Just who does the guy in camel hair think he is? He’s the Voice! He’s the Forerunner! He’s the guy who prepares the way. He’s the one whom the Lord has chosen to be the herald that announces the arrival of the Savior. Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! That’s John’s message. His whole job is that one thing: to point people to Jesus. Advent has been pointing us to Christmas and Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus. John was never the big deal. It was never about him. He just came to point people to Jesus. He’s the Big Deal. He’s the Gift. He’s the One promised through the ages to be the Savior of the world. This week is the Fourth and final Sunday of Advent. Now the time has come for the Savior to be born. Soon we shall greet Him with hearts prepared in repentance and faith. No matter what else you’ve got going on this week and over the holidays, I hope you’ll take time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and receive Him again, not in the manger but in the Word and His Body and Blood. Just as He was once in a particular spot—Bethlehem—so He still is today: His church! And He’s there for you with all the Good News and great joy that is for all people!

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Here are worship times for Christmas Services: 

Wednesdays, December 22 and 29 – NO SERVICES
Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24 – 3, 7, and 11pm Divine Services
Christmas Day, Saturday, December 25 – 9am Divine Service
Sunday, December 26 – 8am Bible Study; 9am Divine Service; No Learning the Faith
Friday, December 31 – 7pm New Year’s Eve Divine Service

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PETER POLLACK
Peter’s only real course of recovery now is a lung transplant. Please pray that he can get on the transplant list. They are trying to wake him and demonstrate his viability for transplant. You can continue to send your cards and letters of encouragement to him and Robin here:
Lutheran General Hospital MICU
Attn: Peter Pollack, Room 12
1775 Dempster Street
Park Ridge, IL 60068

MASKS IN WORSHIP
We are currently wearing our masks during worship. At this time there is no restriction on capacity or seating arrangements. Please consider the well-being of your neighbor most especially by staying home if you have any symptoms of illness. As always, you can get in touch with me to request a visit if you can’t be in church. Thank you for your patience and understanding and love of neighbor in all of this!

LIVE STREAM INFORMATION
You can watch live and find recorded services at the links below:
We stream live on our FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.
Our videos are also live and recorded on YOUTUBE HERE.

Christmas is all about GOOD news! Great JOY! For ALL people! See you Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as we welcome the Newborn King and Savior!

In Christ,
Pastor Buetow