Walking Together in the Word

These devotional materials guide you through the Bible readings for the December 27, 2020 Sunday worship service. We pray they are a blessing to you and your family!

Why study God's Word and pray together?

• Bible study and prayer strengthens faith and brings you closer to God and to one another.
• Study of readings and hymns for the weekend prepares you for worship.
• The way parents express and model their faith helps shape young people’s faith lives.
• God's Word gives life!---new life now and eternal life with Jesus in heaven. (John 20:31)

• Five Days of devotional material. Catch up or review on the 6th day, worship on Sunday!
• Bible Readings are the LCMS 3-year lectionary readings for the upcoming Sunday.
• Talk about It and Dig Deeper guide discussion and meditation on the Bible passages.
• Kid Talk has questions and activities especially for kids and families.
• Prayer starters are given--add your own as well! Scroll to the bottom for the Lord's Prayer and Luther's Morning and Evening Prayers.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, bless our time together as we study Your Word. Amen.

Re-read Luke 2:29–32. This hymn of Simeon has been called the Nunc Dimittis. The first words of the Latin translation mean “You now dismiss.”

• Sing from Lutheran Service Book one of the versifications of these words (see LSB 165, 211, 937, and 938) or listen to a different rendition of the "Song of Simeon" below.

• What kind of example do Simeon and Anna set for us as they encounter the Christ-child?

Read Luke 2:29–32.

You’ve been waiting and waiting, and finally Christmas has come! God’s people had been waiting and waiting—and finally, Jesus came! When Mary and Joseph entered the temple with baby Jesus, Simeon and Anna rejoiced! The waiting was over! Jesus, the Savior, is born.

• Sing your favorite Christmas song to celebrate!

Meditate on this section of Scripture, using these prompts:

• What thoughts come to mind as you read this passage?
• What is confusing or surprising about this passage?
• What does this passage teach you about God, His love for you, and His will for your life?

Then pray over the passage, talk about it with a friend or spiritual mentor, and explore further by reading the notes in a study Bible.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. Psalm 111:13

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Throughout the week, write prayers of praise, thanksgiving, and requests in a prayer journal or on a sheet of paper. Take turns praying when you gather for devotions.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, bless our time together as we study Your Word. Amen.

Chapters 60-62 of Isaiah announce God's salvation for His people. God would send His Servant, the Messiah, to bring light to the darkness. God clothes His people with garments of salvation.

• Scripture speaks other places of the Bridegroom and His bride. See Ephesians 5:22-32 and Revelation 21:2. One day, we will be united with Christ forever.

• How does God's Word give light to the nations? How will you share that light with others?

The carol "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" announces the birth of the Savior who brings light and life to all (verse 3). Listen to it below!

Read Isaiah 61:10-62:3. Focus on Isaiah 61:10.

Did you receive special clothes to wear for Christmas? Maybe you have a sparkly red dress or a festive tie. Many of us like to receive and wear new and beautiful clothing. It makes us feel special!

Even if you don't have something new for Christmas, you have something beautiful to wear. It's the clothing of salvation, given to you by God Himself! God has covered you with His righteousness, with His forgiveness and love.

• When you get dressed for Christmas services this week, think about the beautiful clothing of forgiveness and love that God has given to you. It's the gift of salvation you have through Jesus!

Meditate on this section of Scripture, using these prompts:

• What thoughts come to mind as you read this passage?
• What is confusing or surprising about this passage?
• What does this passage teach you about God, His love for you, and His will for your life?

Then pray over the passage, talk about it with a friend or spiritual mentor, and explore further by reading the notes in a study Bible.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Pray the Lord's Prayer, Luther's Morning or Evening Prayers, and/or add your own prayers.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, bless our time together as we study Your Word. Amen.

God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to become man and to redeem (buy back) humanity by His death and resurrection. God sent His Spirit so that people might once again be His own through faith in His Son, Jesus. He is the world’s only hope, life and salvation.

• What is a Christian? See the Introduction to Luther's Small Catechism (click here).

• What has God done in your life?

Read Galatians 4:4-7.

Who calls you their daughter or son? People who take care of you. People who love you. There is someone else who calls you daughter or son. Do you know who it is? It’s God! Because of Jesus, you are God’s child. He is your heavenly Father who loves you, forgives you, and will always be there for you.

Meditate on this section of Scripture, using these prompts:

• What thoughts come to mind as you read this passage?
• What is confusing or surprising about this passage?
• What does this passage teach you about God, His love for you, and His will for your life?

Then pray over the passage, talk about it with a friend or spiritual mentor, and explore further by reading the notes in a study Bible.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Pray the Lord's Prayer, Luther's Morning or Evening Prayers, and/or add your own prayers.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, bless our time together as we study Your Word. Amen.

What does God require of us in the First Commandment? We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.

To fear God is not to be afraid of Him, but to respect and be in awe of Him.

• What are some reasons the psalmist gives for fearing, or respecting, our awesome God?

Read Psalm 111.

Our God is great! Listen to Psalm 111 and make a list of all the things God does for us.

• The most wonderful thing God has done for us is to send His Son Jesus to be our Savior. We celebrate His birth this week! He is our Lord and King!

Meditate on this section of Scripture, using these prompts:

• What thoughts come to mind as you read this passage?
• What is confusing or surprising about this passage?
• What does this passage teach you about God, His love for you, and His will for your life?

Then pray over the passage, talk about it with a friend or spiritual mentor, and explore further by reading the notes in a study Bible.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Pray the Lord's Prayer, Luther's Morning or Evening Prayers, and/or add your own prayers.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, bless our time together as we study Your Word. Amen.

In His temple now behold Him,

See the long-expected Lord;

Ancient prophets had foretold Him,

God has now fulfilled His word.

Now to praise Him, His redeemèd

Shall break forth with one accord.

In the arms of her who bore Him,

Virgin pure, behold Him lie

While His aged saints adore Him

Ere in perfect faith they die.

Alleluia, alleluia!

Lo, the_incarnate God Most High!

Jesus, by Your presentation,

When they blessed You, weak and poor,

Make us see Your great salvation,

Seal us with Your promise sure;

And present us in Your glory

To Your Father, cleansed and pure.

Public domain

Stanza 3 of this hymn is a beautiful prayer that we would be presented in glory as forgiven children of God.

• Take a moment to speak or sing this prayer.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Pray the Lord's Prayer, Luther's Morning or Evening Prayers, and/or add your own prayers.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

I thank you my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

I thank you my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ Your dear Son, that you have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Chapel of the Cross--Lutheran exists to show the love of Jesus to North County and beyond, so that all may have a living relationship with Christ.

Our Core Values:

• Empowered by the cross of Christ
• People working together
• Opening the Word to all people
• Showing the love of Jesus
• Warm and supportive environment

Email: pastorlaesch@chapelofthecross.org
Website: http://www.chapelofthecross.org/
Location: 11645 Benham Rd, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 741-3737
Facebook: facebook.com/ChapelSTL