December 27, 2020

Daily Readings

Sunday, December 27 51:17-52:12 Matthew 18:1-9

Monday, December 28 :13-54:10 Matthew 18:10-14

Tuesday, December 29 :1-13 Matthew 18:15-20

Wednesday, December 30 :1-59:21 Matthew 18:21-34

Thursday, December 31 :1-22 Matthew 19:1-12

Friday, January 1 :1-11 Matthew 19:13-15

Saturday, January 2 :1-12 Matthew 19:16-30

Sunday, January 3 Isaiah 63:1-14 Matthew 20:1-16

*** Our Eastern Heights Lutheran Church COVID Preparedness Plan is available at www.ehlc.org or the church office *** Pre-Service Music – Sing with Joy, Glad Voices Lift

Welcome

Opening Hymn Let All Together Praise Our God (389)

1 Let all together praise our God Before His glorious throne; Today He opens heav’n again To give us His own Son, To give us His own Son.

2 He leaves His heav’nly Father’s throne, Is born an infant small, And in a manger, poor and lone, Lies in a humble stall, Lies in a humble stall.

5 He is a servant, I a lord: How great a mystery! How strong the tender Christ Child’s love! No truer friend than He, No truer friend than He.

7 Your grace in lowliness revealed, Lord Jesus, we adore And praise to God the Father yield And Spirit evermore; We praise You evermore. Text (st. 2): Public domain Text (sts. 1, 5, 7): © 1969 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110003135

Invocation P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen.

P If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. C But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Confession and Absolution P Let us then confess our sins to God our Father. C Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

P Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen.

Service of the Word

Holy Luke 2:22-40 22When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, [Mary and Joseph] brought [Jesus] up to to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of , and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation 31that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 36And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37and then as a widow until she was eighty- four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

Children's Message

Hymn of the Day Of the Father’s Love Begotten (384)

1 Of the Father’s love begotten Ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He, Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see Evermore and evermore.

3 This is He whom seers in old time Chanted of with one accord, Whom the voices of the prophets Promised in their faithful word. Now He shines, the long-expected; Let creation praise its Lord Evermore and evermore.

5 Christ, to Thee, with God the Father, And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving And unending praises be, Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory Evermore and evermore. Amen. Text: Public domain

Message "SIMEON’S GIFT" LUKE 2:22-10

Prayers of the Church

Lord’s Prayer

C Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Words of Our Lord

P Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My T body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”

In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the in My T blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” Benediction P The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and T give you peace. C Amen.

Announcements Distribution of Communion

Music - Glory be to God on High

Leaders in Worship Pastor Steve Benson, Pastor Chuck Fenton DCE Bradley Asmus, DCE Tim Germain 8:30 Music: Mark Krause 10:30 Music: Josiah Bode and the Band Tech support: Emily Arntzen, Al Arntzen

Acknowledgments Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the NIV® Bible (The Holy Bible, New International Version®), copyright © 2011 by Zondervan. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2018 Concordia Publishing House.

Luke 2:22-10 Message 12/27/20 “Simeon’s Gift” Do you remember Dorothy’s line in the film “The Wizard of Oz”? Angels, and shepherds and prophets! Oh my! Angels, and shepherds and prophets! Oh my! Dorothy didn’t say that. Dorothy said, “Lions, and tigers and bears! Oh my!” But this is Christmas! And, we are not in the Land of Oz. We’re in Minnesota (not Kansas), and it is winter. Oh my.

How is your Christmas? Maybe you have known a Covid Christmas. And this past year has been a nightmare. And like one of my daughters watching “The Wizard of Oz,” you don’t want to see anymore. Maybe you just peek from your hiding place behind the couch. Perhaps you just want peace and consolation. The Christmas angels sang peace on earth, and the Christmas story does have angels, shepherds, and prophets. Today we hear about the prophet Simeon and the marvelous gift he received.

Luke 2:25 tells us that Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel.

Simeon had received a revelation, “it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (Luke 2:26)

The word “see” and “seen” means more than just looking. It means getting acquainted, know, or experience.

And the revelation made by the Holy Spirit came true, “when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law.” (Luke 2:27b)

Here he is! Simeon had been waiting for Jesus, “the Lord’s Christ,” to show up.

Simeon was excited. Simeon took Jesus “up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:28-32)

Jesus, the consolation of Israel had come, and Simeon is consoled and content, at peace. Simeon’s words are like, “You can let me die now. My life purpose has been fulfilled.” Simeon saw, and held, and got acquainted with, the baby Jesus. It was the sole and holy desire of his heart. It was what he desired above all things - to know Jesus Christ! Everything else was secondary—even life itself. Simeon loved God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. God, the Holy Spirit, had brought that about in him. Simeon received a wonderful gift from God.

Simeon was called righteous. To be righteous is to confess sin, confess there are things we have done, left undone, and something we fear, love, and trust more than God. And then ask forgiveness from God because of our sin. Simeon confessed his sin, asked God to forgive him, and the Holy Spirit worked the gift of forgiveness, life, and salvation in him. The Law and Temple pointed to Jesus to fulfill it all. Simeon hoped in Jesus.

There in his arms, Simeon knew Jesus, and he continued to talk about him.

Simeon is saying something like, “Hey everybody, here is salvation! Salvation in Jesus is prepared in the presence of all people! We aren’t hiding it! It is even coming to Gentiles!”

“Revelation to the gentiles” means you and me here today. Everyone! And Mary and Joseph marveled at what was said about him.

