Pr. DFD

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Monday prior to Christmas

Psalm 98:1; The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. With trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn-- shout for joy before the LORD, the King. is the psalm verse for the Introit for Christmas Day while the antiphon is from Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

We are now just one week away from Christmas. Are you ready for the celebration? Christmas will come whether you are ready or not. The good news is that at just the right time our Lord Jesus broke into time and space to be our Savior. He intervened at precisely the right time. His entry into this world happened according to the Father’s perfect will for this world and especially for you.

Jesus does not change. He makes it a habit of showing up at exactly when He needs to and specifically in those places he has promised to be found; in His Word, in his gifts, in his action of forgiveness and restoration. Throughout this week of preparation be mindful that in the midst of your many tasks you must do the Lord has specifically had you on his mind from the beginning of time. You were on his mind when he entered this world and he has remembered you every single day since. Now that’s good news each of us can appreciate.

Heavenly Father, we thank you that Your Word emboldens our hearts with praise and thanksgiving as we rejoice in Your promises. Thank You Lord for fulfilling Your word through Jesus, our King of Kings and our Lord of Lords. Thank you for showing us the way of humility and blessing by taking the form of a baby to bring the hope of the world and salvation to the nations. Lord, your ways are so much better than ours. You are our Peace and our Joy and our Salvation. To You be the glory! Amen and amen!

Collect for 98: Lord, we sing to you a new song, for your victory is ever new. In the empty tomb you have give us a glimpse of your future and in your victory over death you have shown us how we sll overcome the last enemy. As the seas roar and the hills sing together, we too will praise you for your great triumph, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever.[2]

[2] Collect for Psalm 98, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and by the Church Vol. 1 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

Saturday, December 21, 2024

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS - Series C study notes

O God, our Maker and Redeemer, You wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your Son yet more wondrously restored our human nature. Grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Exodus 13:1–3a, 11–15
Colossians 3:12–17
Luke 2:22–40

The Firstborn Son of God Is Our Redemption from Sin and Death

When the Lord destroyed the firstborn sons of Egypt, He spared the sons of Israel by providing a lamb in their stead. Hence, all the firstborn sons belong to Him. Every firstborn male animal was sacrificed, and every firstborn son of man was redeemed (Exodus 13:12–13). Therefore, the parents of Jesus “brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). However, He is not redeemed from priestly service but is consecrated for “the redemption of Jerusalem” and “the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25, 38). For God the Father did not spare His only-begotten Son, but offered Him up as the true Passover Lamb, in order to redeem His people from bondage. His Cross has caused many to stumble and fall, but His blood atoned for the sins of the world and delivers us from death. We now depart in the peace of Christ because we are also raised with Him. As we receive His body and blood, we join Simeon and Anna in “giving thanks to God the Father through Him,” “singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” including the Nunc Dimittis, with thankfulness in our hearts (Luke 2:28–32, 38; Colossians 3:15–17).

Luke 2:22–40

Jesus Presented at the Temple

Luke 2:22-

Καὶ ὅτε ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ καθαρισμοῦ αὐτῶν κατὰ τὸν νόμον Μωϋσέως, ἀνήγαγον αὐτὸν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα παραστῆσαι τῷ κυρίῳ,

And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

First time Jesus the new temple is brought to Jerusalem. Leviticus 12- 40 days. Would not go to Jerusalem for the circumcision. See Malachi the messenger comes to the temple.

Luke 2:23-

καθὼς γέγραπται ἐν νόμῳ κυρίου ὅτι Πᾶν ἄρσεν διανοῖγον μήτραν ἅγιον τῷ κυρίῳ κληθήσεται,

(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)

All males that open the womb are called holy to/for the Lord.

“Holy to the Lord” had to be redeemed...to remind the Jews of the Exodus and to remember the first born were redeemed and or ransomed... Ex. 13:15, First born of the Levites were not redeemed. This is Jesus active obedience. He is under the Law fulfilling it perfectly.

Luke 2:24-

καὶ τοῦ δοῦναι θυσίαν κατὰ τὸ εἰρημένον ἐν [a]τῷ νόμῳ κυρίου, ζεῦγος τρυγόνων ἢ δύο νοσσοὺς περιστερῶν.

and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

and to offer a sacrifice according to the Law of the Lord ( see Lev. 12:8.)

