From the Pulpit

Posted on January 18, 2026 by pastorkevinjud

The Lamb of God Who Baptizes with the Holy Spirit

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Epiphany 2 2026
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio
Pastor Kevin Jud
January 18, 2026
Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Cor. 1:1-9, John 1:29-42a

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On that fateful Thursday, eating the Passover with His disciples, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit after He departs. John 15:26 (ESV) 26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”

Jesus tells them He must go away and they will have sorrow because of it. John 16:7 (ESV) 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”

The Holy Spirit will come to the disciples only after Jesus departs. Why is that? What is going on with the Holy Spirit? Why will He only come after Jesus leaves?

We get insight into this by going back to the beginning of the Gospel of John when Jesus arrives at the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. John 1:29 (ESV) 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

This is truly an astonishing title for someone. “The Lamb of God.” This brings up remembrance of the lambs whose blood was painted over the doors in Egypt to protect the children of Israel from the plague of the death of the first born. It brings to mind the lambs sacrificed at the Tabernacle and the Temple to purify these places of worship before God’s presence entered in. It reminds us of the lambs sacrificed at the Temple as sin offerings to God. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Jesus is a sacrificial Lamb like no other. He is the perfect final offering as we read in… Hebrews 10:10 (ESV) 10 …we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

Jesus’ identity as the Son of God is confirmed for John the Baptist because he was told by God that… John 1:33b (ESV) 33…‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’”

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world — and He baptizes with the Holy Spirit.

After His crucifixion and burial and resurrection, on the evening His resurrection day, He comes and stands among the disciples in a locked room and shows them His hands and His side and says to them… John 20:21–23 (ESV) 21 … “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Jesus sends the disciples to continue what He began and He gives them the Holy Spirit by breathing on them. The words for spirit in Hebrew and Greek also mean breath or wind. The Spirit is the breath of God. As God breathed life into Adam, so Jesus breathes life into the disciples with the Holy Spirit. Jesus sends them out with authority to forgive and retain sins by the power of the Spirit. This is a private, preliminary bestowal of the Spirit, commissioning the disciples as apostles; sent ones, to bring the Good News of forgiveness of sins through the blood of the Lamb to the whole world. The powerful, public bestowal of the spirit comes 50 days later. Acts 2:1–6 (ESV) 1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.”

The sound of this powerful bestowal of the Holy Spirit draws a crowd of thousands to hear the Word of God preached by the disciples who are empowered to speak many languages. Peter preaches a sermon which he concludes with this convicting statement. Acts 2:36 (ESV) 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

The crowd responds to Peter’s sermon. Acts 2:37–39 (ESV) 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

The apostles of Jesus have the Holy Spirit and the Spirit spreads to others. How does the Spirit spread? Through the Word of God and baptism. Repent, and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The forgiveness of the Lamb of God is delivered to you in baptism and hearing the Good News. You are cleansed of your sin. Like the Tabernacle and the Temple purified by burnt offerings, your body is purified by the blood of the Lamb in order to receive the presence of God — the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

As Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3, in baptism you are born from above by water and the spirit. As Jesus taught at the last supper, the Spirit will bear witness about Jesus. He points you to Jesus and gives you faith. As we read in… 1 Corinthians 12:3 (ESV) 3 …no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.”

The Spirit is a bit of a mystery because the Spirit does not amplify Himself. As Jesus teaches… John 16:13 (ESV) 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” The Spirit is not about self-promotion; rather He points you to Jesus.

You are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb of God who washes away all your sin. Jesus fills you with the Holy Spirit to make you holy and keep you in true faith unto eternal life. The Holy Spirit’s presence sanctifies you. He makes you pure and holy — righteous, innocent and blessed. God dwells in your purified body. The Spirit also sanctifies you each day to resist sin and temptation, to grow in faith and live a holy life according to God’s will. The Spirit fills you so the evil one cannot take up residence in you — he can only tempt you from outside. Resist the devil, the world and your own sinful nature and live as one enlivened by the Spirit. As Paul writes in… Ephesians 4:30–32 (ESV) 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

The Lamb of God was sacrificed on the altar of the cross to take away all your sin. Jesus transforms the Passover into the Lord’s Supper where He delivers to you the Body and Blood of the Lamb to continue to cleanse you of your sins and strengthen and preserve you in true faith. You live in the Kingdom of God under the New Testament, the New Covenant, in the blood of Jesus. You are, right now, a holy saint of God purified by the blood of the Lamb with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Like those in the church of Corinth in our Epistle reading, Paul could address you… 1 Corinthians 1:2 (ESV) 2 To the church of God that is in [Hamilton], to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:”

What a great blessing to live with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in this time between Jesus’ ascension and His return in glory. The Spirit is God’s deposit, His seal on you; guaranteeing you a place in the Heavenly City. The Spirit comforts you and guides you. He reveals and upholds the truth. The Spirit makes you a child of God and gives you wisdom.

Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world — and who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. You have been purified by the blood of the Lamb and born again in water and the Spirit. Amen.

Posted on January 11, 2026 by pastorkevinjud

What is Jesus Doing with Sinners?

Francesco Trevisani: English: John the Baptist baptizing Christ

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The Baptism of Our Lord
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio
Pastor Kevin Jud
January 11, 2026
Isaiah42:1-9, Romans 6:1-11, Matthew 3:13-17

Sometimes parents can get concerned if their children get together with those below their social class. In the early part of the 1900s there was a young lady whose father had made a fortune in meatpacking and retired at the age of 36. His daughter was raised in a life of luxury with servants to cook and clean and help with any menial tasks. At 19, this young lady fell in love with a 25-year-old, penniless army lieutenant. Her father was worried that this poor soldier was not good enough for his refined, high society daughter. He told her that if she married him she would not have daddy’s money as a safety net, and she would have to live in army housing and pinch pennies to make ends meet. She married him anyway and learned to cook and clean and stretch the budget. Her father did not want her to marry a man with no money because he believed that was beneath his daughter’s dignity. In this case, her father was wrong. It turned out that the young lieutenant, Dwight Eisenhower, eventually became a five star general and president of the United States. Mamie Eisenhower chose love for the poor soldier over money and a life of ease. Life was not easy, but it did bring her to the White House. Mamie’s father probably should not have been so worried, but it is common for parents to be concerned about their children getting together with those who might be a negative influence.

Did your parents ever warn you about playing with certain kids because they were afraid those kids might get you into trouble? I may have been the one the other parents warned about.

Did your parents ever encourage you to make friends with “good” kids instead of the “bad” kids? It is not a terrible idea. We live after the fall into sin and we are influenced by those around us. When students leave Immanuel to go on to high school I encourage them to pick new friends wisely so that their friends will help make them better people.

In our Gospel reading today we see a Son hanging out with those well below His social status. This Son is going around with troublemakers; lowlife riff-raff who struggle to do good. What is His Father going to think about that?

John the Baptist has been preaching in preparation for the Son’s arrival, Matthew 3:2 (ESV) 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” And the people respond and come to John to confess their sins and be baptized with a baptism of repentance. There is a crowd of people down at the Jordan responding to John’s message of repentance. But, what kind of people are they who need to repent and confess? These are people who are not good enough. These are sinners who need to repent.

The Son is so much above sinners. John the Baptist describes Him as… Matthew 3:11 (ESV) 11 “…he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry….” John is not worthy to carry His footwear. The mighty, holy, King is coming to rule His Kingdom. Jesus arrives at the Jordan from Galilee. Jesus comes to John’s baptism of repentance. But this does not make any sense. Jesus is the holy, sinless, Son of God. He has nothing to confess. He does not need to repent.

What is going on here? What is Jesus doing? Jesus is standing with sinners and being baptized with a baptism of repentance — like a sinner. What does God, the Father, think about all this? Matthew 3:16–17 (ESV) 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus is hanging out with the riff-raff and His Father is well pleased. That is such great good news for you and me – the riff-raff. Jesus really has come to save sinners. He stands with sinners and is baptized with them. Jesus is not going to be led into trouble by others — He will forgive them and lead them out of trouble.

