Sunday, December 8, 2024 – Second 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 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.
Introduction Copyright © 2024 Augsburg Fortress.
Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the baptizer’s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi’s prophecy could as easily herald the coming Christ as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of Jesus and assist all people in capturing a vision of the “salvation of God.”
Prayer of the Day Copyright © 2024 Augsburg Fortress.
Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming give to all the people of the world knowledge of your salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Scripture Introductions Copyright © 2024 Augsburg Fortress.
Old Testament: Malachi 3:1-4 My messenger is a refiner and purifier
God announces a covenant with Israel. A messenger like Malachi (his name means “my messenger”) will prepare the way for the coming of the Lord by purifying and refining God’s people, as silver and gold are refined.
Psalm: Luke 1:68-79
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us. (Lk. 1:78)
New Testament: Philippians 1:3-11 A harvest of righteousness on the day of Jesus Christ
The apostle Paul was the pastor of many new churches. He writes in this letter about his joy to be in partnership with the Christians of Philippi. Listen to how tender-hearted Paul, sometimes a stern preacher, is with his friends as he encourages them to grow in love and knowledge.
Gospel: Luke 3:1-6 Prepare the way of the Lord
John the Baptist is a herald of Jesus, whose way is prepared by “repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” As we hear the careful record of human leaders, we sense the spectrum of political and religious authority that will be challenged by this coming Lord.
Fellowship Time
You are invited to stay after worship for refreshments and fellowship time in the gathering space.