SVLC DEVOTION SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023

by | Dec 2, 2023 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS AND PRAYERS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023

THE FIRST DAY OF ADVENT

 I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalm 122:1

NEWS: Today is the first Sunday in Advent and “Pastor Al,” Allen Kolkman will be leading us. Bible study is at 9 AM and our worship service is at 10. The sermon is based on Titus 3:4-5 The Old Testament reading is Isaiah 64:1-9 Our Psalmody is taken from Psalm 90 The Epistle reading is 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 The Gospel lesson comes from Mark 13:24-37

After the Eucharist and the close of our service, please join us for fellowship time with coffee and goodies. Then fellowship will continue at In “N Out burgers on Mission, near Frazee Rd.

We pray all can join us for part of their Sunday but for those unable to worship in person, we stream our service live. The link is here: www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside  Click on that, then click on the More dropdown arrow, then click Live. If you have a moment, please “Like” us and leave a brief comment about your online worship experience. Thank you! Also serving the Lord and our congregation today are:

Techies:  Bruce Woodward, OPEN

Reader:  Kathy Andrews

Acolyte:  Josephine Neemia

Greeter:  Margaret Paton

Ushers:   OPEN, OPEN

Flowers:  David & Melissa Carlisle

Fellowship:  Bruce & Carole Woodward

PRAYERS: Today we remember Ian Andrews in our prayers.

 COLLECT OF THE DAY: Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come, that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening power of our sins and saved by Your mighty deliverance; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 READINGS: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 19:28-40

 GRADUAL: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem. Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation. Blessed is he who comes in the name ofn the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“WHAT CHILD IS THIS?”

December 3, 2023

 

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. (Matthew 1:18a)

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4)

It’s a good question. What child is this? Who is this baby we see on so many Christmas cards—on banners at church—in the manger scenes in our houses? Who is He, and why does He matter?

Both Matthew and Luke wrote their Gospels to answer this question. Together with Mark and John, they show us Jesus, the Son of God in action—being born. Growing up. Getting baptized. Teaching, preaching, and healing. Caring for the least of His people. Dealing with the attacks of evil. Laying down His life on the cross to save us all. Rising from the dead, never to die again—so that all of us who trust in Him may live forever.

What child is this? This is Jesus who loves us. This is Jesus who loves you, who knows you by name, who came into this world to rescue you and to make you His own forever. You matter to Him. Over the next few weeks, let’s look at what He did—for love of you.

WE PRAY: Dear Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see Your love. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* How do you know when someone really loves you?

* Do you find it easy or hard to believe in Jesus’ love for you?

* When have you seen His love reflected in another person?

Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Ezekiel 45-46; 1 John 2

 

Alleluia. Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Alleluia.

 WE HAVE TWO LIBRARIES AT CHURCH! One of them is in the back of our sanctuary. That has many books,m DVD’s and (I believe) CD’s that are available to check out and return on the honor system. We also have our “Little Library” just inside the driveway to our parking lot. Please feel free to take a book or leave a book. The main focus is childrens or Christian material, but other, appropriate for a church setting, is acceptable.

Luther’s Morning Prayer

In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:

“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”

Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:

“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father through Jesus Christ your dear son, that you have protected me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you completely. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”

After singing a hymn or whatever else may serve your devotion, you can go about you day joyfully!

Luther’s Evening Prayer

In the evening, when you go to bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:

“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”

Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:

“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have graciously protected me today, and I ask you to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously to protect me tonight. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”

Now you can go to bed quickly and cheerfully.

OTHER RESOURCES:

 Our church website is: https://www.svlchurch.org/

 Below is our Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside

Here is the website for Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/

 Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/

A very blessed Lord’s Day and Sunday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.

 Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org