Sunday, December 29, 2024 – First Sunday of Christmas
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. Note: The worship services for 12.29.2024 and 01.05.2025 are worship services based on Lessons and Carols and the music will mainly be played on piano (not the full band).
Sunday School
A multigenerational Sunday school class meets weekly from 9:00 – 9:45 am in the church library unless noted otherwise. Note: There will not be a class on December 29! See you in 2025.
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.
Introduction Copyright © 2024 Augsburg Fortress.
Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in holy communion—with high delight—“we proclaim the Lord’s death.”
Prayer of the Day
Gracious God of heaven and earth, you have thrown a lifeline to us in our darkness— a beam of light that shines through Jesus. Though born in a manger, he is the firstborn of all creation. Though crucified on a cross, he is the Lord of life. Fill us with the wonder and joy of his presence in the world and in our hearts. Amen
Fellowship Time
You are invited to stay after worship for refreshments and fellowship time in the gathering space.