Sermon Index
November 29, 2020 Advent 1-B
Mark 11:1-10Today is the First Sunday in Advent. It is the official beginning of the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany Season. The word “advent” comes from the Latin word meaning “to come” or “to come toward.” At this time of the church year in our Bible readings we remember how Jesus came toward us at Christmas, on Palm Sunday, and in his preaching and teaching ministry. We also look forward to when Jesus will come to us at the end of the world. And this is all important because Jesus comes toward us right now, today and everyday of our lives. He comes with his blessings of salvation and forgiveness and peace.
The First Chapter of Matthew says it this way, “1:22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means, "God with us."” Advent celebrates that Jesus came and comes to us in order to be with us.
The traditional Gospel reading for the First Sunday in Advent is Jesus Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem. That took place on Palm Sunday, a week before Jesus died on the cross and then rose again three days later. This reading may seem out of place for Advent, but it helps to teach us the meaning of Christmas. Jesus did not stay lying in the manger. He did not stay a baby. Jesus was born to die and to rise again for our salvation. We sing Christmas hymns and other songs that talk about the birth of Baby Jesus. And with all the pretty decorations and gifts and Santa and snow and parties, it is easy to forget the reason for the season. That reason is told to us by Matthew in his First Chapter, “1:20 But after Joseph had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."” This little Child has a big mission. It is to “save his people from their sins.” This is more than forgiveness, it is saving us from the consequences of our sin. It is saving us from death and hell.
That is why Jesus came to us. He came to be with us. And that means that we can be with Jesus. Jesus invites us to come to him. He wants us to be with him, to follow him, to live with him.
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt, there was a large crowd that went before him and that followed him. We must join that crowd. We must confess our faith that He is our Lord and Savior. “Hosanna. Amen. Hallelujah.” Or as many people might say today, with pride, “O My God.” [Not “Oh, my god.”]
A true confession of faith is not just with our mouths, it is in our lives as we live with Jesus who is living with us. Likewise, God is not god far off and away in heaven or away in a manger, but God is alive in our lives, living with us. The Bible shows this concretely. Born in Bethlehem, baptized in the Jordan, teaching on the mount, riding into Jerusalem, dying on the cross, rising from the grave, coming to the disciples, and the sending of the Holy Spirit.
It may be hard to see Jesus coming into our lives, with all the problems of the world and the problems of our lives. But, even when we are lonely, Jesus is with us. When we feel alienated, Jesus knows that feeling and comes to stand with us. When we are in pain, Jesus knows pain and suffering when he was on the cross, so he knows what we need. When frustrated, remember that Jesus had a lot of opposition. When grieving, remember that Jesus wept for his friend Lazarus, and remember that Jesus rose from the dead to give eternal life.
In the Lord’s Prayer we say, “Thy Kingdom come.” It is an Advent prayer. In faith we pray that Jesus our King will come into our hearts and lives. “Thy Kingdom come” is also a confession of faith, recognizing that Jesus has come into our hearts and lives. And so there is power and hope and confidence as we continue the Lord’s Prayer.
Today we decorate the church for Christmas. Let’s decorate our hearts, too. Bells that ring and sing. Lights and candles that sparkle and shine and smile. Stars to guide us. Angels to protect us. And a manger for the Lord Jesus.
Amen.
May the Joy, Peace and Love of Jesus come into your hearts and lives. Amen.
Michael Nearhood, Pastor
Okinawa Lutheran Church