“And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this Child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.”
(Luke 2:17-18 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Greetings in Jesus’ name.
The shepherds are so filled with joy and wonder they can’t keep the good news to themselves. They spread the angel’s glorious word about the Saviour who had been born for them in Bethlehem. And that news works in the hearts of all who hear, making them wonder about the Baby whose birth had been announced by angels.
Having read through Luke’s account this past month, we too are among those to whom the shepherds made known the angel’s saying. Do you find it difficult to work up the courage to share it with others? If so, maybe you haven’t looked closely enough into the face of the Christ Child. Maybe you were so preoccupied with preparations for Christmas you didn’t let the true wonder and majesty of our Savior’s birth have its place in your heart.
But now the hectic preparations are over. Now is the time to visit that manger again, to sit and gaze into the infant face of your Lord and Savior. Now is the time to consider His willingness to leave the glories of heaven to share the life we know in this world. Ponder that a few minutes and you might find that same desire to share the good news, which the shepherds couldn’t keep to themselves.
A PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I am overwhelmed by Your unbounded love, which moved You to share our earthly life, to take upon Yourself my sufferings and pain, even to carry my sins away and pay their full, dreadful price on the cross. Fill my heart with such peace, joy and love that I can’t keep it all to myself. Amen. (From the Advent Devotion, “Fear Not” of Lutheran Hour Ministries)
Coming Up at Prince of Peace …
January 3 (2nd Sunday after Christmas)
Sunday School on holiday break
10:30 Holy Communion
PoP News …
Sunday Bible study and the Youth Bible Study are both on a 2- week break for the Christmas holiday. Sunday School will resume January 10. How about a godly New Year’s resolution to get yourself and your family into God’s Word via Sunday School in 2016?
PoP Town Hall Meeting: We need to talk and share ideas! With the annual meeting being so full of business, I am left with a hunger for us to talk about our health and work moving forward. Please join me for a short discussion after church on January 24. Planning is still taking place, but I am thinking that we either keep it short while featuring a coffee hour with refreshments or perhaps order in pizza. The main feature is to be discussion and not food. Please save the date and stay tuned for more information.
Creation Ministries International will visit Pilgrim Lutheran Church on February 2, 2016 at 7pm. The public school system, including grade school, high school, college and university, undermine the Christian teaching. This is your opportunity as parents and grandparents to be better equipped so you can intelligently reinforce biblical teaching with your children and grandchildren, and even strengthen your own faith. Calvin Smith is the speaker. His topic “GENESIS: THE MISSING PIECE OF THE PUZZLE.” Materials on many relevant and related topics will be available for sale afterwards. Put the date on your calendar right now so that you don’t miss this event.
Online News …
LCC President issues call to prayer for Oromos: Oromos in Ethiopia are facing severe persecution, as the government cracks down with deadly violence on protestors denouncing plans to displace Oromos from their property. Winnipeg’s Oromo congregation, led by LCC pastor Rev. Assefa Aredo, joined Oromos worldwide in a peaceful protest earlier this month to draw attention to the plight of their Ethiopian counterparts (read more in The Canadian Lutheran here).
Now, Lutheran Church–Canada President Robert Bugbee is calling on LCC congregations and members across the country to remember Oromos in prayer this Christmas season, noting that “the crisis is not making many headlines and God’s people in that country need our prayer support. READ MORE
Many Oromos are members of Ethiopia’s Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, the largest Lutheran church body in the world. In Canada, a number of Oromo congregations are seeking closer ties to Lutheran Church–Canada.
Honouring Your Father: Star Wars and the Fourth Commandment: “So how does one honour a father who turns out to be a villain?” Rev. Ted Giese reflects on the Original Star Wars trilogy and the Fourth Commandment—“Honour your father and your mother”—in his latest for The Canadian Lutheran. READ MORE
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those battling cancer
- Those under doctors care
- The plight of refugees from various parts of the world
- Those traveling this holiday season
- New Year’s Day Prayer: It is 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 and in grace behold and visit Your holy Church, which You have chosen for Your own. Preserve for us Your saving Word and Sacraments, that Your vine may send out boughs from sea to sea and its branches to the uttermost parts of the earth. Look graciously upon our nation and all the nations of the world, and bless them with peace. Grant to all that are in authority wisdom and courage to rule in such a way that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty. To You, almighty Creator and gracious God, I commit this nation, my church, my family and loved ones, and myself. Abide with me. With Your grace and mercy preserve me whole – soul and body – blameless to the coming of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. (from Lutheran Book of Prayer, Concordia Publishing House)
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
