Please click on the link below to view the service bulletin for Sunday, December 14, 2025.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/191nCoXSwQ2uYz87HWhlV-HEpfPx4nqoyGIHnVMiycB4/edit?usp=sharing

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Third Sunday in Advent

Isaiah 35:1-10 The wilderness will rejoice and blossom.

Psalm 146 “Praise the Lord, O my soul!”

James 5:7-11 “Be patient . . . until the coming of the Lord.”

Matthew 11:2-15 Jesus speaks regarding John the Baptist.

Collect of the Day

Lord Jesus Christ, we implore You to hear our prayers and to lighten the darkness of our hearts by Your gracious visitation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

Theme

Advent is a most joyful time and a time for great praise of our God. Today is the “joyful Sunday” in Advent. With Mary’s beautiful song, the Magnificat, we exult that God has “done great things” and that “His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation” (LSB, pp. 248–249). With Mary, we rejoice that God “has shown strength with His arm” especially to those who are lowly and humbled. In his paraphrase of the Magnificat, hymnwriter Stephen Starke invites us to “Sing the greatness of the Lord” and “With praise and blessing, Join in confessing God, who is solely Mighty and holy” (LSB 933:1). There is so much joy in Advent—it simply must be shared!

                                       

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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.