His is no earthly kingdom; it comes from heav’n above. His rule is peace and freedom and justice, truth, and love. So let your praise be sounding for kindness so abounding: Hosanna to the Lord, for he fulfills God’s Word! Prepare the Royal Highway (Frans Mikael Franzen) Lutheran Service Book, #343
I assume most of us have a greater collection of face masks now than we have had at any point previously. Wearing a mask has become a ubiquitous part of our everyday lives. Yet even before COVID, was that not also true? How often have we covered who we really are or hidden what we think or believe in fear others won’t accept us—or laugh and walk away? Long before COVID-19, “unmasking” meant to reveal one’s true identity. As we approach the season of Advent, perhaps that is more needed than ever.
Each of us has hidden hurts, needs, sins, and struggles that we may disguise even from ourselves. In this sacred season of Advent, may we instead open God’s Word each day and through the Holy Spirit’s power, open our hearts and minds anew to His love and care? Just as we savor our first full breath when we remove a COVID mask, may God’s Word and grace drop as the rain…distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb (Deuteronomy 32:2). Look at Advent in the face, and face this season with hopeful anticipation for your loving Savior’s arrival.
Unmasking Advent: the arrival of a Savior in our lives is a collection of individual meditations, composed by members of the Concordia University community on its Wisconsin and Michigan campuses. It is our prayer that you will enjoy this Advent season with newfound anticipation and zeal through the Holy Spirit. That same anticipation and zeal is found in the mission of Concordia University and is what drives the work of the university each and every day.
So sit for a bit, take off all your masks, and prepare to meet Jesus face to face.
DR. MICHAEL UDEN, Vice Provost, Student Enrollment and Engagement
Schedule
Foreword | Lisa Liljegren, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Communications, CUW
Nov. 29 | Isaiah 5:1-25; 1 Peter 2:1-12, Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson, Vice President of Administration, CUAA
Nov. 30 | Isaiah 6:1-7:9; 1 Peter 2:13-25, Hannah Rumsey, CUAA Student
Dec. 1 | Isaiah 7:10-8:8; 1 Peter 3:1-22, Dr. Carol Lueders-Bolwerk, School of Nursing
Dec. 2 | Isaiah 8:9-9:7 and 1 Peter 4:1-19, Joseph Bender, CUW Student
Dec. 3 | Isaiah 9:8-10:11 and 1 Peter 5:1-14, Dr. Lisa Adams-Qualls, School of Health Professions
Dec. 4 | Isaiah 10:12-27a, 33-34 and 2 Peter 1:1-21, Keith Casey, Veteran Services, CUW
Dec. 5 | Isaiah 11:1-12:6 and 2 Peter 2:1-22, Dr. Michael Uden, Vice Provost
Dec. 6 | Isaiah 14:1-23 and 2 Peter 3:1-18, Aimee Wiley, Advancement Office, CUW
Dec. 7 | Isaiah 24:1-13 and 1 John 1:1-2:14, Dr. Steve Montreal, Dean, School of Arts & Sciences
Dec. 8 | Isaiah 24:14-25:12, Obadiah 1-21, 1 John 2:15-29, Walter Goodwyn, Multicultural Engagement, CUW
Dec. 9 | Isaiah 26:1-19 and 1 John 3:1-24, Alec Escandon, CUAA Student
Dec. 10 | Isaiah 26:20-27:13 and 1 John 4:1-21, Dr. Matthew Hurtienne, Associate Dean, School of Business
Dec. 12 | Isaiah 29:1-14 and Jude 1-25, Dr. Steve Gerner, Dean of Students, CUW
Dec. 13 | Isaiah 29:15-30:14 and Revelation 1:1-20, Jerry Novak, Director of Buildings and Grounds, CUAA
Dec. 14 | Isaiah 30:15-26 and Revelation 2:1-29, Dr. Joey-Lynn Bialkowski, School of Business, CUAA
Dec. 15 | Isaiah 30:27-31:9 and Revelation 3:1-22, Noah Kampa, CUW Student
Dec. 16 | Isaiah 32:1-20 and Revelation 4:1-11, Maggie Leimkuehler, International Office, CUW
Dec. 17 | Isaiah 33:1-24 and Revelation 5:1-14, Jesús Hernández, Director of Enrollment, CUAA
Dec. 19 | Isaiah 40:1-17 and Revelation 7:1-17, Dr. Jonathan Reasor, School of Arts & Sciences, CUAA
Dec. 20 | Isaiah 40:18-41:10 and Revelation 8:1-13, Madelyn Kempen, Instructional Designer, Concordia University
Dec. 21 | Isaiah 42:1-25 and Revelation 9:1-12, Linda Sproul, Advancement Office, CUAA
Dec. 22 | Isaiah 43:1-24 and Revelation 9:13-10:11, Christian Himsel, Library Director, CUW
Dec. 23 | Isaiah 43:25-44:20 and Revelation 11:1-19, Angie Raasch, Academic Advisor and Career Engagement Specialist, CUAA
Unmasking Advent is also available for purchase in hard-copy form. Each booklet costs $5. All net proceeds will support Concordia’s “Living Water” campaign through Water to Thrive, an effort to create a sustainable clean water source for a community in Africa. Click here to purchase a booklet. If you wish to make a direct, tax-deductible gift to the Living Water campaign, click here.
—
If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.