"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Sunday, December 8, 2024 - Day 342 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Daniel 11,12; 3 John)
WHY ADVENT PREPARATIONS?
“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2 ESV)
Daniel isn’t mincing any words here. There are only two eternal options, eternal life or everlasting contempt, heaven or hell.
Therefore, as you look forward to Christmas and the birth of Jesus your Savior, don’t forget your Advent preparations. Repent and believe that the Babe of Bethlehem came to purchase your salvation. You can now face your eternal future with peace, confidence and eager anticipation because you know that everlasting life is yours in Christ Jesus.
1. The advent of our King
Our prayers must now employ,
And we must hymns of welcome sing
In strains of holy joy.
2. The everlasting Son
Incarnate deigns to be,
Himself a servant's form puts on
To set His servants free.
3. O Zion's daughter, rise
To meet your lowly King,
Nor let your faithless heart despise
The peace He comes to bring.
4. As judge, on clouds of light,
He soon will come again
And His true members all unite
With Him in heav'n to reign.
5. Before the dawning day
Let sin's dark deeds be gone,
The sinful self be put away,
The new self now put on.
6. All glory to the Son,
Who comes to set us free,
With Father, Spirit, ever one
Through all eternity.
(Lutheran Service Book #331)
Lord God, heavenly Father, graciously keep me close to You through saving faith in Jesus, my Advent King, so that I may spend eternity with You. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!
Pastor David Paape
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