1ST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Lord Jesus! In your name we have today begun a new year of struggle and pilgrimage in your Church on earth. With prayer and supplication we therefore appear before you, our only comfort, our only help, our only refuge. But for what shall we pray? Shall we once again ask you not to forsake your Church in the new year but in grace return to her and preserve and protect her? Why do we want this? You come to her without our prayer, for you have promised to come; heaven and earth would sooner crumble before you could break your word and let your Church, which is founded upon you, be overpowered. You are with her, she will therefore stand; you will help her and that right early.

Lord, that is why we beseech you to come also to us in the new year and give us grace, so that we may open our heart when you come. Today we remember our sins; today we think of how often in the past church year you have come to us in Word and Sacrament and we did not open our hearts nor make room for you there; we prevented the blessing which you had meant for us from coming. We know that we have well deserved that you would pass us by in the new year.

Yet, O Savior of all men and also our Savior! it is only because you interceded that we still live; it is only because you interceded that we are not yet snatched away but are given a period of grace; oh, make this also a part of your grace, and come again to us in this new year and complete your work in us so that, when the voice of midnight finally calls us to the wedding feast, we may be prepared to follow you, our Bridegroom, with lamps burning, clothed in our wedding garments. Hear us, oh King of grace, hear us. Amen. Amen.

Dear friends in Christ Jesus!

"Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved" than the name of Jesus Christ; so says the Apostle Peter. According to these words no person can save himself, nor can one brother redeem another, nor can an angel open heaven to man; Christ alone is the bridge which spans the abyss of death to eternal life; Christ alone is the open gate of paradise; Christ alone is the way into heaven. If anyone wishes to be saved, Peter says he must be saved through Christ, or all his efforts are in vain; and if a person has ever been saved he has been saved through Christ.

In the past, many have been offended at this doctrine because Christ first came into the world 4,000 years after its creation. They argue, If there actually were no salvation for men except in Christ, would he not have appeared immediately after the creation of the world? Would he have waited so long and, until he finally came, have let so many millions be lost without the hope of salvation?

But they err. Christ is a most amazing person. He had been in the world a long time when the holy angels extolled his birth in a heavenly hymn of praise. Christ's coming into the world is a twofold one, a physical and a spiritual one. To be sure, 1800 years ago he came into the world, in a manner he had not previously come, visibly and bodily; but Christ had always been spiritually in the world as long as it had existed. At the beginning of his gospel, John clearly writes, "In him was light; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ...That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." Jn 1:4,5,9. Therefore, Christ also says of himself, "Before Abraham

was, I am....Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad." Jn 8:58b.56.

In order to understand this correctly, one must know this: When the light of Adam's implanted innocence and righteousness was extinguished by the fall into sin, God immediately said to him, "The woman's seed will crush the head of the serpent;" with this first promise Christ began to appear as the only true light of the world; these words, one might say, were the first rays of a heavenly dawn, which began to penetrate the night of sin which had spread out over the world. When later one God spoke still more clearly to Abraham of Him through whom all the nations of the earth would be blessed and who would be born from the nation which descended from him, Christ even then shone brightly in a sinful world lying in darkness and in the shadow of death. And when century after century thereafter a long procession of prophets arose in Israel, all of whom proclaimed that the coming of the Promised One was constantly drawing closer, and, when finally Malachi, the last of the prophets, cried loudly to the world, "The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts," Mal 3:1b, then Christ shone ever more brightly until finally the heavens were rent and the heavenly hosts appeared and the angel of the Lord, surrounded by the glory of the Lord, cried to the astounded shepherds, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Lk 2:10,11. Christ did not first in this moment arise; now he stood as the bright noonday sun over all people.

So, far be it that Christ appeared in the world only after the passing of 4,000 years, because then first he had wished to begin the work of blessing the world; but he appeared at this time because he, as one might say, wanted to stand in the middle of time and stretch his arms backwards and forwards to all the lost. The prophecy concerning Christ, therefore, moves through the dark history of nations as a streak of heavenly light, becoming brighter and brighter. When Adam and Eve were driven out of Paradise and they experienced the bitterness of the world and amid sweat and tears had to till the accursed soil, even then he was their comfort. Even then he had been Israel's hope and the desire of all nations; therefore, if anyone was saved before Christ's birth, he was saved through Christ in whom he hoped.

