St. John's Lutheran (LCMS), Howard, SD
Saturday, December 30, 2006
No Sermon, December 31
Pastor Watt is on a mission trip to Camp Restore in New Orleans, there will be no sermon posted for December 31. You can check his sermon blog for daily updates. God's Blessings.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Pastor's Advent 4, Sermon Posted
Pastor's Sermon Posted
Pastor Watt's Sermon for December 20, 2006, the Fourth Weekday Advent Service, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
Pastor's Sermon Posted Pastor Watt's Sermon for December 20, 2006, the Fourth Weekday Advent Service, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
The text is:
39In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:39-45 (ESV)
From the Sermon:
But as much as everyone is focused on Jesus, no one is more focused than John was. I don’t think there ever was a person as well in tune with his calling in life as John was. Just look at how he is focused on Jesus. He leaps for joy just to know that Jesus was near him. John is so anxious to tell the Good News; he is so joyful that he leaps for joy while still in his mother’s womb. You see, John too is focused on Jesus.
Bulletin online for Download
The Bulletin for 12/24/2006(pdf) is online and available for download.
Labels: Bulletin
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Usher Schedule for 2007
Usher Schedule for 2007
January- Gary Hueners
- Steve Litterick
- Dan Callies
- Greg Beyer
- Delmar Callies
- Jim Rentschler
- Jeff Callies
- Brandon Hoyer
- Jim Litterick
- John Haak
- Vernon Eggert
- David Callies
- Richard Schmit
- Greg Callies
- John Albert
- Ronnie Jacobson
- Earl Voeltz
- Clint Hoyer
- Riley Schwader
- Henry Rentschler
- Barney Mette
- Rob Eggert
- Walter Rentschler
- Cody Hoyer
- Leroy Hemmer
- Doug Larson
- Adam Bechen
- Joe Bechen
- Craig Hoyer
- Thomas Carrico
- Steve Jacobson
- Jerry Sprcher
- Howard Fish
- Jeremy Crittenden
- Ryan Miller
- Wally Jacobson
- Gary Bell
- Maynard Hahn
- John Rentschler
- Tom Hueners
- Barry Callies
- Skyler Hoyer
- Edwin Meyer
- Curt Hueners
- Max Schwader
- Robbie Beyer
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Pastor's Sermon Posted
Pastor's Sermon Posted
Pastor Watt's Sermon for December 20, 2006, the Fourth Weekday Advent Service, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
Pastor's Sermon Posted Pastor Watt's Sermon for December 20, 2006, the Fourth Weekday Advent Service, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
The text is:
O Lord, how shall I meet you,
How welcome you aright?
Your people long to greet you,
My hope, my heart's delight!
Oh, kindle, Lord most holy,
Your lamp within my breast
To do in spirit lowly
All that may please you best.
Your Zion strews before you
Green boughs and fairest palms;
And I too will adore you
With joyous songs and psalms.
My heart shall bloom forever
For you with praises new
And from your name shall never
With hold the honor due.
I lay in fetters, groaning;
You came to set me free.
I stood, my shame bemoaning;
You came to honor me.
A glorious crown you give me,
A treasure safe on high
That will not fail or leave me
As earthly riches fly.
Love caused your incarnation;
Love brought you down to me.
Your thirst for my salvation
Procured my liberty.
Oh, love beyond all telling,
That led you to embrace
In love, all love excelling,
Our lost and fallen race.
Rejoice, then, you sad-hearted,
Who sit in deepest gloom,
Who mourn your joys departed
And tremble at your doom.
Despair not; he is near you,
There, standing at the door,
Who best can help and cheer you
And bids you weep no more.
He comes to judge the nations,
A terror to his foes,
A light of consolations
And blessed hope to those
Who love the Lord's appearing.
O glorious Sun, now come,
Send forth your beams so cheering,
And guide us safely home.
From the Sermon:
God is love (1 John 4:8). The word incarnation means coming in the flesh. Nothing shows us the true nature of God more clearly than His becoming a human being willing to suffer and die on the cross for us. It is His love that compelled Him to do that. It is His love that was not content to leave us in our sins forever to be separated from Him. He came down to us to retrieve us out of the mess of our own making. The hymn uses the wonderful phrase Your thirst for my salvation to purposely remind us of the way that our liberty was procured. It’s a play on the words of Our Lord on the cross. “I thirst.” (John 19:28) What He did there, as He was speaking those words is the love beyond all telling, the love that is above all other love excelling.
