Third Sunday of Advent

Philippians 4: 5–6 – “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” 

Wouldn’t you like to be free from worry and anxiety? Isn’t it worry and anxiety that often keep us from living the generous life God has called us to? 

St. Paul contrasts anxiety with prayer, supplication and thanksgiving in making our requests known to God. In other words, when you are tempted to anxiety and worry, pray to the Lord with a thankful heart and pour out your supplications before Him.

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Third Sunday in Advent

Zephaniah 3:14–20; Philippians 4:4–7; Luke 7:18–28 (29–35)

The Coming of Jesus Enables Us to Rejoice

The Third Sunday in Advent has traditionally been called by the Latin word Gaudete, meaning “Rejoice!” For as you are called to repentance, so also are you urged to rejoice in the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. 

By His own cross, He has accomplished salvation for you; “he has cleared away your enemies,” “taken away the judgments against you” and come to reign in your midst. Indeed, He rejoices over you with gladness and song (Zephaniah 3:15–17)! Therefore, even from prison, St. Paul encourages us to “rejoice in the Lord always,” knowing that the peace of God will guard and keep us in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4, 7). 

We find an example and encouragement in the case of John the Baptist. As he languishes in prison, he calls upon Jesus and is strengthened by the Word of the Gospel that he receives. The same good news is preached to you, by which all things are made new and even “the dead are raised up” (Luke 7:22). Do not be offended by the cross, therefore, but let your life be one of prayer and thanksgiving (Luke 7:23; Philippians 4:6).  _________________________________________________________________________

Life Thoughts for the Week

Third Sunday of Advent – Gospel-motivated voices for life bring reasonableness to the cultural conversation about life issues (Philippians 4:5). It means a message of joy and hope instead of just another angry and fearful demeanor. 

The sanctity of life proclaims good news to neighbors made poor (Luke 7:22) by pressures toward abortion and physician-assisted suicide. God remains mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17), even in surprise pregnancy and terminal diagnosis.

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Holiday Worship Schedule

Wednesday Advent Services - December 4 / December 11 / December 18, at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Advent Dinner, at 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24 - at 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Day with Communion - Wednesday, December 25, at 9:00 a.m.

Epiphany Eve with Communion - Sunday, January 5, at 8:00 and 10:45 a.m.

 

Regular Service Schedule

Divine Service - 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. 

               Holy Communion is offered at both services.

Adult Discipleship Class / Children's Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Wednesdays in Lent and Advent: 6:30 p.m. Vespers

 

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