Two pigeons turtle doves because they were poor. Burnt offering and sin offering. One for the mother one for the child. A lamb and a bird or two birds. Burnt sacrifice was a dedication sacrifice.

Luke2:25-

Καὶ ἰδοὺ [b]ἄνθρωπος ἦν ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ ᾧ ὄνομα Συμεών, καὶ ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος δίκαιος καὶ εὐλαβής, προσδεχόμενος παράκλησιν τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, καὶ πνεῦμα ἦν ἅγιον ἐπ’ αὐτόν·

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Behold...(look here, at this is happening right in front of you)...Simeon who was in Jerusalem just and devout waiting for the comfort of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon Him.

Waiting for Jerusalem to be comforted by the redeemer. see Isaiah 40. He (Paraclete) is the one standing before God as a defense attorney.

Did Simeon get his information from Zachariah's prophecy? The Spirit Works through means.

Luke 2:26-

καὶ ἦν αὐτῷ κεχρηματισμένον ὑπὸ τοῦ πνεύματος τοῦ ἁγίου μὴ ἰδεῖν θάνατον πρὶν [c]ἢ ἂν ἴδῃ τὸν χριστὸν κυρίου.

And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

It was to him divinely revealed that he would not see death until he saw the Lord's Christ.

The entire Old Testament is waiting for the Lord's Christ. It's happening now.

Luke 2:27-

καὶ ἦλθεν ἐν τῷ πνεύματι εἰς τὸ ἱερόν· καὶ ἐν τῷ εἰσαγαγεῖν τοὺς γονεῖς τὸ παιδίον Ἰησοῦν τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτοὺς κατὰ τὸ εἰθισμένον τοῦ νόμου περὶ αὐτοῦ

And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law

He came in connection of the spirit into the temple as the parents were bringing Jesus in.

Luke 2:28-

καὶ αὐτὸς ἐδέξατο αὐτὸ εἰς τὰς [d]ἀγκάλας καὶ εὐλόγησεν τὸν θεὸν καὶ εἶπεν·

he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

Luke 2:29-

Νῦν ἀπολύεις τὸν δοῦλόν σου, δέσποτα, κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου ἐν εἰρήνῃ·

Now you are letting your servant Lord depart in peace.

Master now let your slave depart in peace. Jesus came to set the captives free. Now free from the slavery of waiting.

Luke 2:30-32-

ὅτι εἶδον οἱ ὀφθαλμοί μου τὸ σωτήριόν σου 31 ὃ ἡτοίμασας κατὰ πρόσωπον πάντων τῶν λαῶν, 32 φῶς εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν ἐθνῶν καὶ δόξαν λαοῦ σου Ἰσραήλ.

for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

The word here is used to describe the peace offering. There is peace already established. Often used by itself. You have given me the offering prepared to be offered in the face of all the people. And the peace offering was eaten by the people. See Daniel Brege's "Eating the sacrifice." Literally, "my eyes have seen your peace offering, which we have eaten."

Simeon sees the cross as already done, a prophetic past prophecy.

See Deut. 12, every clean person eats the peace offering.

Luke 2:33 –

καὶ ἦν [e]ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἡ [f]μήτηρ θαυμάζοντες ἐπὶ τοῖς λαλουμένοις περὶ αὐτοῦ.

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.

Mary "marveled," a response to the Word, a response of faith. Further word search may prove helpful.

Luke 2:34-

καὶ εὐλόγησεν αὐτοὺς Συμεὼν καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς Μαριὰμ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ· Ἰδοὺ οὗτος κεῖται εἰς πτῶσιν καὶ ἀνάστασιν πολλῶν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ καὶ εἰς σημεῖον ἀντιλεγόμενον,

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed

Pay close attention to this one...this child is set for the rising and fall of many in Israel.

The sign is the cross and the offense of the cross. The entire Christian message will be spoken against.