That is why we read in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." We see from this, that as Christ was in the world and continually came into the world before he appeared, so he comes even now after he has already come and is always in the process of coming until he will finally come for the eternal celebration with his own in heaven. And that is the comforting subject of Advent, with which we will busy ourselves now.

The text. Matthew 21:1-9.

From very ancient times, whenever the orthodox church stood at the threshold of a new church year, she took delight in the description of Christ's entry through the gates of Jerusalem as it is found in the Gospel just read; thus she comforted herself in the gracious, invisible coming through the gates of the church, yes, the whole sinful world, which the Lord want to make again.

Today we also will imitate our spiritual mother, when we now answer the question:

WHAT DOES CHRIST'S ENTRY THROUGH THE GATES OF JERUSALEM TEACH

US AS WE BEGIN THE NEW CHURCH YEAR?

Chiefly, two things:

I. How Christ Can and Wishes to Enter Among Us also, and

II. How to Act Toward the Savior who is Entering Your Heart.

I.

My friends, when the evangelist says in our text, that Christ made that solemn entry through the gates of Jerusalem "so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet saying, Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee", we dare not think that this applied only to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. No, as certainly as Christ had not come to ascend the royal throne at Jerusalem, but to be a King of all men, so certainly does the command concern all preachers of the Gospel, me as well, "Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee."

Dare we actually believe that Christ can still enter, that he comes even today, and does so even among us? Has he not left this world long ago? and doesn't that lowly entry into Jerusalem show that Christ was nothing but a poor, weak, ordinary man? Do we not know that a few days later the cries of hosanna were followed by "Crucify him! Crucify him!", the crowning with thorns, and finally the King's disgraceful death on the cross?

So, at the first glance, nothing seems to be more foolish than to believe that today Christ can enter even among us as a King, But my friends, do not be deceived by appearances; though in our Gospel Christ passes by as a poor person, he is great in glory and majesty, which shines forth from his humble entry when we examine it more closely. For what do we hear? Coming from Galilee with his group of disciples and approaching Jerusalem after being absent for a long time, Christ suddenly halted and gave two of his disciples the command, "Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them and bring them to me." V. 2. Tell me, how could Christ know that that what he here so exactly and minutely foretold would actually be so? Christ simply proved that he is all-knowing. Do not argue about drawing a conclusion like that, since the circumstances which he predicted were so trivial! The more trivial they were, the more they prove that nothing, not even the least little thing, is hidden from Christ's eyes.

And still more: Christ adds, "And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them." V. 3. I will ask again: How could Christ know that the owner of that beast of burden would be moved to let it go? Thus Christ simply proves that he has the power to direct the hearts of men and do that even from a distance; so, he is almighty.

And still more: amid the cries and jubilation of thousands, Christ afterwards rode through the gates of Jerusalem; the entire city was excited; everyone, young and old, visitor and inhabitant, crowded together and in astonishment exclaimed, "Who is he?" Even the infants miraculously opened their mouths and loudly sang, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" Tell me, why did Herod, Pilate, and all the mighty of the land, who were in the city with a great number of armed soldiers, watch everything so calmly? What held these fierce foes of Christ in check so that they did not then and there arrest Christ as a rioter and rebel?

Perceive from this Christ's divine power. By this Christ proved that he could without sword or army subdue a hostile foe, dishearten them, bind their feet in chains, and make their arms lame. Oh, what is an earthly king in comparison with Christ! The power of earthly kings is a fragile sword, Christ's power is his almighty word; their throne is of dust and rests upon dust to which they themselves finally return; Christ's throne is erected in the hearts

of men, which he turns according to his absolute will. In short, Christ is an all-knowing, almighty King of hearts, the eternal true Son of the living God. This he proved when he entered Jerusalem and so convinces us that even now, today, he can enter among us also.

