THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 11, 2022

Use a familiar verse. One we all know and have sung often even though it was written in the 9^th century.
            “O Come, O Come Emanuel and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here.”

That 1 verse is filled with theology:

1. Our true home is in heaven. Here on earth we are in exile.
2. The key word is the verb Ransom.

Think about it:
            One needs to be ransomed from captivity from being held hostage.
                        POW chained

            Christ came to ransom us.
                        Look at when he raised Lazurus – untie him and set him free!

            Christ continues to ransom us – ministry of the Christian in confession.

Whatever holds us hostage….prevents us from being God’s people.