Bike for Life Update

GOOD NEWS.

The Bike For Life money is the best and most we have ever gotten.

We are standing as of today @ $14, 236. 21

PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS GOODNESS TO US.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Nour a foot washer Phil. 1:6
In Christ's love and in His service

“Seeking the Savior” Luke 2:48-49

S‑1093 1/04/2009 2SAC/3B Hymns: (O)#133; (S)# 467; (C)# 136

Texts: 1 Kings 3:4-15; Ephesians 1:3-14; Luke 2:40-52

Theme: “Seeking the Savior” (Luke 2:48-49)

Question: “Are Seeking A Savior?”

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from the Gospel lesson: “And when His parents saw Him, they were astonished. And His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for You in great distress.’ And He said to them, ‘Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?’” (Luke 2:48-49).

Saints in Christ, there is a lot of ‘savior-seeking’ going on today. The people in Gaza are seeking a “savior” in the UN to end the hostility and blood shed by the Israeli air, and ground assault. The financial sector of our economy sought a “savior” in our government’s treasury secretary. A majority of our fellow citizens look to a president-elect to be a “savior” from our social and political ills. Even the atheists among us are looking to the Supreme Court to be their “savior” from having a Christian prayer or even the words “so help me God” used in the inauguration of President-elect Obama.

Still others seek a “savior” that is made of wood or stone. A town in California had a Christmas celebration called “Christmas in the Park” that included carols, Christmas trees, and Santa. The park committee decided that the manger scene was no longer needed; in its place, they put a 10-foot stone statue dedicated to an Aztec god consisting of a coiled snake with feathers. There was no room for Jesus in their hearts.

In a way, I guess we should take heart that so many people are seeking a “savior”. This is the admission by so many that they need to be saved. However, it is not enough to be seeking a savior. This is even truer when you find yourself seeking a savior in the wrong places. A person struggling with the stresses of life seeks a savior in a bottle. A spouse seeks a savior in the comfort of another” A teenager finds a “Savior” in pills rather in the love of family or friends. Congregations seek the answer to financial issues by fundraising “gimmicks” rather than seeking the true answers of stewardship that the Word of God speaks of. So many saviors being sought after. But these saviors will not be found. They will not be found because they can’t save. And those seeking them will not be saved because they are looking in the wrong place. And looking in the wrong place does nothing but cause worry, and grief.

On this Second Sunday of Christmas, we see the problem that comes from seeking THE savior in the wrong place. You will need to fast-forward in your mind from Christmas to understand this text. Just a few days ago we were urging All the Faithful to come to the Manger to see the baby Jesus that had been sung of by Angels and worshiped by shepherds. Last weekend we read of the 30 day old Jesus being redeemed and sung of by Simeon and Anna in the Temple. Today’s text finds us in the Temple again. However Jesus is no baby. Instead, we find the 12 year old Jesus.

This is such an interesting text. Jesus childhood is not explicit in the New Testament. But what we do know about it is that, aside from the early travels and travails and the visit from the Magi, His life was very normal. Joseph, Mary and Jesus would have traveled to Jerusalem often to observe the Passover. Passover brings the young Jesus and His parents to the Holy City again. You get the idea that they had been there before. They would have traveled with other families from Nazareth. The groups would have been large for safety and security. But with the large group came a false sense of security on this trip. “After the Feast was over, while His parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking He was in their company, they traveled on for a day”. Can you imagine the feeling of Mary and Joseph? They can’t find their son. They know who He is, but most don’t. Imagine being entrusted with the Son of God, only to lose Him in the shuffle of Passover. Imagine their anxious moments as they sought Him out. Imagine their fears about loosing their Son. Where would they look? He wasn’t among the relatives. He wasn’t among the neighbors and friends. Where would He be? Where would you look for this young boy who would be Savior?

There are so many places that would have appealed to a normal 12 year old. There would have been the wonder of the Market. Maybe the Roman garrison would have been enough of a curiosity to an adolescent man. These might be among the places where you would seek a normal 12 year old. I know that one of the last places that I would look for a lost 12 year old today would be in church!

But this 12 year old is not any ordinary 12 year old. I don’t get too many 12 year old boys WANTING to stay after church to discuss the finer points of theology. But this is exactly what Jesus is doing. “After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers”. There was Jesus. He listened to the teachers. He engaged them in discussion. But above all, He amazed them all.

He amazed all except Mary. Remember, Mary and Joseph had lost Jesus. They didn’t know where to find Him. They had searched everywhere a NORMAL 12 year old would be found. The worry is all over the face of the mother who had been through a three day ordeal! “Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.” I am not so sure I would have been so reserved! After all of this, as a parent I would want to take a pound of flesh!

