Enjoy these special devotionals on-demand right here!
• Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Luke 2:1-14
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (Because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the Angel of the Lord came unto them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, “Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
From St Paul Smyrna Lutheran Church, we pray the blessings of Peace, Love, Hope and Joy will be with you and your loved ones this Christmas.
• Monday, December 23, 2024
“O Come All Ye Faithful”; John 1:46
Good Morning, today’s Advent message from St. Paul Smyrna Lutheran Church is from the Gospel of John 1:46 Philip and his brother Nathaniel were talking and Nathanial said, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” And Philip said “Come and See”.
Looking at the words from one of my favorite Christmas hymns, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, there were heavenly angels all singing in exultation, asking everyone to come and see and adore Christ the Lord. As we celebrate this Advent season and prepare for the birth of Jesus who came to us in flesh on that First Christmas morning, let us all come and adore him! And see what God has done and will do for you in the future.
Smyrna Lutheran welcomes you to join us in worship Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.
Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!
• Friday, December 20, 2024
Matthew 2: 1-12
Bible or Hymn Reference: Matthew 2:1-12
The Story of the Wise Men
Matthew 2:1-12 emphasizes the universal reach of Jesus’ birth, signifying that the “light” of Christ is available to all people, regardless of their background, as depicted by the Wise Men who journeyed from afar to worship the newborn king, guided by a star, and bringing precious gifts, urging us to actively seek out and celebrate the coming of Christ with open hearts and a willingness to follow His guiding light.
This Advent, as we read about the Wise Men following the star to find the newborn King Jesus, let us be reminded that even from afar, we can seek out God’s light, guided by His grace, and offer our hearts in worship, just as the Magi did, bringing gifts of devotion to the Christ Child, our true treasure.
Smyrna Lutheran welcomes you to join us in worship Sunday mornings at 9am. We pray that as you face challenges, just as the Wise Men did on their journey, you will seek God and trust in his guidance. Amen.
• Thursday, December 19, 2024
Luke 2:25-33
Simeon’s story from the Gospel of Luke.
Honoring the Jewish ritual to take a first-born son to the temple on the 8th day for dedication to God, Mary and Joseph have an unexpected encounter with Simeon, a well-known, elderly, faithful and devout Jew when they arrive. Unknown to Mary and Joseph, the Holy Spirit has promised Simeon he will not die until he sees the Messiah first-hand.
Seeing Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus arrive in the temple, Simeon takes Jesus in his arms and begins praising God for the privilege of knowing that God has been faithful, his waiting is over. Simeon’s confession of faith is that the child he holds in his arms is the Savior – for Jew and Gentile alike.
Holy God, you are always faithful to your promises. Thank you for the Bible and the stories of affirmation it gives us through your Holy Word. Amen
You are invited to worship with us at Smyrna Lutheran, Sunday mornings at 9. Visit our website: www.stpaulsmyrna.org for more information.
• Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Luke 2:25-33
Good Morning. Today Smyrna Lutheran’s Advent Message from the Gospel of Luke is commonly known as “The Shepherds Story”.
My favorite part of the Christmas story is when the Angels tells the shepherds about Baby Jesus. I think it’s because I grew up on and now live on a farm. I relate to the shepherds tending and working for their livestock. The farm which I grew up on had cows, pigs, chickens, and even a pony. Now as an adult, I live on a farm with sheep, and it has been a wonderful gift to care for them. I can not imagine while feeding our sheep one night suddenly seeing a host of Angels singing and praising God and telling me about a birth of a little baby who one day will be our Savior. I would probably run away because I would be too frightened. The shepherds, however, didn’t run. They listened and acted by going to see the babe. We mustn’t be afraid when God calls upon us. We must come and see what God has gifted us, which is his one and only Son.
• Tuesday, December 17, 2024
“O Come All Ye Faithful”
Today’s Advent message from St. Paul Smyrna Lutheran Church references one of our favorite Christmas hymns, “O Come All Ye Faithful”.
Listen, REALLY LISTEN to the words of this hymn. It tells us to “Behold Him, born the King of Angels”. It calls Jesus, “True God,” “Light Eternal,” “Son of the Father.” And invites us to “O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.”
Often before a speaker comes to the podium, they are introduced. Let it be known that NO introduction, regardless of a person’s impressive accolades, can come close to matching this joyful and triumphant introduction of Jesus.
When we sing “O Come All Ye Faithful” it lifts our spirits, brings joy to our hearts, bolsters our faith. We are proclaiming for all to hear an invitation to come join in the adoration of Jesus! Sing it! Believe it! Share the message.
