Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

It is not because we are smart enough to find Him or holy enough to deserve Him or clever enough to make Him want us. We didn’t decide to come to Christ. He came to us. He graced us. He chose us. He loves us. He forgives us. It Is Jesus who makes Christmas what it is and why it is.

As we prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child, it is good to ponder the context of His coming. We know from where Christ will come: Bethlehem. But it's more important to know from where peace will come.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. We light the pink candle reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the birth of Jesus even as we rejoice in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.

While the secular world seeks to mimic Christmas joy in the things of this world, our Heavenly Father gives us the reason to rejoice. The reason for our rejoicing is not to be found in our circumstances but rather, it is to be found in the gracious heart of God.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Advent is about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Season seeks to prepare us for His coming in glory on the Last Day. We do this by remembering the historical narrative of His 1st Coming as if we were there, and by receiving His coming today in Word and Sacrament as we recall and proclaim His first coming while we await His 2nd Coming on the Last Day. Advent teaches us a lesson about repentance.