Here, in the concluding moments of the Liturgical Year, our hearts hang on a very particular message, one determined long ago in the mind of God and will be realized again in our hearts in the opening days of the Advent season. It is a message of hope enveloped in prophecy, strangely known as the Day of the Lord, when God enters into time to execute judgment on evil for the preservation of His people.

This is the message that Advent draws us toward: God’s arrival into this world. The prophet Jeremiah foretold of a day when God would cause “a righteous Branch to spring up for the house of David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.” We, like most hearers of such prophecies, might be quick to think of a mighty entrance into our world to forcefully conquer evil. This simply is not so. The arrival of the Son of God into our world was a descent into our likeness, indeed a humiliation. And this humiliation is the key to the sturdy hope that we hold on to. St. Athanasius is known for his enduring theological legacy related to Christ’s incarnation. He believed that humans can become deified or "partakers of the divine nature" through grace given through the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. He famously said, "The Word was made flesh in order that we might be made gods.” This can only be true because of how God pronounced judgment upon evil and death.

It is precisely because Christ condescended into his creation that we can be made like him. This is certainly the most hopeful message one could ever receive. It is a message for us as we cross over again into the new year in Advent. To this truth, may your heart be fastened, and to this hope, may your heart be planted.

Keep watch, friends, the Day of the Lord is coming!

During the season of Advent, we will enrich our worship by chanting the Psalms. To help you prepare and get excited about this beautiful tradition, check out a short video by David Belt introducing Simplified Anglican Chant. This method makes chanting accessible and meaningful for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your connection to the Psalms this Advent!

If there are no available parking spots in our lot, please use the parking lot across Cadiz. Our primary parking area experiences its highest occupancy between the transition from our 9:30 to 11 am service.