Upcoming Sunday Morning Information

Sunday, December 1, 2024 – First Sunday of Advent
Advent/Christmas Theme

Come, Lord Jesus, the Light of Hope and Salvation

Theme Write-up written by Matthew Reece, Director of Music Ministries

This Advent and Christmas, we will be focusing our worship around the theme “Come, Lord Jesus, the Light of Hope and Salvation.” This theme beautifully encapsulates the heart of Advent and Christmas. In Advent, we anticipate the coming of Christ, the Light who pierces the darkness and ushers in the hope of God’s justice and redemption. The prophets foretold a Messiah who would bring liberation to the oppressed, justice to the nations, and healing to the brokenhearted (Isaiah 9:2, 42:1-4). In the birth of Jesus, we see God’s promise fulfilled: the Word made flesh to dwell among us, shining a light that no darkness can overcome (John 1:5, 14). This light does not merely offer comfort but also calls us to reflect God’s justice and righteousness in the world, reminding us that true hope is inseparable from God’s transformative work in human history.

This theme also connects the joy of Christmas with the ultimate victory of Easter. In Advent, we not only look back to Jesus’ first coming but also forward to His promised return, when the triumph of light over darkness will be complete. The child born in a manger grew to bear the cross, where the light of salvation overcame the darkness of sin and death. His resurrection assures us that darkness will never have the final word. As we celebrate His birth during Christmas, we hold fast to the promise that He will come again to make all things new. The Advent season, with its message of hope and anticipation, invites us to live as people of light, embodying Christ’s love and justice as we wait for His glorious return.

Ardor (Worship Musicians)

The musicians rehearse from 9:00 – 9:45 am every Sunday morning. All are welcome! The musicians for worship can find the service orders and music in the crate on the back pew in the sanctuary for each week of the month. Contact the office if you plan to help lead worship.

Sunday School

A multigenerational Sunday school class will meet weekly from 9:00 – 9:45 am in the church library.

Worship Information

Join us in-person for the weekly Worship Service at 10:00 am on Sundays in-person or via Facebook Live if you are unable to attend in person (https://www.facebook.com/allsaintsdavenport/). The service will later be uploaded to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@allsaintslutheranchurchdav1987) for your viewing.

If you would like the words for the worship service, contact the office (office@allsaintsdavenport.org) to request the information.

Advent is about the “coming days.” God’s people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a “righteous Branch to spring up for David.” The Thessalonians awaited “the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints.” Jesus’ contemporaries hoped for the time “to stand before the Son of Man.” With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of Christ in word and supper.

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Jeremiah 33:14-16 – A righteous branch springing up from David

In the Old Testament, “righteousness” often has to do with being faithful in relationship. God acts righteously both in punishing Israel for its sin and in having mercy. In today’s reading, Jerusalem’s future name—“The Lord is our righteousness”—proclaims that God is even now working salvation for Israel.

Psalm 25:1-10 – To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. (Ps. 25:1)

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 – Strengthen hearts of holiness for the coming of the Lord

Upon Timothy’s report from the congregation at Thessalonica, Paul is exuberant with gratitude for them. In this passage from his letter, Paul voices overflowing thanks, joy, and blessings for the people of this growing church.

Luke 21:25-36 – Be alert for the coming of the Son of Man

God will fulfill God’s purposes and, already, hidden signs of that fulfillment abound. On that great day there will be dismay, perplexity, confusion, and terror, but God’s people shall be given strength to stand boldly and receive God’s promised redemption.

Advent Wreath

Some might wonder what the 4 candles of the Advent wreath mean? Each candle represents something different—love, hope, joy, and peace. Whether you participate in Advent or not, there is beauty in reflecting upon how Jesus delivers these virtues to the world and to our lives.

Fellowship Time

You are invited to stay after worship for refreshments and fellowship time in the gathering space.