The Baptism Shell and You

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Although it isn't a festive day in the Church, the escape of Jesus to Egypt is significant. Matthew tells us about this event in 2:13-15 after the Wise Men left the region. Joseph is told to take Mary and the baby to Egypt. This fulfilled a prophecy of Hosea (11:1) and illustrates again Joseph's trust in God's Word and his obedience of God's commands. We can learn from Joseph to trust in the Lord and depend upon His providential protection in our lives, also, as He promises us forgiveness, life, and salvation.

Matthew 2 / Epiphany

A Good New, A Bad New, The Best New

Simple Prayers: You got this!

Today is the birthday of Charles Wesley, one of the most productive Christian hymn writers. With his brother, John, they founded the Methodist Church. It is estimated that Charles wrote 10,000 hymns. We only have a few in our Lutheran hymnals--9 in LSB--including the Christmas hymn, "Hark, the Angels Sing." Today, I'd like to read the stanzas from his hymn, "Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending," for this Advent season. May you find joy in anticipating Christ's return as He comes with the marks of our salvation.

Psalm 24

Bulletin: https://www.splgrafton.org/church/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/12.14.25-Final.pdf

Simple Prayers: Lord, Have Mercy!

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: ADVENT: during this season of the Church year, we consider the "coming" of Christ. Most obvious is His coming to earth at His birth as we celebrate at Christmas. There's also His coming at the Last Day when He comes as Judge and King. But there's also another "coming" which we can ponder this season. That's His coming for us when we die. Jesus will come for us and take us to Himself in heaven. That's a message which can also bring us joy, the theme for our this third weekend in Advent, known as Gaudate (Latin, "joy") Sunday. May you rejoice in anticipation of His coming for you, too