Advent 1
Matthew: 21:1-9
Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we finish the remaining Thanksgiving leftovers of stuffing and turkey, we are reminded that the world has no sense of time as it plunges into the Christmas season.
From the parades to the music on the radio, the lights to the trees, and everything underneath.
However, this morning's blessing and dedication of the Advent Wreath remind us that it’s not Christmas yet. Advent is a season all its own, a season of preparation and expectant waiting, a period when time should slow and force us into spiritual contemplation.
The Advent wreath can help us with just this: slowing down and contemplating the spiritual darknesses of life.
In fact, the original Advent wreath is a German invention. In 1839, a pastor named Johann Wichern created it. It was meant to help children slow down, mark time, and keep the season of Advent.
What prompted all of this was that the children were too eager and kept asking, “Is it Christmas yet?”
Nothing changes, does it?
But as each candle was lit upon the wreath, the children grew more mesmerized and wide-eyed by its glow and how it began to illuminate their school room among the short, darkened days of winter. But more, it taught them to wait patiently for the arrival of Christmas, the arrival of Jesus.
If you pause now for a second, I want you to hear a passage from the Gospel reading for Christmas Day, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
Christmas occurs at the deepest, darkest time of the year.
Yet, the Gospel of John says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
For this reason, the season of Advent begins to bring illumination to your lives, too, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ child.
It reveals not only why Jesus comes but why we need Him.
So why do we need Him?
Because we struggle in this life.
We permit feuds to fill our homes and among one another; we are rich with greed and want, and we’ve fallen for the idea that the darkness of life can be our friend, that it will hide our internal struggles, challenges, and sins.
And this is why we need the Light of Christ to shine in our darkness, to reveal our heart condition, and to lead us to confession.
This is, after all, what Advent is truly about preparing our hearts for the arrival and coming of Jesus through the confession of our sins.
And this is precisely why we do not appreciate or want the Advent season.
It just isn’t that fun.
However, Advent has long been a penitential season. This means a season of repentance, a season of contemplation upon the child born of Mary.
Why would He take upon Himself our sinful, human flesh?
The answer to this question resides in the Gospel reading today.
It all seems so out of place, the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. But where is Jesus going? He is going to the cross.
He is going to the cross to bring to fulfillment the words of the angel Gabriel spoken to Joseph regarding the child born of Mary as he said, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
He goes to the cross to die for your sins, redeem you, and give you peace.
In a wonderful, mysterious way, think of how the world grew dark as Jesus hung upon the cursed tree that first Good Friday. But in this darkness, the light of His love for you is shown brightest in His death.
And this hasn’t changed.
When life's dark days and crosses engulf you, His word calls you unto Himself, that He might be your comfort, refuge, and redeemer.
None of this is what the world sees or wants in December. It wants to party, live it up, and be merry, which can be okay in moderation.
But before celebrating comes preparation, and this is why we have the season of Advent: to prepare for Jesus’ birth, to prepare to confess our sins, and to receive His forgiveness.
As we enter this season of Advent, we need to slow down and examine our lives. We need to use it as a season of reconciliation and forgiveness. We need to see the darkness around us so we will learn to permit the light of Christ to lead us and comfort us amid feuds, greed, sin, and, yes, even grief.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.”
We need to take these words to heart. The lights on this Advent wreath will naturally grow brighter as we near Christmas Eve when we will gather by candlelight to await the birth of the Savior.
The greater the light, the more our need for redemption will be revealed.
And just as the meaning of Advent is to come, we are given the words and prayer of those lining the streets of Jerusalem today.
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’
Hosanna in the highest!”
(Matthew 21:9b)
Hosanna means, “Save us now.”
And that’s what Jesus does: He comes in the manger to save you, both today and in eternity.
Soon, we will sing the word "hosanna" in the Sanctus, which will lead us to receive Jesus with our lips and mouths in the holy supper at this altar.
And this is a great comfort for you, dear Christian; your Savior continues to come to you, even today.
In fact, He is the very light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome. (John 8:12, 1:5)
Let this be your hope, refuge, and peace as you travel the dark road of Advent.
Whether you are struggling with your family, have befriended a particular darkness of life, or feel as if you’re walking through a valley of sorrow this Advent, cling to Jesus and pray, “Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.”
Save me, Jesus. Save me now. +INJ+
