Christmas Eve - Generations Sermon 3pm - Roberts by St Luke's Lutheran Church & School

Christmas Eve FUEL 6 00 PM Sermon by St Luke's Lutheran Church & School

Christmas Eve Sanctuary 6 00 PM Sermon by St Luke's Lutheran Church & School

As We Gather - For centuries the people of God waited for the words of the psalm to be fulfilled, “Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” When Mary went to her relative Elizabeth the moment of God’s salvation had arrived and even the baby, John the Baptist, lept in her womb for joy (Luke 1:44). Patience does not come easily for us but we need it more than ever, especially this time of year. Restored again today we wait patiently for Jesus to come again in glory.

As We Gather - For centuries the people of God waited for the words of the psalm to be fulfilled, “Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” When Mary went to her relative Elizabeth the moment of God’s salvation had arrived and even the baby, John the Baptist, lept in her womb for joy (Luke 1:44). Patience does not come easily for us but we need it more than ever, especially this time of year. Restored again today we wait patiently for Jesus to come again in glory.

As We Gather - Questions, questions, and more questions! The psalmist wonders outloud, “Will you be angry with us forever” (v. 5)? John the Baptist sends messengers to Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another” (Lk 7:20)? Uncertainty often threatens to rob us of any peace in this life. Jesus reassures John. And in Jesus, the words of our psalm are fulfilled: “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Our sins are forgiven through faith in Jesus and peace with God is continuously restored.

As We Gather - Questions, questions, and more questions! The psalmist wonders outloud, “Will you be angry with us forever” (v. 5)? John the Baptist sends messengers to Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another” (Lk 7:20)? Uncertainty often threatens to rob us of any peace in this life. Jesus reassures John. And in Jesus, the words of our psalm are fulfilled: “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Our sins are forgiven through faith in Jesus and peace with God is continuously restored.

As We Gather - “On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry, announces that the Lord is nigh!” Our Psalm begins “Shout for joy all the earth.” Although we are often tried and tested by the circumstances of life, in Jesus God has come to rescue humanity and bring us into a place of abundance (v. 12). Therefore we are inspired to “shout for joy” and marvel at the awesome deed of salvation accomplished on the cross and in the resurrection of Jesus.

As We Gather - “On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry, announces that the Lord is nigh!” Our Psalm begins “Shout for joy all the earth.” Although we are often tried and tested by the circumstances of life, in Jesus God has come to rescue humanity and bring us into a place of abundance (v. 12). Therefore we are inspired to “shout for joy” and marvel at the awesome deed of salvation accomplished on the cross and in the resurrection of Jesus.

As We Gather - God’s supreme goodness is revealed in all his works. But most especially in the work of our redemption. Lost and condemned he finds us and pays the ransom by sending his only Son. As Simeon and Anna greet the infant Savior with words of praise that lift us up. Our eyes have seen God’s salvation. We give thanks for Jesus’ work on the cross to conquer our sin and in the tomb to conquer death. “His praise endures forever” (Ps 111:10)!