A New Year Begins: Welcoming the Church’s New Year and the Gospel of Matthew
As December arrives, many of us think about the end of the calendar year—closing chapters, preparing for Christmas celebrations, and looking toward January 1. But in the life of the Church, our “new year” begins a little earlier, with the First Sunday of Advent.
Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas; it marks the start of a new cycle of Scripture readings known as the Revised Common Lectionary. Each church year focuses primarily on one of the three synoptic gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—rotating every three years. With the first candle of the Advent wreath, we step into Year A, the year of Matthew.
Why the Church Year Starts in Advent
The Church begins its year not with fireworks or resolutions but with a season of hope and expectation. Advent calls us to watch and wait for Christ—both the child born in Bethlehem and the risen Lord who promises to come again. Starting the year in Advent reminds us that Christian life is always lived in anticipation of God’s unfolding future.
Year A: The Gospel of Matthew
This year we journey closely with the Gospel of Matthew. While all four Gospels tell the story of Jesus, each has its own voice and emphasis. Matthew’s Gospel speaks in ways that deeply shape Lutheran preaching and teaching.
Here are a few themes you’ll hear throughout the coming year:
1. Jesus the Teacher
Matthew presents Jesus as a master teacher. Some of Jesus’ most well-known teachings—like the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Great Commission—come from Matthew. This Gospel invites us to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening, learning, and being formed as disciples.
2. God With Us
Matthew begins and ends with a powerful promise:
- At Jesus’ birth: “They shall call him Emmanuel, which means God with us.”
- At Jesus’ resurrection: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
From beginning to end, Matthew shows us a Savior who enters the fullness of human life—God who is truly with us.
3. The Kingdom of Heaven
Matthew frequently uses the phrase “kingdom of heaven” to describe God’s reign. This doesn’t refer to “going to heaven someday,” but God’s healing, justice, forgiveness, and mercy breaking into our world right now . We will hear parables and teachings that stretch our imaginations and challenge our priorities.
4. Discipleship—Faith in Action
Matthew cares deeply about how faith is lived. Jesus calls His followers to be peacemakers, to forgive one another, to serve the least among us, and to build their lives on His word. In Matthew’s Gospel, discipleship is not abstract—it shows up in real, everyday actions.
5. Jesus Fulfills God’s Promises
Matthew often connects Jesus to the story of Israel, showing how Jesus fulfills the law and the prophets. This Gospel weaves old and new together, helping us see the continuity of God’s saving work across generations.
Looking Ahead Together
As we enter the Church’s new year and begin our journey through Matthew, I invite you to:
- Attend worship regularly and listen for God’s voice in the Sunday readings.
- Watch for Matthew’s themes—teaching, discipleship, the kingdom of heaven, and God’s presence.
- Let Advent shape you as a season of hopeful waiting, quiet preparation, and renewed faith.
May this new year in the Church draw us closer to Christ—our Emmanuel, the promised One, our teacher, our Savior, and our King. Blessings on your Advent journey and the year to come,
Pastor Amy