Saturday, December 21, 2024 - COME AND WORSHIP

"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)

Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Day 355 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Micah 6,7; Rev. 12)

COME AND WORSHIP

“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:18-19 ESV)

God “will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”

Yes, God hates sin, yet He loves the sinner. The reason that Jesus was born was so that He could die in payment for our sins.

So what do we find in church? We find God coming to us with His Word of Law, through which we become aware of our sins. He also comes to us with His Word of Gospel, through which He proclaims the message of Christ’s cross, and offers forgiveness.

What you find in church is God’s forgiveness and the good news that He casts all of your sins into the depths of the sea to be remembered no more.

Follow the urging of this beloved Christmas hymn:

5. All creation, join in praising

   God the Father, Spirit, Son,

   Evermore your voices raising

   To the eternal Three in One.

   Come and worship, come and worship;

   Worship Christ, the newborn King.

   (“Angels From the Realms of Glory,” LSB #367)

Thank You, heavenly Father, for being my forgiving God. Please make me a regular visitor to Your house where Your blessings are so freely given to all who listen to You, repent, and believe. Please bless my worship of Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem, and Your Son next week and always. Amen.

“See’ you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape