LISTEN

Isaiah 44:1-2  "Listen to me, O my servant Israel, O My chosen ones:  The Lord who made you, who will help you, says, 'O servant of mine, don't be afraid. For I will give you abundant water for your thirst & for your parched fields. And I will pour out My Spirit & My blessings on your children." The Living Bible

FAITH & OBEDIENCE

"And I pray as well for the ability to translate the message of God's eternal love into words that will pierce the benumbed minds of busy men & move their hearts to faith & obedience." Leslie Brandt, Men's Devotional Bible 

THE SUBSTANCE & FOCUS

"This, Gospel substance, & not legal structure or administrative power, is the focus of Lutheran doctrine & practice regarding the church & its unity & its extension. By the our teaching of the Gospel & right administration of the Sacraments, we find--despite the invisibility of the faith of the heart & what we see as transitory & fragmented pieces of the church--that one, holy & forever-enduring church that we confess. And it is for & in the doing of these things alone that the church, as a whole & in all its pats, exists with Christ's promise & power." Rev. John Sias, The Lutheran Witness, June/July 2021

PRAYERS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Lutheran Prayer Book:  

"It is on account of Your mercy alone, O Lord, that I am not consumed, because Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Abide with me, O God throughout the coming year. Be my guide in all my perplexities, my strength in my weakness, my ever-ready help in all my troubles. Forgive me all my sins. O Sabaoth Lord, look down from heaven & in grace behold & visit Your holy Church, which You have chosen for Your own. Preserve for us Your saving Word & Sacraments, that Your vine may send out its boughs from sea to sea & its branches to the uttermost parts of the earth. Look graciously upon our nation & all the nations of the world, & bless them with peace. Grant to all that are in authority wisdom & courage to rule in such a way that we may lead a quiet & peaceful life in all godliness & honesty. To You, almighty Creator & gracious God, I commit this nation, my church, my family my loved ones, & myself. Abide with me. With Your grace & mercy preserve me whole--soul & body--blameless to the coming of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."

My Prayer Book

"At the dawn of this new year, precious Savior & divine Lord, I desire to begin today in Your name. Therefore I ask You to take full possession of my life, hold me by the hand & lead me from day to day, protecting me from all dangers of body & soul. Shield me from the temptations of sin & remove every doubtful thought from my mind. Let not the worries & fears of the future rob me of that peace of mind which is mine through your sacrifice on Calvary. Order my footsteps in the paths of righteousness, & keep me in Your grace.

"Abide with your children wherever they are, & help them through their trials & troubles. Forgive us, one & all, our many sins of the past through Your cleansing & precious blood.Grant me & all that love You the strength to live victoriously every day.

"Give to Your church, eternal Savior, continued growth & prosper the work of our hands as we seek to win souls for You. Bring this saving Gospel to many more. Preserve peace among the nations that Your message of reconciliation may not be hindered in its progress as missionaries go from place to place. Let me live in peace with all people, avoiding discord, strife, & hatred. Give me an unwavering faith & another year of grace to me & to many, for Your name's sake. Amen."

CHRISTMAS HYMNS

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (LSB #393, St. 2)

Flocks were sleeping, Shepherds keeping Vigil till the morning new Saw the glory, Heard the story, Tidings of a Gospel true. Thus rejoicing, Free from sorrow, Praises voicing, Greet the morrow:  Christ the child was born for you! Christ the child was born for you!

Now Sing We, Now Rejoice (LSB #386, Sts. 1 & 4)

Now sing we, now rejoice, Now raise to heav'n our voice; He from whom joy streameth Poor in a manger lies; Not so brightly beameth The sun in yonder skies. Thou my Savior art! Thou my Savior art!

Oh, where shall joy be found? Where but on heav'nly ground? Where the angels singing With all His saints unite, Sweetest praises bringing In heav'nly joy & light. Oh, that we were there! Oh, that we were there!