Luke 2:35-

αὶ σοῦ [g]δὲ αὐτῆς τὴν ψυχὴν διελεύσεται ῥομφαία, ὅπως ἂν ἀποκαλυφθῶσιν ἐκ πολλῶν καρδιῶν διαλογισμοί.

a sword will pierce you and the thoughts of many will be revealed.

Luke 2:36

Καὶ ἦν Ἅννα προφῆτις, θυγάτηρ Φανουήλ, ἐκ φυλῆς Ἀσήρ (αὕτη προβεβηκυῖα ἐν ἡμέραις πολλαῖς, ζήσασα [h]μετὰ ἀνδρὸς ἔτη ἑπτὰ ἀπὸ τῆς παρθενίας αὐτῆς,

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,

Luke 2:37

καὶ αὐτὴ χήρα [i]ἕως ἐτῶν ὀγδοήκοντα τεσσάρων,) ἣ οὐκ [j]ἀφίστατο τοῦ ἱεροῦ νηστείαις καὶ δεήσεσιν λατρεύουσα νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν.

and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.[b] She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

Anna was 84 – (12 x 7 = 84) or “as a widow for eighty-four years”

Luke 2:38

καὶ αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ ἐπιστᾶσα ἀνθωμολογεῖτο τῷ [l]θεῷ καὶ ἐλάλει περὶ αὐτοῦ πᾶσιν τοῖς προσδεχομένοις [m]λύτρωσιν Ἰερουσαλήμ.

And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Return to Nazareth

Luke 2:39

Καὶ ὡς ἐτέλεσαν [n]πάντα τὰ κατὰ τὸν νόμον κυρίου, [o]ἐπέστρεψαν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν [p]εἰς πόλιν ἑαυτῶν Ναζαρέθ.

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

Luke 2:40

Τὸ δὲ παιδίον ηὔξανεν καὶ ἐκραταιοῦτο [q]πληρούμενον σοφίᾳ, καὶ χάρις θεοῦ ἦν ἐπ’ αὐτό.

And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

Friday, December 20, 2024

St. Thomas, Apostle (December 21)

Judges 6:36–40
Ephesians 4:7, 11–16
John 20:24–29

St. Thomas, Apostle

The Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20). “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). We have the testimony of the truth, so that the Church is not “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning” (Eph. 4:14). As the Lord confirmed His truth to Gideon (Judges 6:36–40), so He does not turn away Thomas, but reveals His crucified and risen body to him, creating faith (John 20:27-28). Christ’s wounds are the source of our redemption and peace. Strengthened by this, Thomas is said to have brought the Gospel to India and faced a martyr’s death. Those who follow the Master will suffer on account of His Name (John 15:18–21). But by the confession of the truth, the body of Christ grows up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:15), whom Thomas praised as his “Lord” and his “God” (John 20:28).

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summery copyright LCMS commission on worship

Saturday prior to Advent 4

[1]

The hymn of the day, Once in Royal David’s City (LSB 376), was designed by composer by Cecil Frances Alexander as a catechism hymn, to go along with the Second Article of the Creed: I believe in…Jesus Christ…conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. It tells the story of the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem, Royal David’s City, as foretold by the prophet Micah.

One of the Christmas traditions celebrated by many persons in the English-speaking world is to tune in on Christmas Eve, either on radio or television, to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, originating from King’s College, Cambridge. This tradition began in 1918, was first broadcast in 1928, and is now heard by millions around the world.

In 1919, Arthur Henry Mann, organist at King’s College (1876-1929), introduced an arrangement of “Once in Royal David’s City” as the processional hymn for the service. In his version, the first stanza is sung unaccompanied by a boy chorister. The choir and then the congregation join in with the organ on succeeding stanzas. This has been the tradition ever since. It is a great honor to be the boy chosen to sing the opening solo—a voice heard literally around the world.

The author of this text, Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895), was born in Dublin, Ireland, and began writing in verse from an early age. She became so adept that by the age of 22, several of her hymn texts made it into the hymnbook of the Church of Ireland. Alexander [née Humphreys] married William Alexander, both a clergyman and a poet in his own right who later became the bishop of the Church of Ireland in Derry and later archbishop. Aside from her prolific hymn writing, Mrs. Alexander gave much of her life to charitable work and social causes, something rather rare for women of her day.

