Transitions

Throughout the church year we are faced with significant transitions in theme from one service to the next. For example, as we left October and enter into November, we changed our focus from our fellow saints here on earth to those saints who are with the Lord. On Reformation Sunday we remembered that day in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed the Ninety-Five Theses to the door signifying the reemphasis on the gospel as the true treasure of the church. Our focus was on the church militant that is still at war fighting the good fight against the old Evil Foe who tries to take away our treasure. Throughout our pilgrimage we put out trust in the strength of the Lord who guards and keeps us. He is our Mighty Fortress in whom we take refuge.

Then on All Saints Sunday, we celebrated the victory that we have in Christ. We give thanks to God for all the saints who have gone on before us who have fought the good fight and now rest from their labors. They confessed the name of Jesus and put their hope in His coming, suffering, dying, living, protecting, and fighting for them. All who believe on the Lord Jesus are saints both here in time and there in eternity.

On this Sunday, we mark the last Sunday of the Church Year.  We look forward to the Last Day and the Final Judgment.  In Christ, we already know the verdict: "Not guilty."  Jesus has take our punishment for us.  He was forsaken by the Father so that we would not be forsaken.  The following Sunday will be the first Sunday in Advent in which we focus upon the first coming and the second coming of Christ.

On the Last Sunday in Advent we make ready for the coming of the Christ by joining in the anticipation of the saints in the Old Testament times. Then on Christmas Eve, we celebrate the glad tidings with the saints that saw the Christ Child born in the little town of Bethlehem.

Another example is seen in the transition between the services of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. On Friday, we focus with the saints at the foot of the cross on Christ’s suffering, death, and burial for us. Then on Sunday, as the Lord opened the tomb He opens are lips to sing His praise with all the saints: Christ is risen! Alleluia!