In case of a pastoral emergency,
please contact Pastor Lisa Borrell at 610-838-0731 or email MizLKB@aol.com.
Sunday, December 1, 2024 ~ Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. ~ 1st Sunday in Advent
Advent is about the “coming days.” God’s people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts
appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a “righteous Branch to spring up for David.” The Thessalonians awaited “the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints.” Jesus’ contemporaries hoped for the time “to stand before the Son of Man.” With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of Christ in word and supper.
Sunday, December 8, 2024 ~ Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. ~ 2nd Sunday in Advent
Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the baptizer’s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi’s
prophecy could as easily herald the coming Christ as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally, all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing, we prepare the way for the coming of Jesus and assist all people in capturing a vision of the “salvation of God.”
Sunday, December 15, 2024 ~ Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. ~ 3rd Sunday in Advent
Christ’s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for
rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news — and cause for exultation — for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.
Sunday, December 22, 2024 ~ Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. ~ 4th Sunday in Advent
Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary’s magnificent
song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in holy communion — with high delight — “we proclaim the Lord’s death.”
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 ~ Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. ~ Christmas Eve
In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.
Sunday, December 29, 2024 ~ Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. ~ 1st Sunday in Christmas
On the first Sunday of Christmas, we find the boy Samuel and the boy Jesus, both in the temple, both growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and humankind. We too have returned to the house of God “to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God,” who has gifted us with a savior. As the festival continues, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” It is Christmas, still.
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May the beauty of God be reflected in your eyes, the love of God be
reflected in your hands, the wisdom of God be reflected in your words,
and the knowledge of God flow from your heart,
that all might see, and seeing, believe.
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The members of New Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church wish you a blessed day and we pray that your day is filled with hope, love, peace, and good health!
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