Sunday, January 5, 2025 – Second 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 service for 01.05.2025 is 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.

Worship Information

Join us in-person for the weekly Worship Service at 10:00 am 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.

Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth.

Prayer of the Day

Eternal Father, you gave your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be a sign of our salvation. Plant in every heart the love of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Scripture

The service takes its theme from the Gospel of Luke (2:10-11), focusing on the ways God comes to us in Jesus as Savior (first set of lessons), Christ (second set of lessons), and Lord (third set of lessons).

Fellowship Time

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