For this purpose, your procession today now teaches you how to pray and live again. The words of the crowds are now your words and patterns of speech, grafted into your hearts as we gather here each week and prepared to be led to the Holy Supper, where Christ awakens faith and grants you forgiveness and everlasting life.

My mother recently gave me one of my elementary or junior high school writing projects. You know, the kind you never want to look back and read. My experience is that mementos of your childhood are kept for blackmail or embarrassment later in life! (Ha!)

One of the great lessons I have been afforded while serving in a myriad of positions at the Pentagon is this, while our rank may increase, it’s not power or control that accompanies our offices, but rather a greater need and responsibility to support and serve others. That’s leadership, serving others.

This is why Christ Jesus came, appeared, and visited His people that first Christmas, out of loving kindness - to redeem them and you from the sin that binds and haunts the heart. His story has become your story, a true telling of man’s redemption.

Ambrose was an unlikely theologian, thrust into the moment in many ways. But, I believe he continues to be an icon not only for the Church but especially for the Office of Holy Ministry. His love for his neighbor was most clearly present through his patient teaching, preaching, and, most importantly, his unwavering confession of Jesus Christ.

“For this child we have prayed.” (1 Sam. 1:27).