December 22, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 7:10-16
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-25
GATHERED BY GRACE:
Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew's account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. On this final Sunday in Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death. -Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress 2016
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What is most surprising to you about the story of Joseph? Why do you think God chose to risk to come to us in this way?
* Are you ready to welcome the Son of God? What do you need during this last week to be really ready in mind and heart?
* The angel told Joseph to give Mary’s son the name Jesus, which means “the Lord saves”. What did this name tell about his life?
* Another title for Jesus is “Emmanuel” which means “God with us”. How have you experienced God as “with you” in your life lately?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday Matthew 11:2-11
Monday Luke 1:46b-55
Tuesday - Christmas Eve Luke 2:1-20
Wednesday - Christmas Day John 1:1-14
Thursday – Commemoration of Stephen Matthew 23:34-39
Friday – Commemoration of John John 21:20-25
Sat - Commemoration of the Holy Innocents Matt 2:16-18
Sunday Matthew 2:13-23
Next Sunday: Isaiah 63:7-9: Psalm 148; Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 2:13-23
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Stir up your power, O Lord, and come.
Throughout the Day: O come, O come, Emmanuel.
A Blessing to Share: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
For mealtime say responsively: Let your face shine upon us: We shall be saved.
Advent Meal Prayer:
Come, Lord Jesus, be our Guest,
And let your gifts to us be blessed.
Blest be God, who is our Bread.
May all the world be clothed and fed.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Isaiah tells us the Messiah will be named Emmanuel which means "God with us." Does your name have a special meaning? How is the Church a sign that Jesus is with us today? How are you, regardless of what your name means, a sign that Jesus is with us? Conclude with your own Advent prayer.
Advent Ritual:
You will need 5 candles for the season. You can use a wreath or simply use the candles.
Read Isaiah 7:10-16. Today we shall be lighting the candle of love. No other word so completely describes what we know of our God. For God so loved the world that a child was given. We light the candle of love to proclaim that God's love is revealed in the Child born in Bethlehem. Light four candles.
On Christmas Eve, along with the other four candles, light the fifth candle, which celebrates Christ’s birth. You can keep lighting that candle for the 12 days of Christmas, the last day being January 5.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch this Friday, just a couple of days after Christmas! What a great way to celebrate the One who came to bring good news to the poor! Please come to help anytime between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. At 1105 S. Gilbert Court.
If you are not from this area, what are ways you can serve the hungry or homeless in your community?