But what is the most curious turn of events is Jesus’ answer. “Why were you searching for Me?” He asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in My Father’s house?” It becomes subtly clear that the problem was not that Young Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. No the problem was that Mary and Joseph sought the young Savior in the wrong places. He would not be among family and friends. He would only be where He should be. And where He should be was in His Father’s house! There, the 12 year old Son of God would be at work. The Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the World SHOULD be in the very place that He has come to render irrelevant. The Word Made Flesh SHOULD be in the very place where the Word of God would be read and discussed. If only Mary and Joseph would have sought Him in the right place! How much of that three day ordeal could have been avoided?

Yet what do we do? When we are most in need of a savior, don’t we pull away from the very place we should be? You know what I mean! When life gets so busy so that it is out of control and what is the first place that is cut back? It is time in Church! When we get so burdened by the weight of the world, do we go running to our Lord’s house? I don’t think so! When finances get tight at home isn’t one of the first places we cut back is in our stewardship? You bet it is!

And when we do this, we find ourselves seeking a savior in the wrong place. My friends, it is here in this place that you will find the peace that you crave. There isn’t anything more that you need than THE SAVIOR! And you won’t find Him out there. You won’t find Him in your own contemplation, your own conservation or your own creation. You will only find Him where He has promised to be… “Why were you searching for me?” He asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in My Father’s house?”

Here in this place you find the very Savior who will meet your greatest needs. And your greatest need is not financial. Your greatest need is not protection from the evils of this world that would seek to harm your body. No, the greatest reason that you need a Savior is the fact that you are a sinner. That sin is what separates you from the very Father who made you. That sin leaves you deserving nothing other than death itself. YOU NEED A SAVIOR to save you from sin’s curse and death’s birth.

But you don’t have to go looking for Him. He puts Himself where He promises to be! On that day in the Temple Jesus was where He was supposed to be. Today, here in the Father’s House, He is where He promised to be! This is so critical for us to grasp. This is no boring place. This is God’s place. Whilhelm Loehe says it this way… In worship the congregation experiences its Lord most intimately. Here it lives in nearest proximity to its Groom in a heavenly life on earth, and earthly life in heaven. Worship is the most beautiful flower of earthly life. Just like land in the middle of an ocean, the Word and the Sacraments stand in the inner life and worship of the congregation. You have one week behind you, a new week lies in front of you. Between these two weeks is the day of Communion Sunday.

Here is where God makes Himself available. And what does He make Himself available for? Nothing short of salvation! Here you receive Holy Absolution for the sins of the past. Here children receive new life in the waters of Holy Baptism. Here you are fed with the Word that sustains you as you battle against the powers and principalities of this dying world.

HERE! RIGHT HERE! Even when your sinful flesh wants you to look to yourself or to another, the Savior is right here for you. Here you grow in wisdom. Here you grow in forgiveness. Here you grow in righteousness. Here you grow in service of the Master. Here you grow to be what the Father desires you to be.

You need not seek the Savior in the wrong place as the people of the world do. Looking in the wrong place only causes headaches and heartaches. But you need not suffer them. Instead, as children of the Word, we hear the voice of Isaiah saying: “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while His is near” (Isaiah 55:6).

Beloved in the Lord, we know better. We have seen the light and tasted the sweet message of the Gospel. We need not be like the people in California having a Christmas without Christ; or the world who seek a Savior in all the wrong places. But look where He promised to be. Whenever we read the Bible, He is there with us. He is found where two or three are gathered in His name. He is found in the Sacraments, and He is right here right now and always—FOR YOU! AMEN.

Now the peace…

“Until Tomorrow, Treasure Today”

S‑1092 12/31/2008 New Year’s Eve/3B Hymns: (O)#124; (S)#123; L.S. #125; (C)#47

Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Romans 8:31-38; Matthew 6:25-34

Theme: “Until Tomorrow, Treasure Today” (Luke 2:29-30)

Question: “Do you know who tomorrow holds?”

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from the Gospel lesson: “he [Simeon] took Him [Jesus] up in his arms and blessed God and said, ‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.’” (Luke 2:28-32).

Saints in Christ, I am sure if it were possible to peek into the New Year; it would be fun to see what God has in store for us. On the other hand it would spoil the fun if the surprises would be pleasant. And if the future was turbulent and troublesome we would be frightened indeed

Many people don’t live for today. They live for tomorrow. They often say “When I grow up, when I get out of high school, when I get done with college, when I get married, when I get the good job, when I have enough money, when I retire, etc. etc.” The sad reality is that “when” never arrives. We keep looking for tomorrow without enjoying today.

Even children have the problem we adults face. They don’t enjoy the moment of today either. Have you spent any time with a young kid lately? If you have, you would agree that is so real. I remember when we got together for a Christmas get together; one of the kids opened a Christmas gift he had gotten. No sooner had the gift been opened, he threw it on the floor and said, “What’s next?” How many times we ask “What’s next?”

In the text before us today, Luke reminds us again by looking at an old man—Simeon to learn from him to cherish this day. For as the saying goes, yesterday is gone, tomorrow may never come, but today is a gift from God. Yesterday’s mistakes are behind us, tomorrow’s have not arrived; and all we have is the present.

Simeon was a man who waited on the Lord for tomorrow, but he cherished today. He waited for the right time when God would reveal His salvation to him, but while he waited he treasured the day. The days of Simeon were filled relying on God’s mercy and grace as he spent it in the Temple of God. When finally the day arrived by the revelation of Jesus in the temple Simeon was ready to leave this earth in peace.

Oh, how much we can learn from this wise man. He took God’s Word to heart. He trusted that what God said, He would do. But while he waited on the Lord he cherished today. He enjoyed today like it is the last day of his life. And when God in His mercy revealed the Savior, Simeon had no problem saying, “I am ready to depart and go to be with You Lord forever”.

Did you know dear saints in Christ that the life of the believing child of God, the Christian, is always a life of waiting. That waiting becomes more and more difficult as time passes and, oh, how more eager for the end or the gift or the awaited answer. Perhaps you young people and children felt these as you were getting ready for Christmas: “CAN WE OPEN OUR PRESENTS NOW, MOM, DAD?” and then, when the time finally came, “OH, WOW, THIS IS JUST WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR!” or, “THIS IS NOT WHAT I WANTED OR HOPED FOR”.

It was Christmas for Simeon so long ago. He was a child of God. He had been taught of the blessings and promises of God. And he was waiting. He experienced that waiting even until his old age. Finally that day came! There in the Temple, Joseph, Mary, and the Baby Jesus! Joseph and Mary had brought the baby Jesus to the Temple to fulfill the requirements in the Law of God. And there in the Temple, Simeon gave his praise to God. He had been given that special privilege to see the baby Jesus. He certainly cherished that day.

In the Bible, God gives so many promises. And at this time of the year we are especially thinking of the promises that God gave about the Savior coming into the world. We just celebrated again the birth of that Savior at Christmas.

As we picture this scene in the Temple, we can also think of Simeon who was indeed celebrating the birth of the Savior—it was like Christmas Day for him. Tomorrow for Simeon had come. Tomorrow was unveiled for Simeon. Tomorrow began to take place in the life of this child of God who waited patiently for God to fulfill His promise.

Until Tomorrow, Treasure Today. Why? Because today is what the Lord has given us as His beloved Children. And what better time to cherish today than the present. Tonight we stand at the portals of one year closing and another year beginning. Tonight, we can be like Simeon realizing that the Lord is the pilot of our lives and He will guide and guards our steps in the future. Tonight, we are assured again that we may not know what tomorrow holds, but we do know who holds tomorrow. Worrying doesn’t necessarily empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but it can empty today of its strength. (repeat twice)

One of our saints shared this tid-bit with me that I have included it in the August Goel of this year: “I don’t know what is ahead in this journey, but I know that Jesus is ahead. I don’t know what chapter will follow this one, because it’s the Lord’s story to write, not mine. All I have is today. He hasn’t given me tomorrow yet, and maybe He won’t, but I have His promise that even if He doesn’t, I will still be alive in His presence but then face to face. That means the best is yet to come.

Certainly we can cherish today, because Jesus is with us now and in the future. Jesus has assured us that His promise is sure and certain. We had just knelt at the foot of the manger. We had heard the messages of the shepherds, angels, and others telling us about our Jesus who was born to save us. And we also remember that this baby was born as Simeon reminded us saying: “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed” (Luke 2:34).

Beloved in the Lord, Simeon rejoiced in God’s gift today, and so can we! And the good news is we don’t have to wait till tomorrow to receive the blessings from God. For the blessings of God comes to us daily in His Word and here at His table. We know that we are the blood-bought by the Lord. We know that we are forgiven now. We are the baptized children today. Today, we cherish the blessings of God coming to us in His holy meal. Today, we cherish the forgiveness we receive from the loving hands of God our Savior. Today, we receive the joy that we are the redeemed of the Lord.

Today, we stand as it were, on the border between two great regions through which the way of our life, the way to salvation leads us. Today, we leave the one through which we have already traveled and to which there is no way to return to it. But we also soon enter, the land that is unknown to us, but known to God. And so we are inspired by the past and Spirit-spired by the present and future-spired by the Savior who stands outside of time yet dwells within us. We do well to daily sing the Simeon song!

Until Tomorrow, Treasure Today, because this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.

Now the peace…

"My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation”

S‑1091 12/28/2008 FSAC/3B Hymns: (O)#139; (S)#138; L.S. #76; #136; #105; (C)#70

Texts: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

Theme: “My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation” (Luke 2:29-31)

Question: “Have you had one of those days?”

