Advent Services
We will gather together each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Advent to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior. This year’s Advent series is based on the hymn “Once He Came in Blessing” and our Lord’s three advents: once in the flesh, continually in His Word and Sacraments, and at the end of the world for judgment and resurrection — all for us!
Wednesday, December 4, John 1:29, 35-42a, Once He Came in Blessing: Once
John the Baptist announces in his brief sermon a summary of what Christ’s advent will consist in: God’s Lamb, sacrificed for the sins of the world. Once He became man (and has not ceased to be true God, true man); Once-and-for-all He died, in contrast to other lambs (c.f. Hebrews); Once He died and rose, never to die again (1 Cor. 15); and Once He accomplished our salvation.
Wednesday, December 11, John 15:1-11, Once He Came in Blessing: Now
The second stanza of the hymn focuses on the continual coming of Christ in His Word and Sacraments, “Now…” In the reading from John 15, the Lord describes Himself as a vine, which constantly continues to nourish and sustain His branches. The fruit (good works and the new obedience) grows from this sustenance, not of itself on its own.
Wednesday, December 18, Daniel 7:9–18 & Revelation 22:13–21, Once He Came in Blessing: Soon
In Daniel 7 the Father’s throne of judgment is seen, surrounded by myriad angels, the books of judgment (records, truth) are open, the Son of Man (Christ) is given authority and dominion, both for judgment and to reign. There is no limit to His kingdom, but all nations (Jews and Gentiles) are brought into His service. His kingdom is eternal, unending. Christ’s return for judgment “Soon” is both a warning to those living apart from Christ and a call of endurance and delight to those who trust in Christ. Together, the Church prays, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
Christmas Services
Christmas Eve, December 24, 4:00 p.m. Luke 2:1-20, Make Room for Jesus. When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, they knocked on many doors looking for a place to stay, but they found none. No one had room for them. In the end, one man offered them a place to stay in his stable with the animals. Jesus had to be born in a barn because there was no room in the inn. We need to make room for Jesus in our hearts. We should never say to Jesus, “I don’t have room in my life for you.” He’s the most important person we can ever know. He is our Savior.
Christmas Day, December 25, 9:00 a.m. Our Christmas Day service will be a “Service of Readings and Carols.” We will tell the Christmas story through various Biblical passages and then sing corresponding songs or carols that go along with the passage that was just read. We hope and pray that the Christmas story will come alive for all who join us!
