Advent of the Heart

Reflecting on Father Delp’s Legacy

Advent, a season marked by anticipation and preparation, held profound significance for Father Alfred Delp, a German Jesuit priest and martyr executed by the Nazis in 1945. For Father Delp, Advent was not merely about preparing for the celebration of Christmas; it was a call to a transformative encounter with God, a call he encapsulated in what he termed an “Advent of the heart.” In his 1941 sermons, he outlined four ways Advent calls us into deeper communion with God:

1. We are shaken awake.

Advent begins with a jolt. Like the cry of John the Baptist in the wilderness, it disrupts our complacency and demands our attention. Father Delp believed that this “shaking awake” was a divine act of love, a moment when God disturbs our routines to remind us of His presence and purpose. In a world often lulled into spiritual drowsiness by materialism and distraction, Advent is the season to awaken our hearts to God’s reality and our need for Him.

2. We are called to integrity and authenticity.

Advent, according to Father Delp, challenges us to live authentically before God and others. It is a call to examine our hearts, confront our hypocrisies, and align our lives with the truth of the Gospel. Integrity requires courage—especially in times of darkness and trial, as Father Delp himself experienced under the oppressive Nazi regime. For him, this authenticity was not optional but essential; it was the foundation of a life lived in faithful obedience to God.

3. We confess and proclaim our faith.

Advent is also a time for bold confession. It calls us to declare, both in word and deed, our belief in the God who came to dwell among us in Jesus Christ. Father Delp proclaimed his faith even in the face of persecution and death, demonstrating that true confession is not merely intellectual assent but a lived testimony. During Advent, we are invited to proclaim the hope of Christ’s coming—not only in Bethlehem but also in our present circumstances and ultimate future.

4. We respond to God with reverent awe.

Finally, Advent leads us to worship. In the midst of life’s uncertainties and suffering, Father Delp emphasized the importance of responding to God with a heart of awe and reverence. This posture recognizes the mystery and majesty of the God who chose to enter our broken world as a vulnerable child. In Advent, we bow in wonder, not only at the miracle of the Incarnation but also at the ongoing presence of God in our lives.

A Spiritual Program and Way of Life

For Father Delp, the “Advent of the heart” was not confined to the weeks before Christmas. It was a spiritual program, a way of life that prepared believers to meet God in every circumstance. He preached this message amidst personal, social, and historical turmoil, asserting that even suffering could be a context for encountering God. His own life bore witness to this truth. 

Parishioners remembered how, on the Feast of the Presentation in 1941, exactly four years before his execution, Father Delp preached about the symbolism of the blessed candles, which give light at the cost of their own substance. These candles, he explained, are a reflection of the Christian life: a life called to shine brightly, even as it is consumed in service and sacrifice. For Father Delp, this imagery was deeply connected to Advent’s message—a call to offer oneself completely, trusting in the God who brings light into the darkest places.

Imprisoned and awaiting execution, he wrote:

“Light your candles quietly, 

such candles as you possess, 

wherever you are.”

Father Delp’s faith reminds us that Advent is not merely about awaiting a festive holiday; it is about becoming people of hope, integrity, and awe, even in the darkest of times.

Living the “Advent of the Heart” Today

In our modern world, where distractions abound and suffering often feels senseless, Father Delp’s Advent message is more relevant than ever. This season invites us to pause, reflect, and reorient our lives toward the God who comes to us—not only in a manger but in every moment of our existence.

May we, like Father Delp, embrace the “Advent of the heart” as a call to transformation. Let us be shaken awake, live authentically, proclaim our faith boldly, and respond to God with reverent awe. And as we light the candles of Advent, may they remind us of the hope and light that no darkness can extinguish.

Advent Prayer: An “Advent of the Heart”

Lord of light and hope,

Shake us awake from our complacency,

That we may see You at work in our lives.

Grant us the courage to live with integrity,

To align our hearts with Your truth.

Fill us with faith to proclaim Your name,

Even in the midst of darkness and trial.

Humble us with awe at the wonder of Your love,

As we prepare to welcome You anew.

Come, Lord Jesus, and transform our hearts,

That we may live as people of hope,

Reflecting Your light in the world.

Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

From Humility to Glory

The King Is Coming

A Call to Prepare

The Messiah in Zechariah

Rejoice, Your King Comes to You

The Reign of Christ - Past, Present, and Future

Zechariah’s Vision - The Servant and the Sovereign King

Introduction

The book of Zechariah is a masterpiece of prophetic vision, offering profound insights into the coming of the Messiah. It reveals a Savior who comes both as a suffering servant and as a triumphant King. Zechariah’s prophecy declares the Messiah’s dual mission: to rescue His people from sin and to reign as King, establishing a Kingdom of peace, justice, and righteousness. This dual reality—Christ’s first coming in humility and His second coming in glory—calls us to respond with faith, repentance, and readiness.

The Messiah’s Mission: Humble and Victorious

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

— Zechariah 9:9

Zechariah 9:9 beautifully captures the dual nature of the Messiah’s mission, combining humility with victory. Matthew Henry observes, “This prophecy, so exactly fulfilled, reminds us of Christ’s perfect humility and divine authority. He is both meek and mighty, a King who serves yet reigns.” The choice of a donkey instead of a warhorse disrupts conventional notions of power and kingship. In ancient times, rulers entering cities on horses signified conquest, while riding a donkey symbolized peace and servanthood. By riding a colt, Jesus demonstrated that His Kingdom was unlike any earthly kingdom, rooted in love and humility.

Charles Spurgeon calls this prophecy “the keynote of gospel joy,” pointing to Christ’s intentional humility as a profound expression of His peaceable reign and His approachability. His righteousness confirms His worthiness to rule, while His meekness endears Him to our hearts.

Eugene Peterson reflects, “God’s way of ruling defies the world’s expectations of power and domination.” In this single act, Christ redefined the meaning of true power—not through force but through self-sacrificial love. His triumphal entry invites us to rethink authority, leadership, and victory in light of the cross.

This King, righteous yet lowly, mighty yet gentle, beckons us to rejoice in the hope He brings. His entry into Jerusalem is not just a historical moment but a living call to place our trust in a Savior who reigns with grace and truth. As we celebrate His peaceable rule, let us embrace the joy of being part of His eternal Kingdom.

The Messiah’s Suffering and Victory

“They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child.”

— Zechariah 12:10

Zechariah 12:10 is a profound prophecy pointing directly to Christ’s crucifixion, where He bore the sins of humanity. The phrase “pierced One” reminds us of the deep cost of our salvation—a sacrifice that reconciles us to God. N.T. Wright reflects, “Zechariah’s vision of the pierced One shows the paradox of the Messiah—His suffering brings salvation; His death brings victory.” At the cross, justice and mercy meet as Christ willingly takes upon Himself the punishment we deserved.

Alexander Maclaren emphasizes the transformative power of mourning over the pierced Savior: “Our mourning over the pierced One leads us to repentance, which opens the door to His Kingdom.” This godly sorrow is not despair but a grief that compels us to turn from sin and embrace the grace of Christ.

The victory of the cross lies in the truth that through His wounds, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). His suffering was not an end but the means through which the Kingdom of God was inaugurated. As Henri Nouwen writes, “The pierced heart of Jesus is the clearest expression of divine love.”

This prophecy invites us to respond in two ways: with repentance, as we recognize our role in His suffering, and with hope, as we rejoice in the victory His death accomplished. Christ’s pierced body speaks of both the weight of sin and the glory of redemption, leading us to worship a Savior who triumphs through sacrifice.

The King’s Return: Triumphant and Just

“The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.”

— Zechariah 14:9

Zechariah 14:9 captures the glorious promise of Christ’s ultimate reign, where His Kingdom will extend over the entire earth, unifying all under His sovereign authority. This prophecy reminds us that history is moving toward a climactic fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. John Calvin observed, “God’s rule is not partial but universal. The vision of one Lord over all reminds us of the unity and peace His Kingdom will bring.” Christ’s return will establish a Kingdom of righteousness, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess Him as Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).

Walter Brueggemann calls this a vision of a “new world order” under God’s perfect justice, where oppression, division, and sin will no longer reign. Derek Kidner highlights the cosmic scale of this transformation: “Christ’s reign will restore harmony not just among nations but throughout creation itself.” This is a Kingdom where peace flows like a river and the glory of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9, Habakkuk 2:14).

