Gaudete—Third Sunday in Advent
13 December 2020
John the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord
The voice of the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord . . .” (Isaiah 40.1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah’s coming through repentance, for “all flesh is grass” (Isaiah 40.6). Now He asks from prison, “Are you the one who is to come?” (St. Matthew 11:2). Jesus’ works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord’s hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4.1) still deliver Christ’s overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God’s people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe.
Parish News
Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God by Mr. & Mrs. Gibbens in honor of their anniversary.
2021 Altar Flowers Chart is on the table in the Narthex. Please print clearly to sign up for the dates you would like to donate flowers and, if you wish, a designation “in memory of” or “in honor of” a person or occasion.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Study Join us at 9am each Sunday. Adult Bible Class is studying the Gospel according to St. Luke, currently studying St. Luke 3.1-20, the Ministry of John the Baptist. High School class is studying the differences between Lutheran theology and other denominations with Vicar in the library.
Wabash Valley Right To Life is sponsoring their annual pro-life billboard campaign, where positive life messages will be posted around Terre Haute in January and February 2021. We would like to raise $375 to sponsor a billboard this year. If you would like to contribute, please do so before January 6, marking your donation “Right to Life.” Please call the church office with any questions or e-mail stacy.gibbens@ielcth.org.
Prepare for Next Sunday
Deuteronomy 18.15–19; Philippians 4.4–7; St. John 1.19–28
Hymns: 333 – 357 – 335 – 332 – 356 – 353 – 334
Order of Daily Prayer
L Make haste, O X God, to deliver me.
R Make haste to help me, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia!
Psalm 4
Scripture Readings:
[S] from Divine Service
[M] Hebrews 10.35-39; Isaiah 2.1-5
[T] St. Luke 21.5-24; Isaiah 24.21—25.5
[W] St. Luke 12.35-59; Isaiah 25.6-10
[Th] James 5.7-11; Isaiah 26.1-21
[F] St. Luke 1.1-25; Isaiah 51.1-16
[S] St. Luke 1.26-38; Isaiah 52.1-12
Hymn of the Day or Month On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (344)
Catechism (bulletin)
Apostles’ Creed
Kyrie: L Lord, have mercy upon us; R Christ, have mercy upon us; Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father
Collect of the Day (bulletin)
Luther’s Morning or Evening Prayer
L Bless we the Lord. R Thanks be to God.
