Their books are short. They have been labeled the “minor prophets.” And their messages are anything but minor. The prophets are sent to speak God’s Word, to be “loudspeakers” for God—not just in biblical times, but now!—confronting our sin and bringing us to repentance, in order to restore a right relationship with God. Luther doesn’t mince words about the importance of the prophets: “We Christians ought not to be such shameful, satiated, ungrateful know-it-alls, but rather read and use the prophets with earnestness and profit.” OK, then. Let’s get to it!
With the hectic pace of Christmas, we can often overlook what difference Christmas makes other than jamming up our calendars, overspending on gifts and wondering what it is all about. This Advent, as we prepare once again for Christmas, we will explore the very practical impact Christmas has on our relationships, in our world and deep within our hearts.
2 Cor. 5:17-21, Matthew 6:9-15
Every time we pray The Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. St. Paul calls this the Ministry of Reconciliation. That is, the forgiveness we have received becomes the motivation and the ability to do the same for one another.
Revelation 22:1-7; Romans 8:18-25; John 3:16-17
The fall of Adam and Eve not only infected humanity, but the Bible says that all of creation groans until that day of restoration. Christmas propels our vision forward to that day in which God will heal the broken world and return us to that shalom of Eden.
Philippians 4:4-7; John 14:25-27
With Christmas comes a peace, not necessarily in the cessation of all wars or bringing calm to the daily news, but the Bible speaks of an inner peace that goes beyond description and understanding. It is a deep peace within that the chaos of the world cannot overcome.
John 8:1-11; Philippians 3:7-11
As we celebrate the gift of music this season, where does that joy come from? At some point, this Christmas message becomes very personal when we come face to face with the gift of God’s mercy and forgiveness. It is at that point, our hearts can truly sing, “Joy to the World, the Lord Has Come!”
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