SVLC DEVOTION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023

 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

 NEWS: Blessings to all in these last few days of Advent!

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Margie and Allen Latall in our prayers. We both ask prayers for our health and medical needs.

 READINGS: Isaiah 42; Revelation 9:1-12

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“NAMES” December 21, 2023

 

“She will bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:21-23) When I was little, I used to wonder: Why did Joseph call His name Jesus when the prophecy said they would call Him Immanuel? Now I think that maybe one name isn’t enough to capture how wonderful Jesus is. Let’s take that first, ancient name—Immanuel, “God with us.” It tells us just who Jesus is, doesn’t it? He is God Most High, come down from heaven—and why? To be with us. To be one of us—a human being, suffering the same griefs and troubles we do, walking our road beside us. Jesus is the proof that God understands us—not just intellectually, but through experience. He has been there. There is nothing of our sorrow that He has not carried all the way to the cross. But then there’s the other Name—Jesus, “The Lord is salvation.” Jesus is God come to be our Savior—the One who rescues us from the power of sin, death, and the devil. There is no evil so strong that He cannot conquer it and set His people free. If it costs Him His life—and it did—Jesus will rescue us and make us beloved, forgiven, cleansed children of God. Maybe it takes two names to carry all His wonderfulness! WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, our Immanuel—thank You for coming to us and saving us. Amen. Reflection Questions: * Do you know what your own name means? * If you have given names to someone or something (a child, a pet), why did you choose those names? * Why do you think God chose “The Lord is salvation” to be Jesus’ Name rather than something like “The Lord is great”? Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Esther 3-5; Revelation 12

 

Pastor Joel is Here for You.  If you have a pastoral need or a prayer request for Pastor Joel, please call or text him at 775-336-9680 or email him at luckemeyerj@gmail.com

 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 hour  s: 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 Thursday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us