“One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and on seeing Him, fell at His feet  and implored Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.”  And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him” (Mark 5:22-24).

Jesus can and does heal.  Never forget that it is according to the Father’s will.  We should never go to the Lord demanding anything.  Read the book of Job and remember.  But do go to the Lord and make your humble requests.  The Lord has a purpose for everything, and we are called to live by faith, that is, trusting the Lord above all things, even and especially for our circumstances.  Trust the Lord and live by faith.

Lord Jesus, I have observed those who come to You and then deny You because You did not give them what they wanted.  Let me never go to that place.  Guide all of the faithful so that we are not conditional with requests we bring before You.  You are and must be the author of our faith.  Lead us to live by faith and not react because of circumstances.  Guide us along Your paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for loving me enough to do all that is needed so that I can walk the path of salvation which You have set before me.  Lead me to pray fervently, but also to trust in every answer You give.  You know what I need better than I do.  No matter the answer You give, guide me to give thanks in all situations for the goodness of Your mercy and grace which sustains me in every circumstance.  Amen.

“When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him; and so He stayed by the seashore” (Mark 5:21).

People have always been curious about Jesus.  Many gather each Sunday with congregations around the world.  Being a seeker and being a follower are two different things.  Jesus will make of us children of the Heavenly Father if we will enter the narrow path of salvation.  More than just listening to the words of Jesus, it is realizing that Jesus abides in us as we abide in Him.  He is and will be the author of our new lives.

Lord, like many throughout the ages, I have come, listened to the words, and gathered with others.  You know where I have drawn lines hidden from others that keep me from walking farther along the narrow path of salvation.  Remove those barriers that I may humbly continue in whatever direction You take me.   Guide me, Jesus, so that I may humbly submit to You as my Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, in this world filled with darkness and deception, help me to see the clear light that You shine for all to see.  Guide me in the way of everlasting life and help me so that I do not just gather with others but humbly submit to You.  You are the author and finisher of my faith.  Lead me  in the way of everlasting life and allow nothing to get in the way of the path You have set before me.  Amen.

Matthew 11:2-11

Sammy: Good morning everyone! It’s the second third Sunday in Advent, Pastor.

Pastor: Yes it is, Sammy. 

Sammy: I noticed today that there are a lot of greens around the church. This place looks great!

Pastor: Yes our church looks beautiful. We are preparing for Christmas.

Sammy: Is decorating the church part of preparing for Christmas?

Pastor: Yes it is. When we decorate our church, we are including symbols of the season and icons to help us remember the reason for Christmas.

Sammy: What is the reason for Christmas again?

Pastor: Boys and girls, would you please help me answer Sammy’s question? What is the reason for Christmas?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: That’s right! The reason for Christmas is Jesus. We are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus and we are waiting for his return. That’s what Advent and this time of year are all about.

Sammy: That’s what John the Baptist did, right? He prepared the way for Jesus. He was helping people get their hearts ready for Jesus. But wait, we don’t have John the Baptist anymore. Who is supposed to help us get our hearts ready for Jesus’s return?

Pastor: Well, Sammy, that’s partly my job. 

Sammy: Oh no.  

Pastor: I know–it’s a big job for just one person. Our church has me as the pastor and the power of the Holy Spirit. God is working in our hearts because of the gift of the Holy Spirit to each believer in Jesus. We can prepare our hearts for Jesus every day.

Sammy: I am glad that we have you and the Holy Spirit, Pastor.

Pastor: Well, thank you, Sammy. 

Sammy: Pastor, how can I prepare my heart? What can I do by myself to prepare for Jesus like John the Baptist wanted us to prepare?

Pastor: We can do a couple of things. We can read our Bibles, say prayers, sing to God, and love Jesus and each other.

Sammy: I like that. I think I can do all of those things with the help of the Holy Spirit. And maybe with a little encouragement from you, too, Pastor.

Pastor: That’s great, Sammy. Boys and girls, will you pray with me? Let’s fold our hands and bow our heads. Dear Jesus, thank you for helping us to be ready for you. Help us to pray, listen, watch, and stay ready for your return. Thank you for loving us. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

“And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed” (Mark 5:20).

