“Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation.”
(Zechariah 9:9 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the name of Jesus!
What? More Sundays about the coming of the Lord? We just heard about that these last Sundays of the church year. And now that it is Advent, the beginning of a new church year, we hear about it again?
Well, yes, but there is a difference. The last Sundays of the church year look ahead to the return of Christ on Judgment Day. That will be a dreadful day for anyone who has despised the Lord, His Word, and His gift of salvation. For those of us who believe, though, we can anticipate being welcomed home. What joy it will be to hear God’s voice say, “You are my child; come home.” Our faith in Jesus and His forgiveness ensures that for us there will be no condemnation. Our meeting Jesus face to face will be a blessed and happy occasion.
During this Advent season, let’s prepare by humbly repenting of our sin and looking to this Coming One who takes away our sin and guilt. Let’s use this blessed season to prepare our hearts for the birth of our Saviour, Jesus. This is how we get our hearts ready for Christmas.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Sunday (December 3) here at Prince of Peace…
9:00 Early Service: Holy Communion
9:00 Sunday School & Adult Bible Class
10:30 am Holy Communion
Sermon: “Tear the Heavens, Lord, and Come Down” based on Isaiah 64:1-9
Prince of Peace News …
Christmas Carol Sing & Dinner – This Saturday, December 2: The Sunday School will host a Christmas Carol Sing and Christmas Dinner for our congregation and friends. We will begin at 4:30 in the sanctuary singing carols interspersed with short readings. At 5:30 we will gather downstairs to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner. Come and join in a family of Christ celebration!
Formed to Fly: This Sunday the Adult Bible Class will be watching a video presentation by Dr. David Menton explaining how the current view of bird evolution via dinosaurs is far from probable and goes against all observable evidence. Prepare to be challenged mentally! Join us at 9 o’clock downstairs. Coffee will be on.
Bus Trip to On the Way to Bethlehem, an outdoor living pageant – This Sunday, December 3: Our Sunday School is sponsoring a congregational trip to an outdoor living Christmas pageant entitled “On the Way to Bethlehem.” Please arrive at church by 5:00pm. Promptly at 5:15pm we will leave. We will arrive in Milton by about 6 pm giving us ample time to be able to get in for the 6:30 opening. Here is what the PR says about On the Way to Bethlehem:
“On arrival, visitors will enter the large reception area (Gambrel Barn), enjoy the music of the massed choir, and when ready, groups will travel the road to Bethlehem with a guide. On their 30-45 minute journey, visitors will witness King Herod’s court, interact with Roman soldiers, shepherds, magi, innkeepers and fellow travelers to reveal the Christmas story. At the end of their journey, visitors will follow a lamplight walkway to the refreshment area, have their passports stamped and be given a wagon ride to the exit.
Admission: $5 for those 13 years and older; $2 for children 6-12; Children 5 and under are free.
Tuesday Bible Study: We are meeting this Tuesday (Dec 5) and then taking a break until January 2. Newcomers are always welcome to check out our group that meets from 9:30-11:00 am. Soon we will begin a study of St. Mark’s Gospel. Coffee and tea are served.
Circuit Youth Night, Rescheduled: Prince of Peace is hosting a Friday Youth Night that has now been moved to December 8 (7:00-9:00 pm). Youth from Prince of Peace; Trinity, Fisherville; Pilgrim, Hamilton; and other congregations will be here for a devotion and some fun. Are there any youth in your family you could encourage to attend?
Love Came Down, Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries. During the next few weeks, we’ll look at the story of how Love came down to earth from a variety of perspectives. Some will be familiar. Some may surprise you. But in all of them, we will see God working to prepare the way for Jesus, His Son, to come and lead us home. Pick up your copy of the Love Came Down devotional booklet in the church lobby. (You can also subscribe to them online by clicking here.
Online News …
Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL. This week’s topics include: Joel Osteen’s book “Blessed in the Darkness,” 4th Century Bishop Saint Nicholas, John the Baptist Prepares the Way, Peter & John Heal a Lame Man and more. You can listen live or at your convenience at www.issuesetc.org and on the Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those undergoing chemo treatment
- Those undergoing surgery
- Several of our seniors struggling with health issues
- People struggling with emotional issues and grief during this holiday time
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
