Rev. Dr. Mark Braden, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit and president of the Concordia University System of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, offers a sermon at the Chapel dedication. Members of the Concordia University Ann Arbor community gathered Nov. 21 for a joy-filled naming and dedication of the Chapel of the Holy Nativity. Faculty, staff, and students joined together in a worship service rooted in Scripture, prayer, and thanksgiving for Christ’s presence.
The service was led by Rev. Dr. Tony Sikora, campus pastor, who opened with readings from Ephesians 2. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. Mark Braden, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit and president of the Concordia University System of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The chosen name—Chapel of the Holy Nativity—intentionally directs the campus community to the incarnation of the Son of God.
“The Chapel of the Holy Nativity reminds us of the incarnation of the Son of God. God became small for us and took on our humanity,” said Pastor Sikora. “This reminds us that all our bodies have value, dignity, and worth. The incarnation of God for us is a fitting focus for a campus dedicated to ministering to the human body through health sciences.”
God Dwelling among His People
In his message, Rev. Dr. Braden reflected on Solomon’s question, “Will God indeed dwell on earth?” and proclaimed that God’s answer is found in the holy nativity of Jesus Christ. He emphasized that in Christ’s birth, God truly dwells among His people—bringing reconciliation, unity, and peace.
“Holiness invaded fallenness. Life entered this dying world,” he said, pointing to Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection as the means by which “you who were once afar off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Rev. Dr. Braden connected the chapel’s new name—the Chapel of the Holy Nativity—to its mission on campus. Just as Christ’s birth ushered in the new creation, this chapel is to be a place where students and community members encounter that same new life through His Word and sacraments.
He prayed that this space would be:
- a place where Christ is present through His promises,
- a place where faith is born and strengthened,
- a place of reconciliation and peace, and
- a place where divisions are healed in love, as all are made one in Christ.
“May this chapel,” he said, “be a place of new birth for our Concordia—a place where brethren dwell together in peace and unity, for by the blood of Christ both are made one.”
A Space for Worship, Prayer, and Daily Life
Pastor Sikora expressed his hopes for how students and the broader CUAA community will use the chapel, both in formal worship and in their everyday rhythms.
“The Chapel of the Holy Nativity will be a sacred space dedicated to the preaching of God’s Word for our salvation,” he said. “Like the stable long ago—though small and seemingly insignificant—God will be with us.”
He shared that he hopes students will feel comfortable entering the chapel for worship, prayer, rest, and quiet meditation.
“Apart from designated chapel times, students may also use the chapel for times of personal prayer and devotions, for a time of rest and meditation on the Lord and His wondrous works for us.”
As CUAA students prepare for vocations that minister to the physical needs of others, Pastor Sikora sees this chapel as a place that will continue shaping hearts and forming Christian character.
“It is hoped that the students will take advantage of the opportunities to focus their hearts and minds on Christ Jesus and grow in their faith in Christ as well as their love for their neighbors, especially as they begin to minister to the bodily needs of those suffering in the body,” Pastor Sikora said. “As the Lord of all became small for our salvation, so too are we encouraged to be humble in service to our neighbor, sharing His love with others in our vocations.”
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