliever. In fact, the believer may appear to have more hardships as the devil and his allies attempt to destroy him. So, to assure his children, God connects his grace, power, and blessing to something we can see—a visible sign: the anointing of baptism.

Series: UNCOVERED - Uncovering Surprising Truths about Christ

WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

Already as a child, Jesus' saving work had begun. His entire life, he served as our substitute, perfectly obeying God's Law. Just think of how we often neglect the study of God's Word. Then look at twelve-year-old Jesus, eager to be in the temple learning more about Scripture. However, he would need to do more than be our substitute. Eventually, he would lay that perfect life down as the sacrifice for our sin.

WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

The ability to appreciate Christmas is directly proportional to the understanding of whom Christmas is for. Christmas is only meant for those who are held captive by our enemies, sin and death. Christmas is for people who have no power of their own to free themselves from those enemies. Christmas is for people who patiently wait for God to redeem them and set them free. God's Christmas gift is for slaves, but it does not leave them that way. Jesus takes those born in slavery and, having redeemed them, turns them into sons and daughters of God. He makes us heirs of a glorious, eternal inheritance. He sets us free from a forced servitude to our enemies and replaces it with joyful service to our loving Father.

There is something that sets the Christ child apart from all others. It is not simply his humble beginnings, with a cattle trough as his first cradle. It is not just the miraculous nature of his birth, his mother being a virgin. There is so much more. This child is the only hope we have for peace and a future. This child can wipe away every tear, drive away every fear. Here is the truth of Christmas. With this child, you lack nothing. Without him, you have nothing. Curiosity, awe, and even faith can't help but wonder, "WHAT CHILD IS THIS?"

This Christmas Eve, a prophet answers that question: he is the "Prince of Peace." Peace, contrary to how the world views it, is not merely found in the absence of conflict, but in the presence of Christ. The peace we can never find in the world by righting wrongs or resolving conflict is a peace that only Jesus provides. That peace is God's gift to us, given on that first Christmas Eve.

By this time of the holiday season, people are often weighed down. They feel guilty about presents that are not perfect, or parties that did not go as planned, or year-end projects that did not get completed. To top it all off, now is when it dawns on people how little attention they have given to the spiritual preparation Advent invites. If that is how we feel, perhaps the frenzy of December has actually done us a favor. We have been stretched to our limits. We have been made aware of our shortcomings. We have been humbled. Perfect! For being made aware of our weaknesses does not disqualify us from God's care. It does the opposite. It is what prepares us for the work he does best. He is a God who lifts up the humbled.

Last week we saw that the Lord sends messengers to call us to repentance. This week we learn that those who refuse to heed that call to humble themselves will be humbled anyway. The Lord who once came near in flesh and now comes near in Word and sacrament will one day come near with consuming fire and judgment. The Lord will humble his enemies. This truth does two important things. First, it adds urgency to God's Advent call to repentance. Second, it gives us comfort when we, as God's people, experience opposition from the world. Those who oppress and harm God's people will face justice.

People tend to feel a lot of pressure this time of year. We want to stay on top of our family traditions. We want our houses to look good for out-of-town guests. We want to impress people with the thoughtfulness of our gifts. What a welcome relief, therefore, to hear what is required of us to meet the Lord: nothing. Well, there is something. It is the humble acknowledgment that we can do nothing to bring ourselves closer to God - nor do we need to! All that is needed has already been accomplished by him, for us.

Today marks the beginning of the season of Advent (which marks the beginning of a new church year!) and the start of our Humble Expectations series. The word Advent means “coming,” in reference to the ways Jesus comes to his people. What are your expectations when it comes to Jesus’ coming?

This morning Jesus sets the tone for our Advent preparation as we see him humbly enter Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. What do palm branches have to do with Christmas? More than you might think.

“Give thanks to the Lord…” but why? There are many reasons, but here are two of the greatest: 1) He is good, and 2) His love endures forever.

God’s Word encourages us to use all of the financial gifts God has given us with an eye on our purpose.

Our challenge this week will focus on living shrewdly with the blessings and treasures that God has given us. But what did Jesus mean when he encouraged us to be shrewd? Who is someone you know that is a positive example of shrewdness? In what ways are you already shrewd? In what ways are you not shrewd? How can you honor God by managing with intention the gifts he has given you?