A Mystery Hidden, Now Revealed

. . . the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. Colossians 1:26

It feels good to know, doesn’t it? If you are among a group of friends or coworkers, and everyone is wondering about something, it feels good to be the one in the know. As everyone fixes their eyes on you in silence, just waiting to hear what you have to tell them, you smile to yourself and relish the opportunity to share the news. It feels good to be the one in the know.

God has made known to you the greatest news of all. This mystery that we’ve seen the Lord weave throughout human history and testify to throughout the ages through apostles, prophets, and evangelists in the pages of Scripture—this mystery the Lord has chosen to reveal to you.

Doesn’t it feel good? Doesn’t it fill you with joy? God wanted you to know the fullness of the good news the prophets wrote about but longed to understand as you do.

God was revealing it to you when water washed over your head and one of his servants spoke familiar words: “I baptize you . . .” God was revealing it to you when moms, dads, and Sunday school teachers read to you about the Savior’s birth in a manger, his death on a cross, his resurrection on the third day. God continues to reveal it to you as he comes to you in his spoken Word and in his sacrament, means of grace that create and strengthen faith in your Savior Jesus.

In the coming days, you will hear the good news of great joy once again. In the city of David, a child has been born. You know the mystery. You know who this child is. He is Christ the Lord, who takes away sin and opens the path of life.

Doesn’t it feel good to know, and isn’t it a joy and privilege to share it, especially when so many in the world still need to hear it? To you, the Lord’s people, he has disclosed the mystery of the good news so that you can give to others the reason for the hope that you have. Relish the opportunities God gives you to do that during this precious time of year and always.

Dear Lord, grant to me the joy of knowing your salvation and sharing it with the world. Through your people, make known the mystery of your love in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Rev. Jacob Behnken serves Martin Luther College
as dean of chapel.