Is he not only able to enter among us but does he also want to? Have not all of us sworn faithfulness to him in Holy Baptism, and have we not all become unfaithful to him? Is he not the Most High and we but dust and ashes? Is he not the Most Holy and we unclean, unholy sinners worthy of damnation? And do we not read in the prophets, "Tell ye the DAUGHTER OF ZION, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee"?

Yes, my friends, that is what we read, but who was the daughter of Zion to whom this happy message was to be brought? Was it the saints, who were worthy of Christ's coming to them? Oh, no! That meant the citizens of Jerusalem; the very ones to whom Christ had so often preached his grace in vain; those who repaid the Lord's goodness with evil, love with hate, blessings with evil deeds; those who even now received the Lord with thoughts of murder and a few days later nailed him to the cross. Yes, it meant the citizens of that murderous city of Jerusalem, this heap of sinners ripe for hell to whom Christ once more came in unflagging patience and love and faithfulness, to visit them with all the riches of his grace and mercy, and to whom God wanted the message, "Behold, thy King cometh unto thee meek," a Helper, a Savior, to be proclaimed. Oh, how certain every one can be, that, no matter in what condition he may be, Christ wants to enter in unto him as well!

Or is there anyone of us who dares to think that Christ does not want to nor will he come to him in the new church year? Ah, of a truth! No one, no one dare think this of his faithful Savior, even though he has been most unfaithful to him in the past, yes, even though he had been Christ's most bitter enemy. Take a look at the open gates of Jerusalem; see there the King enter so meek and full of ardent yearning for the salvation of a city engulfed in every abyss of sin; learn from this that nothing, no unworthiness, no sin, no fall no matter how deep can keep him from knocking at the door of one's heart, desiring to be admitted and entering in to him who opens. And that means us as well. Though our sins may be ever so great, though they may be as high as a mountain, his love and grace is even greater. Confidently I can therefore say to everyone here, "Behold, thy King cometh unto thee," he comes, he comes!

And if you now ask, How is he coming? If you want to know, then look at Christ's entry into Jerusalem; there we find it depicted in a lovely picture. We see that Christ did not himself mount this beast of burden to make his entry. His disciples lifted him upon the animal; in their company and amid their cries of hosanna he entered. So Christ does to this very day. Wherever his servants preach his Word, wherever they say in his name, Behold your King comes, wherever his disciples are gathered who cry to him and say, "Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest!" there at all times is Christ in their midst; there Christ at all times follows them on foot; in short, there Christ makes his entry; there salvation is at the door of all hearts.

Oh, happy therefore are all of you who by God's grace today at the beginning of the new church year hear Christ's Word! Though the world may despise it, though it may be foolishness and an offense to it, under the sound of this despised Word there nevertheless takes place the greatest miracle of grace; for with it even today Christ, the prince of salvation, enters in wherever the heart is opened. Oh, happy are all those who open to him! This leads me to the second point which Christ's entry through the gates of Jerusalem teaches us as we stand on the threshold of a new church year.

II.

Namely, how you are to act toward the Savior who is again entering by Word and Sacrament.

If we cast another glance at that festive procession, we clearly distinguish two separate choruses. The disciples, who had accompanied Jesus on his travels and had just arrived with him from Galilee, compose the first chorus. First of all, what did they do? They did not forsake Christ, even though he had repeatedly predicted that he was now going into suffering and death. On the contrary, they attached themselves the more closely to Christ. And not only this, they were also zealous in doing Christ's will in everything. He sent them to do something, which to human reason seemed extremely foolish; they did not refuse to do it; they went in a hurry.

Not only did they themselves accompany Christ, but they also sought, as much as they were able, to get others to join them; they seated Christ upon the animal which they had brought, put their garments under him, preceded him as his heralds, and, loudly praising and confessing him as the King who should come, they attracted others to recognize and accept Christ.

