Gospel Highlight

“She will bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:21-23)

When I was little, I used to wonder: Why did Joseph call His name Jesus when the prophecy said they would call Him Immanuel? Now I think that maybe one name isn’t enough to capture how wonderful Jesus is.

Let’s take that first, ancient name—Immanuel, “God with us.” It tells us just who Jesus is, doesn’t it? He is God Most High, come down from heaven—and why? To be with us. To be one of us—a human being, suffering the same griefs and troubles we do, walking our road beside us. Jesus is the proof that God understands us—not just intellectually, but through experience. He has been there. There is nothing of our sorrow that He has not carried all the way to the cross.

But then there’s the other Name—Jesus, “The Lord is salvation.” Jesus is God come to be our Savior—the One who rescues us from the power of sin, death, and the devil. There is no evil so strong that He cannot conquer it and set His people free. If it costs Him His life—and it did—Jesus will rescue us and make us beloved, forgiven, cleansed children of God.

Maybe it takes two names to carry all His wonderfulness!

(This Devotion is from the Lutheran Hour Ministries)

JESUS CONNECTIONS
Angel Candle

All four Advent weeks lead us step by step toward the brightest candle of all—the Christ Candle, which we will light on Christmas Eve. Each week has helped us get ready, and this week the Angel’s candle reminds us that God shared the amazing news of Jesus’ birth with many people. Angels spoke to Mary and Joseph to help them trust God’s plan, and they appeared to the shepherds to spread joy and excitement. The angels show us that Jesus is God’s gift for everyone, and that’s why the Christ Candle shines the brightest.

Jesus is the light we’ve been waiting for!

During Advent, Jesus Connections will focus on learning the Advent themes 
for each week: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. 
FMI on upcoming Jesus Connections events and learning, reach out to 
Teacher Stephanie

Fellowship for Sunday, December 21
 Christmas Cookies


 Deck the halls with Christmas cookies! Some are simple, some are fancy — and all of them are baked with a lot of heart.


 A balanced diet is a Christmas cookie in each hand!

Prayer Requests

Lord, provide healing, peace, strength, comfort, and understanding…   

Aaron Byers – Diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma. Prayers for continued treatment.

Helen Cantrell – Pray for comfort as she continues treatment due to health issues.

Eddie Henson – Prayers of thanks for a successful surgery.

Mathew Eisinger – Prayers for Pastor Jake & Alyssa’s son, Mathew Eisinger, as he deploys with the Army to Poland on Sept. 16th, for 9 months. May the Lord keep him safe on his deployment & return safely home.

Johnston Family – For peace, comfort, and strength as they mourn the loss of Caroline, wife and mother, who passed away on Wednesday, November 26th.

Stanton family – For peace, strength, and comfort as they mourn the loss of Bruce, who recently passed away unexpectedly.

Sara Kalaveras – Her surgery went well, and she is home. May God give her strength and patience during her recovery.

Ellie (Sue Burns’ mother) - She is recovering from a recent stroke. May the Lord surround her with strength, comfort, and healing during this time.

Carol Doerr – Has surgery on Friday, 12/19. May God guide the surgeons and medical staff, and give Carol strength, comfort, and a speedy recovery.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Prayer requests can now be sent to stmarkelko@gmail.com.

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

Gentlemen, it’s time for food, faith, and fellowship!  Join us this Friday, December 19th, 8:30 a.m. @ Toki Ona for a delicious breakfast, great conversation, and time to grow together in faith.

This is a wonderful chance to connect with other men, share experiences, and encourage each other in our walk with Christ. Everyone is welcome, whether you're new or a long-time member!

Bring a friend, and let’s make it a morning to remember! 

Choir Performance Coming Up!

Choir performance this Sunday, December 21st begins approximately 8:55 AM.

Thank you, choir members, for your flexibility and dedication!

Have you seen Jesus?

During the season of Advent, a small Jesus figure will be placed somewhere in the sanctuary. If you locate Jesus, please bring Him to Pastor Jake and receive your reward. 

The Jesus search continues...

LWML New Year's Eve Celebration!

LWML will be hosting a New Year's Celebration on Jan 3rd at 1:00 p.m., in the church fellowship hall. We will be doing potluck-style finger foods, so bring your favorite appetizer and a friend, sister, or mother, and join us for food, fun, and fellowship. A sign-up sheet will be in the hallway for a head count. 

All ladies are invited to attend.

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