Holy Trinity Ankeny

Paul writes to us in this week’s lesson, “Rejoice always!” In the middle of a pandemic? In the middle of a world going mad and coming apart at the seams? Rejoice? Really? Yes. Joy is different than fun or being happy. It is an act of God. Joy is part of humanity. It is part of you!

It is sometimes hard to hope for God’s salvation when suffering, injustice, diseases are all up and God does not seem any closer. In Advent we hope for God’s redemption and wonder why it is taking so long. It’s about time things changed! Don’t you think?

We have done a lot of waiting this year. We can envision the joy of seeing family and friends. We look forward to worshipping together, but we are not there yet. And so, we continue our waiting for just a little longer until the vaccines are approved and ready for distribution. Waiting is so hard. Waiting has always been hard for people. We live by our clocks and calendars. But God's time is different. What is waiting all about?

This has been a tough year, and now heading into the holiday season it's likely going to continue for a while. Today's gospel is full of good news for our weary world."

On “Christ the King” Sunday we proclaim that at the end of time, when the redemption of creation is complete, Christ will be ruler of everything. That answers the “who” of things. We should also think about the nature of Christ’s reign because what it shall be is already dawning. The story of the “Sheep and Goats” tells us that the reign of Christ is a reign of mercy.

This week, the good news is that our loving God gives to us abundantly, but who can say they have fully used what they were given? Also... the APOCALYPSE is coming. How much do we need to worry about it?

A mountain seems like an immovable object, eternally rooted in place. Yet, a steady flow of water, even a trickle, can change that landscape. Injustice, despair, grief, and death all seem to be immovable too. What can God do with such things, really?

Death stings; we try to avoid it, yet we are reminded today that death is not the end. Hope lives because Jesus lives! The kingdom of God will one day come in its glory. All who mourn will be comforted and God will wipe every tear from our eyes.

Today you will hear about Luther’s transformation and the religious leaders spiritual transformation through abiding in Jesus, and consider the transformation of our own hearts that the Spirit continues to use to bring reforming work to the church.

Listen to the full worship service broadcast for the parking lot worship gathering on Oct. 18