DRAFT MINUTES Quarterly Voters Meeting, October 15, 2006
DRAFT MINUTES Quarterly Voters Meeting
October 15, 2006
10:30 a.m.
President Jim Rentschler called the meeting to order with 53 voting members present.
The secretary’s minutes of July 23, 2006 were read and approved.
Lois Kuhle provided the treasurer’s report. Lois reported that the tuckpointing sealant project was accomplished with earnings from the CD; it was not necessary to cash the certificate. Lois reported that Eugene and Dorothy Callies had donated ½ the cost of the completed shingling project. Jim Litterick clarified that the recent purchase of the printer (purchased from memorial funds) was in addition to the donation of the copier on behalf of Violet Schwader. Motion was made and seconded to approve the report. Bonnie Litterick/Gary Bell. Motion carried.
The Financial Secretary’s report was read by Helen Sprecher. Her information coincides with the Treasurer when the earnings from the CD and the transfer from memorials was considered. Motion was made and seconded to approve the report. Curt Hueners/ Vernon Eggert. Motion carried.
Elders: Jim Litterick reported that two individuals are currently attending adult education class (both are currently members).
Trustees: Curt Hueners reported for the trustees concerning the recent shingling project. Curt thanked the volunteers who helped get this done. He said that the copier/printer issue was earlier reported. Repairs have been made to the plumbing in the parsonage. A new leak in the roof has been noted and will be addressed.
Board of Education: Sally Barnhart reported for the board. There are 13 children enrolled in Kids for Christ with three classes being taught to accommodate for age differences. There are currently 6 confirmation students with 3 likely to be confirmed this spring. Events included Family Night which was held on 9/13; a scavenger hunt for 10/29 for the teens, the group is planning a float for Hometown Holidays and the Children’s Christmas program is scheduled for 12/17 at 9:30 a.m.
Cemetery Board: No report
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Watt had provided a written report that is attached. Pastor also announced that the Anniversary Committee has been meeting and has chosen Psalm 98:1A as the theme. Mission Festival is scheduled for 2/25; the anniversary celebration has been tentatively scheduled for August 12, 2007. Pastor also noted items for sale at St. John’s Store online at www.StJohn’sHoward.org.
Jim Rentschler indicated that he has appointed Janice Kuhle to the memorial committee and Tom Hueners to the auditing committee.
Motion was made and seconded to amend the earlier motion regarding the shingling project of the parsonage to be to complete the work as recommended by the trustees at this time. Tom Hueners/Gary Bell. Motion passed.
The proposed budget for 2007 was reviewed. Appreciation for the recent gifts of the copier from Violet Schwader, the shingling materials from Eugene and Dorothy Callies and the gift of snow removal from Jerry Sprecher was expressed on behalf of the congregation. Motion to approve proposed budget was made and seconded. Jim Litterick/Max Schwader. Motion carried.
New business:
Election of officers. Motion was made and seconded to forego the rule of two individuals for every open position required on the ballot. Curt Hueners/Max Schwader. Motion carried.
Nominations from the floor included Jerry Sprecher for elder. Motion to close nominations was made and seconded. Jim Litterick/Gary Bell. President Rentschler asked Karen Hueners, Thelma Hueners and Janice Kuhle to count ballots.
Results of the election for 2007 are:
President Joe Bechen
Vice President Rob Eggert
Elders Rod Ulrich
Jerry Sprecher
Trustees Barney Mette
Finance Tom Hueners
Theresa VanSickle
Cemetery Harlan Haak
Education Darcy Albert.
Motion was made and seconded to destroy the ballots. Bonnie Litterick/Darcy Albert. Motion carried.
Tom Hueners indicated that he will need to be replaced on the auditing committee due to a potential conflict of interest.
The next Voters Meeting will be set.
We concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.
Submitted:
Kathy Callies, Secretary
October 15, 2006
10:30 a.m.
President Jim Rentschler called the meeting to order with 53 voting members present.
The secretary’s minutes of July 23, 2006 were read and approved.
Lois Kuhle provided the treasurer’s report. Lois reported that the tuckpointing sealant project was accomplished with earnings from the CD; it was not necessary to cash the certificate. Lois reported that Eugene and Dorothy Callies had donated ½ the cost of the completed shingling project. Jim Litterick clarified that the recent purchase of the printer (purchased from memorial funds) was in addition to the donation of the copier on behalf of Violet Schwader. Motion was made and seconded to approve the report. Bonnie Litterick/Gary Bell. Motion carried.
The Financial Secretary’s report was read by Helen Sprecher. Her information coincides with the Treasurer when the earnings from the CD and the transfer from memorials was considered. Motion was made and seconded to approve the report. Curt Hueners/ Vernon Eggert. Motion carried.
Elders: Jim Litterick reported that two individuals are currently attending adult education class (both are currently members).
Trustees: Curt Hueners reported for the trustees concerning the recent shingling project. Curt thanked the volunteers who helped get this done. He said that the copier/printer issue was earlier reported. Repairs have been made to the plumbing in the parsonage. A new leak in the roof has been noted and will be addressed.
Board of Education: Sally Barnhart reported for the board. There are 13 children enrolled in Kids for Christ with three classes being taught to accommodate for age differences. There are currently 6 confirmation students with 3 likely to be confirmed this spring. Events included Family Night which was held on 9/13; a scavenger hunt for 10/29 for the teens, the group is planning a float for Hometown Holidays and the Children’s Christmas program is scheduled for 12/17 at 9:30 a.m.
Cemetery Board: No report
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Watt had provided a written report that is attached. Pastor also announced that the Anniversary Committee has been meeting and has chosen Psalm 98:1A as the theme. Mission Festival is scheduled for 2/25; the anniversary celebration has been tentatively scheduled for August 12, 2007. Pastor also noted items for sale at St. John’s Store online at www.StJohn’sHoward.org.
Jim Rentschler indicated that he has appointed Janice Kuhle to the memorial committee and Tom Hueners to the auditing committee.
Motion was made and seconded to amend the earlier motion regarding the shingling project of the parsonage to be to complete the work as recommended by the trustees at this time. Tom Hueners/Gary Bell. Motion passed.
The proposed budget for 2007 was reviewed. Appreciation for the recent gifts of the copier from Violet Schwader, the shingling materials from Eugene and Dorothy Callies and the gift of snow removal from Jerry Sprecher was expressed on behalf of the congregation. Motion to approve proposed budget was made and seconded. Jim Litterick/Max Schwader. Motion carried.
New business:
Election of officers. Motion was made and seconded to forego the rule of two individuals for every open position required on the ballot. Curt Hueners/Max Schwader. Motion carried.
Nominations from the floor included Jerry Sprecher for elder. Motion to close nominations was made and seconded. Jim Litterick/Gary Bell. President Rentschler asked Karen Hueners, Thelma Hueners and Janice Kuhle to count ballots.
Results of the election for 2007 are:
President Joe Bechen
Vice President Rob Eggert
Elders Rod Ulrich
Jerry Sprecher
Trustees Barney Mette
Finance Tom Hueners
Theresa VanSickle
Cemetery Harlan Haak
Education Darcy Albert.
Motion was made and seconded to destroy the ballots. Bonnie Litterick/Darcy Albert. Motion carried.
Tom Hueners indicated that he will need to be replaced on the auditing committee due to a potential conflict of interest.
The next Voters Meeting will be set.
We concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.
Submitted:
Kathy Callies, Secretary
Labels: Administration, Meetings, VotersMeeting
Monday, December 18, 2006
The Hymns of Advent
The Hymns of Advent
Preparing our Hearts with Song
Wednesdays 7:30pm
November 29, December 6, 13, 20
The Hymns of Advent
Preparing our Hearts with Song
Wednesdays 7:30pm
November 29, December 6, 13, 20
Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending
Comfort, Comfort, These my People
Jesus Came, the Heavens Adoring
This week! O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
Comfort, Comfort, These my People
Jesus Came, the Heavens Adoring
This week! O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Altar Guild Serving Schedule
The serving schedule for 2007 was set as follows:
- January - Wendy and Judy
- February - Marilyn and Thelma
- March - Bobbie and Staci
- April - Teresa and Kathy
- May - Joyce H. and Nyla
- June - Joyce E. and Wendy
- July - Joyce . Nyla
- August - Judy and Thelma
- September - Marilyn and Joyce E.
- October - Bobbie and Nyla
- November - Staci and Kathy
- December - Kathy and Theresa
Labels: Altar Guild, Calendar
Announcements - December 17, 2006
Worship This Week
Ushers Today: Buck Eggert; Curt Hueners; Riley Schwader Elder: Jim Litterick
Greeters: Arvella, Leona, Velma Hahn Acolyte: Pastor Watt
Announcements
Support the Arts in Howard: The High School Band / Choir program is Monday night at 7:30pm. Please plan to attend and support our school and students.