The triumphant return of the King is also a day of reckoning. It signals the end of rebellion and the establishment of God’s authority in fullness. As Martin Lloyd-Jones writes, “Christ will return not to deal with sin again but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.”

This prophecy calls us to live in readiness and hope. As Rick Warren reflects, “When we live with the end in view, it changes how we live in the present.” Christ’s victorious return invites us to align our lives with His purposes, eagerly anticipating the day when His name will be the only name, and His reign will bring everlasting peace and justice.

The Importance of Submission to the King

Zechariah’s prophetic vision compels us to submit to the Messiah’s leadership now, preparing our hearts for His return as the victorious King. Submission is not merely an act of obedience but a recognition of Christ’s rightful authority over all creation. John Wesley exhorts us, “Let us yield our hearts to Christ as King today, so we may rejoice in His reign tomorrow.” To submit now is to embrace the joy, peace, and purpose of living under His rule.

C.S. Lewis captures the urgency of this call in Mere Christianity: “When the author walks onto the stage, the play is over.” His imagery reminds us that the return of Christ will mark the end of this age and the beginning of His eternal Kingdom. There will be no opportunity for repentance after that moment; thus, the time to turn to Him is now.

Timothy Keller highlights the transformative power of submission: “The gospel teaches us that we do not earn our way into Christ’s Kingdom; we are brought in by His grace. But this grace transforms us into loyal citizens who long for His return.” Submission to Christ begins with accepting His grace—a surrender that leads to transformation.

Zechariah’s message is clear: submitting to Christ is not just preparation for His return, but a daily surrender that aligns us with His Kingdom here and now. As Dallas Willard reflects, “To live in the Kingdom of God is to live in willing obedience to the King.” True submission brings freedom and joy as we learn to trust His wisdom and love. By yielding to Christ, we experience a foretaste of His coming Kingdom and the hope of eternal life under His perfect reign.

The King Will Establish Peace

“He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.”

— Zechariah 9:10

Zechariah 9:10 portrays the Messiah as the ultimate peacemaker, whose Kingdom will bring harmony and restoration to all creation. His proclamation of peace extends beyond mere political agreements or the cessation of war. Instead, it ushers in a comprehensive shalom—spiritual, relational, and cosmic harmony. Henri Nouwen captures this truth: “Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God.” Under the Messiah’s reign, God’s presence will fill the earth, replacing chaos and division with His divine order.

Richard Foster emphasizes that this peace begins now in the hearts of believers: “As we live under the reign of Christ now, we become peacemakers, bearing witness to the future reality of His Kingdom.” Christ’s followers are called to reflect His peace in a broken world, serving as ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

This peace extends across all nations and creation itself. Derek Kidner observes, “The Messiah’s reign will bring harmony not only to humanity but to the natural order, fulfilling God’s original design for the world.” Isaiah 11:6-9 describes this reality vividly, where even natural enemies coexist peacefully under Christ’s rule.

Ultimately, the King’s peace is rooted in the cross. Through His sacrifice, Jesus reconciled humanity to God, breaking the power of sin and enabling true peace (Colossians 1:20). As Dallas Willard reminds us, “Living in God’s peace requires surrendering to His will and embracing the Kingdom’s priorities.”

Zechariah’s vision calls us to anticipate the day when Christ’s peace will cover the earth, uniting nations, healing wounds, and restoring all things under His loving rule. Until then, we live as witnesses to this peace, embodying the hope of the Kingdom to come.

Lessons Learned and Daily Application

1. Live under Christ’s reign today: Dallas Willard reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not just a future reality but a present calling. We are to submit to Christ’s authority in our daily decisions, letting His teachings shape our attitudes, actions, and relationships. This means pursuing holiness, forgiving others, and loving sacrificially as Jesus did.

2. Prepare for the King’s return: Zechariah urges us to live in anticipation of Christ’s second coming. This involves not only waiting but actively preparing by aligning our lives with His will. We are called to live with integrity, sharing the gospel, and being a light in a world that desperately needs hope.

3. Align your life with God’s eternal purpose: Rick Warren reminds us that history is moving toward the return of Jesus. Our lives find meaning and purpose when we prioritize God’s Kingdom over earthly ambitions. By dedicating ourselves to His mission, we become part of the grand story of redemption.

These lessons challenge us to live intentionally, with a focus on the eternal. Each day is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s reign in our lives, pointing others toward the hope of His coming Kingdom.

