"Like John, the preacher points to Christ in the manager" Advent 4 2021

Every call to repentance and every proclamation of God’s holy Law, by prophet and pastor alike, is preparation to receive Jesus. Like John, our confession of sin and repentance is preparation to receive Christ Jesus. Like John, the preacher points to Christ in the manager, and Christ crucified and declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” “Take, eat, the body of Christ for you!” “Take, drink, the blood of Christ shed for you for the forgiveness of sins!” “You are forgiven! Go in peace!” So, the man sent speaks the Word and gets out of the way. The Word by the Holy Spirit does the work.