Today’s Life Quote: “All of my [adopted] children were created by God for His unique purposes. God doesn’t make any mistakes. All people, no matter their conception circumstances, handicaps, economic situation, etc., are unique individuals created by God with distinct purposes for their lives. I’m very grateful that the birth parents of my children were visionaries that could see past the difficult circumstances of their pregnancies to the fine young men and women their children have become.” Diane E. Schroeder, President, Lutherans For Life A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life / www.lutheransforlife.org / 888-364-LIFE
This Week
Sunday: 9:30am—Children’s Christmas Program
10:30am—Family Fellowship Time
No Adult Instruction Class in December
Wednesday: 10am—Worship Service at Good Samaritan
3:45pm—Kids for Christ Visit Nursing Home
6:30pm—Private Confession
7:30pm—Advent Service (Hymns of Advent)
Thursday: 2:30pm—Worship at
Next Sunday: 9:30am—Worship
10:30am—Family Bible Class
No Adult Instruction Class in December
Advent Services this week Wednesday night at 7:30pm preceded by a soup and sandwich dinner provided by the evening guild at 6pm. This year's advent theme is "The Hymns of Advent"
All officers will be installed January 7th. This includes newly elected and those who will continue to serve.
Wed Dec 20 7:30pm—Advent Service
Sun Dec 24 9:30am—Worship
7:30pm—Lessons and Carols on the Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord
Mon Dec 25 9:30am—The Festival of the Nativity of Our Lord w/ Holy Communion
Sun Dec 31 9:30am—Worship, HymnFest, Favorite Carols
God’s People at Prayer
Marvel Wombacher—Hospitalized
Sen. Tim Johnson—Hospitalized
Military Personnel—Jennings, Luke, Trevor, Tyler
Worship next week
Propers: The Fourth Sunday of Advent LSB Agenda
Ushers : Buck Eggert; Curt Hueners; Riley Schwader; Elder: Jim Litterick
Greeters: Jim and Bonnie Litterick Acolytes: Emily German and ShaLee Ragels
Labels: Announcements
Monday, December 11, 2006
Announcements - December 10, 2006
Announcements
Last Week: 12-03-06; Attendance: 77; Offering: $818.00
Installation of Officers: New and currently serving officers will be installed on January 7, during the morning church service. Please plan to attend.
Newsletter articles for January are due December 15.
Stewardship Today: Philippians 1:3-11: Paul thanked God repeatedly for the partnership of the Philippians in spreading the Gospel. That partnership was shown by their sharing of various gifts and financial support for Paul’s ministry. Likewise, we are “Partners in the Gospel” when we share our gifts to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our own communities and around the world.
Events
This Week at St. John’s
Sunday: 9:30am—Worship Service
10:30am—Family Bible Class
5:00pm—Family Night, Christmas Caroling
No Adult Instruction Class in December
Monday: 3:30pm—Kids for Christ, Christmas Program Practice
Tuesday: 7:30pm—Elder’s Meeting
Wednesday: 3:30pm—Kids for Christ, Christmas Program Practice
6:00pm—Soup Fellowship, Altar Guild
6:30pm—Private Confession
7:30pm—Advent Service, Hymns of Advent
Friday: 2:30pm—Worship Service @ Whispering Winds
Family Night Tonight: Join us for caroling and food 6:30pm. Meet at church.
Advent Services this week 7:30pm. The theme this year is “The Hymns of Advent.” Join us for soup prior to the service at 6pm sponsored by the Altar Guild.
Family Bible Class today continues in the Communion Liturgy. 10:30am
Holiday Worship Schedule:
Wed Dec 13 7:30pm—Advent Service
Sun Dec 17 9:30am—Worship
Wed Dec 20 7:30pm—Advent Service
Sun Dec 24 9:30am—Worship
7:30pm—Lessons and Carols on the Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord
Mon Dec 25 9:30am—The Festival of the Nativity of Our Lord w/ Holy Communion
Sun Dec 31 9:30am—Worship, Service of Carols
God’s People at Prayer
Clint Hoyer—Continued Recovery
Last Week: 12-03-06; Attendance: 77; Offering: $818.00
Installation of Officers: New and currently serving officers will be installed on January 7, during the morning church service. Please plan to attend.
Newsletter articles for January are due December 15.
Stewardship Today: Philippians 1:3-11: Paul thanked God repeatedly for the partnership of the Philippians in spreading the Gospel. That partnership was shown by their sharing of various gifts and financial support for Paul’s ministry. Likewise, we are “Partners in the Gospel” when we share our gifts to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our own communities and around the world.
