Please click on the link below to view the service bulletin for Sunday, December 21, 2025.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tWrkquYqvEUIqIE1BFcyak8_PEHK3lWoL7L4hsGU1NY/edit?usp=sharing

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Fourth Sunday in Advent

Isaiah 7:10-17 “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

Psalm 24 “The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory!”

Romans 1:1-7 We belong to Jesus Christ.

Matthew 1:18-25 Jesus is born.

Collect of the Day

Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

Theme

One of the pleasures of walking through medieval towns and cities in Europe is seeing the signs that hang above the doorways of various stores and craftwork locations. Without a word of written language, you can tell where the town’s cobbler, blacksmith, baker, and glove maker have set up their shops. The signs indicate that the masters are at work in their various locations. For Christians, Advent is a time for looking to the signs of the presence of God as found in Word and Sacrament. There are signs around us right now! The cross in front of church wordlessly attests to the fulfilling of the work by the Master of all creation through the coming of Jesus as the babe of Bethlehem, who would be our crucified and resurrected Lord. The candles on the Advent wreath burn brightly today! The signs of the season are all around us.

                                       

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Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer

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.

Martin Luther’s Evening Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. 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.