Theme of the Day: A Real Christmas Is Rooted In Repentance
The closer we get to Christmas, the greater the pressure. There is so much work to be done! We want our houses to look good for out-of-town guests. We want to impress people with the thoughtfulness of our gifts. What a welcome relief, therefore, to hear what is required to really be ready for Christmas: only repentance. You see, repentance is the opposite of work. It is the candid and honest admission of our sin combined with the joyful trust that everything needed to bring us close to God has already been done by Christ.
At this frenetic time of year, the call to repent is not another demand to do something more. It is gracious invitation to set down our work to make way for Christ’s work. Rooted in that repentant rest, we can fully enjoy a real Christmas.
Luke 3:1-6
Malachi 3:1-7b
Philippians 1:3-11
Psalm 66A
308 – There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying
316 – On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
312 – Comfort, Comfort All My People
317 – When All the World Was Cursed
310 – Arise, O Christian People
Prayer of the Day: Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son. By his coming, give us strength in our conflicts, and shed light on our path through the darkness of this world; 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. Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. And all people will see God’s salvation. Alleluia.