The new Church Year begins by focusing on the humble coming of

our Lord. "Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted

on a donkey" (Matt. 21:5). Even as He was born in a lowly manger, so

Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a beast of burden. For He bears the sin

of the world. He is the Son of David riding to His enthronement on the

cross, where He shows Himself to be

"The LORD is our

Righteousness" (Jer. 23:5-6). Our Lord still comes in great humility to

deliver His righteousness to us in the Word and Sacraments. Before

receiving Christ's body and blood, we also sing, "Blessed is he who

comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.!" (Matt. 21:9)

And as we receive the Sacrament, we set our hearts on His return in

glory, for

"our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first

believed' (Rom. 13:11).