6Dec/14Off
Tomorrow Sunday December 7th 2014 at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church of Irvine: Prepare The Way Of The Lord, Make His Paths Straight! (Mark 1:1-8)
Divine Service: 9:30 am
Bible Study and Sunday School: 11:00 am
Location: Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine: 12500 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, CA 92618
Directions: Exit Sand Canyon from the 405 or 5, head East towards the hills, cross Irvine Blvd., turn right on Saint’s Way (this will put you on the campus of Crean Lutheran High School…we worship in the event center/gym)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
When John the Baptist preached he was doing so to prepare people for the coming of Christ. What a golden opportunity this is for us. How do we prepare for Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, the Judge of all people, and the Shepherd of the flock of God? John told us, “make his paths straight.” (Mark 1:3)
He elaborated on this through his ministry which was “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness sins.” (Mark 1:4) Even his lifestyle and dress helped convey his message: “Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.” (Mark 1:6)
John’s person was a living picture of God’s wisdom: “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” (1st John 2:15a) Yes, enjoy life’s gifts, but don’t love them, don’t cling to them, don’t allow them to define your life. John’s dress and diet shouted that he would not be mastered by the world (see St. Paul’s thought-line recorded at 1st Corinthians 6:12…he explains that he will not be “mastered” by anything).
This single-mindedness is really concerned about what is most important in life: that we receive the Lord of Life into our lives. The straight path describes the straight path of faith that holds to Jesus…it is the path through which Jesus comes into our lives through faith. But note John’s elaboration: in such a faith we are very cognizant of baptism and repentance. We “return” to the significance of our baptisms into Christ: in the eyes of God we were buried with Jesus in baptism (our sins were buried with the One who died for us) and we have been raised with Christ in baptism who conquered death (see Romans 6:3-5).
What does this mean for daily living? We turn from the old things, the worldly priorities that cling to loving the passing things, the things that turn to dust. We may enjoy these things, but we don’t depend on these things. We then — in faith — turn towards Christ, the Only Lasting One, the Ever-Living God and in Him we not only have all of our needs met, but since He is the One who deals with our sins as they must be dealt with in order for us to be saved, eternity is also given to us…that is, in Christ we get to live forever and even now enjoy His overflowing life; a life of faith, hope, and love.
But how do we attain such a faith and life? Answer: This is why we gather around Christ Word and Sacrament tomorrow morning. Christ is present in His Word and Sacrament to create, sustain and nurture saving faith. Christ is present in the service to keep you connected to the One who works the “straight path” in your heart, keeping you connected to Him, the Savior of the World…YOUR Savior.
This is why we come!
Hope to see you in God’s house tomorrow morning.
Special announcement: please rejoice with me: this evening we are conducting a private baptism for Sheryl Kim (wife of Joseph Kim) and the private baptism of their children as well: Caroline and Henry Kim. Presiding elder Mark Kuntz will stand by my side representing our congregation as we conduct these three baptisms! Praise the Lord!
Also: We have scheduled our next New Member Sunday for Sunday, December 21st. We will look forward to this blessed day and a reception afterwards in honor of our new members!
Also: Please mark on your calendars: our Wednesday Night Advent Service — this December 10th — at Concordia University is in the Good Shepherd Chapel. This Wednesday I will proclaim “Christ Brings Joy”…we will mediate on this virtue of the Holy Spirit and how it helps us prepare for Christmas. The service is at 7 pm.
Also: Please remember to mark your calendars for our congregational Christmas Party at Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Irvine: Saturday, December 20th at 5 pm. Light of Christ is located at 18182 Culver Dr. in Irvine.
In Jesus’ Love,
Pastor
p.s. tomorrow after service Pastor Mueller teaches adult Bible Study and Pastor Espinosa teaches the high school students during the 11:00 am Bible Study/Sunday School hour…come and be equipped in the Word!
May John’s call to that first century crowd preparing for the Lord be our call.