Jesus standing with sinners is unexpected because John had proclaimed that Jesus is coming in judgment. Matthew 3:10 (ESV) 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire… Matthew 3:12 (ESV) 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Jesus has arrived, but where is the axe? Where is the winnowing fork? Where is the judgment? Instead Jesus is being baptized with the sinners. Jesus answers John’s objections… Matthew 3:15 (ESV) 15 … “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” “Let it be so now.” Judgment is not yet. It will come… but not yet. For now, Jesus is doing His righteous saving work. For now, Jesus has great mercy on sinners. Isaiah 42:3 (ESV) 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench…” Jesus is showing how He will reign as King. He will rule in humble, saving, service, culminating with being crowned with thorns and enthroned on the cruel cross at Golgotha. Jesus will live out what the angel told Joseph Jesus’ name meant… Matthew 1:21 (ESV) 21 … you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Jesus later instructs us how to make followers of Jesus. Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) 18 … “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Jesus stands with sinners. At His baptism He is literally standing with sinners at the Jordan River. As the whole nation of Israel reduced to one, Jesus fulfills God’s law and promises. He takes the place of sinners, and receives the baptism from John that the sinners received.

Now, it can be misinterpreted that because Jesus stands with sinners and is baptized with sinners and eats with sinners that He is promoting sin. People want to believe that because God loves all people that He endorses their sin. But this is completely against what we see here at the Jordan. Jesus stands with repentant sinners to pay the price of their sin with His own body and blood. Jesus does not promote sin; He sheds His blood to pay for sin to appease God’s wrath. Paul addresses this in our Epistle reading. Romans 6:1–2 (ESV) 1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” Jesus comes to save sinners. He comes to take your sin upon Himself and endure the wrath of God in your place. In your baptism you are connected to Jesus and His savings works. This is the Father’s plan.

This morning we get to (got to) witness a death and a resurrection…right here at the font. In the waters of baptism, little Johann Pirn will die (died) to sin and will be (was) raised to eternal life in Christ. Johann will be (was) given the gift of eternal life in Christ and his body will be (is now) a temple of the Holy Spirit. Johann will be (has been) declared righteous, innocent and blessed because of what Jesus has done for him. Jesus comes to save sinners including Johann and including you. Jesus stands with you.

Jesus stands with you even as you continue to struggle with sin and temptation. He stands with you as you once again repent of that same stupid sin. He takes your place and pays your price and gives you His perfection and holiness. You are connected directly to Jesus in your baptism. Through His Church, you stay connected to Jesus until you die. And then, when your spirit has gone to be with the Lord to wait for the Last Day, we will begin your funeral with these words. Romans 6:3–5 (ESV) 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”

Unlike some parents, Jesus’ Father does not try to keep Him away from the lowly and troubled – indeed, that is who He has come to save. As followers of Jesus who are natural born sinners we need to beware of bad influences in life, but we cannot write people off because we think they are too sinful for Jesus. Jesus calls for all to repent and believe. Jesus does not come for those who believe they are good enough. Jesus does not come to encourage the high and mighty to be higher and mightier. Jesus comes to save sinners like you and me. So declare with confidence along with Johann, “God’s own child I gladly say it. I am baptized into Christ.” Amen.

Posted on January 4, 2026 by pastorkevinjud

Do Not Walk in Darkness

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Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio
Vicar Daniel English
January 4, 2026
Sermon – Epiphany of Our Lord
Isaiah 60:1–6; Ephesians 3:1–12; Matthew 2:1–12; Psalm 72:1–15;

Do Not Walk in Darkness

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). In the early chapters of John’s Gospel, Jesus is described as the light of men (John 1:4), the light that shines in the darkness (John 1:5), the true light which gives light to everyone (John 1:9). Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, blessed Epiphany!

What does “Epiphany” mean? It means manifestation or appearance… it means something is revealed or made known… something is made visible and now it can be seen. An “epiphany” might be the term you use to describe that moment when you finally realize something, or when you have a great idea. Literally, “epiphany” means to shine light upon. Light and darkness have a strong connection to meanings of good and evil or ignorance and knowing… it just makes sense to us. If someone says, “I’m being kept in the dark about that,” you know he doesn’t know much if anything about it. If someone says, “That was a dark movie,” you know that if you watch it you aren’t going to walk away feeling light and happy. A detective tries to “bring things to light” during the course of his criminal investigation… he discovers some new evidence that was previously unknown. An experience or conversation wherein we learn something new is “illuminating.” Maybe if you come to know or understand something you should have known or understood a long time ago, it finally “dawns” on you. This kind of symbolic understanding is natural to us, but it is also literal. When you’re in a dark room and can barely make out the various shapes in the corner, you can only discover the new location of the coffee table by stubbing your toe on it. But once the lights are on, you can see the room and all of its contents, you can get from one side to the other with ease. It’s not even noteworthy… No one is pleasantly surprised or proud of you when you get up and walk through a room with the lights on. By the grace of God, the lights have been on in the church for a very long time. The church has had the right confession of Jesus of Nazareth for nearly two millenia. “[He] is the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). “[You] believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is [your] Lord, who has redeemed [you], a lost and condemned person, purchased and won [you] from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that [you] may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. [You know that] [t]his is most certainly true” (Luther’s Small Catechism, Apostles’ Creed, Second Article). You know this because since the Epiphany of Our Lord, it has become clearer and clearer who Jesus is, what He has done, and for WHOM He has done it.

This is what Epiphany is about. It is about the movement from darkness into the light… from NOT knowing to knowing. The Wise Men, Gentiles from the East, following a star given to them as a sign from God, arrive at Jesus’ feet in order to worship Him. “God causing the star to shine was God announcing over the whole earth that the child born in Bethlehem was King not just of the Jews but of all” (Looking Forward to Sunday Morning by Carl C. Fickenscher II, p 37). We learn from Epiphany, as St. Paul clarifies in his letter to the Ephesians, that “the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6). Most if not all of us in this room are what you would call a “Gentile”… or even a “Barbarian.” We are not descended from Abraham. It was thought that the Gospel was only for the Jews. On Epiphany, I get to declare that the Gospel is for all people, and this is wonderful news. We Gentiles are not left to be condemned… to pay the wages of our sin. Instead, the God of all creation has redeemed us from death and the devil and hell.

It’s no accident that Epiphany, this season of enlightenment, comes to us not long after the shortest and coldest days of the year. Some of you wake up and drive to work while it is still dark outside, and then you make the commute home in darkness again. This message comes to us to wake us up from our slumber, to stop our fumbling around in the dark, and to make sure that we haven’t grown accustomed to the darkness. During Epiphany, Light shines in the darkness.

And what is that Light? For Isaiah the prophet, “the glory of the LORD” rises like the sun and brings the Light. Isaiah writes: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1-2). For the shepherds tending their flocks by night, it was the glory of the Lord shone around them as the heavenly host erupted into joyous song to announce the birth of the Savior, Jesus (Luke 2:8-10). For the Wise Men from the East, it was the miraculous star in the sky that led them to the Christchild.

“[B]ehold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;” (Matthew 2:1b-3). Here there is a break from the pattern in the Scriptures that we have seen so far. In the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, many people have heard about the coming of the Lord. The Virgin Mary (Luke 1:38, 46-55), Mary’s cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:42-43), John the unborn Baptist leaping in Elizabeth’s womb (Luke 1:41), Joseph who resolves to take Mary as his wife and to shield her from contempt and scorn (Matthew 1:24), the shepherds from the field who hear about Jesus from the angels then glorify and praise God after they find Him (Luke 2:20)… all of these received the news of the birth of Jesus with thanksgiving… and they were obedient to the commands of the Lord. This is the pattern. This is God’s desire. Herod, however, does not rejoice. Herod is troubled… and all of Jerusalem with him. Herod the Idumaean king of the Jews hears that someone who has the power to take away his throne, the actual King of the Jews, has been born. Herod knows that his claim to the throne is weak because he is not from the House of David… he isn’t even a Jew. Herod has heard the prophecies of old. What if they are true? Are they are actually being fulfilled? So he calls an assembly with all the chief priests and scribes of the people and demands that they tell him, “Where will the Christ be born” (Matthew 2:3-4)? Quoting from the prophet Micah, Herod’s chief priests and scribes answer, “Bethlehem.” In secret, Herod sends the Wise Men to Bethlehem to search out the Child and bring him word of His location (Matthew 2:7-8). The Wise Men intend to find the Child, Jesus, in order to give Him treasures, in order to bow down before Him and worship Him. Herod, on the other hand, intends to find the Child, Jesus, in order to put Him to death. The Wise Men succeed. “And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way” (Matthew 2:11-12). Herod is enraged, and last week we read about the young boys whom Herod killed, the Holy Innocents, in His futile attempt to put Jesus to death before His time. These are two very different reactions to the Light.

Herod is arrogant… prideful… unrepentant… and unbelieving. He would rather kill the Lord than humble himself. If he accepted the reign of Christ, he would have to repent and live according to God’s Law. Instead of killing anyone who gets in his way, he would have to “help and support [his neighbor] in every physical need”. Instead of raising his sons to covet and lust after women, he would have to teach them to “lead a sexually pure and decent life in word and deed” and teach them that “husband and wife are to love and honor each other.” He would have to “fear, love, and trust in God above all things.”

You see… having the Light of Christ shine on you can be a very painful thing. When Paul was on the road to Damascus, commissioned by the chief priests and given the authority to bind and kill Christians, he was encountered by the True Light. The Light, he says, shone brighter than the sun. The Light knocks him down to the ground and blinds him for three days, during which time he does not eat or drink (Acts 9:1-9, 26:12-18). Paul goes on to be sent by God to the Gentiles, “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in [Jesus]” (Acts 26:18). Paul, all the Jews, all the Gentiles… all people are called to “repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance” (Acts 26:20). Notice that Paul continues in his repentance as he calls himself “the very least of all the saints” (Ephesians 3:8) and he continues in suffering as a prisoner for Christ. Paul is the Lord’s chosen instrument to proclaim the name of Christ to the people, and the Lord shows Paul how much he must suffer for His name (Acts 9:15-16). Has Paul’s encounter with the True Light been comfortable?

The Light uncovers darkness, and when the light of God’s Word lays bare your utter inadequacy, the only path forward is to repent and bear fruits in keeping with repentance. This was too much for Herod. Herod would rather cling to his earthly throne and set himself up as an opponent to the almighty God. Herod refuses to walk in the light. Herod dies an enemy of Christ. He raises sons after him to be enemies of Christ. But you are not an enemy of Christ. You are baptized. You are a child of God. Christ is your brother. The Lamp of God’s Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). As you are shown your sin, repent and be forgiven. Receive the Holy Spirit to amend your sinful life. Be the Light of Christ in your homes and at work, in your community or wherever you go. Husbands: Love your wives and live with them with understanding, honor them, sacrifice for them, and serve them as Christ does all these things for His Bride, the Church (1 Peter 3:7, Ephesians 5:25-30). Wives: Submit to your husbands as to the Lord as the Church submits to Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24). Parents: Love your children and raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Children: obey your parents (Ephesians 6:1). Work diligently in your calling and put on the whole armor of God, the armor of Light. Resist the devil and temptation and repent of your sins each and every day. You have the Light of Life, do not walk in darkness. Repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus, it is for all people… and that includes you!

In the Name of Jesus. Amen

Posted on December 28, 2025 by pastorkevinjud

Jesus Brings Violence

The Martyrdom of the Holy Innocents, Gustave Dore, 1868

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Christmas 1 2025 Holy Innocents
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio
Pastor Kevin Jud
December 28, 2025
Isaiah 63:7-14, Galatians 4:4-7, Matthew 2:13-23

Christmas is such a wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Christ, in Bethlehem, which is announced by angels to nearby, lowly shepherds. Christmas is full of warm, sweet feelings of joy and togetherness. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her king.” You gather with family and friends and enjoy food and fellowship and exchange gifts. As Andy Williams said in his song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And then we get to December 28th and we are hit in the face with the dark side of Jesus’ arrival. Today we remember Herod the Great’s slaughter of the Holy Innocents; the baby boys of Bethlehem. Jesus’ birth brings awful, tragic violence. Jesus’ birth causes the devil great alarm and the devil tries to destroy Jesus using Herod as his instrument.

The devil knows that Jesus is coming and devil knows what this means for him and so as John relates in… Rev. 12:4b ESV the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.”

Jesus’ incarnation, His life, His death and His resurrection crush the head of the serpent and the Devil’s status in heaven changes as recorded in the continuing apocalyptic language of Revelation 12:7–9 (ESV) 7 Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8 but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” The devil could not destroy Jesus because Jesus will die when His time has come.

John continues the Revelation 12:13-14, 17 ESV 13 And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time… 17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.”

After the magi depart, God sends an angel to warn Joseph in a dream to immediately depart for Egypt. Shortly after, under orders from Herod, a band of armed soldiers invade Bethlehem going house to house brutally killing helpless children. Jesus is safe, but all the other baby boys two years old and younger in Bethlehem are killed in the Devil’s attempt to destroy the Christ, leaving behind weeping, and loud lamentation. This is such a disturbing account of raw, wicked violence and it comes so close on the heels of the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It is hard to fathom this kind of evil; killing babies to protect political power. Jesus’ time on earth is a dark and violent time.

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the one who has come to bring peace between God and man, also causes violent reactions as the darkness tries to snuff out the light. Simeon warns Mary of this at the Temple. Luke 2:34–35 (ESV) 34 … “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” And Jesus also warns of this, Matthew 10:34 (ESV) 34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” The devil’s opposition to Jesus and His followers brings death and destruction in the world.

It is a dark and violent world still today. The devil could not destroy Jesus so now he continues to make war on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. The devil promotes chaos and destruction. He brings war and famine and devastation. He brings violence and addiction and death. Watching the news you see death and destruction all around the world, and death and destruction close to home. You see how evil destroys — people and families and nations and churches. This past week, just before Christmas, a man speeding on River Road without any thought of the safety of others, crossed the center line and instantly killed a ten-year-old boy and his parents. Evil brings death and destruction.

Death came into the world through the lies of the devil in the Garden of Eden and the devil still loves death; he is the father of death. There are the crass violent deaths the devil promotes through crime and terrorism and warfare. But the devil also tries to package mass death to make it seem like loving care. We shudder to think of the slaughter of a couple of dozen innocent baby boys in Bethlehem, but we are told to call the slaughter of millions of unborn infants, “women’s healthcare,” and view it as a fundamental right. Instead of protecting the most vulnerable among us, tiny babies are sacrificed to the idol of sexual freedom. The elderly, the handicapped, the chronically ill and the mentally ill need care and protection but there is an increasing movement to allow doctors to end their lives — to put them out of their misery… like an animal. We are told to call these murders, “Medical Assistance in Dying.” In Canada close to 5% of all deaths are from the government killing the sick and infirm and depressed. This legalized murder is now allowed in 17 U.S. states with New York and Illinois being the most recent. The devil loves death and destruction especially cloaked in the guise of loving care. The devil wants you to embrace his godless infertility cult of death which is becoming quite popular with so many in our nation. The devil is out to destroy us.

Stay alert. 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” As a follower of Jesus, the devil is coming after you, so know your enemy. How will the devil attack you?

The devil has many and various strategies. He deceived Eve by getting her to doubt God’s Word and tempting her to become like God. He will do the same to you. “Did God really say?”

The devil will tempt you to despair and destroy yourself by convincing you that your sins are too great and God will not forgive you; that the blood of Jesus is not powerful enough for your sins.

Or, the devil will convince you are doing just fine. You are good enough and you can rely on your good works. You do not need a Savior.

The devil will convince you that you have autonomy and rule yourself. You do not need Jesus as King.

The devil will convince you to judge your behavior not by the Word of God, but by your feelings, so you can decide what is sin and what is not.

The devil has ordained many wolves to stand in pulpits dressed like sheep to lead people away from the truth of God’s Word. Many will come to hear these wolves because… 2 Timothy 4:3 (ESV) 3 …people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions…” These wolves give up the preaching of repentance and forgiveness of sins in the blood of Jesus, and instead are instruments of the devil, encouraging people to worship the idols of prosperity, sexual freedom, and friendship with the world.

The devil will attack faithful churches by encouraging followers of Jesus to fight with each other instead of staying on guard against Satan and his minions. Know your enemy. Know his strategies.

Jesus has defeated Satan and you belong to Jesus. So, know your enemy and never despair. Remember, you are baptized. Daily repent of your sins and follow Jesus. Jesus has marked you as His own in Holy Baptism and He feeds you with His Body and Blood in Holy Communion to strengthen you for the fight. Stay alert and know you are well-equipped for battle. Paul tells us in…Ephesians 6:10–13 (ESV) 10 … be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”

Stand firm in Christ. You are safe from the Evil One. Despite the chaos of the devil’s death and destruction, in Christ you have victory over the evil one. You know his lies and his accusations. You have Jesus on your side and with Jesus you will win. You have the Holy Spirit in you so the devil cannot take control of you; all he can do is pick at you from outside and try to lure you away from Jesus and His Church. He can send those to harm your body but he cannot harm your soul. You are safe in the Kingdom of Heaven forever. You are safe for eternity in Jesus. Fear God, but do not fear the devil. Matthew 10:28 (ESV) 28 … do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Christmas is a wonderful celebration of the incarnation of the Son of God as that baby in Bethlehem, but even in those early days of Jesus’ life we get glimpses as to what is to come. Baby Jesus is wrapped in cloths and laid in a manger — very likely a stone manger with a hollowed out area for animal feed and water. Jesus lies on the stone wrapped in cloth. Thirty-three years later, six miles north, outside the walls of Jerusalem, Jesus’ dead body is taken down from the cross and is wrapped in cloths and laid on a stone slab in a tomb. The magi bring myrrh as one of their gifts to the newborn King of the Jews. When Jesus dies, Nicodemus brings 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes to use as they swaddle His body in linen cloths with the spices. Jesus’ birth points us to His plan for salvation.

