He himself is our peace

A quick note about choir! We’ll rehearse this Wednesday (Dec. 13) after the 7pm service, but next Wednesday (Dec. 20), we’ll rehearse at 6pm. See you then!

December 12, 2023

Dear Friends,

There is a lot of sentimental value to the songs of this season, and that is one of the ways that God blesses us with music. It sticks with us. But there is more than sentiment at play in the music of the church. Take a few minutes to think through this highly treasured Advent hymn.

Have you ever thought about where the verses come from? Crack open your Bible and read along to see!

Matthew 1:22-23 (Isaiah 7:14) 1 O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.

Philippians 4:4 Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

Proverbs 8:12, 22-36 2 O come, Thou Wisdom from on high, Who ord’rest all things mightily; To us the path of knowledge show, And teach us in her ways to go. [Refrain]

Exodus 19-20 3 O come, O come, Thou Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height In ancient times didst give the Law In cloud and majesty and awe. [Refrain]

Isaiah 11:1-10, 1 Corinthians 15:50-57 4 O come, Thou Branch of Jesse’s tree, Free them from Satan’s tyranny That trust Thy mighty pow’r to save, And give them vict’ry o’er the grave. [Refrain]

Revelation 3:7(Isaiah 22:15-25) 5 O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heav’nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. [Refrain]

Isaiah 9:2, Luke 1:76-79 6 O come, Thou Dayspring from on high, And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight. [Refrain]

Haggai 2:7 (look up a King James Version of this passage), Ephesians 2:14-22 7 O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind; Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, And be Thyself our King of Peace. [Refrain]

Happy Advent!

God bless and keep you,

Pr. Buchs

COMING EVENTS:

Wednesday, Dec. 13 9:30am – Matins 10:00am – Wednesday Morning Bible Study 5:30pm – Family Night 7:00pm – Midweek Advent Service 7:45pm – Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, Dec. 14 6:00pm – Elders’ Meeting 7:00pm – Council Meeting

Wednesday, Dec. 20 9:30am – Matins 10:00am – Wednesday Morning Bible Study 6:00pm – Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm – Midweek Advent Service

Sunday, Dec. 24 9:00am – Divine Service (Fourth Sunday in Advent) 7:00pm – Lessons and Carols (Christmas Eve)

Monday, Dec. 25 9:00am – Divine Service (Christmas Day)