AN ADVENT PRIMER

A friendly reminder . . . We are still in the season of Advent. Christmas is still a few days away. Advent is a penitential season. We no longer look for Baby Jesus. The manger is empty! Rather, we look for Christ's return on the Last Day. Like the Lenten season, Advent is a time when we reflect on our sin. We remember that Jesus was born a human, just like us. Because of our sin, He died on the cross--the penalty that should have been ours. But He rose from the dead on that first Easter Sunday. We are forgiven & saved! We look forward to Jesus' return. We do not have to dread His return, because He will come "to judge the living & the dead." He will return to take His people with Him to heaven to live there with Him for all eternity.

JESUS IS CAPABLE

"Jesus is capable of bringing life to any person, society, or culture no matter how hardened or hostile they have become to the Gospel. Even the most calloused sinner will discover that Jesus know how to penetrate the heart & bring life where there was only bitterness. The work of Jesus in a person's live may seem fragile at first; but like the mustard seed, it will eventually grow into something strong.

"As you pray for someone you care about, don't be discouraged if this person has not responded to Jesus. Just as a tender plant finds a way to grow in a hard & unreceptive environment, so the love of Jesus has the ability to emerge in a life that seems completely unresponsive." Henry & Richard Blakaby, "Experiencing God Day-By-Day

VERSES FOR ADVENT

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous & having salvation. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you (Zech. 9:9; Ps. 118:26). Lutheran Worship

PRAYER FOR THE 4TH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

"Stir up your power, O Lord, & come among us with great might; & because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let Your bountiful grace & mercy speedily help & deliver us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever. Amen. Lutheran Worship

AN ADVENT HYMN

Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord, LW #33, Sts. 1, 4, 5, 7

Let the earth now praise the Lord, Who has truly kept His word And at last to us did send Christ, the sinner's help & friend.

Welcome, O my Savior now! Joyful, Lord, to You I bow. Come into my heart, I pray; Oh, prepare Yourself a way.

As Your coming was in peace, Quiet, full of gentleness, Let the same mind dwell in me Which is Yours eternally.

Then when You will come again As the glorious King to reign, I with joy will see Your face, Freely ransomed by Your grace.