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from the Gospel lesson: “he [Simeon] took him [Jesus] up in his arms and blessed God and said, ‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.’” (Luke 2:28-32).

Saints in Christ, One of the greatest disservices that our generation has suffered at the hands of modern education is a growing lack of teaching of our history. With the advent of instant potatoes, instant milk, instant coffee, and instant messaging, anything that takes time or has a sense of historical importance is seen as archaic and useless.

The problem with this is we don’t have an appreciation of where we have been and what we have endured. When we don’t know our history, we are not able to keep perspective in the face of our current economic setting. There are some of you who lived through a REAL depression. Combat veterans have seen first hand what our current soldiers and Marines are facing right now. The longer you are around, the more you get to see. The more you see, the more wisdom can be imparted to the following generations. The book of Proverbs even addresses it in this manner: “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life” (Pro. 16:31).

Many of you know Erwin (Erv) Knodel. He is approaching the century mark. Let’s put that in perspective. In his lifetime the church building you are now sitting in was new; actually he helped build it. He saw the train operate in town and many other businesses that have come and gone. When he was a young man no one had ever heard of a World War. Now we have had two. Cars were a novelty. Airplanes were just starting courtesy of a couple of bicycle mechanics in North Carolina. They didn’t know what an antibiotic was. Surgery was only marginally better than butchering. Electricity, radio, television, telephone, running water, indoor plumbing…all of these either made their debut or became common place in his life. If you have never had a chance to visit with him, you are missing the wisdom he has to offer and the perspective on life that few of us will EVER have.

In these words from St. Luke that serve as our sermon text for this service, we see two people who have a great deal of perspective on life. This is not only on life in this world but also life under the watchful eyes and care of the Almighty God. Both Simeon and Anna had by the grace of God lived long lives. Simeon, according to the Scripture was one who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Imagine living long enough to see the fulfillment of God’s greatest promise! What mercy, what grace that is? But this is exactly what Simeon was blessed by God to see. All those years that had passed. All the struggles in his life as a child of Yahweh were real. All the turmoil in the world in his lifetime was all too real as well. Think of all of his loved ones that tasted death while he lived on.

On that special day of purification when the Holy Spirit caused Simeon to head to the temple, I wonder if he even knew what would take place. To wake up to the morning prayers and sacrifices he would not have known any different. That is until he laid eyes upon a sight that he had longed to see. And what did he see? A young couple bringing their first child to the Temple of the Lord, to complete the requirement of the Law for Him. Hey saw a nervous father, a young mother holding near her chest a little tiny baby. How many babies do you think they had seen? Dozens? Hundreds? At the Temple it may have been thousands! But this One…this One was different than all the rest!

Simeon saw with his own eyes the long promised salvation. He saw what he had been waiting for according to the promise of God. There in the arms of the young woman he saw a baby named Jesus. In that baby he came to know that He who was about to be redeemed under the old Covenant had come to redeem him! Yahweh kept a promise. Not only to Simeon and Anna, but to all people of all time. This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. God’s people and God’s city would be redeemed in this little life that he is looking at with his own eyes and holding in his hands and heart.

Can you imagine seeing, hearing and touching the greatest promise of God? Can you imagine Simeon’s feelings that day as he held the Savior in His arms? Aged Simeon was holding God in human flesh. He was embracing forgiveness in person. He was cradling the answer to all his hopes, fears and dreams. Can you imagine the thoughts, feelings and the emotions as He looked at God’s awaited fulfillment? Maybe there was a new vigor in his step, a smile on his face and joy in his heart.

What would be like to see, touch, and hold the Savior in our Arms? What emotions would we go through if we were privileged like aged Simeon and Anna! What would it be like to hear Him, to see Him, to hold Him! Wouldn’t it be great if we could?

WE DO! By the grace of God we get to see the very same salvation that Simeon held in His arms that day in the Temple. The same Savior that Anna told the people about is beheld by us right here in this place week in and week out. Our Lord has promised to show Himself to us. In the Means of Grace, God’s Word and Sacraments, with our own eyes see the salvation of God. For in these all powerful Means we SEE what God says to us. In them, God is simply keeping another promise not only for Simeon and Anna, but us also.

This is why we sing what we sing in the liturgy after the Lord’s Supper every week saying: “Lord, now lettest Thou They servant depart in peace according to Thy word, For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation: Which Thou has prepared before the face of all people, a Light to lighten the Gentiles and the Glory of They people Israel” (Nunc Dimittis p. 29 TLH). The words we sing are words of thanksgiving and praise as we depart in God’s peace. We have peace with God because it was in Christ, the child of Bethlehem, who made it possible. He makes it by making a sacrifice. On that day when He was brought up to the temple, two birds redeemed the Son of Israel from the Law. But 33 years later, that same redeemed boy sung of by Simeon would offer His own flesh and blood as the greatest and final sacrifice not to far from the place where these words were spoken. That little boy of Bethlehem would offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world on Calvary’s hill.