A Prayer for Readiness

Lord Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords,

We rejoice in the promise of Your return. Thank You for coming first as a humble servant to save us from sin. Help us to submit to Your reign in our hearts today and to live as faithful citizens of Your Kingdom. Strengthen us to proclaim Your gospel, pursue Your peace, and long for Your glorious appearing. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, and establish Your eternal Kingdom. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Rebuilding the Temple

Empowered by the Spirit

God’s Call, Spirit, and Purpose

Not by Might, Nor by Power

Zechariah’s Vision and Our Mission

Zechariah’s Encouragement for Discouraged Builders

 

The Book of Zechariah unfolds during a time of profound discouragement. The Jews had returned from Babylonian exile, but their hope of a restored Temple—a symbol of God’s presence — remained unfulfilled. They faced opposition, exhaustion, and fear. Yet, through Zechariah, God spoke hope and encouragement, calling His people to rebuild the Temple. This wasn’t just about bricks and mortar; it was a significant moment in God’s redemptive plan.

Zechariah’s message is not only for ancient Israel it speaks to all believers. Like the Israelites, we are called to build God’s kingdom in a world full of challenges. To fulfill this calling, we must rely on the Spirit of God. As Zechariah 4:6 proclaims:

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

Zechariah’s Call to Rebuild

Alexander Maclaren beautifully observed, “Every stone laid on the Temple was a prophecy. Every blow of the hammer on the unfinished building rang with the promise of a better covenant.” This reconstruction signified far more than the physical rebuilding of a structure—it was a profound act of spiritual renewal, reminding the people that God’s purposes surpass human understanding.

Zechariah’s call to rebuild wasn’t merely about restoring a physical temple; it was a summons to rekindle faith, renew obedience, and restore hope. The Temple, as a symbol of God’s presence, declared that God had not forsaken His people, even after the exile. Undertaking this work was an act of trust, requiring perseverance amidst opposition and discouragement. Yet Zechariah’s visions reassured the people that the task was ultimately God’s mission, carried out through their obedience.

Rebuilding God’s work has never been easy, but it is always sustained by His power. Matthew Henry noted, “God’s work shall go forward, and His interests be preserved, in spite of all opposition, and the unbelief of those who should be forwarding it.” The rebuilding of the Temple was a pivotal step in God’s unfolding plan, pointing ahead to Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

As David Guzik explains, “God’s plans are bigger than our setbacks, and His purposes extend beyond what we see.” Each stone placed in the Temple bore witness to God’s faithfulness and His promise to dwell among His people. Ultimately, the Temple’s rebuilding foreshadowed the coming of Christ, who would fulfill the law and establish a new covenant. Today, this call reminds us that even our smallest acts of obedience are part of God’s grand, eternal plan.

The Spirit’s Empowerment

The rebuilding of the Temple was entirely dependent on the power of God’s Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 captures this truth: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” shifting the focus from human capability to divine strength. This verse underscores that God’s work is accomplished not through human ingenuity or resources, but through His Spirit. As Eugene Peterson insightfully noted, “Zechariah redirects the weary builders’ vision from their own weakness to the infinite power of God’s Spirit.” That same power, available to all who trust in Him, remains just as relevant today.

Charles Spurgeon observed, “The Spirit of God can work mightily where all human effort fails. If we are to see the glory of God in our time, it must be by the Spirit of the Lord.” It is precisely in moments of limitation and weakness that God’s Spirit displays His power most clearly. The Israelites, faced with opposition and discouragement, found strength and perseverance in the Spirit, just as we must rely on Him in advancing God’s kingdom.

Derek Prince explained that the Spirit does more than empower; He brings clarity, guidance, and alignment with God’s purposes. Whether we are proclaiming the gospel, leading a ministry, or walking faithfully in daily life, it is the Holy Spirit who equips, sustains, and strengthens us for the task. Without Him, we would falter in the face of challenges or lose sight of God’s mission.

The Spirit’s empowerment remains as vital for us as it was for the Israelites. God’s work cannot be accomplished by human effort alone, but through the Spirit’s unceasing presence and power, we are equipped to persevere and bring glory to His name.

God Protects His Builders

Zechariah’s message to the Israelites emphasized not only God’s call to rebuild but also His promise of protection for those engaged in His work. In Zechariah 2:5, the Lord proclaims, “I will be to her a wall of fire all around…and I will be the glory in her midst.” This vivid imagery reassured the people that God’s presence would guard them from harm and that He would dwell among them, bringing divine protection and peace. This promise gave them the courage to persevere despite external opposition and internal doubts.

N.T. Wright insightfully observes, “God’s protection is not a distant shield but an active presence that surrounds and sustains His people.” This assurance reminded the Israelites—and reminds us—that God’s care is personal and dynamic. His presence is both our defense against external threats and the source of inward strength.

John Calvin reinforced this truth by highlighting God’s sovereignty: “God holds the reins of the whole world in His hands, and He overrules all opposition to the building of His kingdom.” God’s ultimate authority guarantees the success of His purposes, no matter the challenges faced by His people.

This divine assurance is a powerful encouragement for us today. Whether we are confronting personal trials or opposition in advancing God’s kingdom, we can trust in His unshakable protection. He not only guards His work but ensures that His glory will shine through it.

Building for the Future

The rebuilding of the Temple was about far more than restoring a physical structure—it was a pivotal step in God’s unfolding plan of redemption, culminating in the coming of Christ. Every stone placed symbolized a larger story of salvation, as Derek Prince observed: “Zechariah’s visions are glimpses into God’s grand design, showing that even our seemingly small acts of obedience are part of an eternal story.” The Israelites’ labor was not merely for their generation; it pointed forward to the ultimate Temple, Jesus Christ, through whom God’s presence would dwell with humanity.

Patrick Miller expands on this, emphasizing, “To rebuild is to participate in God’s unfolding drama, where our faithfulness today paves the way for His glory tomorrow.” Their obedience to God’s call served as an act of faith that reverberated through history, paving the way for God’s greater work. This is true for us as well—our faithful efforts in service to God may seem small, but they carry eternal significance.

Rick Warren reminds us, “What we build for God will outlast us if it is done in obedience and reliance on Him.” When we labor for God, guided by His Spirit, we become part of a work that transcends time. Just as the Israelites’ rebuilding effort prepared the way for Christ, our faithful service today lays the foundation for God’s kingdom work in the future.

A Call to Us Today

Zechariah’s message is timeless, reminding believers that God’s call to rebuild is not confined to the past but continues in our lives today. The work of rebuilding is as much spiritual as it is physical. Henri Nouwen insightfully wrote, “Spiritual building begins with surrender. It is the Spirit of God who forms the house of God within us and through us.” This surrender involves yielding our plans, ambitions, and fears to God, trusting Him to work through us as we labor for His kingdom.

Dallas Willard further expands this idea, stating, “The true Temple is not found in a place but in a people—a people who are yielded to the Spirit and devoted to the mission of God.” As believers, we are now the living stones of God’s spiritual temple (1 Peter 2:5), called to reflect His presence in our lives and communities.

This call requires faithfulness, humility, and a commitment to God’s purposes. Each act of service, however small, becomes part of the greater story of God’s redemption. Just as the Israelites rebuilt the physical Temple in obedience, we are called to build God’s kingdom by proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, and living as His faithful witnesses. Through surrender and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we become active participants in God’s ongoing mission to renew and restore the world.

Key Lessons for Today

1. Faith Over Fear: Trust that God is with you in the work He calls you to do (Zechariah 2:5).

2. Empowerment by the Spirit: Rely on God’s Spirit, not your own strength (Zechariah 4:6).

3. Eternal Perspective: Remember that our work for God is part of His eternal plan (Zechariah 8:9-13).

Building God’s Kingdom Together

Zechariah’s encouragement to rebuild the Temple points us to a larger truth: God calls His people to participate in His redemptive plan. We may face opposition, discouragement, and exhaustion, but the Spirit of God equips us with strength, protection, and vision. Let us rebuild with courage and trust, knowing that the work we do for Him will endure.

A Prayer for Rebuilding

Lord,

Thank You for calling us to be part of Your redemptive work. When we feel discouraged, remind us that Your Spirit empowers us. Help us to rely not on our strength but on Your might. Protect us as we labor for Your glory, and give us a vision of the eternal purposes You are unfolding. May our work bring honor to Your name and hope to the world. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria