“His name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”
(Isaiah 9:6 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Greetings in Jesus’ name.
It is how our congregation is named – “Prince of Peace.” I pray that the repetition of the words in sound and in print does not cause us to overlook its significance. Princes and Kings through the ages have ruled with varying degrees of force. In our democratic society we are not used to fearing the King who reigns over us. We feel we have our “charter of rights and freedoms” to protect us. Certainly such personal security could not be taken for granted when Jesus was born. King Herod was jealous and paranoid to the point of committing murder. He had already had a record of that before the slaughter of the baby boys in Bethlehem.
Herod had targeted the infant Jesus who was born “King of the Jews.” But he need not have been so paranoid. Jesus was and is the Prince of Peace. His power was directed toward enemies that we all dread – sin, death, and the devil. Those three have been such a dreadful menace to us that any action taken by the One born in Bethlehem would be hailed as a great victory for us. Indeed, we are the beneficiaries of peace from sins forgiven, peace in the face of death through Jesus’ resurrection, and peace knowing that the great liar & tempter has been defeated.
This is why across the globe 100s of millions of people rejoice this week over Jesus who was born to “save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21 ESV)
Coming Up at Prince of Peace …
Christmas Eve 5:30 Service
Christmas Eve 7:30 Service
There will be a 30 minute mini-Christmas concert before each service
Christmas Day 10:30am Service with Holy Communion
Invite others to come with you to church this Christmas!!!!
Sunday, December 28
NO Sunday School or Adult Class
10:30 Worship Service
News …
Offering Envelopes for 2015 are ready and on a table in the lobby for you to pick up.
Please Support the children’s meal program in Nicaragua by purchasing premium Nicaraguan-grown coffee. $5 from every pound goes directly to support the meal program which ensures that the children get a nutritious meal, organized recreation, help with their school work, and Bible study on a weekly basis. There are two specialty flavours, a dark roast, a medium roast and decaf. They are all available in both beans and ground. The one pound bags are $15. The 10 cup foil packages are $3.50, with $1.50 going to the program.
Christmas Food Drive: Items collected will be distributed through the Salvation Army in Burlington. Durable goods include items such as peanut butter, canned fish or meat, macaroni & cheese dinner, rice (small packages), or canned vegetables. Items can be placed in the bright red container at the top of the back stairs.
Online …
A PoP Facebook Invitation: Show us how you celebrate the Christmas season! Comment here with a photo of your tree, lights, decorations, nativity scene, food, etc! Let’s share Christmas with one another.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those under doctor’s care
- Those who struggle with mental illness
- Christians suffering persecution in various parts of the world
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
1299 Brant St.
Burlington, ON
905-332-7671