33 years before, two turtle doves paid the price to redeem this little bundle of joy of the nervous father and the young mother. But on a hill outside the city of Jerusalem, this little boy who became a young man offers Himself as the greatest and grandest sacrifice for his nervous father, and young mother and all the worlds’ sins.

The Prince of Peace and Life gave up His life to give us life that will never end. Behind the crib lay the cross. Behind the cross was the answer to life’s solutions—death is done away with and heaven’s gate are open wide. Simeon is not afraid to die and end his ministry here, because he is about to enter into the heavenly choir that will sing the hymns of praise and thanksgiving forever before the Lamb of God.

Erv Knodel has much wisdom to convey to us. He has seen much in his life-time. But think of the wisdom aged Simeon shares with us in the words of our text. “My Eyes have seen Your salvation”. Is there anything more precious than to be in the Temple of the Lord and dine and feed at His table? Is there anything more precious than the God of all grace, gracing us with His life-giving body and blood? Is there anything more blessed than being a guest—an honored guest in the presence of the One who Redeemed us than being with Him even now?

Brothers and sisters in Christ Aged Simeon waited and watched for the coming of the Savior. We celebrate and praise Him for coming into our lives even now. For we too, by the grace of God have feasted at His table, received His forgiveness and have seen with our eyes God salvation. And like Simeon of old we say “Lord, lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation” Amen and Amen.

Now the peace…

“Come Closer and See!” (Luke 2:15).

S‑1090 12/25/2008 CD/3B Hymns: (O)#87; #102, #109; #647; #95; (C)94

Texts: Isaiah 9:2-7; Hebrews 1:1-9; John 1:1-14

Theme: “Come Closer and See!” (Luke 2:15).

Question: “Have you seen the baby lately?”

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Merry Christmas faithful followers of the Savior, the text for our meditation is from the Gospel lesson: “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us’” (Luke 2:15).

Saints in Christ, the movie “The Note” is a story about a Newspaper columnist Peyton MacGruder who after a tragic plane crash, discovers a note that had washed up ashore. She believes that the note was meant for a child of one of the passengers. She begins a search of the note’s intended receiver. All along she discovers that the Note touches the lives of all who read it and gives them a second chance at life.

“The Note” shows how dramatically life can change in a spilt second...the need to make a connection and reach out to someone you care about. How often in my years of ministry have I heard a grief-stricken soul lament like this saying, “If only we had a chance for those final goodbyes, to offer words of reconciliation, to say I am sorry, I love you or share regret”. It is a heartwarming film because it deals with personal loss, broken families, past mistakes, and most importantly forgiveness and love.

Of course “The Note” was a movie written for Hallmark’s TV program with the desire that many people would buy their products.

Unlike the movie writer and director who wrote and produced this imaginary story, Luke our author speaks of another note. Not one written by Hollywood’s very own, but the God of heaven and earth. And in this note we hear a greater story of love, of forgiveness and grace. This note was not discovered by a journalist in North Carolina on the shores after a tragic plane crash, nor was it produced by man on earth. But, it was written down for us in God’s Holy Word as it was revealed by the Holy Spirit to the lowly Shepherds in Bethlehem.

On the night of Christ’s birth, the angels announced to the Shepherds the Good News that the Savior has been born. That night the angels gave a note to the shepherds. This note has changed their lives, ours and the whole world.

This is what the note stated: ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us’”. Having received the message from the angels the shepherds left their flocks and went to see the new born Savior. What a night it must have been for these shepherds to look closely at their King and Lord who came to bring about God’s love, God’s peace and God’s forgiveness. PAUSE.

Perhaps by now you have opened your gift[s] (the one that special person spent hours looking for). You really like your gift[s]. After all this is what you were hoping for. Now you want to show it to others—your friends, family and coworker. You want them to get a closer look at it and appreciate it as much as you do.

Today, the angels invite you to come closer and see. Don’t just look but see what is laying there the God-Man in the manger wrapped in swaddling cloths for you. Do as the Shepherds did. They left everything they had—the sheep, the tents, the food, and in haste they went to see this wonderful news. Come, then, closer and take a look and see with eyes of faith the Savior born for you and me.

This day, by the grace of God we first see Yeshua, the salvation of the Lord; the Word made flesh, in a manger, a feed box in Bethlehem, the House of Bread. Therefore, come closer and see. See what God has for you. See the Good News of the promise in Genesis. See Him in His humility who lays in the straw for you. See Him as you have never seen Him before the God-man who comes to reconcile you and renew your broken relationship with your heavenly Father. See Him as the One who brings God’s peace and promise, faith and forgiveness, life and liberty.

