WELCOME TO ADVENT!

Advent is a time to rejoice over the birth of our Savior Jesus. What it is NOT is a preparation for Jesus' birth. The manger is empty. Advent is that season in the Church year when we penitentially reflect on Jesus' return. God promised throughout the Old Testament that the Messiah would be born. Those prophecies came true. Some of those same prophets, along with Jesus Himself, foretold of Jesus' triumphant return on the Last Day. We know that this promise will come to pass, because all of the Lord's other promises came true. The Last Day will be fearful, but Christians have no risen to fear Jesus' return. Ultimately, the message of Advent is the message of the Gospel. It is the message of what God has done for us, will continue to do for us; & His return will be His final act of salvation as He takes His people with Him forever in heaven.

SPIRITUAL SICKNESS & HEALING

"Just because we are spiritually sick, or just because we are near a place of healing, does not necessarily mean we want to be made well. We may attend church regularly, but choose to remain sinful. Our generation has taken many of the activities that the Bible identifies as sin & has labeled them as addictions or character flaws or the result of an abusive upbringing. We act as if having an addiction is sufficient excuse for disobeying God's commands. As Christians, we are no longer helpless victims of our sin. There is no sinful habit or past hurt that is beyond the healing touch of our Lord.

"Have you gone yea after year without receiving spiritual healing? God is capable of freeing you, but you may have become comfortable in your sin. You may not want to be healed. If you really want to receive spiritual health, God can give it today. He wants you to ask Him." Henry & Richard Blakaby, "Experiencing God Day-By-Day"

LIFE THOUGHTS FOR THE CHURCH YEAR

"Surprise pregnancy intimidates, & terminal diagnosis terrifies because they darken the future. But Jesus the Savior looks through walls & sees around corners (Mark 11:2-3). He has promised abundant & everlasting life as the one who both secuRes & supplies the means. God is faithful & will sustain (1 Cor. 1:9); can we confirm it with our testimony (1 Cor. 1:6)?" Grace Lutheran Church Bulletin

STEWARDSHIP CORNER

"During Advent as we prepare our minds & hearts for the birth of Jesus, we are reminded of how John the Baptist prepared the people for the coming of Christ. John the Baptist, who lived during the time of Jesus, was God's special messenger. When people were questioning who he was, he said, 'I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord' (John 1:23).' In his ministry, John the Baptist warned people about being greedy. Greed will keep us from sharing our clothes, food, & money with people in need. Jesus shared the same message when He said, 'Take care, & be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions' (Luke 12:15)." Grace Lutheran Church Bulletin

A PRAYER FOR THE 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

"Stir up, we implore You, Your power, O Lord, & come that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins & be saved by Your mighty deliverance; for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever. Amen." Lutheran Worship

AN ADVENT HYMN

On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry, LW #14, Sts. 1, 3, 5

On Jordan's bank the Baptists's cry Announces that the Lord is nigh; Awake & hearken, for he brings Glad tidings of the King of Kings!

We hail You as our Savior, Lord, Our refuge & our great reward; Without Your grace we waste away Like flow'rs that wither & decay.

All praise to You, eternal Son, Whose advent has our freedom won, Whom with the Father we adore, And Holy Spirit, evermore.