SVLC DEVOTION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023

 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

 NEWS: Tomorrow is the Fourth Sunday in Advent and Christmas Eve. There will be NO Bible study at 9 AM.The title of Pastor Joel’s sermon in our 10 AM worship is, “Written with Joy.” It’s based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 The Old Testament reading is 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 The Psalmody is taken from Psalm 89 The Epistle comes from Romans 16:25-27 The Gospel is Luke 1:26-38

After we have taken the Eucharist and our service is complete, please join us for fellowship time with coffee and goodies. There is NO group lunch planned for continued fellowship.

Also serving our Lord and congregation tomorrow are:

Techies:  Ian Andrews, OPEN

Reader:  Keith Neblett

Acolyte:  Josephine Neemia

Greeter:  Diane Finley

Ushers:   Rick Adams, Victor Dille

Flowers:  The Kolkmans

Fellowship:  Rick and Gail Adams

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Tom and Gloria Morofski in our prayers.

 READINGS: Zechariah 11; Psalm 148; Revelation 18

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“SHARING OUR LIFE” December 23, 2023

 

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. … And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with Child. (Luke 2:1, 3-5) It wasn’t a good time to travel. Mary was near her time to give birth, and Joseph—well, I suspect there’s never a good time to leave a business. But they obeyed the government, and went up to Bethlehem—a distance of around 90 miles. Did Mary have a donkey to ride? We don’t know. Most people walked, and she may have done so, too. When you’re not rich and you live in a conquered country, things like this happen. Mary would be far from her family when she gave birth. This is the world that Jesus came to—a world where bureaucracy comes before babies, and money affects the way you’re treated—even for the family of Jesus. God knew these things would happen, and still He chose this place, this time, this family—for Jesus, His beloved Son. Even before His birth Jesus would bear our griefs and carry our sorrows—all the way to the cross 33 years later (see Isaiah 53:4). Jesus shared our life for love. Because of His death and resurrection, everyone who trusts in Him will share Jesus’ own everlasting life—in the joy and peace of God’s kingdom. WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, stay close to me, and keep me close to You. Amen. Reflection Questions: * Does it help to know that Jesus shared the hardships you suffer? * Why or why not? * As a believer, you will share His life and joy. What do you think of when you imagine that? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Esther 9-10; Revelation 14

 

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 your 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.”

You can now 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 Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/

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

 KFUO is the listener supported radio station owned and operated by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Based in St. Louis, their format consists of teaching, preaching, ministry and sacred music: https://www.kfuo.org/

 A very blessed Saturday and weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org