December 21, 2025

Our Lectionary readings for this Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent,  are Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 7-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25.

Both Matthew and Luke tell us of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Neither Mark nor John make any such mention. Paul makes only a bare reference to Jesus as "born of a woman, born under the Law," in Galatians 4:4. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, though, Paul marvels at the grace revealed through "our Lord Jesus Christ," and then offers something of the significance of what has happened in the coming of Christ: "Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich." Paul then indicates the proper response: "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15)! Thanks be to God, indeed!

We will gather at Memorial Presbyterian Church Monday December 22 at 4:00 pm to go to our area nursing homes to sing Christmas carols. Afterwards we will return to the Church's fellowship hall for some nice hot, soup. All are invited to come.

We will have our annual Christmas Eve service on December 24, 2025 at 6:00 pm. After the service all are invited to a come-and-go hot chocolate fellowship at the Manse, next door to our sanctuary.