• Welcome to Living Grace Lutheran Church
  • The Rev. David E. Hardy, D.D., Pastor of Living Grace Lutheran
  • Boxes filled with 89 quilts, 31 school bags, and 16 fabric kits going to the Lutheran World Relief trucks to be shipped
  • God's Work, Our Hands - digging the pollunated garden
  • Working on the pollunated garden - God's Work, Our Hands
  • Pollunated garden - God's Work, Our Hands
  • Pollunated garden - God's Work, Our Hands
  • Good work - Pollunated Garden finished - God's Work, Our Hands
  • Live Music at the Community BBQ
  • Community BBQ-Cooking
  • Honey Samples from Heifer International

LIVING GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

WELCOMES YOU

ALL SUNDAY SERVICES AT 9:30 AM

 

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

22 DECEMBER 2024

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

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that binds us, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

First Reading: Micah 5:2-5a

The prophet Micah, having pronounced judgment upon Judah, speaks of a future shepherd-king who, like David, will come from the small town of Bethlehem. (Ephrathah refers to the area around Bethlehem.) This king will restore Israel and bring peace. New Testament writers understood this passage to be referring to Jesus.

Psalm:  Luke 1:46b-55

You, Lord, have lifted up the lowly. (Lk. 1:52)

(at this appointed time the church will be lighting the Advent Wreath with special liturgy)

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10

The author of Hebrews uses the image of religious sacrifice to convey the significance of Christ’s coming. Through obedient acceptance of God’s will, Christ allows his own body to become the greatest sacrifice of all, one through which we are made a holy people.

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]

Elizabeth, John’s mother, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, are two women filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. In Elizabeth’s inspired greeting and Mary’s song of praise we hear of a saving God who remembers, scatters, lifts up, and fulfills all things.

 

(from 2025 sundaysandseasons.com)