God With Us

Our devotions this week come from Luther Seminary for the Season of Advent. December 1 was the first Sunday in Advent. We are preparing for the birth of Christ and the story of salvation given as a gift to us by God. God comes down to us in the birth of His Son. Please take a moment to enjoy the hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”. Emmanuel means “God with Us”.

On this first Sunday of Advent, we wait. We are expecting a great gift. Like a child who can hardly wait to rip open a Christmas present, we wait with anticipation for a gift that will change our lives, a gift that will rescue us from things holding us back, a gift that will speak to the losses we’ve experienced this year, a gift that will help us realize that we are not alone. In the first verse of this hymn, we describe the gift we are waiting to receive. We’re waiting for the gift of Emmanuel, God-with-us. That’s the gift we need more than any other—the gift of being more aware of God’s presence among us. Jesus—God in human flesh—is that gift. May we be more aware of the presence of Jesus as we enter this season of Advent.

So, when you find yourself bogged down with all the shopping, parties, and other things that take you away from God, remember what these days of preparation are really for….the coming of Christ.

Here is a prayer for you this week:
Jesus, thank you for being a gift to anyone who will receive you. Please help us to be more aware of how you are with us in the midst of our everyday lives as we enter this Advent season. Amen.

Please join us for our second annual Nativity Walk this Friday Dec 6 starting at 5PM. There will be hot chocolate, warm cider, wonderful Nativity sets, gifts for the children and fellowship with members of our congregation.

Christmas Eve service of Candlelight, carols, and Communion will be at 7:30 PM with pre music at 7:15. This will be a joint service of St Mark’s Lutheran and Emanuel Ministries. Invite a neighbor!

St Marks is serving at SonSet Cafe this week! Deb Geier has the meal covered, but she needs your help with a dessert. Bring it Thursday by 5:30pm - feel free to help serve. The more hands - the lighter the work! SonSet cafe is one of the great ways St Marks is a light to Fairborn! Join us Thursday @ 5:30pm!

Be a Blessing to those around you, Deacon Nancy Trimble