2020 Advent & Christmas Mid-Week Service Theme
In-Person and via Live-stream, our mid-week Advent Services of Evening Prayer will begin at 7pm Mountain Time each Wednesday. Would you be interested in attending an outdoor service mid-week service? Fill out this quick 3-question survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MYS7N6F
John 1:1–18 introduces one of the Bible’s greatest and grandest books—the Gospel according to St. John. These eighteen verses contain some of the most important words written—ever. They explode with light and brilliance, truth and grace. And John 1:1–18 is chock full of dearly loved Advent and Christmas themes, with the most famous one being, “The Word became flesh.” (John 1:14). That’s the focus of this series of sermons on John 1:1–18. The lineup is as follows:
Advent 1, Wednesday, December 2nd – “You Have My Word!” (John 1:1–5)
John 1:1–18 These verses are rich in light and life, truth and grace. They are some of the most important words ever
written! God has given his to you. It’s a Word connected to creation and connected to God—all so he can be forever connected to you. Connected to you as the Light that shines (shines!) in your darkness! So slow down. Take a deep breath. There’s no need to panic. God says, “You have my Word.” And what an awesome Word it is. His name? Jesus!
Advent 2, Wednesday, December 9th – “A Man Named John” (John 1:6–9, 15)
The biggest bully on the block of life is a liar and the father of lies. We know him as the devil and Satan. And Satan hits us with his lies and rubs our face in our dirt. That’s why God sent a man named John— John the Baptist.
Advent 3, Wednesday, December 16th – “Chosen Children” (John 1:12b)
Your heavenly Father comes looking for you. That’s the message of John 1:12. You are his chosen and baptized child, forevermore!
Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th – “The Word Dwelt Among Us” (John 1:14)
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14a) Christ did it all for demoted, devalued, and dismissed people. He did it all for us!
Christmas Day, Friday, December 25th – “We Have Seen His Glory!” (John 1:14)
If you need a Savior from sin, a Friend who loves at all times and a Redeemer who restores and renews, it’s time to open your eyes and this day join the faithful in saying, “We have seen his glory!”
Historically, the Gospel of John is likened to an eagle—an image suggesting that John soars to awesome heights of glory and grandeur. As we begin Advent and dig deep into John 1:1–18, get ready to fly!
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A Blessed Christmas
May the Savior, Jesus Christ, lift your hearts this Advent and Christmas season. Call out to Him in every need. Also give me, an elder, or another brother and sister in Christ at Zion a call when you need an ear, a prayer, or an encouragement. COVID has caused great loss of many kinds this year, and there may be other strains weighing on you. We care and want to be part of God’s life-line in Jesus to you this month (and always). God is with us. He will see us through these times. “Immanuel” God is With Us! and is ever ready to lift us up and set exactly where we need to be to share the good news of His salvation.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Stephen Heimer