It is common to see paintings of John the Baptist with his hand outstretched pointing those who would listen to see Jesus.  On Christmas it was easy enough to point to the manger in Bethlehem, but do our lives show others the grace and love of Jesus throughout our days?

Special Worship schedule for this week:  10:00 a.m. Sunday (one service only)

No Saturday worship this week

December 29, 2013
John 1:19-34

Key Verses: “John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’”
John 1:26-27

Time: about 30 CE

Background: John the Baptist lived in the wilderness before Jesus’ ministry became public. He baptized and proclaimed the coming of one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

His testimony unnerved many who were in power. When one comes to bring grace and peace, and to overthrow the bondage to the law, those in power become threatened. They sought out John to discover who he was and in whose name he spoke. John made it clear it was Jesus who came to save, and that he had been sent to proclaim Jesus’ arrival.

“Lamb of God” would have conjured images of a sacrificial lamb. Such a sacrifice was not historically for the forgiveness of sins, but to celebrate and recognize God’s deliverance at the celebration of the Passover. Early Christians were the first to recognize Jesus as the sacrificial lamb for the forgiveness of sins.

Community: Which voices in our world speak for God? What do they say? Who is listening? How can your community of faith be more intentional about seeking and listening for God’s voice?

At Home: In what ways has God delivered you from bondage to sin? How is that deliverance reflected in your daily life?

Read This Week:
Monday, Dec 30, The Joy of Forgiveness, Psalm 32:1-2

Tuesday, Dec 31, The Joy of Forgiveness, Psalm 32:3-4

Wednesday, Jan 1, The Joy of Forgiveness, Psalm 32:5

Thursday, Jan 2, The Joy of Forgiveness, Psalm 32:6-7

Friday, Jan 3, The Joy of Forgiveness, Psalm 32:8-9

Saturday, Jan 4, The Joy of Forgiveness, Psalm 32:10-11

Next Week: Sunday, Jan 5, John Baptizes, John 1:35-51

 

Join us in celebrating the birth of Jesus at our Christmas morning worship at ELC.

Join us for Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship at 5:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.

We’ll share familiar Christmas Carols and hear the Christmas story as told in Luke.  There is no better way to begin your Christmas celebration than by joining in the singing of “Silent Night” in a candlelit sanctuary on Christmas eve!

 There will be worship at ELC this morning.  Use your best judgement if you wish to brave the snow.

“The light shines in the darkness”.  As we draw near to Christmas, John’s gospel focuses not the particulars of the baby in Bethlehem, but on who Jesus is and what his coming means for the whole world.

Worship this weekend:  Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in Chapel

Sunday – 8:30 Traditional Worship

9:30 Adult Bible Study and Fellowship (No Sunday School this week)

10:30 Contemporary Worship

December 22, 2013
John 1:1-18

Key Verse: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

Time: about 30 CE

Background: The gospel of John differs from Matthew, Mark, and Luke in many ways. The three share similar stories. They have similar approaches to interpreting Jesus’ presence on the earth. John focuses more on God’s word and teachings than on the events of Jesus’ life. It looks more at who Jesus was, than on what Jesus did, specifically on Jesus’ relationship with God.

This first passage provides a lens through which we can view the rest of the book. It sets up images of light vs. darkness, belief, truth, and testimony. Jesus is the one who points toward God, emphasizing that God is the origin of all things and above all things.

Community: What imagery informs how your community of faith views Jesus? What images are limiting? What images are life-giving? What new images might your community of faith adopt to enhance your view of Jesus? How could these new images inform your community’s behavior?

At Home: Think about your life’s story. Which is easier to tell: who you are, or what you’ve done? How do both inform how you choose to live from here on out? What will you keep? What could you change?

Read This Week:
Monday, Dec 23, Birth of Jesus Foretold, Luke 1:26-38

Tuesday, Dec 24, Birth of Jesus, Luke 2:1-20

Wednesday, Dec 25, Shepherds, Matthew 2:1-12

Thursday, Dec 26, Jesus Is Presented in the Temple, Luke 2:21-32

Friday, Dec 27, Jesus Is Presented in the Temple, Luke 2:33-40

Saturday, Dec 28, The Boy Jesus in the Temple, Luke 2:41-52

Next Week: Sunday, Dec 29, A Voice in the Wilderness, John 1:19-34