The devil could not get Jesus and so he is going after you. Stay safe in Jesus. Despite the difficulties of this life, despite the devil’s plagues of death and destruction, you are eternally safe in Jesus and His Church. Christmas is a wonderful celebration, but remember, it is not a promise of an easy life. It is a promise of eternal life. Amen.

Posted on December 25, 2025 by pastorkevinjud

Jesus Christ, Our God and Savior

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Christmas Day
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio
Vicar Daniel English
December 25, 2025
Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-12; John 1:1-18, Psalm 2

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Jesus Christ – Our God and Savior

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Christ, the Savior is born! Merry Christmas! Almost everything we know about the circumstances of Jesus’ birth comes from the Gospel accounts written by Matthew and Luke. Luke records how the birth of our Lord was announced to Mary by the Angel Gabriel. Gabriel says, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. […] The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God” (Luke 1:30-32a,35). Thanks to Luke, we know that Mary responds in faith… She has been called blessed among women by all generations ever since.

Matthew records how God turns Joseph’s doubt into faith by the power of His Word, how “[a]n angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins’” (Matthew 1:20b-21).

Luke tells us that the decree of the first Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus, drove Joseph and the Virgin Mary with Child to take a trip to the town of Bethlehem in order to be counted for a census. The trip was late in Mary’s pregnancy, and during their stay, Mary gives birth to the Christ Child. An angel of the Lord announces the birth of Jesus to shepherds in a nearby field watching over their flocks, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10).

Because of the Holy Spirit’s inspiration of Matthew and Luke, we know all this and more about the birth of Christ. From these narratives it is made clear that the birth of Jesus is “good news.” It is something that causes the angels—and the faithful—to rejoice, and it is something that fulfills many prophecies made in the Old Testament. From Matthew and Mark we know that Jesus is “great,” “holy,” “the Son of the Most High God.” We know that Jesus is “going to save His people from their sins.” We know that Jesus is the Savior.

In our Epistle lesson for today, we read the introduction to the book of Hebrews, and it characterizes the birth of Christ as the beginning of the end of an era of great seers, prophets, and signs. “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he created the world” (Hebrews 1:1-2). God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but now He has spoken to us by His Son, Jesus Christ. Throughout Advent we have considered various types of Christ: the angels, Moses, Aaron, Melchizedek. The “types” we have discussed: prophets, priests, kings… they find their fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ is greater! In order to fulfill all these things, He has to be born as a human baby.

This is the great mystery that we celebrate on Christmas. Christ is of one substance with God the Father, and He came down from heaven, He was conceived by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and He was made man (Nicene Creed). God takes on a human frame and dwells with us. Christ is our faithful Prophet, Christ is our great High Priest, and Christ is our Heavenly King… Christ is our God. This Infant Child wrapped in swaddling cloths laying in a manger, by this time on the first Christmas less than half a day old, is our God.

It makes sense, then, that the Gospel according to John begins the way it does. He doesn’t begin with the human birth of Christ like Matthew and Luke… or with the beginning of His earthly ministry like Mark, but he begins much, much earlier. “In the beginning…” (John 1:1). This isn’t Luke’s beginning during the reign of Caesar, or Matthew’s beginning during the time of patriarch Abraham, but THE beginning. The beginning of everything.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:1-5). In these five, relatively short verses, John gives us enough to think about for the whole year, or even the rest of our lives! It takes 17 verses to explicitly say so, but John is talking about Jesus Christ.

This word teaches us a few things about Jesus. First, Jesus is the eternal God. Second, the only way that we really know or see God is through Jesus. And finally, Jesus the eternal God took on flesh and came into the world in order to bring light and life and salvation… to you.

We are created beings, and all we have known is this finite earthly life. It can be overwhelming to think that there was never a time when Jesus did not exist. Think about how quickly 2025 came and went… how the first outbreak of COVID was nearly 6 years ago… or Disney’s Frozen—that had everyone playing Let It Go on repeat— 12 years ago… iPhones came out 18 years ago… 9/11 was 25 years ago, Y2K was 26… the assassination of John F. Kennedy was 62 years ago… and the first color TV was sold in 1954… 71 years ago. Our life is but a breath, but God has existed from eternity, God is without beginning or end. Jesus was not created. “Jesus is begotten of His Father before all worlds. God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made” (Nicene Creed). Jesus was with God (and was God) at the beginning of time, and the world was created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16).

“[Jesus] is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3a). Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God. John the Baptist will describe Jesus as a light that enlightens everyone. For millenia, God’s people were fumbling around in the darkness of their own hearts until Jesus came and turned on the lights. By the light of Christ, we see the fullness of God’s love for us. By the light of Christ, we see the end of the Law is not to condemn us to death and hell, but for Christ to fulfill the Law and offer us full forgiveness. It is Christ who has revealed the Father to us, and He has shown us a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants to hear our prayers and promises to answer them. Jesus did not come into the world to condemn it, but to save it (John 3:17). As our Priest, Jesus made purification for sins, and now He reigns at the right hand of God as our King (Hebrews 1:3).

This is the mission that Jesus has completed. He was willingly born of the Virgin Mary, He humiliated Himself to become an embryo. He subjected Himself to the need for His mother’s care. Jesus was swaddled, nursed, raised, and taught. Eventually, Jesus… younger than most of us in this sanctuary… willingly gave Himself up to die. And by His death He defeated death. From the very beginning of time, Jesus knew that one day “He [would come] down from heaven and be incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary and be made man” (Nicene Creed). This is the great gift that we celebrate on Christmas. Our God has come to us with healing on his wings. He brings forgiveness and eternal life. From the fullness of Jesus “we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:16-17).

Our Lutheran Confessions speak about this mystery of Jesus Christ:

“[W]e believe, teach, and confess that Mary conceived and bore not a mere man and no more, but the true Son of God; therefore she also is rightly called and truly is the mother of God.
8. Hence we also believe, teach, and confess that it was not a mere man who suffered, died, was buried, descended to hell, arose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and was raised to the majesty and almighty power of God for us, but a man whose human nature has such a profound [close], ineffable union and communion with the Son of God that it is [has become] one person with Him.
9. Therefore the Son of God truly suffered for us, however, according to the property of the human nature which He assumed into the unity of His divine person and made His own, so that He might be able to suffer and be our High Priest for our reconciliation with God, as it is written 1 Cor. 2:8: They have crucified the Lord of glory. And Acts 20:28: We are purchased with God’s blood” (Formula of Concord: Epitome, VIII.12-14).

Just as the angels spoke to Mary and Joseph and the Shepherds, “Fear Not”. The same can be said to you today. Fear not, Jesus has given to all who receive Him and believe in his name the right to become Children of God… and so you are.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Our God. Amen.

Posted on December 24, 2025 by pastorkevinjud

Out of the World Birth Announcement

Govert Flinck – Angels Announcing the Birth of Christ to the Shepherds

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Christmas Eve 2025
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio
Pastor Kevin Jud
December 24, 2025

When you were born, how did your parents let others know? There was a time when birth announcements were put in the local newspaper by the hospital. Your parents would clip it out and put it in your baby book next to a lock of your hair. Maybe your folks mailed birth announcements, or called relatives and friends on the telephone to let them know that you had arrived. Perhaps your dad bought a box of cigars with blue or pink cigar bands to share with his buddies to celebrate your birth. If you are bit younger your birth may have been announced by email or a text message. This past August I announced the birth of my granddaughter with a Facebook post.

How was a birth announced in Israel 2,000 years ago? There were no newspapers, no telephones, no cigars, no Facebook. It may be that most of the family all lived together in the same village so there was not too much need for announcing. I would guess that unless you were royalty, a birth announcement would simply be made by word of mouth.

Word of mouth…well except for that one baby…that one baby boy born in Bethlehem to a young woman from Nazareth. Why this baby? From all appearances there is nothing exceptional about this baby. Bethlehem is crowded with people who have come in for Caesar’s census and amidst all the crowds and busyness a baby is born. There is no place in the guest room and no crib available so the baby is swaddled in cloth and laid in an animal feed trough.

Unbeknownst to His parents, the baby’s birth is announced nearby. This is a birth announcement like none other in the history of the world. Jesus’ birth is announced to shepherds in a field nearby by an angel of the Lord shining with the glory of God. Luke 2:10–11 (ESV) 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

The King of the Jews has arrived. He is royalty…but His kingdom is not of this world… and His birth announcement is out of this world.

Such contrasts. A glowing angel from God announces the birth of Christ, but the announcement is made, not to religious leaders, or political figures, or wealthy, important people, the announcement is made to rough and tumble shepherds watching their sheep by night. And then there is the glaring contrast in the announcement itself. Beyond just the announcement of a birth, this is good news of great joy — for all the nations. A Savior is born, Christ the Lord. “12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

The shepherds are well familiar with mangers but a manger is not a place for a baby, let alone Christ, the Lord. What kind of good news is this? What kind of glory is this? What kind of Savior is lying in a feed trough? Suddenly the angel is joined by an army of angels praising God and saying, Luke 2:14 (ESV) 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” In Latin, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

No other birth has ever been announced like this one because there is no other baby like this one. God is with us. Immanuel. God has taken on human flesh and is dwelling with man in order to be the Savior. The arrival of any baby brings joy to the baby’s family. The arrival of this baby brings — joy to the world — the Lord is come – let earth receive her king. The announcement to the shepherds is that unto you is born this day the Savior…the Christ…the Lord. The King is here to conquer sin and death and the devil and bring peace between God and man. After the angels depart, the Shepherds go immediately to Bethlehem to see the newborn Christ announced by the angels.

In the arrival of the Christ Child, there is an unexpected hiddenness and humility. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see. Hail incarnate Deity. He does not even have a proper crib or nice baby clothes. And yet… His birth is announced by angels from heaven.

Mary and Joseph are instructed to call His name “Jesus” which means “YHWH saves.” This baby is the Savior of the world and yet needs His mother and step-father to care for him. As the angel promised, this ordinary-looking baby brings good news of great joy for all people. What a strange way to save the world.

John 1:5 (ESV) 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus is the light and yet baby Jesus does not glow in the dark. Jesus is the light, but only shines with that light once on the Mount of Transfiguration. Jesus is the light and He gives you the light. Colossians 1:13 (ESV) 13 He has delivered [you] from the domain of darkness and transferred [you] to the kingdom of his beloved Son…” You are the light of the world and you will get to see the full glory of Jesus shining forth on the Last Day when Jesus returns to take you to live with Him forever in the Heavenly City. Revelation 21:23 (ESV) 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” It is a Merry Christmas because Jesus has come to forgive you all your sins and give you the gift of eternal life.

For now, God’s glory is hidden. There is a hiddenness of God in baby Jesus, and there is a hiddenness of God in you. You are the light of the world, and yet you do not glow in the dark. You are the light of the world and yet you still struggle with sin and temptation. You are the light in your love for God and in your love for one another.

In just a little bit we will experience light spreading from one candle, to another, to another, to everyone here just as the light of Christ spread from the manger in Bethlehem to the shepherds and the magi and those in Judea and Samaria and Galilee and on to believers all around the world…even to you here tonight. The light still spreads today by the power of the Holy Spirit who has made your body His temple. The Spirit gives you faith to know that Jesus is born for you. The Spirit gives you faith to believe that Jesus died for you and rose for you to redeem you from the darkness.

There is hiddenness to God’s work in the world today. He comes to you in the Words of Scripture, in the waters of Holy Baptism, and in the bread and wine of Holy Communion through which He delivers forgiveness from the cross to you. Jesus uses the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. Jesus wants all people to be saved and Jesus’ birth announcement by the angel is for all people — of all times. And yet there is a grave temptation to think the announcement is not for you.

The world wants to remove Christ from Christmas. The birth of the Savior, God in flesh, can be completely lost in seasonal festivities and celebrations. As the Vicar noted in his first advent sermon, the true meaning of Christmas is lost in nearly all Christmas movies and television shows. Oddly enough, they talk about the true meaning of Christmas, but then they change the true meaning to be overcoming greed and materialism, or finding love and connection, or just a sweet sense of family, belonging and meaning.

Why do people desire a Christ-less Christmas? I think we can find the answer in the angel’s announcement to the shepherds, Luke 2:11 (ESV) 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The word, “Savior” is humbling and causes people to reject the Christ and look for a different reason for the season. Because what kind of person needs a Savior? Someone who is not good enough. Someon who is by nature sinful and unclean. Someone who is lowly. Someone who is poor in spirit. So many would rather just hear an inspirational story to motivate them to try harder, to make a fresh start, to do better in the new year, and to fix things themselves. The angels do not announce Jesus’ birth to the religious leaders in Jerusalem because the religious leaders believe they are good enough. They announce to the shepherds because the shepherds know they are sinners who need a savior.

The title “Christ the Lord” troubles many because “Christ” means the anointed one of God, “Lord” means the one in charge — the master — the king. Our self-centered society encourages people to reject authority and believe that they have autonomy; that they make their own rules and are in charge of themselves. Folks reject Christ the King because they want to be their own Lord and Master and King. They seek a Christmas without Christ.

You have come here tonight because you know the truth. You know that you are a sinner. You know you are under constant attack from the devil, the world and your own sinful nature all trying to lure you away from Jesus and get you to trust in your own wisdom and ability. You know you need to repent of the times you try to be your own savior and your own king. You know you need the Savior. You know you need the King. You know the true meaning of Christmas. Christ the Lord is born in Bethlehem. The most incredible birth announcement in the history of the world is not just for the shepherds that night. It is also for you. Christ has come to save you. Luke 2:11 (ESV) 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Amen

Posted on December 21, 2025 by pastorkevinjud

Situational Awareness

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Advent 4 2025
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio
Pastor Kevin Jud
December 21, 2025
Isaiah 7:10-17, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25

Life is constantly changing. To thrive or even just to survive, you have to be able to adjust to changing circumstances. You need situational awareness and the ability, as U.S. Marines like to say, to improvise, adapt and overcome.

There is a young man who works in the trades and has life planned out. He is aware of his situation. He has a lovely young bride-to-be and he is working hard to get ready for their upcoming wedding. He is finishing a place for them to live and trying to save a little money for a rainy day. Life is good.

But then the situation changes dramatically. Joseph finds out his young bride, Mary, is pregnant and Joseph’s head is spinning. The only thing that Joseph is sure about is that the baby is not his. All his careful plans have vaporized with the news of Mary’s pregnancy. Joseph has situational awareness. Things have changed, he needs to improvise, adapt and overcome. He could get super angry with Mary and call her out in front of friends and family and neighbors and expose her for what kind of person she is — messing around with another man. Mary did not seem like she was that kind of girl, but now she has brought shame on herself and her family and her friends and her community and — on Joseph. Maybe Joseph did not know her as well as he thought. He could get some guys together to grab Mary and drag her into the center of the village and stone her to death. He could do that — but he is not going to do that. Joseph is a good man and despite how much Mary has hurt him he will not seek revenge against her. He is not going to hurt her. He is just going to break it off, release her; divorce her. It is a bad situation, but Joseph understands what is happening and he has come up with a solution. Joseph is devastated and miserable, but there is nothing more he can do, so Joseph goes to bed.

Matthew 1:20–21 (ESV) 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

What kind of situational awareness do you have when you are asleep and an angel of God comes to you in a dream? I don’t know. But the situation certainly has changed. How can Joseph, a nobody, from the nowhere village of Nazareth, be involved with fulfilling prophecy from Isaiah, Matthew 1:23 (ESV)

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” This situation has really changed. God…is with us… inside Mary — and Joseph is to call the baby Jesus — Ihsous in Greek — Yeshua in Hebrew. Jesus means YHWH saves. Mary has YHWH in her womb. This is the one who spoke with Moses in the desert and revealed His name; YHWH — I AM. God is in flesh. This has never happened before in all the history of the world. What does Joseph do now?

Joseph had his own plan as to what to do with Mary but now the situation has changed. Joseph has been told what to do by God Himself through His messenger. Marines know how to improvise, adapt and overcome — they also know how to follow orders. In a different life Joseph might have made a good marine because he does what he is told to do. God certainly has authority and… Matthew 1:24 (ESV) 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him…”

Joseph took Mary as his wife but did not know her, in a Biblical sense, until after she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

The shame that is being heaped on Mary for getting pregnant out of wedlock will now go onto Joseph. Everyone in the small village of Nazareth will assume they know what has happened and Joseph will take the false accusations and the gossip and he will shield Mary. Joseph’s job is to protect and provide for Mary during her pregnancy and for Mary and Jesus afterwards. Joseph will need to stay aware of changing situations. He has yet no idea how far this will take him. Caesar, accomplishing God’s will, will order Joseph to take Mary and the unborn baby to Bethlehem, and then God will order him to take Mary and baby Jesus to Egypt to protect the infant King from Herod the Great’s sword.

I am not aware that an angel has ever appeared to me in person or in a dream, but you never know as we learn in… Hebrews 13:2 (ESV) 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” An angel has never brought me orders from the Lord, but God does give me directions and commands. God speaks through His word. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV) 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” God could send an angel to you in person or in a dream, but even if that never happens, God still speaks to you through His Word.

Stay aware of your situation. The situation is that you are in a battle against darkness and evil. The situation is, in this battle, you have the high ground. On Christ, the solid rock you stand, all other ground is sinking sand. You all are the Church and Jesus builds His Church on the rock of Peter’s confession to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This was revealed to Peter by God. It was revealed to Joseph by a messenger from God. It was revealed to you through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

The devil, the world and your own sinful nature want to lure you away from Jesus and His Church because you are safe in Jesus. Jesus made a promise to you in your baptism. You are safe and secure in the Holy Ark of the Christian Church, being separated from the multitude of unbelievers and serving God’s name at all times with a fervent spirit and a joyful hope, so that with all believers in God’s promise you will be declared worthy of eternal life. There is a battle, but you are safe in Christ and in His Church. A mighty fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon.

You have the high ground and you wear the full armor of God. You are protected by the Lord Jesus and you use the Word of God as a weapon against darkness. Be shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves. Learn from Joseph to obey God’s commands and stay aware of your situation. Life is a struggle with many difficulties and challenges. Following God’s commands you improvise, adapt and overcome various situations to speak the truth in love, 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) 15 … always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” You are given the gift of your intellect to be used in service to the Lord in love for your neighbor.

How do you share the Gospel with those who do not believe in Jesus in such a way that they hear instead of immediately putting up barriers? There are lots of people much better at this than I am. What questions can you ask to create an opening for a spiritual discussion? And when there is an opening how can you gently get people to talk about where they are with God? What they believe about Jesus? If someone says, “I’m spiritual but not religious,” perhaps say, “Tell me more about that. What does that mean for you?” Share with each other ideas for gentle conversation starters because everyone you meet is in the same situation as you. They are a sinner who needs Jesus.

You are under the command to follow God’s law, but you find that you struggle. You are vexed by certain sins. You repent, but then you do it again. Maybe you struggle with losing your temper and fighting with your spouse. Improvise, adapt and overcome. When you feel the anger building, take steps to control your emotions. Be patient, call a timeout, take a break, pray, and then come back to discuss the issue without anger. Give your spouse a hug and apologize for losing your temper.

If you find yourself screaming at your children, pause… improvise, adapt and overcome. Maybe bring your child close, get down on a knee to look him in the eye, put a hand on his shoulder and whisper your words of correction in a calm, controlled way.

Do you have an established regular time for prayer, for Bible reading, for study? It is easy to keep putting it off. As a follower of Jesus stay aware of your situation in your many aspects of life, and improvise, adapt and overcome as you follow God’s commands.

Together, as the Church, we face difficulties as we try to delight in God’s will and walk in His ways and at the same time negotiate challenges and struggles. We have been given the task to make disciples of all nations baptizing and teaching. The Church is to distribute God’s gifts of His Word and His sacraments. We teach the convicting truth of God’s law and the sweet healing truth of God’s Gospel. As the Church we improvise, adapt and overcome in order to continue to teach and preach the unchangeable truth of God in changing times. How can we use new opportunities to bring the Good News to our community and to the world? How can we speak the truth in love so that people hear, repent and follow Jesus?

We have a second campus now. How do we use this resource to enhance our current ministry and expand to serve others in the community to bring the Good News of forgiveness in Jesus to more people? How do we decide what projects to complete first to best meet the needs and desires of our mission of worship, study, fellowship, witness and mercy? How do we work together in patience and love so that growing pains do not result in division and dissension?

As a church and as individuals we remain aware of our situation and react in a God pleasing way to continue to do what He has given us to do.

In this crazy world, Joseph is a good example for us. Joseph hears from God and he listens and he obeys. Joseph knows who Jesus is and what He has come to do. You know who Jesus is and what He has come to do. In all the changing circumstances of life, you are safe in Christ. Amen.

Posted on December 14, 2025 by pastorkevinjud

Be Patient Until the Coming of the Lord

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Advent 3 2025
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio
Pastor Kevin Jud
December 14, 2025
Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-11, Matthew 11:2-15

A few years ago Jeannette and I went out to a nice restaurant but the service that night was slow. It was after the pandemic and everyone was short-staffed. The waitress finally came to take our order and after a long while the food came out. When we finished eating we began to wait for the check, but no check came. It seemed that suddenly all of the restaurant staff had disappeared. We waited and waited and…well… I am not good at waiting. I am not, by nature, a patient person. In a long, unexpected wait it can feel like you are going through the stages of waiting. Denial…this cannot be happening. I cannot really be stuck here waiting for a waitress to bring me a slip of paper so I can continue with my life. Anger…how dare she keep me waiting? Doesn’t she know that I have places to go. The longer we waited the greater my frustration and anger grew. I finally had enough of the waiting and I stood up and stomped up to the front reception area and demanded my bill so I could pay and leave. My impatience led to anger and childish behavior. I am not good at waiting and that night waiting for the check I did not have good patience or self-control.

Waiting is hard. The season of Advent is a season of waiting for the arrival of Jesus. It can seem like a very long wait for Christmas to come, especially for children. It is a season of waiting and there is nothing you can do to make the 25th of December come any sooner. Waiting is hard.

We are gathered here again this Sunday and we are still waiting for Jesus to return. I cannot patiently wait 20 minutes to get the check at a restaurant and I am supposed to be patiently waiting for Jesus to return. So far we have been waiting for 2,000 years. The Lord’s brother, James, tells us in our Epistle reading, James 5:7 (ESV) 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord…” Be patient.

Patience…why did it have to be patience?

Why is it so hard to be patient? Being patient is admitting that you are not in charge; that you are in a situation that you do not control. Being patient is humbling. Now, it has always been a struggle to be patient, but years ago life was slower and information was slower…things naturally took time; patience was a more natural part of life. Today we expect instant gratification. I want something and I want it now. I think of something I want and I can immediately order it from Amazon and it could be delivered the same day. If I want to look something up, I don’t have to wait to go to the library, I can look it up instantly wherever I am. And patience suffers.

Patience is a valuable life skill. The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment studied delayed gratification in children. A child was offered one marshmallow now or two if they waited for the researcher to return in about 15 mins. Children who waited longer tended to have better life outcomes; better test scores and better health. This study linked early self-control to later success.

Patience is important in so many aspects of life. Getting an education means patiently working through the given process. Raising children is patiently dealing with the struggles of the day as the years go by. Commuting to work takes patience dealing with traffic and terrible drivers. Working a job takes great patience as you deal with people and problems and politics and pressure. Recovering from illness or injury takes patience. Building wealth through working, saving and investing takes time and patience. Relationships with family and friends take patience.

The pull to give in to instant gratification is powerful. You have a desire and you want to immediately satisfy that desire. Many desires are harmless; I am hungry I want some food. I am thirsty, I need a drink. But there are desires and emotions that can lead you away from following God. You get impatient with others and allow your anger to bubble over as you yell and insult and demean others because of your impatience. You get greedy and then lie, cheat or steal to get money. You squander money on gambling and risky investments trying to get rich quick. You get impatient and do not want to wait until marriage. You grow weary of being patient with your spouse and give in to desires for intimacy with someone else. You desire to sleep in on Sunday morning instead of patiently getting the family ready to gather together to hear God’s Word and receive His gifts. You do not want to patiently trust in God’s timing. You get impatient waiting for God and give in to the world’s pressure to give up on God’s law and follow your feelings. All of us have much to repent of for our impatience.

Patience is a skill to be practiced. It is far more than just passive waiting; it’s an active practice of inner strength. It is about controlling your emotions, accepting discomfort, and trusting in the unfolding process. It is a fundamental skill for managing life’s inevitable delays and frustrations with grace and inner peace.

Being patient is difficult. Thanks be to God that the patience needed to wait for Jesus is not something that you accomplish on your own with your own strength. Patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. The Holy Spirit helps you with patience.