Simeon continued talking about Jesus and what he will do, and how people will react to him. Simeon’s prophecy says Jesus’ life and message will make everyone think. Jesus will reveal the thoughts of many hearts; some will rise to it; some will fall because of it; some will oppose it. No one is spared from thinking about Jesus’ message, not even Mary. Recently, one of my young grand-daughters was instructed to say “Thank you” after her flu shot. She turned to the med-tech and said, “Thank you, not really.” Later she confessed to my wife, “It was really awful.”

The good news, the glad tidings of salvation Jesus brings is not welcome by some. It is opposed, considered really awful.

Where ever Jesus goes, he stirs things up to reveal what is important to people. God’s Word reveals your heart. God’s Word asks you, “What is important to you?”

Do you want the good news of Christmas? Do you want Simeon’s gift - seeing, holding, being acquainted with Jesus? Some folks answer, “Thank you, not really.”

Because whether you want it or not, everyone will see it. Everyone will understand it. God prepared it “in the presence of all peoples - a “revelation to the Gentiles.” Jesus, the gift of Christmas will come to everyone for everyone; some will fall, some will rise, some will oppose him.

Falling is a process. Rising is a process. Opposition is a hardened heart. Falling continues when sin continues to drag down, and Jesus is ignored. Rising continues as sin is confessed, and God’s gift of Jesus is received and valued. The opposition says the gift of Jesus is not for me, thank you - I can’t be bothered with knowing Jesus.

However, when Jesus returns, everyone will see and know and be acquainted with him. All falling and rising will stop, and all opposition will stop. Those that ignored or opposed the gift of Jesus will fall to destruction and everlasting torment without Jesus. Those that receive the gift of Jesus will have risen to eternal life with Jesus.

Everyone is either falling or rising because everyone has a sin debt. Everyone owes it. The cost is your life.

Out of love for you, Jesus stepped up and paid your debt with his life. Jesus died in your place on the cross for your sin debt. On the cross, your sin debt was paid in full. Jesus did die and was buried. But Jesus did not owe a sin death. Jesus never sinned. Jesus didn’t owe a debt.

The child born in Bethlehem is the God-man born to die in your place for your sin debt. And then rise from the dead, a sign the death penalty is canceled. Faith in Jesus rips up your debt. It is gone forever, just as if you have never sinned. Jesus’ gift is his life of righteousness in exchange for your life of sin. Now that is the best gift exchange ever!

Simeon’s gift from God is for you. God’s Word comes to you. It is a gift. In love, God’s Word points to your sin and invites you to confess it, to let go of it, so it will not drag you down. In love, God’s Word has come to you, and you have heard the forgiveness of your sin. Now hold Jesus. Rise, come to the altar. Take hold of Jesus in his true body and blood. See and know, eat, and drink.

It is right and proper that all of us have to lay aside what is in our hands and take off our masks today to receive Jesus in Holy Communion. We have to set aside everything to receive the greatest gift ever given so that by Jesus’ gift to you, you may rise to life and eternal salvation. Amen.

Pastor Chuck 651-735-4202, [email protected] “Remembering You in Prayer” Hospitalized Ray Larson (VA), Randy Rodriguez (St. Joseph’s), Kate Jarvis (Woodwinds) Requests John Voyda, Jason Pedro, Jim Messick, Danisha Anderson, Monica Adams, William Ewalt, Dylan Peterson, Arnie Carlson, Diane Rettinger, Jim Emmons, Denise Mickelson, Ame Peterson

Requests (Beyond our church family) Rev. Dave (Pastor Steve’s brother), Gary (Uncle of Kathy Petschl), Laura & Joe (Jim Messick’s Daughter and Son-in-law), Keisha (Niece of Donna Ewalt), Tabitha (Don & Kim’s Niece), MaryKay (Sister of Michelle Hendrickson), Kari (Daughter of Jim Messick)

Our Prayers: For God’s Comfort Judy Thompson at the loss of her sister-in-law, Edythe.

Home-bound and Care Center Residents

Armin Bartz and Lyle Fuhr

Missionary of the Week Dr. Fung, Kalia, and Mercy Lo in Thailand

Listen to the service on your telephone You can use your telephone and dial in to hear and follow along with our worship services at 8:30 or 10:30 am each Sunday 1) Dial 612-808-6338 2) When connected, enter in 990-6073-# 3) You may hear music until the service begins. 4) When done, simply hang up. Sunday services will be 8:30 and 10:30 AM

Zoom Bible Studies will be on Christmas Break. Join us again or begin in January 2021

Worship Schedule • Sunday morning, 8:30 & 10:30 AM, with Holy Communion. • In the parking lot on AM 1700, on-line at www.EHLC.org. • On the telephone at 8:30 & 10:30 AM. • Drive-thru communion available from 9:30 – 10:00 AM, or by appointment anytime

Open Arms now has a Shutterfly Store Front! If you go to our storefront and place an order with Shutterfly Open Arms will receive 8% of your order with no additional cost to you! The storefront does not work on mobile devices so you will need to access it via a computer. Please check out our storefront when placing any Shutterfly orders. http://openarms.shutterflystorefront.com/

Support our mission of “Connecting people to God through faith in Jesus.” By mail, electronically, or in the offering boxes as you exit. Eastern Heights Lutheran Church 616 Ruth St., St. Paul, MN 55119 651-735-4202, www.ehlc.org, [email protected]