Theme of the Day: Just As God Promised
In Eden, mankind fell into sin, bringing death and despair to Paradise. God immediately promised to send a Savior who would undo that devastation. This Savior would be a descendant of Adam and Eve—a human being. Century after century, through the prophets, God reiterated and expanded upon that promise of a Savior-King. In a manger in Bethlehem, on that first Christmas, God’s promise was fulfilled.
The perfect faithfulness God demonstrated in keeping all his promises about Christ’s first coming at Christmas is what gives us the certainty and comfort that God will keep his promises about Christ’s second coming on judgment day. The King shall come!
Luke 1:26-38
2 Samuel 7:8-16
Romans 16:25-27
Psalm 130
496 – Jesus! Name of Wondrous Love
327 – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
315 – Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord
360 – Behold, a Branch Is Growing
320 – As Angels Joyed with One Accord
Prayer of the Day: Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the burden of our sins, and make us ready for the celebration of your birth, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel. Alleluia.