Fourth Sunday In Advent – Rorate Coeli
21 December 2025
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
Altar Guild Christmas Service Set up today immediately following Divine Service. Please consider staying after service today to help set up our Sanctuary for the upcoming Christmas service. Many hands make light work!
2026 Altar Flowers Chart 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.
2026 Contribution Envelopes Please pick up your 2025 contribution envelopes from the table in the Narthex.
College Bible Study and Meal postponed (will resume on January 6, 2026) Our college students are invited to fellowship, a meal, and Bible Study on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm. Members, please check the bulletin board to sign up to bring a meal.
The Story of Scripture Wednesdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m. postponed (will resume on January 7, 2026) Strengthen your biblical literacy and grow in your understanding of God’s Word. We read a selection of verses at home with class time devoted to reviewing what was read and connecting the theology of Scripture to our lives today.
Sacred Music For The Christmas Season… “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come,” “O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is,” “Once in Royal David’s City,” “Silent Night, Holy Night,” “Joy to the World.” Beginning Christmas Eve, you can listen to sacred music for the Christmas season 24/7 at lutheranpublicradio.org, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomePod, TuneIn and the Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.
This Week at Immanuel
Today The Fourth Sunday in Advent (Rorate Coeli)
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Study 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Altar Guild Christmas Sanctuary Set-up, 12:00 pm
Wednesday The Nativity of Our Lord Eve
- Divine Service, 5:00 pm
- Midnight Divine Service, 11:00 pm
Thursday The Nativity of Our Lord
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
Next Sunday The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Study, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- Didache, 3:15 pm
Pastor’s Open Office Hours
- Cancelled this week
