November 30th, 2020

​God’s Word for the Week:
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty4 is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (Isaiah 40:1-11)
 
As our Christmas celebrations begin with Christ, we begin with the announcement. Isaiah prophecies about a proclaimer in the wilderness preparing the people for the coming Messiah, also known as the Christ. We know the proclaimer as John the Baptizer.
 
John proclaimed that we are sinners. We are people who need the Savior, who need the Messiah. John also shared with us, “Behold the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.” God declared after the baptism of Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I love. With Him I am well pleased.” Here is the Shepherd of the sheep. He is here.
 
Will you come and worship Him? Join us for Divine Service, Bible study, and service to the needs of the community.

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