“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:11 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Merry Christmas!
For this week, I share from a Christmas sermon by Dr. Martin Luther:
The first matter is the faith which is truly to be perceived in all the words of God. This faith does not merely consist in believing that this story is true, as it is written. For that does not avail anything, because everyone, even the damned, believe that. Concerning faith, Scripture and God’s word do not teach that it is a natural work, without grace. Rather the faith that is the right one, rich in grace, demanded by God’s word and deed, is that you firmly believe Christ is born for you and that his birth is yours, and come to pass for your benefit. For the Gospel teaches that Christ was born for our sake and that he did everything and suffered all things for our sake, just as the angel says here: “I announce to you a great joy which will come to all people; for to you is born this day a Savior who is Christ the Lord” [Luke 2:10–11]. From these words you see clearly that he was born for us.
Luther’s Works, Volume 52, page 14-15
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Sunday (December 31) here at Prince of Peace…
10:30 am New Year’s Eve Service with Holy Communion
NO Early Service or Sunday School
Sermon: “God is For Us” based on Romans 8:31-39
Prince of Peace News …
Youth Lock-In: High School students and confirmation-age youth (and friends!) are invited to a Youth Lock-In, Friday-Saturday, January 5-6, here at Prince of Peace. We begin at 7:00pm on Friday and dismiss at 11:00am on Saturday. Bring a sleeping bag, your Bible, no electronic gadgets (except maybe a cell phone — unless even that is a big distraction for you!), and a good attitude.
Also needed: a male and female adult chaperone for the Friday night. Contact me if interested.
Rescuing Our Kids (or Grand-Kids, or Great-Grand-Kids): The Sunday morning adult Bible class will feature “Rescuing Our Kids,” a powerful video presentation by Ken Ham. Studies have shown our kids are doubting what they’re taught at church earlier than many parents fear. We need ways to address potential short comings in how children are equipped to deal with secular attacks they experience the other 6 days of the week. Curious? Come Sunday morning at 9:00 beginning in January 14th. Coffee will be on. The class meets in the church basement.
A three-year plan of daily Bible readings has been compiled by the Lutheran Church—Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to encourage the people of our church bodies in the daily reading of Holy Scripture. A calendar of daily readings will be made available for you. Find a page with the January readings in the lobby this Sunday. I encourage you to take on this project as a spiritual up-building exercise for 2018.
Online News …
You can listen to sacred Christmas music now and throughout the Christmas season on Lutheran Public Radio! We’re streaming 24/7 at www.lutheranpublicradio.org and on the LPR mobile app.
EDLYA Retreat: The next East District Lutheran Young Adults retreat is scheduled for Friday, January 19, 2018 to Sunday, January 21, 2018, at First St. Paul’s, 3620 Nafziger Rd., Wellesley. Check www.edlya.ca for registration info.
2017 Convention and Restructuring:
- Convention Proceedings now available
- New Bylaws and Constitution documents now available
- LCC releases materials for congregational vote on Synodical Constitution amendments
In your prayers, please remember:
- Pray for those who travel, those who are ill or caring for ailing loved ones, those who struggle with mental illness, those who mourn, those who are unemployed – people who need our prayers at all times, but especially during the holiday season which they find difficult.
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
