SVLC DEVOTION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2023

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

 NEWS: Maybe some of you will be interested in this article from The Lutheran Witness Magazine: https://witness.lcms.org/2023/to-kill-a-mockingbird/

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Margaret Paton in our prayers.

 READINGS: Luke 1:46-55; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Mark 11:1-11

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“UNTO YOU” December 27, 2023

 

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12) It’s a lovely and surprising thing the angel says to the shepherds. “Unto you is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” We usually speak of a child being born to its parents, or more broadly, to its family. But the shepherds aren’t Jesus’ family! Or are they? Jesus seems to think so. And not just the shepherds! He feels that way about all of us, great and small alike. After all, do you put yourself in danger for the sake of a stranger? Do you lay down your life for a mere acquaintance, a casual friend? No. Jesus is God Himself come to join the human race—to become a blood relative of ours, the closest one we have. Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, He has rescued us from the power of evil and made us part of God’s family. And now He has united us to Himself—every one of us who trusts in Him. And so the angel’s words to the shepherds are true for us, too—”Unto you is born a Savior.” Jesus is ours, and we are His. What could be more wonderful? WE PRAY: Dear Lord, I’m glad You are mine, and I am Yours. Let it be that way forever. Amen. Reflection Questions: * Who is a person you consider especially close to you—either by blood or by love? * What specific reasons do you have to feel that way? * What about Jesus—how has He drawn you close to Him? Tell about your experience. Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Nehemiah 7-9; Revelation 18

 

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 Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/

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

 Lutheran Public Radio is listener supported and has two channels, one for sacred music and the other for talk, including news, current issues, politics and spiritual matters from a Lutheran perspective. Hosted by Pastor Todd Wilken, Issues, Etc. airs live Monday thru Friday from 1 to 3 pm Pacific, with the “Best Of” running at other hour  s: https://lutheranpublicradio.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 Wednesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us