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You Are The Light of the World!

By Pr. Lisa Rygiel

During the season of Advent, I will be providing a series of prayers from Jesus Listens -- for Advent and Christmas, by Sarah Young.

BRILLIANT JESUS, You are the Light of the world! One way I like to celebrate Advent is by illuminating my home with candles and a lit-up tree. This is a way of symbolizing Your coming into our world—eternal Light breaking through the darkness and opening up the way to heaven. I’m grateful that nothing can reverse Your glorious plan of salvation. You’ve promised that all who trust You as Savior are adopted into Your royal family, to live with You forever!

Your Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it. No matter how much evil and unbelief I see in this dark world, You continue to shine brightly. So, it’s crucial for me to look toward the Light as much as possible — fixing my eyes on You.

By making good thought-choices, I can “see” You as I journey through my days. Please help me to persevere in this delightful discipline of keeping my eyes on You. I find hope in these wonderful words that You spoke: “Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the Light of Life.” In your bright radiant name, Amen.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it. JOHN 1:5

Dec. 28,  1st Sunday of Christmas
10 a.m. Sunday Worship

Announcements

  • Fellowship: Please join us after worship on Sunday in the Fellowship Hall for coffee and conversation.
  • The Way Ministry: At 1 p.m. each Sunday, Zion’s welcomes the Way ministry to our fenced lower yard as they offer food and worship to the unhoused and others in need. When weather makes dining outside difficult, the meal is moved to the Fellowship Hall.
  • Christmas Eve Worship: The Zion’s Christmas Eve worship begins at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. We will have cookies, cocoa, and coffee starting at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
  • Christmas Eve Invitation: The First United Methodist Church – Trinidad, at 216 Broom St., will have an 11 p.m. Lessons & Carol Service on Christmas Tree. All are welcome.
  • Prayer and Coffee: The First United Methodist Church also invited all to join them for prayer and coffee every Thursday at 10:30.
  • Gifts of Giving: Thank you to everyone who contributed to both the Toys for Tots and the FNB Giving Tree programs this holiday season. You do make a difference!
  • Church Directory Updates: Julie Wersal is working on the Zion’s 2026 Church Directory. She placed a copy of the 2025 directory in a pink binder in the Fellowship Hall. Please take time to look at that directory and make any changes or updates to your information. If you would like to be added to the directory, there are pages in the back of the binder to add your information. Also, if you would like a new photo, please indicate that in your review as well.
  • 5-Loaves Assistance Needed: We will be delivering 5-Loaves meals on Saturday Dec. 27 and need both assistance with deliveries and preparations. Preparations will begin at 8 a.m. on Dec. 26 and deliveries will be ready at 9 a.m. on Dec. 27. If you can help, please let Jo Moss, Norine Hazen, or Terri Watson know.
  • Altar Flowers: The 2026 Flower Chart is on the door of the Robing Room in the Sanctuary. Please write your name and a few words identifying your donation. A donation of $35 is requested for flowers and can be given using the options outlined for offering.
  • Save the Date: Feb. 1 – Annual Congregational Meeting (after worship)

E-formation, 1st Sunday of Christmas

During medieval times, Christmas was celebrated for twelve days, culminating at Epiphany, the thirteenth day. The first Sunday within these twelve days focuses on the biblical stories about Jesus’ childhood: God’s protection of the infant Jesus, the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple, and the boy Jesus conversing with the temple authorities.

Matthew 2:13-23

In Year A, the Matthean story of Herod’s murder of the infants of Bethlehem reminds worshipers that Jesus was born in order to die. The stereotypical Christmas mood of joy cannot forget the endless sufferings of the innocent, the grief of the mourners, the continued abuse of children, and Christ’s crucifixion. Yet the narrative calls us to trust in the protection of our God.

Isaiah 63:7-9

Often in the lectionary, the Old Testament reading presents a parallel to the gospel. Centuries ago, God had carried the Jewish people away from an enemy king and back to safety, and later in history, God protected the infant Jesus from the soldiers of Herod. The story of Jesus reiterates God’s history with Israel.

Hebrews 2:10-18

The Hebrews reading calls believers brothers and sisters of Jesus. God the Father, who protected Jesus, now gives salvation to Jesus’ brothers and sisters. But here at Christmas time in the liturgy, we remember the reality of endless human suffering, and we hope for God’s salvation.

Zion's Lutheran Church

zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785