SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
READINGS, PRAYERS and DEVOTION
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2022
And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
NEWS: Tuesday evening Bible study will resume next week, Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
PRAYERS: Today we especially pray for the Terrill family: Amy, Abby, Lot and Ashe.
READINGS: Psalm 72; Psalm 92; Isaiah 51:17-52:12; Matthew 2:1-12
DEVOTION:
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
“CELEBRATE!”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this Child. (Luke 2:13-17)
Why do you think so many angels came? I doubt God had to give orders. Imagine the chance to celebrate the human birth of the One you love best in the world, the Lord God Himself—there must have been volunteers for miles.
You see the same thing with the shepherds, once they picked their jaws up off the ground. They go to Bethlehem—not walking but running!—to see the baby as fast as they can. And once they see Him, they tell everybody they know.
Some things are worth running. Worth celebrating. Worth telling everybody you know. And Jesus is one of those things. Because He feels that way about you, you know? You were worth it to Him—to come all this way, to lay down His life to make you His own. And now that you trust in Him, He celebrates. As the prophet Zephaniah writes, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a Mighty One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
WE PRAY: Lord, I am so glad You have come to me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What’s the last thing you celebrated?
* Does it surprise you to know God celebrates you?
* Ask the Lord if there’s someone you might celebrate in some small way who needs that now.
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible Readings: Nehemiah 7-9 Revelation 18
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 Tuesday to everyone! For any needs or prayer requests, please contact us
Pastor Joel at pastor@svlchurch.org
