Rorate Coeli – Fourth Sunday in Advent
18 December 2022
John the Baptizer Points Everyone to the Messiah
The coming of God in all His unveiled power at Mount Sinai was terrifying to the people of Israel. The thundering voice of the Lord puts sinners in fear of death (Deut. 18:15–19). God, therefore, raised up a prophet like Moses—the Messiah, the Christ. God came to His people veiled in human flesh. The skies poured down the Righteous One from heaven; the earth opened her womb and brought forth Salvation (Introit) through the blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of the Lord (Luke 1:39–56). The fruit of her womb is the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the One whose sandal strap John was not worthy to loose (John 1:19–28). In Jesus we are delivered from fear and anxiety. In Him alone we have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:4–7).
Parish News
German Service Please join us today at 4:00 pm for our annual German Service. We will host our guests after service to a reception with authentic German treats and even German coffee.
Children’s Christmas Service will be Wednesday, December 21 at 7:00 pm. Please join us in worshipping with our children and then enjoying a cookie reception afterwards hosted by OAF.
2023 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.
New Pictorial Directory Photos are still needed from members to complete our new directory. Please see instructions by the backdrop in the Parish Center. We would like to have all photos by the end of the year.
Wabash Valley Right To Life is sponsoring their annual pro-life billboard campaign. We would like to raise $375 to sponsor a billboard this year. If you would like to contribute, please do so by January 1, marking your donation “Right to Life.” For more information, call the church office or e-mail stacy.gibbens@ielcth.org.
Volunteers Needed to run the iPad playing the organ. Volunteers should be communicant members of Immanuel, age 18 years or older. Training provided. Sign up sheet on the bulletin board outside the parish office or contact Kris Wineinger at wineingerkris@yahoo.com to volunteer.
Education & Edification… Issues, Etc. is a radio-talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. This week’s interview topics include: The Movie “Avatar,” Marriage Enrichment, Looking Forward to Christmas Sunday, Jesus Heals Jairus’s Daughter and more. You can listen on-demand at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app and your favorite podcast provider.
This Week at Immanuel
Today Rorate Coeli – Fourth Sunday in Advent
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Weihnachtsvesper, 4pm
Wednesday
- Children’s Christmas Service/Cookie Reception following, 7:00 pm
Saturday
- The Nativity of Our Lord Eve (note time change), 5:00 pm
- The Nativity of Our Lord Midnight, 11:00 pm
Next Sunday The Nativity of Our Lord
- Divine Service, 10:30am
