Advent is the 4 week period before Christmas, when we focus on the constant coming of Jesus to us through Christmas, the Bible, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and at the end of the world.

   Advent especially helps us prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming at Christmas. The words of Isaiah the prophet, written about 740 years before Jesus was born, help us prepare for Christmas: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel [meaning God with us].” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22-23)

John the Baptist helps us prepare for Christmas with his words, “Prepare the way for the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3; Luke 3:4-6). Jesus said that John the Baptist was the greatest person to ever live (Matthew 11:11), yet John the Baptist said he was not even worthy to untie the sandals of Jesus (Luke 3:16).

   Dr. Joel Pless, associate Professor of Theology at Wisconsin Lutheran College, presented 3 messages to help us prepare for Christ’s coming. These messages can now be viewed (video or audio) at www.GoodShepherds.net/sermons. You may want to Scroll down to one of these 3 sermons (dated Dec 1, 8, and 15) and listen, as you prepare your heart for Christ’s coming.  (Also at iTunes www.goodshepherds.net/itunes)