Collect: Proper I
Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us (what you intend us to be) and not what we deserve; and, as you have called us to your service, make us worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Isaiah 9:2-7 A hymn of thanksgiving. The prophet hails the one born to be ruler of his people. His reign will end oppression and bring justice, righteousness, and lasting peace
Psalm 96 A song of praise to the Lord in which the whole heavens and earth are invited to join.
Titus 2:11-14 Two comings of Christ: first in his sacrificial ministry for all people and then the glory. Disciples are enabled to free themselves from the ways of evil. Disciplined and eager to do good, they look forward to the fulfillment of the hope God has given to the world in Jesus.
Luke 2: 1-14 (15-20) The 1st coming: birth amid very humble human circumstances. An Angel announces the joyful news of the Saviors birth.
Sermon preached at 11pm on Christmas Eve 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church in McHenry, IL by the Reverend George F. Borghardt III. Merry Christmas!