Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church

As we journey through Advent, we reflect on the incredible truth: Jesus came to redress our sins, not by punishing us, but by taking the punishment Himself. He brings hope and freedom, replacing our despair and bondage. Yet His work didn’t stop there. He still comes to us today, gently leading us as a Good Shepherd, feeding us not only with earthly bread but with the bread of life—His very Body and Blood. He sustains us with forgiveness, life, and salvation, preparing us for what’s ahead. And soon, He will come again in splendor, no longer hidden or lowly, but in glory. In that moment, joy beyond comparing awaits His faithful ones—a joy far greater than we can imagine. This is the promise of Advent: Christ who came, who comes now, and who will come again to bring us home. Until that day, our prayer remains the same: Come, Lord Jesus! Come now. Come soon. Come save.

Ever feel like life isn’t working out? Whether in relationships, faith, or circumstances, we often wonder where God is or if He’s even with us. John the Baptist might have felt this way in prison, yet he sent his disciples to Jesus for clarity: Are you the one? Jesus’ answer reminds us that God is always faithful. He’s working, even when we can’t see it. Through His Word, Sacraments, and promises, He assures us: He never bails on us. This Advent, look to Jesus—the one who fulfills every promise—born in a manger, crucified on the cross, and here with us now, guiding all things perfectly for our good.

Last week, we celebrated the Good News that Jesus, the holy Son of God, came lowly to restore us to His image through His cross, granting us hope and freedom. This week, we reflect on how He now gently leads us. Unlike flawed earthly leaders, Jesus is the faithful Good Shepherd, guiding us through this life’s wilderness toward Paradise, feeding us with His own body and blood—the manna of heaven that strengthens and nourishes our souls. In this Advent season, we rejoice in His daily care and eagerly await His glorious return, knowing He leads us with peace and sustains us with grace. Come, Lord Jesus!

This week, we prayed, “Stir up our hearts, O Lord,” reminding us that true readiness for Jesus’ coming starts with repentance. Like a pot of soup that needs stirring, our hearts must be stirred to bring hidden sins to the surface—not to shame us, but so Jesus can forgive and transform us. John the Baptist called for repentance to prepare the way for Christ, and his message still calls us today. As we journey through Advent, let the Lord stir up our hearts to repentance, faith, and love, so we are ready to celebrate His birth and await His return. Come, Lord Jesus!

Advent reminds us why Jesus came: not to teach us how to live or reveal our potential, but to save us by fulfilling God’s Word. In the synagogue, Jesus proclaimed, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” He didn’t just speak of salvation—He embodied it, coming in the likeness of man to redress our sins and clothe us with His righteousness. Through His perfect obedience, both in life and death, Jesus bore our sins, unlocking the prison cell of sin and death that we could never escape on our own. His cross-shaped key opened the door to hope and freedom, securing our forgiveness and restoring us as His royal Bride. Advent calls us to repentance—not out of fear, but joy. It’s a time to stop, reflect, and rejoice in the salvation Jesus has already won, as we eagerly await His return to bring us home. Come, Lord Jesus!

As Advent begins, we pray, “Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come,” a cry for rescue from the perils of sin that plague every heart and home. Like a 9-1-1 call, we trust in the sure promise of Jesus, who already came to save us—not with flashing lights or sirens, but humbly, riding on a donkey to face the fire of God’s wrath on the cross. Even as evil persists, Jesus continues to come—through baptism, absolution, and His Body and Blood—to rescue and strengthen us. Advent calls us to repentance and joy, preparing us for His ultimate return when the perils of sin will be no more. Who can you pray for or walk with in their struggles this week? As Jesus has rescued us, we are called to abound in love for one another, sharing His hope and light.

Tonight, we reflect on Paul’s powerful call to Timothy: first of all, pray. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, understood firsthand the transformative power of prayer and God’s mercy. Perhaps prayers from those he once hunted played a role in his redemption—a living testament to God’s desire for all to be saved. Paul urges us to pray not just for blessings, but with thanksgiving—even in difficult circumstances. Like Israel in the wilderness or the leper before healing, we may not see God’s blessings immediately. Yet, through faith, we trust that He works all things for our good, especially through Jesus, who prayed for us and redeemed us. So, we gather not just for a day of Thanksgiving, but every week, to pray, be fed, and give thanks. Through Jesus, we find peace and a quiet heart, no matter life’s chaos. Thanks be to God!

Today’s episode unpacks how we endure life’s troubles—not by our strength, but through Jesus. The disciples were shaken when Jesus predicted the Temple’s destruction, but He reminded them that true hope isn’t in lifeless stones, but in Him, the living Temple. Jesus warned of troubles—false teachings, wars, disasters, and family divisions—but pointed us to His victory. By His death and resurrection, He endured what we could not, giving us forgiveness, strength, and life. In baptism, communion, and faith, we’re united with Him. When hardships come, don’t rely on yourself—come to Jesus. He endured for us, and through Him, we will endure to the end.

