Upcoming Sunday Morning Information

Sunday, December 15, 2024 – Third 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.

Christ’s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news—and cause for exultation—for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.

Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the preaching of John, that, rejoicing in your salvation, we may bring forth the fruits of repentance; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Old Testament: Zephaniah 3:14-20 – Rejoice, the Lord is in your midst

The prophet Zephaniah’s message is mostly one of judgment for sin. This reading, however, which comes from the conclusion of the book, prophesies joy for Judah and Jerusalem. Judgment has led to repentance, and God’s salvation is at hand.

Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-6 – In your midst is the Holy One of Israel. (Is. 12:6)

New Testament: Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice, the Lord is near

Despite being in prison, Paul is remarkably upbeat as he writes this letter. Here, he urges his friends in Philippi to trust God with all their worries and concerns with the hope that they will experience God’s joy and peace.

Gospel: Luke 3:7-18 – One more powerful is coming, baptizing with fire

John the Baptist heralds the mighty one who is coming. John teaches that preparation for God’s reign is not a matter of identity but of bearing fruits of merciful justice, radical generosity, and vocational integrity.

Fellowship Time

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