Greetings in the name of our living and coming Lord, Jesus. I will begin this report by reminding you of additional worship opportunities. We are in the Advent season. You are invited to attend midweek-services on Wednesdays 12/13 and 12/20. They will begin at 6:00 each evening.
This year, Christmas Eve is on a Sunday. We will have a “normal” schedule that morning with Bible Study at 9 and worship at 10:30. The Christmas Eve Service will be that evening, starting at 6 pm. We do not plan on hosting a Christmas Day service.
December 10 is the second Sunday of Advent. We will follow a modified version of the liturgy of Divine Service Setting Four beginning on page 203 in the LSB hymnal. Hymns chosen for the day are#347 Comfort, Comfort Ye My People; #338 Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus; 351 Creator of the Stars at Night; #616 Baptismal Waters Cover Me; #711 Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us.
Scripture readings for the day are Psalm 85:1-12; Isaiah 40:1-11; 2 Peter 3:8-14; and Mark 1:1-8. The texts express the theme of repentance common to the Advent season.
Psalm 85 is addressed to the choirmaster and is indicated to be a song from the sons of Korah, temple musicians who were descendants of Levi, the Hebrew tribe first assigned the task of worship in the tabernacle. The psalmist seems distressed. He begins by acknowledging that God has rescued His people in the past, forgiven their iniquities and covered their sin. In the original text, the word ‘selah is added, a signal suggesting the people stop and contemplate the significance of this statement. Then he cries out that God would once again rescue and restore His people. In God love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace meet. He gives what is good, including faith to follow Him. Those who fear and trust in the Lord will receive His salvation. Be grateful and take comfort that the Lord has called you as one of His own.
In the opening verse of Isaiah 40, God urges the prophet to tenderly speak words of comfort to His people. They have been spiritually bruised, refined, and tested, undergoing war and exile in a foreign land as part of His judgment against them for their sin. But now God is going to give the faithful a double dose of His grace and mercy. So, the prophet becomes a herald, announcing that the kingdom of God is coming, urging preparation, and the removal of every obstacle that slows or hinders Him. The herald warns that there will be judgment against sin—people are like grass, destined to whither and die under the heat of God’s Law. But there is good news for the faithful—God is bringing a reward. He will care for His people like a shepherd cares for his flock. Take comfort! Be assured! Because of God’s mercy and tender care those who trust in Him have no need to fear.
The epistle lesson for Advent 2 is from the second letter of Peter 3:8-14. Amongst Lutherans there is constant debate about the place of good works. Afterall, we are saved by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:4-10). Hence, good works are not meritorious. Good works do not contribute to our salvation (Romans 3:20-28). But that does not mean good works are unnecessary. Good works are the proper response to the gospel, and flow from faith. Good works are works done in love for our neighbor, and in accordance with God’s will. Good works are fruit produced and motivated by the Spirit. Attached to the Vine, Jesus, we branches will produce much fruit (John 15). St. Peter emphasizes similar points in this second letter. In the portion we will read from Chapter 3, Peter alerts people that Jesus is coming, and he instructs and encourages members of the church to stay busy doing God’s good works until Jesus arrives. He will come suddenly so we should remain prepared. He will usher in a new heaven and a new earth where there is only peace and righteousness.
The gospel lesson is St. Mark’s introduction to John the Baptist (so-called because of his vocation, not his religious denomination). John is the fulfillment of part of Isaiah’s prophecy of a “voice” preparing the way of the Lord. As Mark puts it, this is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ”. Jesus is about to embark on His public ministry. Some have remarked, to get to Jesus you have to go through John the Baptist. John preaches Law and repentance, and he points to the greater One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. In this advent season it is good to be reminded, ‘Repent. Prepare the way of the Lord, and make His paths straight.’
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 encourage you to set aside time to consider the Word of God and what His salvation means for you. Let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about Sunday’s Scripture texts. God bless you. Pastor Boster
