The Fourth Sunday of Advent – Rorate Coeli
24 December 2023
John the Baptizer Points Everyone to the Messiah
The coming of God in all His unveiled power at Mount Sinai was terrifying to the people of Israel. The thundering voice of the Lord puts sinners in fear of death (Deut. 18:15–19). God, therefore, raised up a prophet like Moses—the Messiah, the Christ. God came to His people veiled in human flesh. The skies poured down the Righteous One from heaven; the earth opened her womb and brought forth Salvation (Introit) through the blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of the Lord (Luke 1:39–56). The fruit of her womb is the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the One whose sandal strap John was not worthy to loose (John 1:19–28). In Jesus we are delivered from fear and anxiety. In Him alone we have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:4–7).
Parish News
Let’s Toast the New Year! Mark your calendar for December 31st. Bring your appetite and your thirst! Join us for brunch at our Fifth Sunday Meal. The food will be yummy and the fellowship ideal! Make your reservation on the bulletin insert.
Epiphany of Our Lord Join us on Saturday, January 6 at 5:00 pm for Divine Service. We will undecorate the sanctuary immediately following service.
2024 Altar Flowers Chart on the table in the Narthex. Please print clearly to sign up for the dates you would like to donate flowers and, if you wish, a designation “in memory of” or “in honor of” a person or occasion.
2024 Contribution Envelopes Please pick up your 2024 contribution envelopes from the table in the Narthex.
Sacred Music & Talk For The Christmas Season… You can listen 24/7 to sacred talk and music for the 12 days of Christmas at issuesetc.org, lutheranpublicradio.org, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, TuneIn, Apple HomePod and the Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.
Running the iPad is so easy! Communicant members age 18 years or older, please consider volunteering to run the iPad playing the organ for our services. Sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the parish office. For more details, speak to Kris Wineinger in person or contact him at wineingerkris@yahoo.com.
This Week at Immanuel
Today ***No Sunday School or Bible Class this morning***
- Fourth Sunday in Advent – Rorate Coeli, Divine Service, 10:30 am
- The Nativity of Our Lord – Christmas Eve, 5:00 pm
- The Nativity of Our Lord – Christmas Midnight, 11:00 pm
Monday
- The Nativity of Our Lord – Divine Service, 10:30 am
Tuesday
- Pastor’s Day Off
Next Sunday
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- First Sunday after Christmas – Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Fifth Sunday Meal-Brunch!, 12:00 pm
Pastor’s open office hours this week:
- Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 pm
- Friday, 4:30-5:30 pm
