The message: The purpose of the Messiah’s arrival is to bring deliverance for humankind who live under the grip of death because of sin. So, the angel said of Him: « You are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins » Mt 1:21. It is a work of God, based on His very own purpose, a work of His love for us human beings who are lost, separated from Him and preyed upon by the enemy, the devil, the enemy of God’s work. We cannot overcome it with our own strength, but we triumph over it with the power of God who is with us, according to His words: « Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken, and the prey of the tyrant be rescued; for I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children » Isa 49:25. This good news is a great comfort for our hearts and for the hearts of all who are looking forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise of the coming of the Messiah, His return to His people Israel and His appearing as the Savior of the world. For Jesus Christ has indeed come to us bringing a light of life to replace the darkness in which we live, bringing a great joy to heal and reassure our wounded hearts, bringing deliverance from our struggles and the bonds that oppress us, bringing renewal and restoration of all that had been broken and ruined in our lives and in our nation (Isa 61:1-3). In fact, we are not able to return to God on our own, so He Himself comes to us and returns to us who have already rebelled against Him, and He calls us to be again reconciled with Him, according to His reassuring and comforting words: « Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts » Zech 1:3. It is through God’s redemption that He adopts us as His children, forgives and justifies us, and makes us heirs to His glorious kingdom for eternal life. He realizes that for all who are aware of their wrongdoing and repent to Him (Ps 51:1-4). In this regard, Jesus said to you and to me: « Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven » Mt 9:2b.
Monday 13: Jesus Christ, the Messiah who brings redemption to the humankind. « Comfort, o comfort my people, says your God » Isa 40:1.
Reading 1: Mt 1:18-25. Reading 2: Isa 40:1-10. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Isa 40:9.
Introduction: God does not forsake people. This is why He made a deliverance for them, the forgiveness of their sins (Eph 1:7). He sends His Messiah to reconcile people with Himself, and He assures and comforts them, saying: « Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid » Isa 40:2a. « For he is our peace and has broken down the dividing wall » Eph 2:14, not only between us human beings but especially with God (2 Cor 5:18).
Tuesday 14: Jesus Christ brings redemption, a complete salvation for humankind. « The blind receive their sight, […]and the poor have good news brought to them » Mt 11:5.
Reading 1: Isa 61:1-3. Reading 2: Mt 11:2-10. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Mt 11:5.
Introduction: God’s redemption brings complete salvation to humankind. That is what Jesus Christ, God’s Messiah, brings: salvation in every aspect of their life and in every difficulty they may face. For it is written: « Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; […] and by his bruises we are healed » Isa 53:4 a, 5b. God commands us to trust in Him; as Jesus said: « In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world » Jn 16:33b.
Wednesday 15: Jesus Christ brings redemption, peace for the people.
« On earth peace […] » Lk 2:14. Reading 1: Isa 9:1-6. Reading 2: Lk 2:8-14. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Lk 2:13-14.
Introduction: For it is written: « ‘There is no peace,’ says the Lord, ‘for the wicked’ » Isa 48:22. And also: « The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion » Pr 28:1. The « righteous » are those who are reconciled with God and have fellowship with His Son (1 Jn 1:3). It is God who justifies them and sends His angels to proclaim: « Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors » Lk 2:14.
Thursday 16: Advent, a guarantee of redemption for believers.
« Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom […] » Mt 25:34. Reading 1: Rom 10:1-13. Reading 2: Mt 25:31-40. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Mt 25:34.
Introduction: The meaning of Advent is « coming ». It is meant to describe the coming of God’s Messiah to earth for us, Jesus Christ, « the Word [who] became flesh and lived among us » Jn 1:14. His coming is indeed a pledge of the redemption for all who truly believe in Him. The angels declared it this way: « Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, [the Christ] the Lord » Lk 2:10-11.
Friday 17: Preach and proclaim the redemption that Jesus Christ brings.
« Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes » 1 Cor 4:5a. Reading 1: Mt 7:1-11. Reading 2: 1 Cor 4:1-5. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: 1 Cor 4:5.
Introduction: « I desire mercy », says the Lord (Hos 6:6). Therefore, the Messiah did actually come, not to condemn the world but to save the world (Jn 3:17). « For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life » Jn 3:16.
Saturday 18: Prepare to receive Jesus Christ, the Redeemer Messiah.
« They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb » Rev 7:14b.
Reading 1: Mt 22:8-14. Reading 2: Rev 7:11-17. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Rev 7:13-14.
Introduction: The Messiah is received with a heart that has been cleansed through repentance. For God, in His mercy, does not tire of forgiving us (Mic 7:18). Thus, those who repent receive redemption, forgiveness, and justification from God. For it is written: « No one who conceals transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Happy is the one who is never without fear, but one who is hard-hearted will fall into calamity” Pr 28:13-14.
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