“Once in Royal David’s City” first appeared in her collection, Hymns for Little Children (1848), in six stanzas. This particular text was included with others as a means to musically and poetically teach the catechism. It is based on the words of the Apostles’ Creed, “Born of the Virgin Mary,” and is in six stanzas of six lines each. Even though this text is included in the Christmas liturgical sections of most hymnals, the narrative painted by Alexander truly relates to the entire “youth” of Christ and not just his birth.

The first time the text appeared with its most popular tune pairing, IRBY, composed by Henry John Gauntlett (1805-1876), was in the Appendix to the First Edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern (1868). Gauntlett, born in Wellington, Shropshire, England, was trained in the fields of law and music, and is said to have composed over 10,000 hymn tunes. IRBY is the primary tune for which he is known in the United States.

This is one of Alexander’s most narrative and vivid texts, shattering perceptions of the picturesque Nativity with the realities of the lowly stable, and the weak and dependent baby. The hymn’s controversial nature comes from the language expressing the cultural patronizing of children during the Victorian era (words such as “little,” “weak” and “helpless” are ones found particularly appalling in a 21st-century context).

In the spirit of the Romantic poetic era, Alexander speculates in stanza three that Jesus was “little, weak, and helpless” when there is no biblical account to support this. To the contrary, the one biblical witness we have of Jesus’ boyhood in Luke 2:41-52 indicates that he strayed from his parents and caused quite a stir in the temple when teachers “who heard him were amazed at his wisdom and his answers.” (Luke 2:47)

One could make a case that Alexander’s third stanza was more concerned with supporting Victorian child-rearing principles—children as submissive and “seen, but not heard”—rather than providing an accurate account of Jesus’ life. On the other hand, the child who is God incarnate surely felt the human and childlike feelings that all children face.

The final stanza moves from actual childhood to a metaphorical family in which we are all children of God. The poet explores the paradox that this “child, so dear and gentle” is actually the “Lord in heaven” who “leads his children on the place where he has gone.”[2]

Collect for the Fourth Sunday in Advent: Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [3]

[1] The Visitation, Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

[2]https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-once-in-royal-davids-city-serves-as-processional-hymn

[3] Collect for Advent 4, Lutheran Service Book © Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Friday prior to Advent 4

[1]

Luke 1:39–45 (46–56)—The Gospel for Sunday tells of the Visitation, when the blessed Virgin Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. Both John and Elizabeth were jubilant to be in the presence of the Son of God, even while He was in the womb of His mother. John leaps, Elizabeth blesses Mary, and Mary responds by singing the Magnificat.

The Magnificat:

My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

For he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

He has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning,

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

God our Father, you send your Son to free mankind from the power of death. May we who celebrate the coming of Christ as man share more fully in his divine life, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [2]

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Matthew 2:1-12 Reflection

Law/Gospel Theme: Today we celebrate the visitation of the Magi after the birth of Christ. Although there are many details of which we are uncertain, we do know that God’s revelation of the Messiah to the “Wise Men” was significant in demonstrating His heart for all people.

The Magi were led by a star. Which guided them to where Jesus was. With this message, we are reminded that we have our guidance from God’s Word, the Bible.

It’s easy for us to get caught up in details, rules, or regulations. We can feel “lost” sometimes. Wondering what God would guide or how He might want us to act.

We learn this not through road maps or travel guides, but with study in His Word, the Holy Bible. Today we learn of the importance of using the Bible as a spiritual “map” of sorts, and following its directions for our lives.

Prayer: O Lord Jesus, we meet you here at the crib, we marvel at your being born in weakness, as we also have been born. Give us the strength and the love to follow you through all the seasons of our earthly life.

Hymn: # 56 Joy to the World Vv. 1-2

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Matthew 2:1-12

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea.

After Jesus’ birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard about it, he was very upset. Everyone in Jerusalem was troubled too. So Herod called together all the chief priests of the people. He also called the teachers of the law. He asked them where the Christ was going to be born.

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied. “This is what the prophet has written. He said,

“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not the least important among the towns of Judah. A ruler will come out of you. He will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’ ” —(Micah 5:2)

Then Herod called for the Wise Men secretly. He found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem. He said, “Go! Make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, bring me a report. Then I can go and worship him too.”

