a sermon from Fr. Nathan

Advent trains us to anticipate Christ’s coming—not only the tender beauty of Bethlehem, but the Lord who returns in judgment to renew all things. Scripture shows the nations welcoming God’s judgment, because his truth heals and sets things right. We, too, often fear judgment, either from wanting our own way or from shame over sin, yet Christ’s judgments bring mercy, not destruction. At the cross God turns an instrument of death into the gateway of life; he reshapes us the same way. Advent invites us to practice repentance now, trusting that Christ’s judgment is always for our good.