Today is not only the First Sunday in Advent but also the commemoration of St. Andrew, whose day governs the start of Advent. In this way, Andrew continues to point to Christ as we begin a new Church Year. How odd it is, then, that the Gospel for the First Sunday in Advent is the same as the Gospel for Palm Sunday! This reminds us that Jesus came for the cross and the empty tomb, and this is the only Gospel that can save us from sin and death. The cry of Advent is “prepare the way of the Lord.” We will echo the words of John the Baptist, heralding Christ’s coming. We will join in the chant of the crowd: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:9). We will hear Him speak to us through the voice of His Word. We will feast upon His flesh for the life of the world and His blood that cleanses us from all sin. In all our preparations, we acclaim Him as Lord and receive Him and all His benefits.

Join us as we decorate the church for Christmas! Everyone is invited to help. We’ll have coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and other goodies.

Illustration by Public domain vectors on Unsplash

Who’s The Fool

Did you give thanks for your last meal? Most people—even Christians—often “forget” to give thanks. When we do not give thanks, we are like the rich fool of the parable, thinking it was his work that brought the grain, when in fact it was God who gave it to Him. When we do not give thanks, we become fools, forgetting who gave us what we have and all we are. Have you been foolish? That is what Jesus calls the rich man. Give thanks always—that is the advice of Paul. Above all, give thanks for the cross and the empty tomb, which opens heaven to us.

Who’s The Fool

Did you give thanks for your last meal? Most people—even Christians—often “forget” to give thanks. When we do not give thanks, we are like the rich fool of the parable, thinking it was his work that brought the grain, when in fact it was God who gave it to Him. When we do not give thanks, we become fools, forgetting who gave us what we have and all we are. Have you been foolish? That is what Jesus calls the rich man. Give thanks always—that is the advice of Paul. Above all, give thanks for the cross and the empty tomb, which opens heaven to us.

They Shall Be Mine

There is a phrase familiar to both preschoolers and powerbrokers. When they see that someone else has something they want, they declare, “That’s mine!” seizing either toys or territory for themselves. This phrase is not unfamiliar to our God either. But where humans are motivated by selfishness, the Lord acts out of love. He claims you as His own because He loves you and He wants you to be with Him for eternity. You are His treasured possession! He will never leave you behind like a toddler may accidentally abandon her teddy bear, or neglect you like a king would treat those who supported his rival. When the Lord says, “You are Mine,” you have His pledge of enduring faithfulness, today and unto eternity!

They Shall Be Mine

There is a phrase familiar to both preschoolers and powerbrokers. When they see that someone else has something they want, they declare, “That’s mine!” seizing either toys or territory for themselves. This phrase is not unfamiliar to our God either. But where humans are motivated by selfishness, the Lord acts out of love. He claims you as His own because He loves you and He wants you to be with Him for eternity. You are His treasured possession! He will never leave you behind like a toddler may accidentally abandon her teddy bear, or neglect you like a king would treat those who supported his rival. When the Lord says, “You are Mine,” you have His pledge of enduring faithfulness, today and unto eternity!

Our traditional Church Service
Your Redemption is Near

One of the great mysteries of the Christian faith can be summed up in the word “near.” “Near” can indicate something that is almost here but hasn’t yet arrived. And at the same time, “near” can point to something already with us, like those “near and dear” to our hearts. The word “near” resounds with feelings of the here and now and the not quite yet. Today in worship, Your Savior, Jesus, is near! He is present in the here and now, delivering grace upon grace. And He is on His way, bringing the fullness of His freedom. Praise the God who comes near in Jesus Christ, our Lord!

Your Redemption is Near

One of the great mysteries of the Christian faith can be summed up in the word “near.” “Near” can indicate something that is almost here but hasn’t yet arrived. And at the same time, “near” can point to something already with us, like those “near and dear” to our hearts. The word “near” resounds with feelings of the here and now and the not quite yet. Today in worship, Your Savior, Jesus, is near! He is present in the here and now, delivering grace upon grace. And He is on His way, bringing the fullness of His freedom. Praise the God who comes near in Jesus Christ, our Lord!

Finishing up our review of the Nicene Creed.

To download our session notes, click here.