After the Wise Men had listened to the king, they went on their way. The star they had seen when they were in the east went ahead of them. It finally stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.

The Wise Men went to the house. There they saw the child with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures. They gave him gold, incense and myrrh.

But God warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they returned to their country on a different road.

Hymn: # 56 Joy to the world

Whenever we travel my wife gets a map that shows us how to get around. You might go hiking and get a little guide - that helps you follow trails and not get lost.

You might also use a compass - that points to the North to show you where things are. These days a lot of people have electronic versions (hold up phone or GPS), so all you have to do is tell it where you want to go, and you can get turn by turn directions and even voice commands that guide you along your way!

Consider this, though: have you ever followed a STAR for guidance? Has the night sky told you where and how to go? That probably sounds a little strange, doesn’t it? Well, a long time ago, a little bit after Jesus was born, God sent some special visitors to Him.

There were men who lived far away, and they had studied Scripture and watched the stars. They knew that God had promised to send a Messiah to rescue people. We sometimes call them “wise men” or “Magi.” These men saw a brilliant star shining in the sky, brighter than any other star.

They knew this was something important, and they believed God sent the star to show them where to find the Messiah. They traveled a long way to find the place the star led, and they finally found Him.

Well, they first came to Jerusalem and saw King Herod, and then made their way to where Jesus was.

When they found Him with Mary and Joseph. They gave Him special gifts: valuable gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They knew Jesus was important and wanted to honor Him.

They were willing to take risks, sacrifice their time and money, and go to a lot of hard work to find the Messiah, and trusted God to lead them.

Well, we may not have brightly shining stars to guide us. But we do have a special instruction manual to show us where to go. Do you know what map God has given us for direction? God has given His word, the Bible, for us to follow.

It is our compass, map, and recipe for life! When we read the Bible and seek to understand what it says, we can better understand what God tells us and what ways we should live our lives.

Just like a compass always points North, the Bible points to Christ.

All of its stories are true. And they guide us to Jesus just like the star guided the Magi.

So whatever else we look to for direction, let’s look to the Bible for spiritual guidance. Ask God to help you understand the Bible. Study it, put it in your heart, and remember its significance. It will never steer you wrong!

Thank you, Jesus for your love and care. Thank you for coming into our world to be our Savior, Lord and King. You are the light that guides our way. Help us to read your word. To understand what it means, and obey your directions. Thank you for your instruction.

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers for the sick and suffering.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.

The Lord has given us life in a nation of opportunities and liberty; with public services such as fire and police protection, ambulances, food pantries, schools, libraries, and hospitals. We thank you Lord for our national life.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a world full of creatures that crawl, fly, swim, and climb. We enjoy a bounty of flowers and shrubs, grass and trees, plants and moss, and rocks and hills. We thank you Lord, for your creation.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.

Sources

Advent image copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Follow God’s Guidance! Mathew 2:1-12 Children’s Sermon for Epiphany Sunday - Ministry To Children

September-15.2024-10AM-17th-Sunday-after-Pentecost.pdf (stmarksnewcanaan.org)

Thursday prior to Advent 4

[1]

Hebrews 10:5–10—Christ came as a tiny Baby born in a manger in Bethlehem, but let us take care not to romanticize the scene too much. He came for one purpose, and that was to do His Father’s will by offering up His body as a sacrifice for us, so that we—who could never please God, whether by our conduct or by any sacrifices which we ourselves could offer—so that we might be saved and made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Christ came into this world to do the will of the Father. In faith we trust the Father to work His will in us. The will of the Father was simply to do the work of redemption in this world. He came to break the bondage of the devil, death and sin. He came to be our substitute. He came to live under the Law perfectly. Jesus came to take your sin and to suffer and die for the sin of the entire world.

Jesus’ prayer was simple, “Thy will be done.” He fulfilled the will of the Father in His coming into this world, in His life, in His suffering, in His death and resurrection. He will perfect His will in your life as well. That is His promise to you this day.

Lord, hear the prayers of your people. May we who celebrate the birth of your Son as man rejoice in the gift of eternal life when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [2]