The Third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete
17 December 2023
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 . . .” (Isa. 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah’s coming through repentance, for “all flesh is grass” (Isa. 40:6). Now He asks from prison, “Are you the one who is to come . . .?” (Matt. 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 Cor. 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
German Christmas Service Please join us today at 4:00 pm for our annual WeihnachtsVesper. We will host our guests after service to a reception with authentic German treats and even German kaffee!
Campus Ministry Bible Study/Dinner postponed due to Winter Break. We will resume on January 9.
Advent Lessons and Carols with Children’s Nativity will be Wednesday, December 20 at 7:00 pm with a dress rehearsal today during Sunday School. Please contact Amy Cracraft at amycracraft@gmail.com if you would like to help with this annual event.
Let’s Toast the New Year! Mark your calendar for December 31st. Bring your appetite and your thirst! Join us for brunch at our Fifth Sunday Meal. The food will be yummy and the fellowship ideal! Make your reservation on the bulletin insert.
Sunday School/Adult Bible Class Cancelled Please note there will be no Sunday School and Adult Bible Class next Sunday morning, December 24. See you at Divine Service at 10:30 am!
2024 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.
2024 Contribution Envelopes Please pick up your 2024 contribution envelopes from the table in the Narthex.
This Week at Immanuel
Today Third Sunday in Advent – Gaudete
- Sunday School /Adult Bible Class, 9:00 am
- Children’s Christmas Program dress rehearsal, 9:00 am
- Divine Service, 10:30 am
- WeihnachtsVesper (German Christmas Vespers and Reception), 4:00 pm
Tuesday
- Didache, 5:30 pm
- Choir Practice, 7:00 pm
Wednesday
- Advent Lessons and Carols with Children’s Nativity, 7:00 pm
Next Sunday
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Fourth Sunday in Advent – Rorate Coeli, Divine Service, 10:30 am
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The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Eve, 5:00 pm
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The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Midnight, 11:00 pm
Monday
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The Nativity of Our Lord, Divine Service, 10:30 am
Pastor’s open office hours this week:
- Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 pm
- Friday, 4:30-5:30 pm
