A Note from Pastor (December 2024)

     This month begins the new church year with the season of Advent. The first Sunday in Advent is called Ad Te Levavi. This title comes from Psalm 25 which is the antiphon of the introit, “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O My God in You I trust; let me not be put to shame.” The gradual, also from Psalm 25, helps establish the reverent, penitential focus of the season, when we remember, “None who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.” Together these three verses remind us that like the church of the Old Testament, we are waiting for and should eagerly expect the coming of the Messiah.    

    The prophet Isaiah described how the Messiah would, “bring good news to the poor…bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives,” and how the people “who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Isaiah also described how the Messiah would suffer and atone for the sins of the whole world because, “He was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruise for our iniquities; and upon him is the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.”  

    Advent is a blessed time to focus on and remember these promises fulfilled in Christ Jesus, our Lord. As we await His return in glory, we continue to pray, as we do in the collect for the first Sunday in Advent, Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come, that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mighty deliverance.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.