December Activities: As we approach the Christmas season, we center our thoughts upon the Reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ. He came into this world as a human being to be our Substitute, to take our place under the Law and to keep it perfectly. But we also must look beyond the cradle and His birth to His cross and death and the empty tomb and His resurrection. Without His death for us as full payment for our sins and without His resurrection back to life, Jesus’ birth would be meaningless. May our Christmas busy-ness be busy about Christ and His Word in our worship, in our visits, in our gift-giving, and in our helping of others. Listed below are the many activities which you are encouraged to participate in–to help make your Christmas celebration truly Christ-centered and blessed.
MID-WEEK ADVENT:
The word ADVENT means “coming.” During this four-week season we prepare our hearts for Jesus’ coming.
1) His coming into the world as a human baby born in Bethlehem to take our place.
2) His coming into our hearts through faith.
3) His coming again on Judgment Day to take us
to heavenly glory.
May your Advent worship prepare your hearts and lives with God’s Word.
This year’s Advent mid-week Series is: REACTIONS TO JESUS’ BIRTH.
We will have a pulpit exchange with Pastors Paul Krause and Mike Schierenbeck. We pray your Advent worship prepares you for your Christmas celebration and worship of the Christ-Child. The first Advent service is Wednesday, Dec. 1st at 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 1 John leaped for joy — Luke 1:41-45—Mark Bernthal
Dec. 8 Herod was troubled with fear — Matthew 2:1-8—Paul Krause
Dec. 15 Shepherds were eager for news — Luke 2:8-20—Mike Schierenbeck
COMING-UP IN DECEMBER
Dec. 1: 7:00 p.m. Advent Worship I
Dec. 4: Christmas Program Practice Time-TBD
Dec 5 11:30 a.m. Christmas Tree Decorating
Dec. 8: 7:00 p.m. Advent Worship II
Dec. 14 7:00 p.m. Christmas Program Practice
Dec. 15: 7:00 p.m. Advent Worship III
Dec. 16 B.O.C.E.
Dec. 17: ILC Christmas Concert
Dec. 19: 11:30 a.m. Christmas Program Practice
Dec. 19: 5:30 p.m. Christmas Caroling
Dec. 21: 7:00 p.m. Ladies’ Christmas Gathering
Dec. 24-Dec 31 No School—Christmas Vacation
Dec. 24: 6:30 Children’s Christmas Eve Service
Dec. 25: 10:00 a.m. Christmas Day Song Service
Dec. 31: 7:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve Communion Worship
PARENTS/CHILDREN:
Our Children’s Christmas Eve practices are Saturday, Dec. 4th Time to be determined, Tuesday, Dec. 14th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 19th at 11:30 a.m. Make sure your children practice learning their parts at home and make all of the practices so the practices can run smoothly and not take too long.
TREE DECORATION:
We will be decorating the tree, church proper and fellowship hall on Sunday, Dec. 5th around 11:30 after our choir.
HANNAH’S HELPING HANDS:
The Ladies will be enjoying a night out to celebrate a Christmas Gathering. There will be a sign up sheet. Come on out Ladies! Tuesday, Dec. 21st around 6:00 p.m.
ILC CHRISTMAS CONCERT:
This annual concert conducted by our Immanuel Lutheran College will be held on Friday, Dec. 17th at7:30 p.m. It is worth the trip to listen and to enjoy as our young people sing their praises to our Triune God especially at this most joyous time.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING:
Plan to set aside the evening of Sunday, Dec. 19th to participate in Christmas caroling to the residents of Oak Park Place and Walnut Grove and to the Riggerts. Come, join us sing praises to our new-born King. Please meet at church around 5:30 p.m.
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Our New Year’s Eve Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated. Close out the old year and welcome the new with worship and praise to our Triune God and partaking of our Lord’s Supper.