As the Church, united in Christ, we live together in love and peace and unity. We stay alert for division, because, in living together with others there is always the temptation to become impatient and grumble about how others are annoying or difficult or not meeting your expectations or they are just wrong because they disagree with you. The devil will use your pride against you to try to bring division and infighting into His Church. The Church is one in Christ and not to be separated by petty disagreements. James tells us, James 5:9 (ESV) 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”

Immanuel Lutheran Church & School is blessed by God to be facing a season of growing pains and new opportunities and facilities. As we look to the future there will be disagreements and many different ideas of how to proceed and rifts can develop. The devil will try to exploit any small rift and spread it into a great chasm. The devil will try to use any conflict to try to tear us apart. It will not work. We know his plans and we will stay alert for growing impatience with others. As we continue the planning process we will be vigilant that we remain patient with each other in love and unity in Christ.

James 5:7 (ESV) 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord…” Patience is keeping your eyes on the eternal promises of Jesus and not giving in to the temptation of immediate gratification. Patience is not giving in to your immediate sinful desires because you know that you have eternal life with the creator. Patience is a struggle, but you do not wait alone. Being the Church is all about being together, in Christ, waiting for Him to return. In worship we are reminded that we are waiting for the Last Day. At the end of the sermon, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus until He comes again in Glory.”

The devil will try to exploit any small rift and spread it into a great chasm. The devil will try to use any conflict to try to tear us apart. It will not work. We know his plans and we will stay alert for growing impatience with others.

After communion, “The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and preserve you in true faith to life everlasting.” We wait together for Jesus’ return and continue to receive the gifts of God’s Word and His Sacraments. Until Jesus returns, the Church will deliver the forgiveness Jesus earned on the cross to His people and reach out to those who do not know the good news so they too may join with us in waiting, in joy, for Jesus. United in love, as the redeemed children of God, the Church patiently waits for Jesus to come. As we wait we make disciples; baptizing and teaching. James 5:7 (ESV) 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord…”

James, gives us three examples of patience. James 5:7 (ESV) 7 …See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.” A farmer cannot hurry his crops. He plants the seeds and waits for rain and waits for the time to harvest. He cannot make the process go faster. He is not in control of the timing.

A second, James 5:10–11 (ESV) 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast…” The Old Testament prophets patiently faced suffering and even death for bringing God’s Word to the children of Israel. In our Gospel reading today we see the same happening to John the Baptist. John is imprisoned by Herod Antipas and is living out the suffering and patience of a prophet. We must remain steadfast and patient in preaching the truth of God in a world that despises the truth. As Paul instructs Timothy, 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV) 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

A third example, James 5:11 (ESV) You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” In the midst of Job’s suffering Job 2:9–10 (ESV) 9 … his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” Job patiently endured extreme suffering and grief despite all the advice to give up on God.

James gives these three examples of patience to encourage us on our way. Jesus is coming back to restore the creation and take you to live with Him forever in the heavenly city. Let the Spirit work patience in you. Remain united together in Jesus. Stay alert for divisions. James 5:7 (ESV) 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord…” Amen.

Posted on December 7, 2025 by pastorkevinjud

Prophecy Fulfilled

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Advent 2 2025
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio
Pastor Kevin Jud
December 7, 2025
Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12

The fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians was a dark, protracted, awful time. The 18-year-old King, Jehoiachin, a descendant of King David, only three months into his reign surrendered himself to Nebuchadnezzar in 597 BC and he and his whole family went into exile in Babylon along with 10,000 officials and soldiers and craftsmen and blacksmiths, leaving behind only the poorest people. Nebuchadnezzar makes Jehoiachin’s 21-year-old uncle the new king in Judah, and gives him the name Zedekiah. Zedekiah was from the house of David, but he did evil in the sight of the Lord. He rebelled against God — and he rebelled against the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar attacks Jerusalem and it is under siege for two years before the Babylonians breach the walls. King Zedekiah flees the city with his family, but they are soon captured. As a final, horrible, end to kings descended from David, Nebuchadnezzar kills Zedekiah’s sons in front of him and then blinds Zedekiah and takes him to Babylon in chains. Zedekiah is the last king from the line of David. The mighty tree of the Davidic line of kings is cut down by the Babylonians leaving only a seemingly dead stump. It is a dark time, but there is hope. The prophets have said this is not the end.

Fast forward 600 some years and we find a strange prophet out in the desert by the Jordan River proclaiming Matthew 3:2 (ESV) 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The reign and rule of God is near. Could it be? Could this be the long awaited prophet foretold by Isaiah? Isaiah 40:3–5 (ESV) 3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

The last prophet was Malachi 450 years earlier. He ended his prophecy with this word from God… Malachi 4:5–6 (ESV) 5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes….” Isaiah and Malachi give hope in a dark and difficult time for the children of Israel.

Elijah, the prophet, wore a garment of hair with a leather belt around his waist. This strange new prophet in the wilderness is wearing a garment of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist. Is this the new Elijah? This new prophet, John, son of the priest Zechariah, calls people to repent, confess their sins and be baptized in the Jordan River in a baptism of repentance.

John’s mission is to prepare people for the coming Lord. To prepare for the coming of the Lord, people admit they are sinners, humble themselves before God and look to the Lord for salvation. Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming of one to prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness is immediately followed by this message of humility. Isaiah 40:6–8 (ESV) 6 A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

The Lord is coming and you are like grass that withers. This is not an exalted place of power. John prepares the people by humbling them through his call to repentance and baptism in the Jordan River. The people are flocking to hear John and respond by repenting and being baptized. They are coming from… Matthew 3:5 (ESV) 5 … Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan …” It is a new movement of God in the Judean wilderness. New life is springing up in the desert. The Lord is coming.

In the Lord’s arrival another prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled. Isaiah 11:1 (ESV) 1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” From the stump of Jesse, David’s father, a new David is arriving; a new king. This new King is announced by the angel Gabriel to Mary in Nazareth. Luke 1:32–33 (ESV) 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” This baby, whose step-father is from the house and line of David is born in Bethlehem, the city of David. He is visited by Magi from the east who are seeking the newborn king of the Jews. Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem fulfills prophecy from Micah, Micah 5:2 (ESV) 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”

It is hard to see at a distance but you when you come close you can see that our blue Advent paraments on the altar show Bethlehem, the city of David. The small picture on each side is a shoot coming from the root of the stump of Jesse. The new King is coming.

John’s appearance is causing great commotion. There are big doings out in the desert down by the Jordan River. Crowds from all over are repenting and confessing and being baptized. What an amazing, wonderful thing is happening. The Lord is coming and being announced by John the Baptist who is preparing the way. It is a new movement of God foretold from of old by multiple prophets. The excitement is palpable. But there, by the river, is a group of men who are not enthused. Pharisees and Sadducees are normally theological enemies, but they have come together to see what all the fuss is about and to unite in opposition to this new teaching. They want to see for themselves this crazy man in the desert who is preaching about repentance and baptism to the sinful people coming down to the Jordan.

The Pharisees and Sadducees are the religious leaders in Israel. The Pharisees have taken the law of God and added thousands of additional rules to stay away from even getting close to breaking God’s law. They have set up their own system of rules and believe they are accomplishing what they have set up. They believe they are better than these sinners going down into the river. Jesus gives us insight in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Luke 18:9–14 (ESV) 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The Sadducees are the religious elite. They are the intellectual deep-thinkers who only hold to the five books of Moses and reject any afterlife or resurrection of the dead. They stress ritual purity for Temple service but any benefit you would get from God is for this life only.

These two groups have come out together to see what John is doing and perhaps to call him out for this strange new teaching, but John calls them out for not repenting of their sins. John warns that there is a judgment coming. The Lord is coming to reign and He will judge those who do not produce the good fruit of repentance. Matthew 3:7–10 (ESV) 7 But when [John] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

The Pharisees and Sadducees believe they are standing tall and strong and righteous, but John warns that they too need to repent. They need to humble themselves and confess their sins and trust in God’s mercy for forgiveness for they too will face God’s judgment. The coming one is mighty and there will be salvation, and there will be condemnation. John calls the Pharisees and Sadducees, “turn from your sins and humble yourself before God.” Matthew 3:11–12 (ESV) 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

The King is coming to reign. The one foretold of old is coming to save His people. He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire; the Holy Spirit to give faith and holiness, fire to purify and refine believers, and to punish unbelievers forever. John the Baptists calls on people to prepare for the Lord’s arrival by repenting of their sins and humbling themselves before God.

The same message still is true today. Jesus is coming back. The ax is still at the root of the tree. The winnowing fork is still in His hands. There will be a judgment day. Repent, Jesus is returning to reign. Repent and humble yourself before God. Repent, confess your sins and receive the gift of forgiveness from the Lord Jesus. Turn from sin and return to the Lord. You have been baptized with the Holy Spirit, you are being refined by the fire of God’s law, and you know you are covered with Jesus’ righteousness. In Him you have eternal life. King Jesus, the shoot from the root of the stump of Jesse is coming back to destroy all evil and bring eternal peace. Peace will be restored to all creation. Stay ready for the King’s arrival knowing forgiveness comes from Him alone. You belong to King Jesus and He is coming back soon to take you to live with Him forever. Your hope is in the Lord. Amen.

Posted on November 30, 2025 by pastorkevinjud

You are Light in the Darkness

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Advent 1 2025
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio
Pastor Kevin Jud
November 30, 2025
Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:8–14, Matthew 24:36–44

It is silly at this time of year that I am repeatedly surprised at how dark it is outside but when checking the time, it is only 6 PM. In the summer it stays light out until past 9 PM, now the sun sets around 5. It is a dark time of year and it is getting darker. That is a good metaphor for the world in which we live. The world we live in is dark and it is getting darker. I am kind of a news junkie. I want to keep up with what is going on, but, sadly, the news is mostly depressing accounts of darkness. It is a dark world.

There are ongoing wars and oppression. There is so much violence and murder and abuse. Hatred is promoted and justified. Disagreement is now seen as offensive. Growing up my teachers would say, “I strongly disagree with you, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it.” Now opposing viewpoints are shouted down and silenced. If someone says something you disagree with that can be considered violence. Physical violence, rioting and even assassination are becoming more acceptable especially among young people. It is a dark world.

Social media gives the opportunity for endless quarreling and jealousy as insults are traded online that you would never say in person, and folks brag about their lives looking for likes. You can find someone to fight with online around the clock. Constant struggle, constant anger, constant fighting; never-ending conflict that drags you into the darkness. It is a dark world.

Some things are so dark it is hard to believe. In Nigeria, Christians are being murdered by the thousands and it seems nothing is being done to protect them. Hundreds of school children have been kidnapped in the middle of the night and taken into the forests. It is a dark world.

The abuse and exploitation of children in our own country is a constant threat as you hear about kids being attacked and harmed and extorted online by strangers, and in person by people they know. Trusted adults such as teachers, relatives, pastors, coaches abuse their positions of trust and assault innocent children. It is a dark world. Last week 122 missing children were rescued from child predators in Florida. How many more are enslaved, enduring unspeakable abuse?

God’s good gift of sexuality is perverted and twisted and turned into big business. Americans spent $13 billion last year feeding their desires for sexual immorality. More and more people are being arrested with deviant material involving children. It is a dark world.

It is a dark world in which you live, and to compound the problem, you have darkness within you inherited from your first parents who were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Having darkness in you, there is a great risk that you could slip into the darkness and get used to it and become quite comfortable living in the darkness. You are under an ongoing temptation of the darkness in you wanting to be one with the darkness in the world.

It is indeed a dark world, and it is hard to escape. You used to be able to go home and shut the door and be somewhat protected. You still had darkness within you, but the dark world was outside. To gratify the desires of the flesh you would have to go to the orgy in Rome, or to the brothel, or out to the sketchy tavern to get drunk and argue and fight. Home was a fortress. This is reflected in a prayer at the end of our wedding service.

P O God, our dwelling place in all generations, look with favor upon the homes of our land. Embrace husbands and wives, parents and children, in the arms of Your love, and grant that each, in reverence for Christ, fulfill the duties You have given. Bless our homes that they may ever be a shelter for the defenseless, a fortress for the tempted, a resting place for the weary, and a foretaste of our eternal home with You….

There was a time that to engage in great evil you mostly would have to go out to the evil. Your home was a bulwark, but now there are breaches in the walls of your fortress. First it was affordable printed material that became widely available in the last 150 years. Books with cloth and paper bindings printed on powered printing presses might be great, edifying works; even the Word of God. Or it could be material that inflames the desires of your flesh. Then radio came in, but the airwaves were regulated to keep the programs mostly enriching. Then broadcast television which was also regulated and those in the media were conscious of what they were delivering to their consumers. The government regulated the airwaves and controlled content.

But then came cable television and it was a hole in the wall of your fortress through which the filth of the darkness could be pumped directly into your eyes and soul. And then came the internet which could be used as a portal to great darkness. And now you carry with you your smartphone which can be a very useful tool, but is also a hatchway to an endless ocean of darkness that can flood your life and drown your soul. Great darkness is always only a few clicks away and then for deeper darkness there is the dark web. No longer do you need to leave your home to engage in great evil — the internet delivers sexual immorality and quarreling and jealousy right into the palm of your hand.

And you may not even mean to be drawn toward the darkness. Predators access innocent children for exploitation through seemingly harmless online games. In this age of continuous connection with hours a day spent staring at a screen, social media algorithms seek to discover and understand and exploit the darkness in your soul so it can engage with the darkness in you so you keep scrolling and scrolling and scrolling as you sink into the darkness.

There was a time that those in the media industry were careful about what they delivered into your home, but for the last 60 years or so there is a growing, intentional effort to portray sexual sin as positive and normal, and to villainize anyone who would disagree. There is a coordinated effort by those in the media to normalize the darkness by encouraging people to embrace the desires of the flesh and gratify those desires.

It is a dark world and you have darkness within you and there is a great temptation to just give in and become one with the suffocating darkness. It is like being in a deep cave with no lights. The darkness is overwhelming. You do not belong to the darkness. As a baptized child of God you just want to scream at the darkness in frustration. You want to curse the one who brings the darkness. You want to do something, but you do not know what to do. What can push back against the darkness? What is the old saying? It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Down in the deep darkness of a lightless cavern how wonderful it would be to light a single candle.

You are in a dark world and you have darkness in you, but you are not darkness. You are the light of the world. As we read in Colossians 1:13–14 (ESV) 13 [God] has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

You live in a dark world and you have darkness in you, but the darkness will not win. Praise the one who breaks the darkness. Romans 13:11 (ESV) 11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” Jesus is coming back. The sun of righteousness is ready to dawn. Romans 13:12 (ESV) 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

Cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. The light is not from you. The light is armor, given to you by Jesus. Jesus declares in…John 8:12 (ESV) 12 … “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In Matthew 5:14–16 (ESV) 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Ephesians 5:8–11 (ESV) 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (emphasis added)

You are the light of the world. Jesus’ light covers the darkness in you. He has given you light and life. Live as a child of the light. Not to earn anything from God but because it is your true identity. You are light in the Lord. How do you live as light in a dark world? Romans 13:9–10 (ESV) 9 … “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

Living as light in the Lord is not living a life of being exalted by the world. The dark world hates the light. Living as light in the Lord is not about living for you, but rather living for others. Living as light in the Lord is living so when people see your good works they give glory to God.

In a world that is as dark as a lightless, deep cave you are a candle in the darkness. Your life, reflecting the love and forgiveness of Jesus, pushes back the darkness wherever you go. You take in evil from the world, but you do not respond with evil, you respond with love. Matthew 5:44 (ESV) … Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

It is a dark world…stay on guard. Wake from spiritual sleep that ignores the darkness or gets used to the darkness. Wake up and remember who you are as a baptized, redeemed child of God. You are a child of the light.

Wake up and beware of all the ways the darkness tries to creep into your home, into your life, into your soul, trying to drag you down to the eternal darkness of hell. Wake up and stay alert to how the darkness within you strives to be one with the darkness of the world. Wake up, because you are no longer darkness, you are light in the Lord.

It is a dark time of year, but at the end of December the daylight will start to increase a little each day as the light returns. As we begin the season of Advent we look forward celebrating arrival of the light: Jesus’ arrival in Bethlehem and Jesus’ return on the last day. We remember the events leading up to the arrival of Immanuel, God with us, that night in Bethlehem. Each week we will light another candle of the advent wreath as we count down to the night we celebrate the birth of God in flesh. Late December is the darkest time of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. At our Christmas Eve worship you will visually see light pushing back the darkness. You will see light spreading from a single candle to everyone in the church, showing the spread of the light of Christ from the resurrected Lord, to His disciples to Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, even into your life as a child of light. In this dark world there are billions of Christians shining the light of Christ in a dark world. You are light in the Lord. Jesus is coming back. The day of the Lord is at hand. Cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Amen