No one is beyond the need for salvation that is possible only through Jesus.  We all have demons that plague us.  In Christ, we have been freed to live into a new life.  That freedom, given by Jesus, is a gift and it belongs to all who live by faith, understanding that they have been set free from sin, death, and the devil by Him.  Sinners love to celebrate notoriety.  By grace through faith, we recognize that all who are in Christ have undergone a wonderful transformation.

Lord of grace and mercy, I sometimes am awed by stories that amaze me – of a rabidly possessed man – thinking myself normal.  But what is normal?  Are we all not born in sin and in need of Your grace?  You have come and set me free also.  That is the amazing story of grace I can tell.  This world thinks in terms of greater and less, but You have come to make us all children of the Heavenly Father.

Lord Jesus, You have come to set this captive free.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to go to the places You send me and proclaim what great things You have done.  I once was fully caught up in this world, but You have set me free to live into the life You have given me by grace.  Guide me, Lord, to live into the new life You have given me and not fall back into the traps and snares of this world.  Amen.

“As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was imploring Him that he might accompany Him.  And He did not let him, but He said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you” (Mark 5:18-19).

The Lord heals us and then sends us.  We may want to stay in the comfort of our new feeling of safety, but the Lord knows best.  This man had new ability through faith and the understanding the Lord gave him to proclaim to these people the truth of salvation.  The call is for us to obey the Lord and go where He sends us.  He raises up those who will proclaim the truth from among every tribe, tongue, folk, and nation.

Lord, I sometimes do not understand what enters my head.  I want to go to some other place thinking that this will be what I am looking for.  You are what everyone is looking for.  Once I realize that You have found me, help me to go where You send me and proclaim the great things You have done.  You have created me and are re-creating me in the image of Christ.  Send me into the harvest.

Lord Jesus, You willingly went where You were sent.  Help me to be willing to go where You send me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy so that I live the life You have given me, growing to be more like You each day.  Help me to live with whatever group of people You send me to and live with them as I would with those whom I treat as my people.  Give my tongue the words to speak and to share the truth of the Gospel always.  Amen.

Prayers and Hymns, January 11, 2026, A: The Baptism of Our Lord

ALL: Isaiah 42:1-9 (God’s servant will not crush a bruised reed; he is given as light to nations, to open blind eyes and free prisoners of darkness)

ALL: Psalm 29 (The voice of the Lord; all cry “Glory!”)

SOLA/LSB: Romans 6:1-11 (We have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection)

            RCL/ELW: Acts 10:34-43 (Peter preaches sermon to newly-baptized Gentiles)

ALL: Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus comes to John in the Jordan and is baptized)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Opening Hymn: O, Worship the King: LBW #548, ELW #842; LSB #804 Perfect w/Psalm 29)

            OR How Marvelous God’s Greatness: LBW #515, ELW #830 (very simple, lovely Swedish tune, but can be sung to “The Church’s One Foundation,” Aurelia)

Hymn of the Day: Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker: LBW #191, ELW #458

Tune is same as for “Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender.” Good hymn for baptism/renewal of baptism

OR To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord: LBW #79, LSB #406/7

I know, I know, but it’s one of the great doctrinal hymns on Baptism. Heck, you might not have to

preach more than 5 minutes if you sing this hymn. Have the choir do a few verses, then alternate choir

and congregation. It’s good for them.

OR When Jesus Came to Jordan: WOV #647, ELW #305

OR Christ, When For Us You Were Baptized: ELW #304 (familiar tune)

Communion 1: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise: LBW #90, ELW #310, LSB #394

Communion 2: Baptized in Water: WOV #693, ELW #456

            OR Remember and Rejoice: ELW #454 (Familiar tune, great words)

Closing Hymn: I Bind Unto Myself This Day: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604