Events
This Week at St. John’s
Sunday: 9:30am—Worship Service
10:30am—Family Bible Class
5:00pm—Family Night, Christmas Caroling
No Adult Instruction Class in December
Monday: 3:30pm—Kids for Christ, Christmas Program Practice
Tuesday: 7:30pm—Elder’s Meeting
Wednesday: 3:30pm—Kids for Christ, Christmas Program Practice
6:00pm—Soup Fellowship, Altar Guild
6:30pm—Private Confession
7:30pm—Advent Service, Hymns of Advent
Friday: 2:30pm—Worship Service @ Whispering Winds
Family Night Tonight: Join us for caroling and food 6:30pm. Meet at church.
Advent Services this week 7:30pm. The theme this year is “The Hymns of Advent.” Join us for soup prior to the service at 6pm sponsored by the Altar Guild.
Family Bible Class today continues in the Communion Liturgy. 10:30am
Holiday Worship Schedule:
Wed Dec 13 7:30pm—Advent Service
Sun Dec 17 9:30am—Worship
Wed Dec 20 7:30pm—Advent Service
Sun Dec 24 9:30am—Worship
7:30pm—Lessons and Carols on the Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord
Mon Dec 25 9:30am—The Festival of the Nativity of Our Lord w/ Holy Communion
Sun Dec 31 9:30am—Worship, Service of Carols
God’s People at Prayer
Clint Hoyer—Continued Recovery
Labels: Announcements
Current Bulletin
The Bulletin for 12/10/2006(pdf) is online and available for download.
Labels: Bulletin
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Pastor's Sermon Posted
Pastor's Sermon Posted
Pastor Watt's Sermon for December 10, 2006, the Second Sunday in Advent, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
Pastor's Sermon Posted Pastor Watt's Sermon for December 10, 2006, the Second Sunday in Advent, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
The text is:
1In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, 6and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Luke 3:1-6 (ESV)
From the Sermon:
But Luke and John do leave us there. They tell us exactly what to do to prepare. They’re not really saying to get out the monster machines and start digging. And they’re not saying to quit smoking, lying, and cheating. They don’t even say do your best and the rest will follow. They tell us what John’s message is really all about. John’s message is more radical than that. John went all over the geographic area of the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He’s saying to take your sins to God and He’ll forgive them.
That’s what the coming of Jesus is all about. It’s about a radical change of landscape. It’s about receiving forgiveness for your sins. It’s about a radical change of heart. It’s about repentance, it’s about turning to God saying, “Lord, I am a sinful person, forgive me!”
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Pastor's Sermon Posted
Pastor's Sermon Posted
Pastor Watt's Sermon for December 3, 2006, the First Sunday in Advent, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
Pastor's Sermon Posted Pastor Watt's Sermon for December 3, 2006, the First Sunday in Advent, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
The text is:
Comfort, comfort, ye My people,
Speak ye peace, thus saith our God;
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
Mourning 'neath their sorrows' load.
Speak ye to Jerusalem
Of the peace that waits for them;
Tell her that her sins I cover
And her warfare now is over.
Yea, her sins our God will pardon,
Blotting out each dark misdeed;
All that well deserved His anger
He no more will see or heed.
She hath suffered many a day,
Now her griefs have passed away;
God will change her pining sadness
Into ever-springing gladness.
Hark, the Herald's voice is crying
In the desert far and near,
Bidding all men to repentance
Since the Kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way;
Let the valleys rise to meet Him
And the hills bow down to greet Him.
Make ye straight what long was crooked,
Make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble,
As befits His holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord
Now o'er earth is shed abroad,
And all flesh shall see the token
That His Word is never broken.
From the Sermon:
God is saying that he wants us to have comfort, and He never gives anything half way. When He says to give comfort He’s talking about the real thing. The kind we know need when the lights go out; when rust takes over our possessions; when we get tired of taking care of the things that are suppose to take care of us; when towers fall on top of people and kill them; when accidents strike without warning; when we are personally staring down death; that’s when we need God’s comfort not the joy to the world feelings we have this time of year. They are mostly just a very thin covering.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Pastor's Sermon Posted
Pastor's Sermon Posted
Pastor Watt's Sermon for December 3, 2006, the First Sunday in Advent, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
Pastor's Sermon Posted Pastor Watt's Sermon for December 3, 2006, the First Sunday in Advent, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
The text is:
And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’ ” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:28-40, ESV)
From the Sermon:
When you look on the baby in the cradle and see also there the cross that is the best picture I can paint for you of God’s peace. It is God coming because you lie awake in sweaty guilt; exactly because you suffer the loss of love in death and struggle with living every day; because sin makes life a burden. That’s the problems that Jesus comes among us to resolve.
