Issues, Etc. Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (One Year Lectionary): Fourth Sunday of Advent – Dr. John Bombaro, 12/16/25 (3501)
Dec 16, 2025
Dr. John Bombaro, Senior Pastor at St. James Lutheran Church and a Navy chaplain, shares insightful theological reflections on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. He emphasizes the themes of righteousness and incarnation, linking prophetic promises to Jesus as the ultimate mediator. Bombaro beautifully connects creation’s praise in Psalms with the Advent message, discusses the significance of John the Baptist's testimony, and highlights the comfort of Paul's exhortations about the nearness of the Lord. His closing reflections prepare listeners for a meaningful Christmas.
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Advent's Prayer For Righteousness
- The fourth Sunday in Advent pleads for heaven to "shower" righteousness, pointing to Christ as our righteousness received in baptism.
- This antiphon frames Advent as longing for divine intervention culminating in the Incarnation.
Preach The Incarnation's Full Work
- Emphasize Christ's mighty acts—Incarnation, life, death, and resurrection—when preaching the collect.
- Present these as God lifting sinners from condemnation to justification through grace.
Prophet Like Moses Points To Christ
- Deuteronomy 18 promises a prophet like Moses who will mediate God's word and stand between Israel and divine holiness.
- John Bombaro ties this prophet directly to Jesus as the ultimate mediator who fulfills the law.