Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
For several years, the joy of Christmas was overshadowed by the dread that the money in the bank would be insufficient before the spring came when I could find customers and commissions. Of course, I remember the years of scarcity more than the years of blessings.
We sing, “All is calm, all is bright,” but the ‘holidays’ aren’t calm or bright for many. The days are short, and the nights are cold, long and dark. Into the darkness and chaos, “A Savior is born.” (Silent Night)
In years of plenty, we might ask, “Why do we need a Savior?” The country is prosperous, the epidemic is over, and we are at peace. We should be thankful, yet we celebrate the birth of God’s Savior as if it is something we need. Why? We’ve been good. We can visit family if we want to.
We might feel we don’t personally need God’s anointed Savior because things are going well, but the world still needs the Savior.
Christmas is the fulfillment of God’s promise to God’s people, Israel, for the world. Remember God’s covenant with Abram, which we have inherited through Christ? “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. … I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing. … and in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:1–3, ESV)
The Lord’s plan encompasses more than just saving a few chosen people from sin and death. Hear the Lord God’s message to the children of Israel, more than 700 years before Christ.
“I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord.”
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” (Jeremiah 23:3–6)
And may I submit that our understanding of Christmas falls short of the Lord God’s revelation? It’s not all about presents for us. God’s children are called to be His hands, feet and voice, living out God’s life-saving plan in our families and communities. God’s children have a role to play and an assignment to fulfill.
This advent, we will look at the first witnesses of the incarnation, when the Angel of God surprises Zechariah, Joseph and Mary with the “good news.” Won’t you join us and invite your neighbor to relive the wonder of Christmas?
Your pastor, Dennis.
Welcome!
I welcome your comments regarding our shared ministry at Our Savior's.
If you would rather comment privately; please, email me at prshepherd@westriv.com
I deeply desire to bring Christian comfort and the power of prayer to those who are challenged with sickness or circumstances in life.
Neither the hospitals or care centers are allowing visitation.
If it a matter of life and death, call me and I will contact them.
Pastor Dennis
Pastor Dennis R.
We have had our share of challenges this year.
If you or someone you know is struggling with fear and despair, I invite you to lay your hands on a copy of Max Lucado's book
Anxious for Nothing:
Finding Calm in a Chaotic World.
We, also, have a helpful copy of "Cancer. Now What?"
available in the church office.
Of course, please contact me if you would like to chat or meet for a cup of coffee.
Pastor Dennis