It’s nearly Christmas, join in the celebration. Bring family and friends to worship Christ the Lord!
Smyrna welcomes you to our Christmas Eve worship celebration at 7 pm. “O Come Let Us Adore Him.”
• Monday, December 16, 2024
Luke 1: 41-45
Elizabeth greets Mary
Excerpt: V 41-42 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!”
What’s your response to a knock at the back door? Maybe “Who’s there?” or if you’re expecting a friend or neighbor, a “come on in, it’s not locked”?
Scripture reads that when pregnant Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting at the door, “the infant in her womb leapt for joy, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit,” and she greets Mary in a loud and welcoming voice.
We won’t have the Mother of God calling to us from our back porch – not literally, as Elizabeth did. But we are witness to the wonders of God’s creation every day. Little things that can fill us with joy – a beautiful sunrise or sunset, flowers in the first day of bloom. The green of fields after a summer rain. When we experience these things, we should express our joy out loud for everyone to hear, as Elizabeth did. Joy is meant for sharing – it’s contagious. Encourage others to come and see.
Lord – I pray that I will share the joys of your presence in my life with those around me every day. Amen
Smyrna Lutheran Advent messages are supported in part by Thrivent Financial.
• Friday, December 13, 2024
Luke 8:16
Good Morning,
Today’s Advent message from St. Paul Smyrna Lutheran Church is based on Luke 8:16:
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”
From the beginning, when the Star shone brightly over Bethlehem marking the birth of Jesus, guiding the shepherds and wisemen to the manger, light has been important. The love of Jesus guides us day to day. Jesus is our light, our guiding star. Our faith and the knowledge of the love and grace of Jesus in our hearts should be shared with others, not hidden away and kept inside.
The song from childhood sums it up best:
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”
You are welcome to join us at Smyrna Lutheran Church Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. For more information visit our website: stpaulsmyrna.org.
• Thursday, December 12, 2024
John 1:14; John 3:16
John 1:14. “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”
The apostle John writes these words for a reason. Sometimes believing is hard. Sometimes we need proof. As one of Jesus’ disciples, John was a first-hand witness; he lived, walked, and talked with Jesus. “Come and see!” he told others. Indeed, Jesus is Emmanuel – God with US.
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world he gave his only Son that whosoever believes in him will have eternal life.” Faith is believing and trusting, confessing, and sharing with others what we know is true. Be BOLD, share the message, “Come and See!”
Are you looking for inspiration and a bolster in your faith journey? We encourage you to find a church home. And you are always welcome to Come and See and Worship with us at Smyrna Lutheran Sunday mornings at 9. Visit our website: www.stpaulsmyrna.org for more information.
• Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Matthew 14: 22-34
Jesus walks on water
Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
It’s our human nature to see someone succeed at the seemingly impossible, and exclaim, “Wow! That’s impressive!” We may even challenge others to come and see for themselves.
Jesus never does his miracles to impress. Many of his healing miracles were done out of compassion, and in private, away from the crowds. Jesus didn’t want the headlines that come with being a miracle worker.
Jesus walks on the water to show the disciples, and us, that his way is different. That his way is apart from the chaos of life – the howling winds of the air and the churning waves of the sea.
Jesus is not a magician showing off his latest trick – he is God. He doesn’t navigate the wind and sea with sails and rudder. He is beyond that. He doesn’t challenge us to learn his secrets, he invites us to believe in him.
Lord – when the rough seas of life seem overwhelming, may we look to you as our Savior. Amen
• Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Mark 8:22-25
This year our Advent theme is, “Come and See”. Today we focus on sight. In the Gospel of Mark chapter 8, we read that near the village of Bethsaida, people bring a blind man to Jesus to be healed. The story tells us Jesus spits, then touches the man’s eyes. The man’s sight is restored, and he sees everything clearly.
Sometimes we have ‘blindness’ that has nothing to do with our eyes. We simply don’t understand. We “can’t see”. Perhaps you have a family member or friend who is blind to the love of Christ. Just as the people brought the blind man to Jesus, you too, can help lead others to “see” Christ and his love for them. Be a friend, listen well, and share why you are a Christ-follower. Pray their ‘blindness’ will be healed.
Dear Jesus. Open our eyes, our minds, and our hearts to you. Amen
• Monday, December 9, 2024
Mark 1:16-18; John 1:39
Good Morning, from St Paul Smyrna Lutheran. Today’s Advent message is from the Gospel of Mark 1:16-18. This is the story of Jesus calling his first disciples. He sees Simon and Andrew fishing in the Sea of Galilee. “Come and follow me and I will send you out to fish for people”. They left their nets and immediately followed Jesus.
