Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Month: December 2022

  • The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord

    The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord

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    Readings: Exodus 40:17-21, 34-38 | Titus 3:4-7 | John 1:1-18 Text: Exodus 40:17-21, 34-38 Focus: The difference between the tabernacle erected by men’s hands (even according to God’s command) is far surpassed by the tabernacle not made with hands by which the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. Function: That my hearers would better…

  • The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord

    The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord

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    ~ A Service of Lessons & Carols ~ Readings: Genesis 3:8-24 | Isaiah 7:10-14 | Luke 1:26-38 | Matthew 1:18-25 | Luke 2:1-20 Text: Luke 2:1-14 You’ve no doubt heard it at least once so far, and maybe several times today: Merry Christmas! Merriam Webster declared the Word of the Year—the most looked-up word of…

  • Commemoration of St. Thomas

    Commemoration of St. Thomas

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    Readings: Ephesians 4:7, 11-16 | John 20:24-29 Text: John 20:24-29 Who was St. Thomas and why is he remembered? Thomas was one of the apostles. In the lists of the Apostles in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), Thomas is paired with Matthew, so perhaps when they were sent out in twos (Matthew 10:5-6), they…

  • Fourth Sunday in Advent

    Fourth Sunday in Advent

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    ~ Rorate Coeli ~ Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-19 | Philippians 4:4-7 | Luke 1:39-56 Text: Philippians 4:4-7 “The Lord is at Hand For You” Intro: It formed the theme for last Sunday, and now here it is again: Rejoice in the Lord always. Today focuses heavily on the reason for rejoicing in all circumstances: The Lord…

  • Commemoration of Nicasius and Eutropia, Martyrs

    Commemoration of Nicasius and Eutropia, Martyrs

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    Text: Romans 12:14-21, Luke 6:27-36 Who was Nicasius? Nicasius was a bishop in Rheims, on the frontier of the Roman empire. This area had a Christian presence dating back to 260 AD. In the new year’s eve of 407, a horde of Barbarians crossed the frozen Rhine River. To the Roman inhabitants of Gaul, it…

  • Third Sunday in Advent

    Third Sunday in Advent

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    ~ Gaudete ~ Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11 | 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 | Matthew 11:2-11 Text: Isaiah 40:1-8 It’s been said that Isaiah is a reflection of the Bible, Old and New Testaments. The first 39 chapters speak of God’s judgment against His wayward people and the nations of the earth. The 40th chapter begins the proclamation…

  • Commemoration of Ambrose of Milan

    Commemoration of Ambrose of Milan

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    Readings: Ephesians 3:8-12 | John 10:11-16 Text: Ephesians 3:8-12 Who was Ambrose? What led the Church to remember him? Aurelius Ambrosius was born in 339 to a Roman Christian family in Gaul in modern-day Germany. His father was a praetorian prefect, or high-ranking administrator for the province. Ambrose was set to follow in his father’s…

  • Second Sunday of Advent

    Second Sunday of Advent

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    Readings: Malachi 4:1-6 | Romans 15:4-13 | Luke 21:25-36 Text: Malachi 4:1-6 Every day, we are reminded that the godless enjoy prosperity and ease. They are the ones getting their way in the senate, gaining favor in school and society. The boastful sneer at the Christians and speak evil of them falsely (calling them bigots…