There you see, my friends, you who have traveled with Christ, what your attitude toward your Savior who today wishes to enter in again should be. The first thing which is asked of you is that in the new year you do not forsake Christ whom you have followed in the past. And why should you do this? Must you not confess that as long as you have remained with Christ, you have received only good from him, experienced only love, enjoyed only peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, and that you were better off with him than with the world? Oh, then do not forget all this; do not look with longing eyes back to the world, its treasures, joys, and honor; otherwise you will regret it for time and for eternity; but remain with him, even if after the hour of joy you yet must experience many an hour of sorrow, yes, weeks of pain; remain with him, your faithful Savior, until he has brought you to your eternal homeland.

As the disciples not only remained in faith in Christ but also served him more and more zealously and willingly in constantly growing love, so also you. Promise the Lord today that you want to dedicate yourselves completely to him in the new church year, free yourselves more and more from the old sins which still cling to you and make you lazy Christians, and show greater zeal in the sanctification of the spirit. Promise that today and pray for grace to keep your promise. And as the disciples did not think alone of themselves but also of those who did not know Christ or enjoy his peace, and there did everything they were able to promote Christ's entry into Jerusalem, enliven this dead nation, and draw it into their spiritual joy and rejoicing over Christ and his grace, so also you. Think of how many still live without the knowledge of Christ, not only among the poor heathen but also around and near you, how many fall through temporal death into the abyss of an eternal death and are lost! Let your light therefore shine before men that they may see your good works and join you in glorifying the Father in heaven. Lift up your hands to God for those who still sit in darkness and in the shadow of death and earnestly pray: "Lord, may thy kingdom come;" but then also open your hands generously so that Christ's messengers can go out into the barren wilderness where the erring sheep live and bring them back; then the one flock under the One Shepherd will constantly grow, the exaltation of the redeemed host will grow louder, and the name of the Lord will be glorified more and more and all lands; soon the day will come when Christ will end all distress and with his followers triumphantly enter through the gates of the eternal Jerusalem for the eternal royal wedding in the house of his heavenly Father.

However, we find another chorus besides that of the disciples who had been with Christ, a second chorus of those taking part in the festive entry; in the past they had stayed away from Christ.

What do we hear about them? We hear that as the report of the Lord's approach spread throughout Jerusalem; they hurriedly left the city and met Christ; the moment they saw him they immediately swore allegiance to him as their true King, spread their garments on the way, decorated it with palm branches and green boughs, and then loudly joined in the disciples' choir of jubilation.

You, who cannot say that your past life and particularly the past church year was a time of traveling with Christ, there you hear how you should act towards the Savior who wishes to enter your heart, you who must rather admit that in the past year you concerned yourselves little or not at all about Christ, served yourselves more than Christ, and sought earthly wealth and joys and honor rather than Christ's grace. Do you actually want to remain in this tragic condition in the new church year as well? Do you really want to remain without grace and without God's good pleasure, without peace of conscience and without the joy of the Holy Spirit, without the hope of eternal life, and without the certainty of salvation? Do you want to neglect to care for your immortal soul in the new church year also and be concerned chiefly for your mortal body, the transient worthless things of this world, the fickle favor of men who are dust and ashes, and finally rot with all their glory? No, no; far be it!

This very hour you have also heard the news, "Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek!" Oh, let it enter your heart as well. Come, come, your King, who has so often come to you in the past and whom you have always repulsed, behold, again he comes to you today in Word and Sacrament; leave this sinful, restless Jerusalem of this world behind and in spirit hurry out where Christ's disciples are with Christ. Take off the garments of your own righteousness and lay them under Christ's feet; that is, acknowledge that you are naked, poor, lost sinners, cast yourselves down at Jesus' feet, not only prepare a way for him in your hearts with the palm branches of ardent prayer and with the green boughs of sincere sighs and tears, but also accept him in faith as your gracious King, swear allegiance to Him, and join his disciples in their ringing hosannas, with which they greet him today. Oh, blessed, blessed are you who follow the advent call still resounding in the New Testament Church! The new church year opens to you like a laughing valley through which you will travel.

Come then, all of you, my dear hearers; let us together begin the beautiful journey and exclaim, "Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven, and glory in the highest." Mt 21; Lk 19:38, Amen. Amen.