11/30/2025 Praise Service

AS WE GATHER Today is not only the First Sunday in Advent but also the commemoration of St. Andrew, whose day governs the start of Advent. In this way, Andrew continues to point to Christ as we begin a new Church Year. How odd it is, then, that the Gospel for the First Sunday in Advent is the same as the Gospel for Palm Sunday! This reminds us that Jesus came for the cross and empty tomb, and this is the only Gospel that can save us from sin and death. In order to enjoy the fruits of His redeeming work, we must be able to answer “Who is this?” (Matthew 21:10). This question of the crowd also becomes a question for us as we enter into Advent and a new Church Year. We marvel at this man, also true God, who is born among us in flesh and blood, who suffers and dies to win salvation for us, and who will come in His glory to bring all things to their perfect consummation and bliss.