Jesus is telling the fishermen that if they leave their nets and follow him, they will be “catching the hearts and souls of men”, rather than fish.
“Come and see” provides both an invitation and a promise to all people – everywhere. (John 1:39)
Jesus’ followers don’t always know where they are going, but they do always know who they are with. “Follow Me”, this is Jesus’ call to everyone. So, when you hear him calling you this season, “Come and See” the miracle birth of the Baby Jesus.
Smyrna Lutheran invites you to “come and see us” on Sunday mornings at 9:00.
• Friday, December 6, 2024
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
Tomorrow is December 7, this date is well remembered by our older Veterans for the bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 – WWII.
How does this infamous war event in our US history relate to the Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel?” Many of the sentiments expressed in this hymn are solemn. It tells of captivity, Satan’s tyranny, misery, gloomy clouds of night, and yet – even “from depths of hell,” the hymn’s message is HOPE.
Whether Biblical tyranny, historic WWII or our personal ‘battles’ here and now, just like the hymn’s refrain, we can “Rejoice! Rejoice! [for] Emmanual shall come…” By the way, did you know Emmanuel means, “God with Us?”
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”
May God be with US! Heavenly God, Give us courage knowing you are always with us.
• Thursday, December 5, 2024
The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 65
“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations”
Isaiah was a prophet in the Old Testament. His time is Bible history is literally hundreds of years before Jesus was actually born. Isaiah was proclaiming the Messiah would come and rule over all the nations. We have to agree, hundreds of years is a very long wait for a prophecy to come about.
I’m a farmer, I grow things. My newest venture is growing fresh-cut flowers. When the flowers bloom, I can’t wait to tell customers, “Come and See!” But before that happens, there is a time of waiting, anticipation, patience. God’s perfect timing often calls for the same – waiting, anticipation, patience.
Heavenly Father, keep us vigilant yet patient and persistent as we share the Good News about Jesus. Amen.
Today in the midst of holiday preparation and chaos, may you have a LOT of patience.
• Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Gospel of Matthew Chapter 28.
“Come and See!” So many times in the Bible that incredible invitation makes its way into the story. Today we are with the two women who approach the tomb where Jesus was buried after his crucifixion on the cross. They arrive grief stricken, but they leave with the Good News for all Mankind. They practically ‘fly’ to the disciples with the news the angel told them to share. “Jesus isn’t here. He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying…”
It’s easy to be enamored with the precious story of Jesus’ birth and yet it would be just another forgotten moment in history were it not for Jesus’ Resurrection. It is the WHOLE story of Jesus we are compelled to share. Come and See! This Jesus is OUR Savior, YOUR Savior – the Savior of all Mankind!
Smyrna Lutheran invites you to Joyfully worship with us Sunday mornings at 9. Visit our church website: stpaulsmyrna.org for more information.
• Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Gospel of John, chapter 1.
Soon-to-be disciple Philip has met Jesus and is convinced THIS man is the Messiah! He hurries to find his brother Nathanael and breathlessly exclaims, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth… …Come and See for yourself!”
That irresistible invitation to “Come and See!” Contagious Excitement! As a parent have you had a child grab your hand, literally pulling you to the source of their amazement? Whether you have seen their newest wonder before or not, you revel in THEIR excitement seeing it now with new eyes.
Advent is season of preparation for Christmas. Can you already feel the excitement? We’re celebrating Jesus! “Come and See!”
Dear Jesus. Make us bold to share the excitement of your coming. Open the minds and hearts of your people as we proclaim, “Come and See” our Savior. Amen
• Monday, December 2, 2024
Psalm 66:5 “Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works are in man’s behalf!”
I can relate to this passage from the time I sat at the Dearborn Co Hospital after finding out that my Mom had developed a bowel blockage after surgery. She was too weak to live through another surgery to correct it.
For three days I sat. Of course I had family and friends come to sit with me, but in the quiet times between visits is when I really knew Jesus was there with me.I reconnected with people I hadn’t seen in years, and for some reason or another Jesus had brought them to the hospital.
The morning we took Mom off the breathing tube and medication I had asked Jesus to send me a minister to pray over her. (There wasn’t a full-time Lutheran minister in the area at the time to call.) Out of the blue in came my brother’s friend’s Dad – a Baptist minister. The prayer he prayed was so enthusiastic that Mom actually moved!
A day later she quietly passed away. God is Good!
May the spirit of Peace be with you as you navigate your way through this Advent Season.
Smyrna Advent messages are funded in part through Thrivent Financial.