Please click on the link below to view the service bulletin for Sunday, December 22, 2024.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1usBf70R41tCJi1bWinc5Rwt7eGLQaxXlRfVCRnJ3bKQ/edit?usp=sharing

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Fourth Sunday in Advent

9:00 am Worship

God’s Word

Micah 5:2-5a Out of Bethlehem, will come a ruler of Israel.

Psalm 80:1-7 “Restore to us, O God; let Your face shine.”

Hebrews 10:5-10 We have been made holy through Jesus.

Luke 1:39-56 Mary visits Elizabeth.

Collect of the Day

Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Theme

Upon the diminutive Bethlehem town enters the strength of the Lord, and His name is Jesus. Christ comes as a frail infant to accomplish the will of His Father in heaven – to mature and become the divine sacrificial offering for sinners. He is the innocent to be slain. We are guilty to be acquitted by His mercy. There can be no greater confession for the whole church but to resonate with Mary, “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

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Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Martin Luther’s Evening Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.