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]

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

[2] Collect for Thursday of the week of Advent 4, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY