Messiah Lutheran Church and School

Saturday, December 10
Good morning everyone,

I’m still looking. I set aside an hour or so last evening to do some Christmas shopping. I had a particular store in mind which I was sure would have the perfect gifts for two people on my list. The store was well stocked with everything from surplus military bayonets to socks. Several times as I wandered the aisles employees asked if they could help. But after looking everything over, I left without buying a single gift. So I’m still looking. Perhaps you’re in the same situation. As each day passes, the pressure of time grows a little more. However, in the big picture it’s a very minor thing if I’m still looking for a gift to wrap and ship off to someone.

But think of all the people who are still looking for real meaning in life, for joy and contentment that will last, for peace of heart, for security in a world which is coming apart at the seams, for strength to face hardships, for hope in the face of death. For so many it’s a frightening and frustrating search as they go from one self-help philosophy or earthly experience to another, and yet come away with nothing truly soul-satisfying. All the while the clock keeps ticking and the pressure builds.

It doesn’t have to be that way. There is one perfect gift which fits all people and their needs, and it’s available to all free of charge in abundant supply. It’s found in the news of a Baby born in the humblest of circumstances, but who is none other than God Himself come to win forgiveness, peace, and life for all. It’s the gift freely offered in the Word to everyone who will hear. It’s the gift we look forward to receiving tomorrow in our worship. It’s the gift we can offer to our families, friends, co-workers, classmates, and everyone else we may meet during these busy days and weeks. It’s the gift, which once we have, the search is over. We don’t need to look any further, for in Jesus we have all we could possibly need or want, both now and for eternity. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15).

The choir will rehearse tomorrow from 9:10-9:30 a.m. Christmas Eve rehearsal for the Sunday School children begins at 9:30 a.m. The adult Bible class will meet in the activity room at 9:45 a.m. We’ll continue our study of Hosea at 12:7.

The activity committee would appreciate monetary donations for the purchase of food for the meal for the Sunday School children next Sunday and for the Christmas Eve bags. Look for the box on the counter tomorrow.

Yours in Him,
Pastor

Saturday, December 3
Good morning everyone,

We all like to be comfortable, but when was the last time you truly were completely comfortable. The house may be the perfect temperature, but the winter air makes your skin flaky and dry. The sweater may feel soft and warm, but your shoes pinch. Everything around you is fine, but a fever and cold feel like a vise squeezing your head. The weekend is comfortable, but Monday’s schedule makes you squirm. All of life is like that, isn’t it? It’s never totally comfortable. And no matter how hard we may try, we can never make it that way. Just as it brought thorns and thistles into Adam’s life, so sin brings all kinds of discomfort into our world.

But like a warm coat and a cup of hot chocolate on a subzero day, God’s Word comforts us while we live here and wait for the Lord’s return to take us home. The message of a Savior who came to take away our guilt soothes the hurts of the “thorns and thistles” of our lives. Look forward to “relaxing” tomorrow in the perfect comfort of the Lord’s promises of forgiveness, help, and lasting joy in the coming Savior.

The choir will rehearse after first service. Parents, remember that the first Christmas Eve rehearsal begins tomorrow promptly at 9:30 a.m. The Outreach Committee will be using the adult Bible class period for a discussion of witnessing opportunities during the Christmas season.

We hope that many will also make plans to join us for the caroling party/chili supper at 4:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary! Come and sing the Savior’s praises!

See you tomorrow,
Pastor

Saturday, November 26

Good morning everyone,

Even with all the emphasis on Black Friday shopping and finding the perfect clothes, tech toys, and other gifts before Christmas, most people realize that “things” are not the complete answer for joy and happiness. And so “family” is another theme often mentioned during this season. Without question, time spent with loved ones is precious. Family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas reconnect us with one another and provide memories for years to come. But even they can fall short. We build up great expectations for the “perfect” family gathering, only to be disappointed when it turns out to be less than that. What if we don’t have much family, or time, distance, work, or other circumstances prevent us from getting together?

The Lord in His Word leads us to see that the joy of the Advent season is truly in “family,” but not just in our earthly relationships with one another. Advent is about the heavenly Father’s love for wayward sinners, and His decision from eternity to send His Son to become man, that we might “receive the adoption of sons.” God opens His doors wide, and says to all, “Come! Come to the feast of salvation. Come, be a member of My family. Rejoice in the forgiveness and life Jesus came to win for you!” May we set aside time to do just that in our Sunday services, as well as in our Wednesday Advent worship. That kind of “family” time will never disappoint!

The sermon text for tomorrow is Is. 63:16-17; 64:1-8, in which the prophet expresses his longing for the Lord to come and rescue His people. The adult Bible class will pick up with Hosea 10. Also, Annette Traub recently moved to an assisted living apartment in downtown Waukesha, and is looking for rides to church. Her phone is: 262-446-9335.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor