SVLC DEVOTION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2023

by | Dec 29, 2023 | Daily Devotions

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

DEVOTION, READINGS and PRAYERS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2023

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

 NEWS: Tomorrow we celebrate the First Sunday in Christmas. There will be NO Bible class again due to the holiday season. We will have our regular worship service at 10 AM and the title of Pastor Joel’s sermon is, “What Now?” It’s based on the Gospel reading, Luke 2:25-35 The Old Testament lesson is Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Our Psalmody is taken from Psalm 111 The Epistle comes from Galatians 4:4-7

After the Eucharist is celebrated and our service draws to a close, please join us for fellowship time, with coffee and goodies. Then join us at Carl’s Jr. for continued fellowship time.

Also serving our Lord and congregation tomorrow are:

Techies:  Ian Andrews, Bruce Woodward

Reader:  Allen Latall

Acolyte:  Josephine Neemia

Greeter:  OPEN

Ushers:   OPEN, OPEN

Flowers:  OPEN

Fellowship:  Daria Roth

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE A NUMBER OF OPENINGS FOR ANYONE WHO CAN ASSIST. PLEASE LET ALLEN KOLKMAMN KNOW IF YOU CAN: kolkmanallen@gmail.com

 PRAYERS: Today we remember Alba and Terry Reilly in our prayers.

 READINGS: Malachi 2; Psalm 148; Revelation 20:11-21:8

 DEVOTION:

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

“REDEEMER”

December 30, 2023

 

And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice …” (Luke 2:22-24a)

It seems odd to me—Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the temple to fulfill the law about firstborn sons. Because in essence, what they were doing was presenting the Lord to the Lord, right? Even when I take into account the Trinity, this makes me dizzy.

And yet, it was good and right, what they did. Because the law about firstborn sons had its roots in the days of the Exodus, when God set His people free from slavery in Egypt. In those days the angel of death destroyed all the firstborn sons in the country who were not protected by the blood of a sacrificed lamb on the houses where they slept (see Exodus 12). And forever after, Israel’s firstborn sons would have to be presented to the Lord in early infancy, and redeemed with an offering.

Now the baby Jesus comes—not to be redeemed, but to be the Redeemer. God in the flesh takes His place, standing for humanity. And He comes not just to save the firstborn of a single country, but to save all of God’s children—everyone who will put their trust in Him. Jesus took our death upon Himself on that cross; and because of His resurrection, all of us who belong to Him are freed from death forever.

WE PRAY: Thank You, Lord, for taking my place and saving me. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* Were you baptized as an infant, or not? Share your experiences.

* What did Jesus take from you when He took your place?

* What did He give you instead?

Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

 

Today’s Bible in a Year Reading: Malachi 1-2; Revelation 21

 

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/

 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 Saturday and weekend to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us

 Pastor Joel, pastor@svlcchurch.org