Come, celebrate Christ's comings

Advent and Triumph of Christ – Hans Memling
As we begin another church year with the season of Advent, our hearts are filled with hope and joy. The word “Advent,” means “coming.” Christ, the Savior of all people, once came to this world to live, die and rise again. Christ still comes into the hearts of His believers today through Word and Sacraments. Christ will come again in all His heavenly glory to judge the living and the dead.
 
During the season of Advent, we celebrate these three “advents” of Christ’s coming. We celebrate how Christ’s coming to this earth was preceded by the sending of a messenger. This messenger was also promised by the prophets. This messenger was John the Baptist, who proclaimed God’s message of repentance and forgiveness of sins in the wilderness around the Jordan River. John prepared people for the coming of Christ.
 
We celebrate Christ coming to us today. He comes through the preaching of the Word of truth. This Word is proclaimed by God’s faithful messengers, His pastors and teachers. He comes through the words of absolution spoken by the pastor in the Divine Service or by Christians to one another, forgiving each others’ sins. He comes through the Sacraments of Baptism and Lord’s Supper, through which the Holy Spirit offers and gives the forgiveness of sins, new life and eternal salvation. He comes to assure us that all who by faith accept His gift of salvation can live as God’s children now and forever.
 
We celebrate Christ coming again. He is coming in power and great glory. This world will pass away. All people will appear with soul and body before Him. He will judge the nations. Unbelievers will suffer eternal punishment in hell. Believers will receive and enjoy the gift of eternal life with God in heaven.
 
Come, celebrate Christ’s comings – His advents.

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