Children of God, your redemption is drawing near. Indeed, your redemption stands in your very midst as you gather with Christ’s Church to hear your Lord speak and to receive the food of His Flesh and the drink of His Blood. The world doesn’t understand or believe this and so it gives its attention to earthly things that neither help nor save. They won’t receive Christ as He graciously comes under Word and Sacrament. They despise all that is weak and humble. Consequently, all who won’t receive Christ as He now comes in grace will be left to receive Him in terror when He draws near again for the final judgment. Christ Himself prepares you to receive Him on the Last Day in joy by hearing your confession and forgiving you all your sins. He teaches you the truth so that you would not be led astray into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. So receive Him now as He approaches with mercy and healing in His wings so that when He comes again on the clouds for all to see you may lift up your head with eagerness and joy as your redemption draws near. I look forward to seeing you this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer