Worship Service at 10:30am

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

(31 December 2023)

Isaiah 61:10—62:3

Galatians 4:4–7

Luke 2:22–40

The Time Has Fully Come for Redemption and Purification through Jesus Christ, Our Lord

“When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son,” born of the woman, “to redeem those who were under the law” (Gal. 4:4–5). Therefore, “according to the Law of Moses,” Mary and Joseph “brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). There He was received and taken up into the arms of Simeon, who was righteous and devout, “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25). Simeon praised God and blessed the parents by confessing the cross for which this child was appointed. “At that very hour,” old and faithful Anna, who had watched, prayed and worshiped in the temple for so long, came up and “began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). The Lord causes “righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations” (Is. 61:11). We also “greatly rejoice in the LORD,” because this child has clothed us “with the garments of salvation,” covered us “with the robe of righteousness” and called us “by a new name” (Is. 61:10; 62:2).

Coffee Service: Refreshments served after Worship