A sermon for the Last Sunday of the Church Year, by Fr. Josh Leigeber.
This morning’s sermon proclaimed the heart of God toward His people: He desires to save. Scripture assures us that God’s thoughts toward us are “of peace and not of evil,” and that He has acted decisively in Christ to free us from captivity to sin, death, and the devil. Through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, our enemies are defeated, and we now have peace with our Father.
Because of this salvation, Christians look forward with eager joy to the Last Day—a day that will come suddenly, “like a thief in the night.” For those in Christ, it is not a day of wrath but of homecoming, reunion, and perfect joy.
Yet until that day arrives, Saint Paul urges the Church to “keep watch.” Though the enemies of God have been defeated, they still grasp and claw to drag believers back into darkness. God protects and strengthens us through His Word and Sacraments, and so we dare not grow complacent or take lightly the gifts He gives in the Divine Service. Here, God Himself guards, feeds, and sustains His children.
The Church’s prayer today echoes this call: that God would stir up our wills, deepen our desire for His gifts, and keep us steadfast in the light of Christ.
Christ will come soon. His thoughts toward you are peace. So remain in His light, keep watch, and look with joyful anticipation toward the glorious day of His appearing. Listen to the entire sermon below.
All Saints Lutheran Church and School 