SVLC DEVOTION CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25, 2023

by | Dec 24, 2023 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2023

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS DAY!

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

 NEWS: We had 45 who attended our worship service yesterday morning and more who joined us online. Thank you to all who served and esp[ecially to Pastor Joel for his leading our worship.

As we celebrate the Christmas holiday the next devotiomnal email will be sentn out for Wednesday, December 27th. Have a wonderful Christmas!

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Keith Neblett in our prayers. For tomorro0w we remember the Neemia family as we pray.

 COLECT OF THE DAY: Almighty God, grant that the birth of Your only begotten Son in the flesh may sent us free from the bondage of sin; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 READINGS: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 2; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-14

 Alleluia. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Alleluia.

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“DOING THEIR BEST”

December 25, 2023

 

And she gave birth to her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)

Can’t you picture it? Mary and Joseph, figuring out how to care for their newborn baby in a setting made for animals, not people—because “there was no room for them in the inn.” The place was all wrong, but they did the best they could anyway.

Somebody (either Joseph or a midwife, if they were blessed with one) found water and helped clean up mother and Child. Mary had already prepared swaddling cloths for Jesus and packed them in their gear—it was probably Joseph who fetched those and watched while she wrapped Him up. And I wonder who thought of the manger? Much better to lay Jesus there in safety than to put Him on the cold floor where a cow or donkey might step on Him, or rats bite Him! They didn’t have much, but they were doing their best—and God did not scorn it.

And God? He too was doing His best—giving us His beloved Son Jesus, to become a human being among human beings, one of us. God became part of our family—so that we could become part of His.

Thirty-three years later, that sleeping baby would be an adult man, hanging on a cross. He chose that suffering willingly, to break the power of evil and to set us all free from death. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus gave us the very best He had—forgiveness. Life. Salvation. A place in God’s family. And best of all, Himself, to love us forever.

WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, I love You. Keep me close to You forever. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* What kinds of things do people do when they are preparing for a baby?

* What do you think God did when He was preparing to send Jesus into the world?

* Name one of the best things Jesus has done for you in your life.

Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Nehemiah 1-3; Revelation 16

 

Pastor Joel is Here for You.  If you have a pastoral need or a prayer request for Pastor Joel, please call or text him at 775-336-9680 or email him at luckemeyerj@gmail.com

 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 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 Christmas Day to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us