Come closer and look. Don’t just look at the wrappings on the outside, but look into the heart of God as He lies in the barn. Come closer and look. Don’t look at the glitter and gifts wrapped with beautiful bows, but look at the Grace of God in human flesh. Come closer and look. Don’t just look at the light that adorns the houses, streets, and city stores, but see the Light of Christ shining in the dark world of ours.

And as you look closer, see that this is the most beautiful note you will ever receive. It is the greatest gift you will ever get. It is the grandest story you will ever hear. It is the most glorious event ever recorded. For in this little package we see a marvel of marvels; we see heaven opened, and love poured out on humanity. Come closer and see God sending His Son, to be the ultimate sin-bearer; sin-forgiver; and sin-healer. Come closer and see a heart that touches yours in ways that you will never understand. PAUSE.

May I ask you a question? Do you remember what you got last year for Christmas? How about the year before that? And the year before that? I am sad to say that I don’t remember many of these gifts or the notes that came with them.

But this note that we are getting today from the angels and the Shepherds is one that will last forever—because it comes from the heart of God Himself to you. Come closer and you will see that this gift has not been forgotten. It has not been packed and stored although some do; but is alive and well even today. This note and gift from God has lasted for a long time. Mary had it. The shepherd had it. Our parents had it. Our grandparents have it and now we are privileged to share it with our children and grandchildren.

That is why we need to come closer and see this thing which has been told us by the angels. For when we do, we see this Babe doing the impossible—giving up His life for ours. When we come closer we can actually hear Him say, a word of grace and peace. When we come closer we can hear His labored breathing, His blood running down His cheeks, the holes in His hands and feet and side; and the crown of thorns on His head. When we come closer we see the Savior dying for us—for me and you.

Come closer and see what God has revealed—His love, His peace and His forgiveness in the manger. Come closer and see the power of this note that has been conveyed to us by Luke from the lips of the shepherds, who got it from the angels.

The Note movie is a message of forgiveness and it has not lost its power. It is a message of second chance of broken hearts and homes and a message of reconciliation. In the movie the journalist Peyton MacGruder spoke how this note gives everyone a second chance at life, to correct past mistakes. But she never believed that the message applies to her until the final scene of the movie.

When the note was finally revealed to its recipient it had these words written on it. “To T, All is forgiven. Love Dad.”

As you come closer and look into the manger today, you will see a note. Not imaginary but real, with a true message from God our Father who says to all of us: ALL IS FORGIVEN. LOVE DAD.

Yes, the Father in heaven loved us enough to give us something that we can look closely at till the end of our days. I pray that we continue to come closer and look—look at the heave-sent messenger and Savior Jesus Christ.

Merry CHRISTmas to one and all. Amen.

“This Baby is For You!” (Luke 2:12).

S‑1089 12/24/2008 CE/3B Hymns: (O)#102, Away in a Manger #94; #87; #647; #95; #646

Texts: Micah 5:2-4; Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 9:6-7; 1Timothy 1:15-17; Isaiah 60:1-3; Matthew 1:18-23

Theme: “This Baby is For You!” (Luke 2:12).

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA.

Question: “Have you seen the baby lately?” (first mention in a sermon of my grandson Brody)

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you faithful followers of the Savior; the text for our meditation is from the Gospel lesson: “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12).

Saints in Christ, look at any baby, and there will be a smile on your face. As soon as we behold a baby we want to come closer to them. They make us feel so good and joyful. Babies do that for you. Babies are so tender and precious. Babies are a miracle of God

But a greater smile is on your lips and in your heart when that baby is yours. Ask any grandparent here what their grandchild[ren] does for them and they will tell you he/she put lots of joy into their hearts. 10 days ago, our oldest son Tony called us @ 3:19 a.m. saying, “Ba” (that is short for Baba, father in Arabic), you have become a grandfather. That little phone in the middle of the night didn’t disturb me, didn’t bother me, and didn’t irritate me. On the contrary, I found myself smiling and whispering to my wife, we are grandparents. There was a big smile on my face to know that I have a grandson. My own grandson and I couldn’t wait to see him. Brody Roy Nour came to live among us and grow under the watchful eyes of loving parents.

The next morning my wife and I packed our bags and drove to Denver to see the early Christmas GIFT that the Lord has given us through my son Tony and his wife Brenda. Even though the trip was long, it seemed short. Even though we were tired we felt energized. Even though we didn’t get much sleep, we felt vibrant all because of a little baby; a grandson who has come to the family by the grace of God.

As we walked into the hospital room there he was. How cute he was. How lovely he was. How adorable he was (of course, I am biased, but he really is all of that). As I looked at my grandson I had the biggest smile. I looked intently at him, held him in my hands and pulled him near to my heart and my voice went heaven-ward in prayer to the God of all grace who has bestowed such a lovely gift—a wonderful baby in our family.

Isn’t amazing how God works with His divine wisdom to bring such a gift to the world. What love is this that moves God to bring about human beings in such a way? What a miracle God packs into each of these little tiny babies. Look at the children around you now and you will agree, they put a big smile on your face.

Tonight, Luke invites you to peer deeply into the manger and behold with your own eyes a little baby wrapped in swaddling cloths. Look intently and you will see that this is not just a baby who was born long ago to Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem but He is born for YOU. This baby is Your Savior and Lord. This baby is the One who has changed History. This baby is the One who has come from heaven for you. This baby is the One who came as light to those who were living in darkness.

Look around at the manger and you will come to the knowledge of the truth that there is no baby like Him in the whole world. Ordained to be born into the world before the foundation of the world. He was the Promised Seed who will deliver man. He was born without sin so that He might take the sin of all of humanity on His shoulders. And He would do it differently than all other babies. All babies die for their own sin. But Mary’s baby would die for our sins and the world’s.

Why is He such a wonderful baby for you? Because His name fits Him well. The angel Gabriel told Joseph saying: “She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Mt. 1:21). This baby Jesus born in Bethlehem is the Savior of the world. The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah gave Him this name “Immanuel,” which means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14).

The baby that is for you is the Savior, the Promised Messiah of long ago, the God who comes to dwell with us and in us. Even Jeremiah speaks of God’s great promise for you, saying: “I will be their God” (Jer. 31:33). He who promised to come, doesn’t come with pomp, or power or might, but in humility of a little tiny baby. There on the straw of the manger we see eternity unfold in flesh and blood. Look deeply and you will see eternity squeezed into time and space. Behold the baby for you and you will see the infinite packed into history.

Why is this baby so special? Because He chooses to leave the majesty and glory of heaven and come down to earth; and live among sinful people like you and me. Because He is the God who chose to be with us for us, and in us. This baby that we are worshipping tonight is the greatest package that we will unwrap and wonder about for years to come.

(With each phrase of that baby raise up the voice louder and louder. Point to the Crèche)

That baby in the manger, who scarcely can lift His head, is the Almighty God who holds the whole world together in the palm of His hands. That baby in the manger, who is rocked in His mother’s arms, is the One who Rules heaven and earth with His gracious hands. That baby in the manger, who is nursing on His mother’s breast, is the One who gives every living creature what it needs with His open hands. That baby in the manger, who depends on His mother and step father for protection, is the One who protects us by His outstretched and pierced hands.

What kind of baby is He? He is the baby who gives us joy because He came; who gives us love because He died; and who gives us hope because He lives. This is no ordinary baby, but the living Son of God who came for you. This baby is for you, and you and you.

When my grandson Brody was born, my wife and I drove 600 miles to see that little bundle of joy. Yes, my grandson is cute. My grandson is handsome. My grandson has put a big smile on our lips and in our hearts. But Brody pales in comparison to the Baby in the manger. The baby in the manger is the One who changes all of our hearts and we would want to come to Him at the manger to worship, and adore Him. We want to kneel at His manger bed and see our Immanuel.

This baby came for me a sinner. Even though I didn’t desire Him, He came for me and you. He came to save me with such love, that this baby traded the wood of the cradle to the wood of the cross. He loved me so much that He was willing to thirst, and hunger on the cross for me. He was willing to endure the suffering and shame for me. He was willing to be accused falsely in behalf. He was willing to die for me. He was willing to be forsaken so that I may never oh never be forsaken by God. PAUSE.

A Christian song writer Mark Lowry, wrote a lovely song called Mary Did You Know? Some of you may know it or you may have heard it. Here are the lyric of this song. Better yet let Mark say it in his own words.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

Mary came to know this truth by the power of the Holy Spirit and so have we. You know that baby is for you. Won’t you join me at the foot of the manger bed and thank God for this baby who has come for you. Amen.

Now the peace of God…

Not your desire, but MY Will!”

S‑1088 12/21/2008 4SMIA/3B Hymns: (O)#102, #76; #66; #647; #103; #127; (C)87

Texts: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

Theme: “Not your desire, but MY Will!” 2 Sam. 7:5,11b, 16

Armour, SD. SOLI DEO GLORIA. Children’s Christmas Program

Question: “What is your intention?”

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! The text for our meditation is from the O. T. lesson: “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in?’…Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house… And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before Me. Your throne shall be established forever’” (2 Sam. 7:5,11b, 16).

