Advent is here and it’s time to patiently wait and prepare our hearts to receive the Christ child.

One thing I have learned over the course of my life is to trust in God’s faithfulness. It isn’t easy to do in the anxiety or the heat of the moment. That is where our prayer life comes in. After all, in the end things do seem to work out.

For me this past week has been very stressful. As I for the daily readings designated for this day, they too were not very comforting. So, I took the liberty of picking the texts for this service. I hope they will bring you some comfort and peace.

Today’s lessons highlight how we are to be in the world. As Luther put it in his explanations to the commandments, “we are to fear and love God.” He knew the distinction between following one’s own traditions over and above God’s Law.