The First Sunday in Advent begins a new church year. It marks the season of preparation for Christmas. Since the fourth century, Advent, a word derived from the Latin word "coming," has been a time to emphasize the theme of Christ's coming into the world.
At first glance, the Gospel selection from Matthew 21:1-13, a Palm Sunday reading, may seem strange. Yet, when read at this time of the church year, the account is primarily a reminder of the varied ways that Jesus Christ comes into human lives. Christ, the Messianic King, came into the world long ago. He keeps coming to us through the work of the Holy Spirit in Word, Sacrament, and prayer, and Christ will come again to conclude earthly history on the last day.
As Matthew 21 shows, Jesus comes humbly and peaceably as our rightful ruler who does not have to prove Himself. Yet, even when He comes in this simple and peaceful way, He automatically brings rebuke and judgment upon human corruption. Such human corruption perverted the purposes of the Jerusalem Temple and still corrupts the Church in this world. So, as our Lord purified the Temple, so also He must purify His Church repeatedly. Both the institution and individual Christians need to be cleansed and renewed. As we begin our Advent preparations for the great Christmas festival, let us also examine our souls. Only through spiritual self-examination, repentance, and renewal in faith can we truly develop an appreciation for the good news that Christ's coming brings.
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