December 8 service and other news

Brothers and sisters, a blessed advent season to you. Let us gather together to celebrate our Savior’s gifts even as we await His return. To assist with advent preparations, take advantage of our mid-week services on the 11th and 18th at 6:30pm.

I begin by reminding you of the voters’ meeting scheduled to follow Sunday’s service. Pastor would also like to hear from you if you would like to join in caroling to shut-ins on the 15th, from 2 to about 5.

If you would like to contribute toys or food (or money) to a charity for Christmas, please consider helping with what our congregation’s LWML group is doing. They have gathered information on two local families who are in need. You likely received an email with a summary of that information. Check with Sally Boyd if you have any questions or concerns about this effort.

The hymns chosen for Sunday are 332 Savior of the Nations Come;  338 Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus; 345 Hark A Thrilling Voice is Sounding; 610 Lord Jesus Think On Me; and 513 The Clouds of Judgment Gather.

The Scripture texts  for the 2nd Sunday in Advent are Psalm 66:1-9; Malachi 3:1-7; Philippians 1:2-11; and Luke 3:1-4.

Throughout the history of ancient Israel, God sent prophets as messengers to call His people to repentance and to return to His Word and following Him. The message conveyed through the generations included promises of a Messiah who would reconcile them and restore the peace and relationships broken by sin. John the Baptizer could be considered the last of the prophets. He prepared the way for the Messiah, introducing Jesus as the Lamb who would take away the sin of the world. This Jesus purified us from our spiritual uncleanliness, not with soap or water, but with His blood. Because of Jesus sacrificial death for you, you will not be destroyed on the day of judgment, but will have eternal life. That promise should motivate, comfort, encourage, and direct each of us as we anticipate His arrival.

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