In today’s episode, I explore how true role models are not always the ones we expect. In Jesus’ time, people looked up to the religious leaders, the scribes, and Pharisees, who were outwardly pious but lacked true faith and integrity. In contrast, Jesus directs our attention to a poor widow, unseen by others, who quietly offers her last two coins—a genuine act of faith and trust. Her example reminds us that what truly matters isn’t a grand display but a heart aligned with God. Like the widow, Jesus also gave everything for us. While we might sometimes feel like our contributions are small or unnoticed in this broken world, they hold incredible value in His eyes. Just as He sees our small acts of forgiveness, kindness, and faith, He also offers us the gift of peace with God and each other. In a world out of sync, this peace anchors us in His love and allows us to live in faith, knowing that, ultimately, He’s prepared a place for us that’s beyond anything we can imagine.

In this episode, I explore the promises of God in contrast to the world’s empty guarantees. On All Saints Day, we’re reminded that true peace, healing, and hope aren’t found in politicians or worldly ideals but in God’s enduring promises. Unlike a fleeting “utopia,” God promises us a real place where we’ll be with Him, free from sin and suffering. Until then, we live as saints, blessed in Christ, and strengthened by faith. Together, we are part of a great, unseen multitude, surrounded by all the saints who await His final renewal of all things.

In this episode, I reflect on our fears, both personal and global, and challenge listeners to reconsider what truly matters. While we fear things like political tensions, wars, natural disasters, and loss, there’s a greater tragedy: not knowing the hope and love of our Savior. Drawing from Revelation, I explore how the message of the angels encourages us to fear God above all, give Him glory, and find peace in His promises. In Jesus, we are freed from judgment and can live without fear, trusting in the gifts He provides.

In this episode, I explore Jesus' statement, "How difficult it is for the wealthy to enter God's kingdom." This message challenges our desire for ease in faith, as we often choose convenience over commitment. Jesus teaches that true faith isn't about shortcuts but about following Him, even when it's hard. When the disciples ask, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus replies that with God, all things are possible. Salvation isn't by our own efforts but by His grace. Living our faith may be tough, but as we put Jesus first, He strengthens us, leading us to lasting life.

In this episode, I reflect on the big issues dominating the news—elections, war, and natural disasters—and how they all raise the question, “What’s life going to be like now?” With real-world problems weighing on us, the Gospel story of a rich man asking Jesus how to inherit eternal life might seem irrelevant. But Jesus’ response shows it’s deeply connected to how we live now. Real life and eternal life aren’t separate; following Jesus helps us face real-world challenges with peace and confidence. No matter what happens, Jesus remains constant, giving us the strength to live, love, and serve others today.

Today, I want to start at the end—with the image of children being brought to Jesus in the Gospel. The disciples tried to push them away, likely annoyed by their disruptions, but Jesus wasn’t having it. He welcomed the children because they see the world differently—through eyes of wonder and curiosity. Jesus uses this to teach us something deeper about faith: to receive the kingdom of God, we must have the faith of a child. As adults, we often get weighed down by regrets and broken dreams, but Jesus is calling us to look forward, to the hope and promise of restoration, not backward at our failures. The love and forgiveness of Christ make all things new, and that’s the powerful message of the cross. Just as children hold onto promises, we can trust that Jesus is holding onto us with promises that never fail.

A father in distress brings his demon-possessed son to them, and they failed. They couldn't cast it out. They had done so before. Not too long before this, Jesus had sent the disciples out two-by-two, and specifically with authority over unclean spirits. But how quickly things change. That's the scene Jesus steps into. So this father turns to Jesus. If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us. This father knows and he doesn't know. Lord, I believe -- help my unbelief. Which really is a perfect summary of our life as Christians, isn't it? We are saint and sinner.

Be opened, Jesus said. And this man's ears were opened. Imagine what that must have been like. The joy. These miracles of Jesus were truly life-changing. There's an isolation that comes with these disabilities, try as we might to overcome it. If people don't want to be called disabled, we can certainly use different words. But, on a deeper level, this matters a great deal. Because if we normalize these things that sin has caused, then we are, in fact, normalizing sin. So what Jesus is doing is not just healing people, but overcoming sin and its disastrous effects.

So, gifts. That's been the focus these past three weeks. The funny thing about gifts, though, is that they can make us uncomfortable. Gifts are supposed to have no strings attached, and they often don't. Or they're not intended to. So it is with Jesus and His gifts. There are truly no strings attached. Jesus simply wants to give, and for all people to receive. We must have to do something! We have to be a certain way, we have to keep the rules, we have to follow the Law. But there are no strings attached. Truly!

So, gifts. That's been the focus these past three weeks. The funny thing about gifts, though, is that they can make us uncomfortable. Gifts are supposed to have no strings attached, and they often don't. Or they're not intended to. So it is with Jesus and His gifts. There are truly no strings attached. Jesus simply wants to give, and for all people to receive. We must have to do something! We have to be a certain way, we have to keep the rules, we have to follow the Law. But there are no strings attached. Truly!

Today, Jesus continues His program and teaching on the food that builds the Church. Bread that, as we heard today, one may eat of it and not die. The food that builds the church. But I think we're sometimes like the people in Jesus' day, who were thinking with their stomachs. Jesus said, this is the will of my Father, not that we have a good and comfortable life here for a while, but that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise Him up on the last day. And for that we need the food that builds the church.

Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink... Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever. Do you take offense at this? Jesus asked. Yes, they did. And many left. It is offensive, scandalous, a hard saying. Whoever feeds on this bread -- on Him, on His Word, on His forgiveness, and most especially on His Body and Blood -- will live forever.