SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
DEVOTION, READINGS AND PRAYERS
SUINDAY, JANUARY 8, 2023
I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord! Psalm 122:1
NEWS: We will be celebrating the Epiphany of our Lord in our service today. Our day in God’s house begins at 9 AM as we start our five week study of the book, “Pray Now.” Pastor Joel is leading us and it’s not too late to pick up a copy if you haven’t done so already. It includes five weeks’ worth of daily readings and it’s worth the investment of approximately ten minutes a day!
The title of Pastor Joel’s sermon in our 10 AM worship is, “Fulfilling All Righteousness.” It’s based on our Gospel reading, Matthew 3:13-17 Our other readings are Isaiah 42:1-9 and Romans 6:1-11 After we have celebrated the Lord’s Supper and our service is complete, please join us for fellowship time, with coffee and goodies. It could be outside or inside again, depending on the weather.
We pray all can join us for part of their Sunday but for those unable to worship in person, we stream our service live. The link is here: www.facebook.com/shepherdofthevalleyoceanside Click on that, then click on the More dropdown arrow, then click Live. If you have a moment, please “Like” us and leave a brief comment about your online worship experience. Thank you! Also serving the Lord and our congregation today are:
Fellowship: Carole Woodward
Techies: Ian Andrews
Reader: K Berni
Acolyte: Josephine Neemia
Greeter: Margaret Paton
Ushers: Keith Neblett, OPEN
Flowers: The Neemia family
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for Theodora Elias.
COLLECT OF THE DAY: O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
READINGS: Psalm 45:6-8; Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-15; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Alleluia. Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Alleluia.
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright”
“O Morning Star, how fair and bright! You shine with God’s own truth and light, aglow with grace and mercy! Of Jacob’s race, King David’s son, Our Lord and master, You have won our hearts to serve You only! Lowly, holy! Great and glorious, all victorious, Rich in blessing! Rule and might o’er all possessing!”
“It’s always darkest before the dawn,” or so the saying goes. It may not be quite as dark as the time for the sunrise draws near, but the expression is meant to be encouraging, suggesting that there is reason to have hope for the future. There is a hopeful sign in the sky of the approach of dawn, whatever the day might bring. The “morning star” (actually the planet Venus) appears, a light above the horizon that means daylight is not far away.
The Scriptures foretold a rising star, a sign of hope for the people of Israel. The star was not yet visible, but it was coming: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17a). At the time appointed by God, a star rose in the sky to announce the birth of the true Morning Star, the Holy Child of Bethlehem. Wise men followed the special star in the heavens to find and worship the Child, the King of the Jews and Lord of all nations. Jesus, the Son of God, “of Jacob’s race, King David’s son,” had come as the prophets foretold.
Through Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, we have hope. When we were lost in the darkness of sin, Jesus, the bright Morning Star, came to suffer and die to defeat sin, death, and Satan. On the first Easter morning, in the early light of dawn, the bright Morning Star, the Star of hope, rose from the dead. Through faith in Jesus we have forgiveness for our sins and the hope of eternal life. When we struggle with sin, when we are lost in the darkness of fear or grief, Jesus our Morning Star shines through His Word to bring the light of His hope into our lives.
Jesus said of Himself, “I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16b). He reigns in glory now, shining with grace and mercy. In Jesus, our bright Morning Star, we have the promise of hope in the darkness before the dawn of eternal life. On the Last Day of this world’s history, Jesus our bright Morning Star will return to herald the dawn of the endless day of life in His presence. Come, Lord Jesus!
WE PRAY: Jesus, my Savior and my Morning Star, in You I have hope. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. It is based on the hymn “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright,” which is number 395 in the Lutheran Service Book.
Reflection Questions:
1. Are you a star gazer? Do you have a favorite constellation?
2. Why is Jesus called the “bright Morning Star” in Revelation?
3. How can we shine in our lives for others, pointing them to Jesus?
Today’s Bible Readings: Genesis 20-22 Matthew 6:19-34
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 you 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.”
Now you can 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 Lutheran Hour Ministries: https://www.lhm.org/
Here is the website for Lutherans for Life: https://lutheransforlife.org/
A very blessed Lord’s Day and Sunday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us.
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
