Welcome to the season of Advent! Advent is the last four Sundays before Christmas, but it marks the first four Sundays in the Christian calendar. Advent is from the Latin “adventus," meaning “arrival." It’s a season of anticipation as we recall the hope of Israel in the coming of the Messiah; a hope fulfilled by the birth of Christ! We also are reminded, though, of our own anticipation as we look forward with hope to the second coming of Christ; a hope that will not be disappointed!

This Sunday we’re beginning a new sermon series on The Gospel of Matthew. However, rather than begin in Matthew 1, we’re going to trace the promise of the Messiah through the Old Testament for the next three weeks. We’ll begin with the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1–3; 15:1–6 – A Promised Child), then consider the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:11–7 – A Promised King), and finally consider Isaiah 9 (Isaiah 9:1–7 – A Promised Savior). On the last Sunday of Advent, we will open up The Gospel of Matthew and consider how Matthew roots the story of our Savior’s arrival and ministry in the Old Testament promises as we work through his famous genealogy. The Sunday after Christmas we will consider Matthew’s birth narrative of Christ. This will launch us into Matthew’s Gospel in 2020.

Pastor Nathan and I are excited to preach through the Gospel of Matthew! The life of Christ is filled with promise and hope and the work of salvation that he worked for us. It’s shot through with challenge and mission and the pattern of discipleship. Matthew’s focus is on Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises, particularly Christ’s kingly office and the kingdom that he ushers in. So let’s get ready for a wonderful year of lifting Christ up as God ministers to us by His Word and Spirit.

Your fellow servant of Christ,
Pastor Matt