Theme of the Day: A Savior Is Born To Dwell Among Us
For centuries on Christmas Day the Church has read chapter one of St. John’s Gospel. There, in just a few simple words, Scripture describes the indescribable: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). The word God had spoken in the Garden, promising to send a Savior who was part of mankind, came true. God himself became flesh and blood—to be born under law, to suffer, and to die that he might redeem us.
The Greek word translated “made his dwelling” can also be translated “pitched his tent.” That word describes a temporary dwelling place. God came into our broken world to dwell for a time, so that one day we might go to God’s perfect home and dwell for all eternity.
Unlike those Christmas Eve shepherds, we cannot see Christ with our eyes. Yet still he dwells among us. For he is the Word made flesh. As we listen to the Word today, we truly are hearing the voice of Christ. As we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we partake of his true body and blood. In Word and sacrament, still today, our Savior dwells among us, feeding our faith, preparing us for our true home.
John 1:1-14
Isaiah 52:7-10
Hebrews 1:1-9
Psalm 98
354 – O Come, All Ye Faithful
358 – Of the Father’s Love Begotten
363 – Now Sing We, Now Rejoice
344 – What Child Is This
331 – From Heaven Above to Earth I Come
330 – Peace Came to Earth
350 – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, grant that the birth of your only Son in the flesh may set us free from our old bondage under the yoke of sin; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law. Alleluia.