Saints in Christ, the road to heaven is paved with good intentions. We desire to do what is right. That is why so many of us make resolutions during the New Year saying, “I will make every effort to come to church more often. I will attempt to give more to the Lord and His work. I will do my best to be a better husband/father/grandfather, wife/mother/grandmother. I will read more, watch less TV, and exercise more in the coming year. But we all know that even with our best intentions we don’t carry them out. Though we certainly want too, some how we get distracted.

Unlike us, David in our reading today, had a sincere desire to build a house for the Lord. He wanted all of the Israelites to come and worship the Only True God. He wanted a place specifically where the people of God can bring their petitions and prayers to the throne of Grace. He even said, “I have my own house, shouldn’t God have one too?”

But God wouldn’t permit David to build Him a house. Instead God said to David His servant, “David, you will not build me a house, but I will make you one.” Notice the play on words by our author. David wanted to build “bana” a house. But God wanted to make “asa” a house. David wanted to build a house using materials of wood, stone and metal. But God wouldn’t use anything like this except His loving hands to make this house for David.

God in His divine wisdom wasn’t speaking of a physical building but a dynasty. God the architect of the universe who set the stars, moon and the sun in its place would be the Maker of this house who’s Kingdom and throne will be established forever.

It wouldn’t be David who will build the house, but a distant Son of David who would make this a reality. During this time of the year as we are observing Advent and preparing for Christmas that we see clearly God’s plans unfold in sending the Son of David, Jesus our Savior to come to earth to establish this Kingdom and dynasty that will have no end.

What is beautiful about this text is that it demonstrates that this house that God will make is not one that is according to the will or desire of man, but according to God’s plan. This house will not be built by a military man; leading a revolution against the Romans. But a humble man who comes to bring peace and unity so that all people who believe in Him might be part of the family of God. PAUSE

Through the prophet Micah we read these words: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me
One who is to be Ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
Therefore He shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of His brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God. And they shall dwell secure, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth. And He shall be their peace” (Micah 5:2-5).

In Bethlehem the architect of the universe begins His work of making this house a reality. It is in Bethlehem that the Savior was born. Remember that when the wise men came to Herod, they asked, “Where is He who is born King of the Jews?” Herod asked the Jewish leaders and they told him “in Bethlehem of Judah.”

Bethlehem, the place of David’s birth means “the house of bread”. And the Savior of the world, David’s greater Son was born there to make this house of bread last forever. His dynasty and His kingdom will never end. The making of this house was begun in the manger with the birth of the Christ Child, and ended with His death on Calvary’s cross. On the third day, the Savior, Jesus Christ rose victorious from the grave to establish once and for all the house of David that will endure to eternity.

This house has been made, not by human hands, but by the pierced hands of the babe of Bethlehem. He has established it in our hearts by the working of the Holy Spirit, and continues to strengthen this house as He nurtures and feeds it often with His body and blood.

Yet, we sometimes try to let our will take over. We don’t like it when we have a plan, or a desire that doesn’t get fulfilled. We complain to God. We question God and His wisdom. Or we don’t like the events that surround our lives and want to do something that fits us better. PAUSE.

This past week, I got a letter from a friend of mine that brought me to tears. Here is why: “…What really frustrates me and breaks my heart is that I know the enemy is behind all this and we are just the weak pawns bending to his desires to destroy ministry and stop reaching the lost with the Gospel. I just don’t have it in me anymore to stay in the battle and I need some real rest from all of this warfare. Even though there are a few who are aware of my situation and praying for me, even offering whatever help they could, I still feel so isolated and alone – I don’t know how to get real help, I don’t know where to turn for a truly positive solution to this problem.

I really don’t want to throw in the towel,… but this can’t be all of what God intended when He called me to the mission field, can it? Maybe my leadership is correct and I am just not cut out to be a missionary. Lord knows, I want to be, but I can only do so much. Maybe it is just a “bad match”? I have lost the desire to fight and I can’t keep up this pace of what feels like madness to me half the time. I apologize for letting you and the ministry down; this battle is just proving too much for me. PAUSE.

My friend is struggling with real issues here. Fighting for the sake of the Kingdom of God and lost souls. My friend is crying out for help trying to solve the problem alone. But they are forgetting that the battle is not their’s but God’s. It is God’s desire that will be carried out. It is God’s working that will change hearts and heads and homes. It is God’s acts of love which brought His only Son to the manger that will establish my friend and give peace and rest to the weary. It is God’s desire to make a house for us and He has in His Son, Jesus the greater son of David.

Yes, dear friends we all have good intentions to do the right thing. But God is the One who makes it possible to come to fruition in the sending of His Son to be our Savior and establish His house that will last forever.

And the Good news is that house that God has made, is big enough for all people, including you and me. What a blessing during this Fourth Sunday in Advent to know the truth that God is in the business of making of us His home that will know no end. Amen.

Now the peace…