OR I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411

*******

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we adore you! You reveal your heart to us in the Baptism of Jesus. By the Spirit’s power, unite us to Christ, so that we may hear the Father say to each of us, “You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter; in you I am well pleased.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with your Spirit. Bind it to your Son, your Word of truth. Adorn it with your goodness, holiness, and love. Make it fruitful in discipleship. Use it to lead many to the waters of Baptism, there to be made your beloved children.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be enthroned, O Lord, in the midst of this congregation. Overwhelm us with your majesty and mercy. Fill our worship with the beauty of holiness. Strengthen us to do your will. Conform us to the heart and mind of Jesus. Bestow on us your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Do not quench the spirit or break the hearts of your persecuted servants, O Lord; nor let them be discouraged when they suffer on account Christ. For them, for missionaries throughout the world; for all who wonder if they are called to ministry; for seminarians, professors, pastors, bishops, and other ministers, we also lift our hearts and voices in fervent supplication.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless everyone who is baptized today, and all who remember and give thanks for their Baptism. Thank you for adopting us as brothers and sisters of your dear Son, and for filling us with the same Spirit that descended upon him. Let us glorify you in all we say and do.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every nation. Establish your justice through them. Give them the wisdom and the will to protect and provide for their people, especially those who are like “bruised reeds and faintly burning wicks.” Make them prefer mercy over might; righteousness over renown; and integrity over influence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep in your care all who take up arms in defense of liberty and justice for all. Give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, so their deeds conform to your will. Bring them safely home, and speed the day when deeds of war need not be done anymore.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We beseech you on behalf of everyone afflicted by suffering, especially those who crave our prayers, including: {List}. Bring them out of the dungeon of suffering and the prison of darkness. Lead them into the brightness of your presence and the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: we praise and adore you for the mercy you have shown to all who have died to us but are alive eternally to you. Grant that we walk the broken pathways of this mortal life, refreshed by your Spirit and conformed to your Son. Bring us through the floodwaters of death into your presence, where with all your redeemed children we worship and adore you in the beauty of your holiness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymns and Prayers, 2nd Sunday after Christmas OR

The Epiphany of Our Lord, Transferred, Cycle A – January  4, 2026

January 4, 2026: 2^nd Sunday after Christmas

SOLA/LSB: 1 Kings 3:4-15 (God grants Solomon great wisdom)

            RCL/ELW: Jeremiah 31:7-14 (God will gather his people; shout for joy!)

SOLA/LSB: Psalm 119:97-104 (I love your Law, haven’t departed from your precepts)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 147: 12-20 (Praise God for deliverance, nature’s bounty, peace)

ALL: Ephesians 1:3-14 (The mystery of salvation for all ages has been revealed to all!)

SOLA/LSB: Luke 2:40-52 (12-year-old Jesus in Temple in Jerusalem)

            RCL/ELW: John 1:1-18 (In the beginning was the Word; the Light shines in the darkness; grace and truth came through Jesus)

*******

Opening Hymn: The Bells of Christmas: LBW #62, ELW #298

OR O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright!: LBW #76, ELW #308, LSB #395

Hymn of Praise: Let Our Gladness Have No End: LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381

Gradual Hymn: Come, Thou Font of Every Blessing: LBW #499, ELW #807, LSB #686

Hymn of the Day: O God, My Faithful God (ties Sola/LSB OT and Gospel together):

LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #696

OR Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising: LSB #375 (Really nice carol, not unfamiliar tune)

OR Thine the Amen (For RCL/ELW, this is unifying theme): WOV #801, ELW #826, LSB #680

OR The Only Son From Heaven (ditto. Wonderful words! Wish the tune was more familiar, as there aren’t any alternatives!): LBW #86, ELW #309, LSB #402

Offertory Hymn: As With Gladness Men of Old: LBW #82, ELW #302, LSB #397

Communion Hymn #1: Go Tell it On the Mountain: LBW #70, ELW #290, LSB #388

Communion Hymn #2:  Joy to the World: LBW #39, ELW #267, LSB #387

Closing Hymn: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411

******

January 6, 2026: The Epiphany of Our Lord

ALL: Isaiah 60:1-6 (Arise, shine, your light has come; nations stream to Israel, bringing gifts)

SOLA/LSB: Psalm 72:1-11 (Prayer for guidance and support for the King)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 (Adds visitors from Sheba will bring gifts)

ALL: Ephesians 3:1-12 (The mystery of salvation revealed to Gentiles; Paul has become steward of God’s mysteries so that through the Church, nations may know God’s wisdom)

ALL: Matthew 2:1-12 (The magi adore Jesus, bringing gifts, departing by another way)

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Opening Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright, v. 1-3: LBW #76, ELW #308, LSB #395

Hymn of the Day: As With Gladness Men of Old: LBW #82, ELW #302, LSB #397

Communion 1: Bright and Glorious is the Sky: LBW #75, ELW #301

Communion 2: We Three Kings of Orient Are: WOV #646

            OR Songs of Thankfulness and Praise: LBW #90, ELW #310, LSB #394

Closing Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright, v. 4-6: LBW #76, ELW #308, LSB #395

OR We Are Marching in the Light of God: WOV 650, ELW #866

*******

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Light of the World, your dear Son Jesus! Thank you for revealing your mercy and loving-kindness to all people. Thank you that he reveals you as the God of every kindred, nation, and tribe, until the world ends and Christ is all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church a faithful steward of the mysteries of Christ. Fill your pastors with wisdom, holiness, and faithfulness. May the Church’s worship, fellowship, and acts of charity be as frankincense, gold, and myrrh offered to her infant Redeemer.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a place where even sinners, strangers, and Gentiles encounter the living Christ. Shape us into “magi” who eagerly seek, study, and worship Jesus. And send us home “by a different way” – as his disciples, and as his sisters and brothers.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Protect and bless your Church wherever it suffers from malice, persecution, and scorn. Give even to its enemies a teachable heart and questioning mind, so your goodness, holiness, justice, and mercy may touch and transform them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray on behalf of scholars, teachers, scientists, philosophers, and especially seminary professors and students. Increase their numbers and their zeal for seeking your truth! Give them grace to adore you, the source of truth and wisdom. And give them generous hearts, to freely share their wisdom, knowledge, curiosity, and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Put your Spirit upon the leaders of this and every nation, that they may faithfully bring forth and establish justice throughout the world. Give them the wisdom and the will to rightly protect and provide for their people. And grant peace and blessing to all in this new year.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift before you everyone charged with protecting life and liberty. Grant them such integrity and courage that those whose lives are most in danger may call on them with confidence. Bring them safely home to their loved ones, and heal those who are wounded in body, mind or soul.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the light of Christ to everyone who dwells in the shadows of suffering, sin or sorrow, especially those we lift before you now, including: {list}. Give competence, compassion, and patience to everyone charged with their care; and grant health and hope according to your merciful wisdom.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We thank you for the lives of all your faithful servants who through word and example have been stewards of your Gospel. Give to us wisdom and devotion, so that we seek your will throughout our earthly life; and give us the strength and the means to do it. And, in your good time, lead us “by another way” to the eternal home and inheritance you have prepared for all who are redeemed by your beloved Son. For there, we will adore your glorious wisdom and delight in your merciful love in the power of your Holy Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayers and Hymns, December 28, 2025: Holy Innocents, Martyrs

ALL: Jeremiah 31:15-17 (The voice of Rachel weeping for her children)

SOLA/LSB: Psalm 54 (Strangers have risen up against me; but God is my helper)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 124 (Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers)

SOLA/LSB: Revelation 14:1-5 (The song of the 144,000, first fruits of the Lamb’s victory)

            RCL/ELW: 1 Peter 4:12-19 (Rejoice as you partake of Christ’s sufferings; great joy comes)

ALL: Matthew 2:13-18 (Herod has Bethlehem children slain)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Opening Hymn: O Little Town of Bethlehem: LBW #41, ELW #279, LSB #361

Hymn of Praise: Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: LBW #549, ELW #865, LSB #793

Gradual Hymn: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725

Hymn of the Day: What Child is This: LBW #40, ELW #296, LSB #370

OR I Wonder As I Wander: WOV #642

Offertory Hymn: In the Bleak Midwinter: ELW #294

Communion Hymn #1: When Peace, Like a River: LBW #346, ELW #785, LSB #763

Communion Hymn #2: Thy Holy Wings: WOV #741, ELW #613

Closing Hymn: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice: LBW #55, ELW #288,

+++++++

With gratitude for the gift of Christ the Savior, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Protect your Church, dear Lord, from the malice of its enemies, and from every temptation to forsake, ignore or distort your holy Word. Make it a light shining in the world’s darkness, and a safe haven in our earthly pilgrimage.  Use it to draw many hearts to love and trust Jesus, the Redeemer of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shield and strengthen Christians who face nakedness, famine, peril and sword on account of Christ. Strengthen our witness to their plight and to their faith. Soften the hearts of those who hate them. We pray also on behalf of our sister congregations, companion dioceses, and for your missionaries throughout the world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation into a company of the upright, who delight in, study, and proclaim your mighty works of salvation.  ²Clothe us with love, binding us together in perfect harmony. Grant that by our words and our lives, our neighbors may see the power and majesty of your redemption, and come to faith in your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of children who are abused, abandoned, and aborted here and throughout the world. Keep them in your merciful care. Form us all into a people that cherishes these little ones. Conform them to the image of their infant Savior, your well-beloved Son Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give to the rulers of the world that holy fear that is the beginning of wisdom, so that they study your works and perform your precepts. Let uprightness, justice, and mercy guide those who take counsel for the nations. Bestow the blessings of food and shelter, health and employment, justice and peace, upon all the people of the earth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Though angels proclaimed peace and good will at the birth of Jesus, violence, injustice, and evil still trouble the world. Shield and guide all who risk their lives on behalf of others. Prosper all they do that conforms to your will. Support their loved ones with hope and patience. Heal and comfort those who are wounded, and redeem those who have fallen. Establish your peace in the world and in every heart, so that the arts of war need no longer be practiced among us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be gracious and merciful to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering in this season of light, including: {List}. Grant that they may behold your salvation,³¹ dwell in the light of your love, revealed in Christ, and glorify you in the company of all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have let your face shine upon our beloved dead, O God, and have bestowed on them the fullness of your salvation. With gratitude and affection we commend them into your care. Give to us the fortitude of your saints and martyrs, for though now we see Jesus through the eyes of faith, we long to see him face to face. Until that day, grant that he may dwell in us richly, filling us with peace, love, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience – the enduring gifts of Christmas that shall last forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, merciful Father, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A GRINCH IF

One of the best-known Christmas stories of all time is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss. The Grinch was not happy. And because he was not happy, he did not want anyone else to be happy.

Now we all know people who behave like the Grinch. The Grinches we know do not live in faraway lands in caves on top of mountains. Instead they can be our neighbors – even our fellow church members. It would be easy to spot them if they had green skin. But outwardly they look like the rest of us. How can you know if you are having to deal with a Grinch? Worse yet, how can you know if you are becoming a Grinch? Here are five things that help us identify a Grinch. These same five things were true of another Grinch whose story is told in Matthews 2: 13-23, the Gospel reading this year for the First Sunday after Christmas. First –

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A GRINCH IF YOU GET UPSET WHEN OTHERS INVADE YOUR TERRITORY

The Grinch in Dr. Seuss’ story is standing on a ledge outside his cave on a high mountain overlooking the village of Whoville. He is upset because he has to listen to all the noise from the village down below. He had moved to the top of the mountain because he had wanted to get far away from Whoville and Christmas. But on the top of the mountain his territory was being invaded by the sounds of Christmas.

Matthew tells us about another Grinch whose territory also was being invaded – Herod. The Romans had made Herod King of the Jews. But most of his subjects hated him. He had built mighty works for them, including a greatly expanded Temple, but they hated him. Herod knew how much the people hated him, and that they might use any opportunity to overthrow him, so he spent his days living in constant fear that he could lose control at any time.

So imagine Herod’s utter terror when some wise men come from the east and ask, “Where is the child who has been born King of the Jews?” What do you mean, King of the Jews? I, Herod, am King of the Jews. Someone was invading Herod’s territory. No wonder Matthew tells us that Herod was frightened. And not just frightened, he was infuriated. And Matthew tells us that all Jerusalem was upset with him. If Herod is upset, everyone is upset.

Do you ever get upset because you feel that Jesus is invading your territory? You like the idea of His coming into your life as baby born in Bethlehem – with His gifts of love and peace and joy. But there are certain areas of your life where you have posted big, bold “No Trespassing” signs.

If God starts to invade that territory, suddenly all of your defenses go up, and like Herod and all Jerusalem you get upset.

Yes, both the Grinch and Herod got upset because someone was invading their territory. So they cooked up a plan. Which brings us to the second way in which you can tell if you are a Grinch.

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A GRINCH IF YOU ARE PRETENDING TO BE SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT

The Grinch knew that he was hated down in Whoville. But he also knew that Santa Claus was loved just as much as he was hated. So he made a Santa suit out of some old red material and placed a pair of antlers on the head of his dog, Max. Then he went down to Whoville as Santa, not to deliver presents, but to steal every present from under every tree and every ornament from every home.

Herod had a similar plan. When he heard that someone was invading his territory, he called together the chief priests and those who knew the Bible well to find out from them what the Bible has to say about where this new king was to be born. The Bible scholars told him, In Bethlehem. So he called the wise men back and said to them, “Go and search diligently for the child. And when you have found him, bring me word so that I also may go and pay him homage.”

Herod had no desire to worship Jesus. He was only pretending because he wanted to kill Jesus. And I often wonder how much pretending goes on at Christmas time. Like people who pretend to have far more financial resources than they actually have by the amount they charge to their credit cards. Both the Grinch and Herod were pretending to be something they were not. And then, third –

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A GRINCH IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO JOIN WITH OTHERS IN THEIR JOY

With his Santa Claus suit on, the Grinch and his dog Max head down the mountain into Whoville, where they go house to house, snatching all the toys that Santa Claus had left for all the good little Whoville girls and boys. Then he heads back up the chimney, packs the toys onto his sled, and then carries them up to the top of the mountain.

Herod, too, was surrounded by joy. He could have joined in, but he refused to. When the wise men heard where the Christ was to be born, they quickly headed off to Bethlehem. Can you imagine their joy. They had been on their journey for quite some time and now they were almost there. Matthew tells us, “When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage.”

What a moment of joy. But Herod did not get to experience any of that joy. Even though Jerusalem was only a few miles away and Herod could have gone there and found the source of true peace and joy that his troubled soul so desperately needed, still he chose to stay away. In fact, he even tried to destroy the source of joy. So close and yet so far.

Now there is nothing we can do about Herod. But we all know people who also are so close to joy. All around us are troubled people who are searching for peace and joy. Both the Grinch and Herod were so close to joy. But they were neither willing nor able to join in on that joy. Instead they wanted to rob others of their joy. It’s really sad to be around people who cannot stand to see other people happy.

I wonder if at some time early in his life the Grinch had been hurt very, very badly. I wonder if one of the Whovillers might have said or done something to him a long time ago that he just could not let go of. Is that how he had lost the ability to have joy, so now he wanted to steal the joy of others? Well that brings us to the fourth sign of being a Grinch.

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A GRINCH IF YOU GET INFURIATED IF YOUR PLANS DO NOT WORK OUT

God the Father knew how Herod would react so He warned the wise men to go home a different way. And He told Joseph to get Mary and Jesus out of Bethlehem.

Now I do not know why Herod did not just have the wise men followed so that he would only have to kill one baby and one family. But I do know, because Matthew tells us, how we reacted when he found out that he had been tricked. He was infuriated. So he sent soldiers to kill all the boy babies in and around Bethlehem up to the age of two years.

The Grinch also had a plan. He placed all the stuff he had gathered from Whoville onto his sled and then whipped little Max into pulling that sleigh to the highest cliff of the mountain, where he would throw everything over the cliff to be destroyed on the rocks below. But his plan did not work out quite as he had planned. And all that brings us to the fifth way that you can know if you are a Grinch.

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A GRINCH IF YOUR HEART DOES NOT GET CHANGED

By the time that little Max was able to reach the top of the mountain with the sleigh, it was Christmas morning. The Grinch pauses to listen to what is going on down in Whoville. He is expecting to hear the sound of great wailing, for all the presents and ornaments are gone. But much to his surprise, instead of wailing, he hears singing. And it is the same song as before they lost all the presents and ornaments. The Grinch wonders, How can this be?

Then all of a sudden, the sleigh begins to slip over the edge. The Grinch tries to grab it. He does not want it to be destroyed. Something miraculous has happened. His heart that had been two sizes too small has grown four sizes. And the sly grin that had been on his face is now replaced with a smile that says that something good has happened inside.

But unlike the Grinch, Herod awoke to the sound of great weeping. Hundreds of mothers weeping. Not because their children’s Christmas presents have been stolen, but instead because their children have been murdered.

Now we all know how the story ends for Dr. Seuss’ Grinch. He became a part of Whoville. He joined in their joy and carved the roast beast. He was not an outsider anymore. His heart had been changed. Unfortunately, that is where the similarity between the two stories ends. Herod’s heart was never changed. Matthew tells us that he died, and history tells us it was only about a year later. Herod had his chance, but he missed his chance. So he remained a Grinch forever.

The Grinch’s heart was changed by what he heard. This Christmas may your heart be changed by what you hear. We do not have the ability to change our own heart, but the love we can receive from the baby in the manger can change our hearts forever.

If you know someone who is a Grinch, do you stay away from them or can you see beyond the tough exterior and green skin and reach out to them in love? If you know someone who is a Grinch, reach out to him or her this Christmas. Let him or her see the love and joy of Jesus shining through your life. Who knows what hard and shriveled up heart just might get changed.

* * * * * * *

VIDEO MINISTRY

INTERIM MINISTRY

by Cathy Ammlung and Tim Hubert

Many thanks to NALC pastors Cathy Ammlung and Tim Hubert for this video about interim ministry. A link to their video can be found HERE. A link to our You Tube channel, which contains sixty-four reviews of books and videos on topics of interest and importance, can be found HERE.

In this video Cathy interviews Tim, who is now serving his twelfth interim parish. They discuss the various kinds of interim situations; what congregations can (and shouldn’t) expect from their interim pastor; and what are the key components to successful, productive interim ministry. It is not about how to obtain an interim pastor or start a call process. Rather it is about developing a good and trustful relationship with your interim pastor – and with one another, if there’s friction; using his or her compensated time wisely and well; and working toward a healthy, productive future.

* * * * * * *

PETROS NETWORK

The November issue of our newsletter, CORE Voice, contained an article about Petros Network and its partnering with many indigenous churches worldwide, including the world’s largest and reportedly fastest-growing Lutheran denomination – the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY). For those who missed it, a link to that article can be found HERE. A link to the page on their website that tells about their work with the Ethiopian Lutheran Church can be found HERE. 

Reading that article, as well as Paul Borg’s article re the recent gathering of the Global Confessional and Missional Lutheran Network (LINK TO ARTICLE), give new meaning to what the angel said to the shepherds, “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people.” (Luke 2: 10)

* * * * * * *

The beloved Christmas carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” says about the small village where Jesus was born, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” May the love of Jesus fill you with hope and may His presence address all your fears.

Dennis D. Nelson
Executive Director of Lutheran CORE

“Those who had seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon-possessed man, and all about the swine.  And they began to implore Him to leave their region” (Mark 5:16-17).

It is a similar pattern.  A little religion is okay but let us not be carried away and actually believe this stuff.  You who believe are astonished when another who has been in the same fellowship for years demonstrates apostasy.  The irreligious and heretics want to be rid of those who challenge their delusion of power.  That and fear.  Fear drives some to just want to stay in the place of pretending these things do not exist.

Lord, there are as many reasons as there are people as to why they fear.  I know, for I fear too.  Help me so that I marvel at Your hand in this world.  Help me to see clearly so that I lament the action of the wicked one.  Guide me, Lord, in the way You would have me go and help me to live a life of love and peace.

Lord Jesus, You who heal the infirm and raise the dead, raise me up into the life You are preparing me for.  There are many things I do not understand, but You do.  Teach me to listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance in this walk.  Help me to not be afraid when I know You are with me.  Continue to shape me to be like You in every way.  Through all things, stay with me now and forever.  Amen.