Brothers and sisters, greetings in the name of our savior, Jesus. We are in the Advent season. You are invited to attend midweek-services on Wednesdays 12/7, and 12/14. They will begin at 6:30 each evening.
A pre-Christmas party is being planned for this coming Friday December 9 at 6:30 at the home of JD Yanchak. Please RSVP to Jackie Craver, Susie Hopkins, or JD. They have more details.
LWML is collecting scent-free Laundry Detergent, Body Wash, Shampoo, and Toilet Tissue for ladies staying at the Boaz House. There is a basket on the floor of the narthex where you can drop off any donations. December 18 has been set as a deadline.
Let Pastor know if you are interested in caroling for some of our shut-ins. We’ll pick a day and time that will best fit for the most people.
A brief Voters meeting is scheduled to follow the service next Sunday December 11. We will elect officers and approve the budget for 2023, and submit nominations for Synod President.
The scriptures chosen for the season of Advent are a reminder that Jesus our Savior is coming—on the first Christmas He appeared to the world in human flesh. He continues to come to us mysteriously in His Word, and in His Sacraments. And our ascended Lord is coming again. This time to judge. Now is the time to prepare.
Scripture readings for December 4, the second Sunday in Advent are Psalm 72:1-7; Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; and Matthew 3:1-12.
Hymns chosen for the day are #354 Arise, O Christian People; #357 O Come Emmanuel vs 1; #344 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry; and #545 Word of God Come Down on Earth. For those present for communion we will sing #624 The Infant Priest was Holy Born during the distribution.
Psalm 72 is a psalm of King Solomon. (this could mean either by him or for him). The words indicate it was likely written to celebrate a coronation. The portion of the psalm we will be reading is a prayer that God would direct and bless the king, so that he would rule and judge justly, that the people would be cared for, and that the nation would prosper during his reign. Human kings would always fall short of fulfilling this request. So the ideal imagined in the psalm is only fulfilled in the Eternal King Jesus.
Isaiah11 is a prophetic description of the Messiah, a branch/descendant of Jesse (Kind David’s father). This descendant is described as filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He will bring righteousness and peace on earth. All those who dwell with Him will live in peace. He will stand as a signal/ensign/flag who all nations can rally around. This is a prophetic announcement of Jesus, 700 years before His birth.
In Romans 15 urges those who read his letter to also read the Old Testament scriptures. And Paul points out the words of Moses, the prophets, and other Old Testament writers are fulfilled in Jesus. He gives the hope of eternal life.
In Matthew 3:1-12 the evangelist reports on the emergence of John the Baptist, sent to prepare people for the approaching public ministry of Jesus. John’s message is on turning from sin and turning to Jesus. Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. Don’t rely on your family’s history in the church. What is your relationship to Jesus?
COLLECT: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Your only-begotten Son, that by His coming we may be enabled to serve You with pure minds, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
I invite you to join us for Bible study on Sunday at 9. Worship begins at 10:30. If you cannot attend, the service can be viewed on Facebook Live. Let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about the lessons. The Lord be with you. Pastor Boster
