SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2022
And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. Luke 2:16
NEWS: Blessings to all on this day after Christmas. On Christmas Eve Saturday we had 54 who attended our Candlelight and Carol service, with more viewing us online. Yesterday 36 worshipped in person for our Christmas Day service and others joined us online. Thanks to all who served our Lord and congregation in both services and especially to our Pastor Joel for leading us in each service. We won’t be meeting together in person again until next year, Sunday, January 1, 2023!
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Pat and Bill Sperberg.
READINGS: Psalm 34:4-10, 19; Psalm 60; Isaiah 49:22-26 plus Isaiah 50:4-51:8 and Isaiah 51:12-16; Matthew 1:18-25
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“UNEXPECTED JOY”
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-12)
Who could blame the shepherds for being afraid? They were ordinary men, not highly educated, not used to angel visits. Their work tended to keep them away from worship, and they knew people looked down on them. Why would God pick them for the first witnesses to Jesus’ birth?
But He did. And it makes sense to us—humble witnesses for a humble Savior, shepherds for the Good Shepherd who would grow up to lay down His life for all God’s sheep.
So the angels came. And the shepherds were afraid, like sensible men. But the angels calmed them down, and told them: “Fear not, for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born a Savior…” All the people. Unto YOU.
So they went, and they saw God’s sign—a baby, wrapped in ordinary baby clothes and lying in a manger. Who could be afraid of that? And they rejoiced.
We, too, can go and look by faith at Jesus, lying in the manger there for us—our Shepherd. A Son given to us; a Savior born to us. Jesus our Lord.
WE PRAY: Thank You, Father! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What is one of the best pieces of news you have had in your life?
* Why?
* Who would you guess were the second witnesses to Jesus’ birth?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Nehemiah 4-6 Revelation 17
Luther’s Morning Prayer
In the morning, as soon as you get out of bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:
“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father through Jesus Christ your dear son, that you have protected me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you completely. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”
After singing a hymn or whatever else may serve your devotion, you can go about your day joyfully!
Luther’s Evening Prayer
In the evening, when you go to bed, you are to make the Sign of the Cross and say:
“God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit watch over me. Amen.”
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. In addition recite this prayer as well:
“I give thanks to you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have graciously protected me today, and I ask you to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously to protect me tonight. For into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.”
You can now go to bed quickly and cheerfully.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Our church website is: https://www.svlchurch.org/
Below is our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside
Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/
Here is the website for Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/
Lutheran Public Radio is listener supported and has two channels, one for sacred music and the other for talk, including news, current issues, politics and spiritual matters from a Lutheran perspective. Hosted by Pastor Todd Wilken, Issues, Etc. airs live Monday thru Friday from 1 to 3 pm Pacific, with the “Best Of” running at other hours: https://lutheranpublicradio.org/
KFUO is the listener supported radio station owned and operated by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Based in St. Louis, their format consists of teaching, preaching, ministry and sacred music: https://www.kfuo.org/
A very blessed Monday and day after Christmas to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Allen and Margie Latall: aalatall@gmail.com OR mjlatall62@gmail.com OR Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
