<p>Why does the Church begin Advent with the cry, “Lord, have mercy”?</p><p>In this Advent 1 sermon preached in Magnolia, Texas, we reflect on the Kyrie and Hosanna as the Church’s ancient confession of faith in Christ. Drawing from the triumphal entry, the preaching of John the Baptist, and the structure of the Divine Service, this sermon shows how God’s people have always cried out to the Son of David—not merely for help, but in trust that He is the promised Messiah.</p><p>The Kyrie is not only a confession of sin; it is a proclamation that Jesus is Lord, God in human flesh, who has come to show mercy. As the Church enters a new year, Advent teaches us to join the saints before us and the saints around us in awaiting Christ’s coming: first in humility, now through His Word and Sacraments, and finally in glory.</p><p>What sounds like desperation to the world is, for the Church, joyful confidence in Christ our King, who was slain and yet lives, and who will come again for our salvation.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://stthomastx.church/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">www.stthomastx.church</a>!</p>