Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church

In this message, I reflect on John the Baptist in prison and the unseen prisons that bind us today—fear, guilt, sorrow, addiction, and despair. Christmas does not free us through sentiment or celebration, but through Christ Himself, who came to dwell with us in our darkness and set prisoners truly free. John points us to Jesus, the promised One, whose coming brings not temporary happiness, but lasting joy, peace, and hope—even in suffering. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus breaks every prison stronger than iron bars, and through His Word, Baptism, forgiveness, and Supper, He continues to visit us now. This is the Advent joy we celebrate: Emmanuel, God with us, who frees us to live—even in the midst of hardship—in His unshakable freedom and life.