The Church and the world are awake, but for very different reasons. The world counts down to midnight; the Church watches eagerly for her Master who is “coming at an hour” we “do not expect” (Luke 12:40). For many, the changing year brings regrets, fears, and desperate wishes for improvement. The world delights in smooth talk and illusions of prosperity at any cost (Is. 30:9–10). It has already forgotten “the Holy One of Israel” born six days earlier (Is. 30:11). The Church ends the calendar year differently. “In returning and rest. . . in quietness and in trust,” that is, in repentance and faith, for the Holy One saves us, and He is our strength (Is. 30:15). Our times are in His hands (Ps. 31:15), the hands of Mary’s Son—God not only with us, but for us (Matt. 1:23). So, who could be against us? If God has given His Son, “how will He not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:31–32). The Church dresses for action not in fear, but in hope; Christ is coming to serve her with His gifts (Luke 12:37). Who is there to condemn us for the passing year? Christ has died, is raised, and intercedes for us! What distress will the new year bring? Nothing “can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:34–39)!
Source: LCMS Lectionary Summaries, Feasts and Festivals
Art: The Last Judgment mosaic (14th-century), Saint Vitus Cathedral, Prague, Czech Republic.
Read: Luke 12:35-40
Pray: Eternal Father, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love. Grant that in this new year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event which gives us joy forever – the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (LBW p. 441)
