SVLC DEVOTION SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2023

by | Dec 23, 2023 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS AND PRAYERS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2023, CHRISTMAS EVE

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

 GRADUAL: To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

NEWS: Today 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

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:  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 Charlotte Neblett in our prayers. We also ask the Lord for safe travels for all those travelling for Christmas and in this holiday season.

 COLLECT OF THE DAY: O God, You make us glad wit the yearly remembrance of the birth of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that as we joyfully receive Him as our Redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold Him when He comes to be our Judge; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Hol;y Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 READINGS: Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 110:1-4; 1 John 4:7-16; Mathew 1:18-25

 Alleluia. She will bear a son, and you shall cal his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Alleluia.

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“THE TIME CAME”

December 24, 2023

 

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son. (Luke 2:6-7a)

Imagine the panic Mary and Joseph must have felt when her pains started. “Joseph?” she would have said. “I’m not feeling so good.” They had no place to stay yet, no proper place anyway—no guest room or place at an inn. But by that point Mary was past caring. She needed a safe, private place to lie down—somewhere warm—and a midwife, if one could be found. She was in labor. Her time had come.

This is the same kind of language Jesus Himself uses, years later—for Himself. “My time has not yet come,” He says at different times in His ministry—until the night before His death, when He says to God the Father, “Father, the hour has come” (John 17:1b). Jesus is referring to His own suffering, the pain that climaxed at the cross. And yet, like Mary, Jesus knew that there was a purpose to His labor; through His death and resurrection, He would give life to everyone who trusts in Him.

We celebrate Mary’s labor because she brought forth her firstborn Son, our Savior, Jesus, the Son of God. Even more gladly we celebrate Jesus’ suffering for us—because He has given us life that lasts forever.

WE PRAY: Dear Savior, thank You for giving us life. Amen.

Reflection Question:

* Have you ever gone through labor—or sat with someone in labor?

* If so, how did you feel about the experience?

* How does it compare to Jesus’ experience saving us?

Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Ezra 8-10; Revelation 15

 

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