He comes, and he has died on the cross; shed his blood that we may have mercy.

He comes. So be glad. Rejoice. As St. Paul says: look: be joyful always.

During Advent, we can fail to see the story that is going on, and instead see a pretty; perhaps a cute scene; with some barn yard animals, and some “precious moments” angels, and some wise men with gifts; and, of course, a beautiful sleeping baby who never cries. We even hear that picturesque sentiment in the song, right? Jesus couldn’t have been a FUSSY baby: Cause we know: “But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.”

But remember: REMEMBER what this little precious baby was sent here for. This precious baby was born with a mission. Really, here we have, in the Christ, one baby, BORN TO DIE. A baby born, not into a scene of tranquility, but into a world of death and sin.

A situation, even as he lays there in the hay, where Satan and the evil of the world are trying to destroy him! He comes into the world, and immediately King Herod attempts to kill him: to KILL this baby! SATAN desires to KILL BABY JESUS, using the forces of this world! WHAT A WORLD HE IS SENT INTO! HOW THE OPPOSITION TO HIS MINISTRY BEGINS FROM HIS BIRTH!

Look at the example of the disciples. How about THAT for conviction. THEY lived like they believed it. We hear in the Gospels how they left everything to follow Jesus. And it’s one of the few instances where Jesus seems to give the disciples a good old fashioned pat on the back for doing so. And their sacrifice goes beyond this! Every single one but John was martyred. Every single one lived in such a way that NO ONE could think: “Well, this is just a get rich quick scheme. They’re just after my wallet.” If Christianity was a get rich quick scheme for the disciples, it was the worst one ever! All the people at the top of the pyramid seemed content to march off to death!

But what strength there is in their conviction! And what a witness theirs is because of their sacrifice! And do you know why they could give up everything as they did? Because they knew that they already had everything; and that nothing could ever take it away from them. Not their sins; not their doubts; not the world; not Satan; NOT EVEN DEATH. All because of Jesus Christ. And you know what? That’s the same Jesus who stands in for you. May we always live like it, that the WORLD MAY HEAR, by the power of God’s spirit. Amen.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, O heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

And so, like a thief in the night, here it is: Thanksgiving is upon us. Family, food, football, and parades. What a great holiday! A moment where we gather together and reflect on all the blessings we have been given.