Before Going to Bethlehem, Come to the Jordan.
By James Wiese on December 20, 2024
Lighting Candles at Advent
What is the meaning of the Advent wreath? The evergreen in the wreath represents the life that we have in the Savior. The four colored candles represent the four Sundays in Advent. Three of them are violet, symbolizing repentance and preparation. The candle for the third Sunday is rose to remind us that in the midst of repentance there is cause for joy because the Savior is coming. At the celebration of Jesus’ birth, a white candle is placed in the middle.
Except for the third candle, which is sometimes called Gaudete (Latin: Rejoice), no specific names have been assigned to each candle. But over the years several designations arose. Some name the candles Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherd, and Angel. Others refer to them as Love, Peace, Joy, & Hope, spiritual gifts that the Savior brings.
- Candle of Prophecy (violet)
As the first candle on the wreath, my light is the first to pierce the darkness. I represent the light of the holy prophets who spoke in times past with news of a coming Savior. Theirs was the first ray of hope to all men lost in the darkness of their sins.
- Bethlehem Candle (also called Redeemer Candle – violet)
As the second candle on the wreath, my light symbolizes the coming on earth of Jesus, the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. He is “the Light of the world” who will come again soon to take all who believe in Him to heaven.
- John the Baptist’s Candle (also called Shepherd Candle – rose)
The Prophet’s Candle reminds us of Jesus’ first advent long ago. The Redeemer’s Candle testifies to Christ’s second advent yet to come. As the third candle I bring a message of preparation to receive the Lord Jesus in faith right now. I represent John the Baptist. His preaching of repentance and Baptism with water still rings out as our way to prepare for the coming of the Savior into our hearts and lives.
- The Angel’s Candle (violet)
As the last of the 4 candles in the wreath, my color reminds us again of the somber tones of the Advent Season. But my message is not as somber as John the Baptist’s cry of repentance for my message is that of a trumpet sounding joy throughout the whole earth for the Savior is about to be born. Prophecy is fulfilled and preparation is complete
The Fourth Sunday in Advent December 22, 2024
Text: John 1:19-28 Historic Pericope Series 24:2478
Theme: “Before Going to Bethlehem, Come to the Jordan”
Who is this story about? Seems like a silly question. It’s about John the Baptist, right?” Ah, yes, it would seem to be that. But it goes far beyond John.
The purpose of the Scriptures is not to point to men and honor them who can do nothing before God on their own. Scriptures give glory to God…and God alone. Beginning with Moses and running through all the prophets, evangelists and apostles, what is said in all of the Scriptures concerns Christ (Lk.24:27). The Scriptures testify of Him. (Jn.5:39). He is front, center, and behind every verse. Christ is first everywhere. John confessed that and did not deny that he was unworthy, not worthy enough to tie Christ’s sandal strap. This is an account in the life of John, but the real subject here is Christ Jesus.
We stand two days away from Christmas. But Before You Go to Bethlehem, Come to the Jordan. God wants you sure about the One you will see in the manger. At the Jordan, John testifies to Him. In the manger is no one less than God’s Son taking on human flesh.
God knows how necessary this testimony is in our day. The Virgin Birth is ignored, in some cases boldly denied. Divinity is substituted for deity, a noble, godlike teacher for the Son of God incarnate. His is a birth that is celebrated in high style but quite often without the Son of the Highest at the center. The nativity account is made to seem like a legendary story. But who is this whose birth you are about to celebrate? Your soul depends on the true answer.
So, before we gather at the manger and kneel with the shepherds, our lesson takes us to the Jordon desert to make our preparation.
I. See the dramatic scene as it unfolds. John is at the height of his career. Hundreds of people flocked to hear him. They climbed over mountains, waded through rivers, flowed out of cities, streamed from farms; they journeyed from near and far. It had been 400 years since God sent the last prophet, Malachi, to Israel. Four hundred years and no word from God! But now a voice cried out in the wilderness that pierced their hearts: “Make straight the way of the Lord.”
With his extraordinary appearance and words, he quickly captured people’s attention. Excited rumors swirled in the air. Everywhere among the people the question was raised, “Is this the one we’ve been waiting for, the promised Messiah?” Each day John’s authority grew among them. Such a commotion was raised that the authorities sent a delegation of priests and Levites to John for an official explanation of his person and work.
What you see are dignitaries, priests of the highest and noblest rank. Following close on their heels marched the Temple Guard. It was an imposing, authoritative embassy coming for such a common man! What a wind of importance that might have caused within John. What person is not flattered by high class attention? This company of royal men streamed over the hills to see him. They came to the Jordan in dramatic fashion to ask, “Who are you?”
II. Mark the real issue.
“Are you the Christ?” Had they really believed that, the authorities whom they represented in the big city would have run full speed to John to see him personally. They would have listened to his preaching with rapt attention and been cut to the heart by the guilt for their sin. They would have jumped into the Jordan with him, humbly seeking to be among the first to be baptized in repentance for the forgiveness of their sins (Lk.3:3). All would have happened if they had an inkling that this was the Christ to come. But they would not even come out to hear him. The Christ? No. They Jewish authorities had different ideas of the Christ, just like people today.
“I am not the Christ!” John confessed in emphatic form. Barely had they opened their mouths to ask the question when John testified to the truth. He would not deny the supremacy of Christ but put himself aside to confess the greatness of Christ all the more.
How about Elijah come back from heaven? “No!” Another prophet of old (Mt.11:9)? Perhaps the Prophet whom they wrongly assumed from Moses’ words would precede the Chosen One? “No!” Now that’s peculiar, dear friends.
For myself I had often considered John as a prophet, you might say the last prophet of the Old Testament since Jesus had not yet begun the work of His Gospel Ministry. But John is not like the prophets of old because the job of the prophets in Israel was to rule and lead the people with God’s Word. As such leaders the people adhered to the prophets of old. But John wants nothing of people adhering to him. He’s “a voice crying out in the desert.”
He in no way directs people to follow him. Indeed, his cry directs people away from himself to Christ. He directs all, common people and dignitaries alike, to put their eyes on Christ, and Christ alone. John is not a foreteller like the prophets of old; he is a pointer to the presence of One greater, One who was already among them, although they did not know Him. He is the Greater One to look towards.
John pointed to the real issue: “Your salvation is much too near to require a prophet. A prophet strains your eyes into the future. But the Lord of all the prophets is Himself here; no other prophet is needed. He is treading on my heels. My job is to cry out: ‘Look! He is here!’ I am not just bringing word about Him; I am pointing to Him. Step aside; make room for the Christ. Permit the Lord Himself to walk among you. Prepare a straight path for His easy entrance into your sinful hearts.”
Here is the real issue. Mark it! “Step aside, friend! Despair of your sin and prepare a way in your heart to receive Christ for whom He is. You need more than a human baby in a manger. You need the Lord God who is over you, the holy God, who is above you.”
If John is sent to cry this, then we don’t have the Lord nor His way in us by nature. Here’s the real issue: We need God to work it in us for by man this is impossible, but with God it is possible. Unless our God comes and dwells with us, unless He works, walks, lives, and moves within us, we are condemned for all of man’s work and life on its own is nothing.
John was sent in dramatic form to mark the real issue that we might see only the Lord God placed in the manger. The more a heart sees and understands this great need, which could only be filled by the Son of God, the better it is ready for the birth of the Savior.
So, Before Boing to Bethlehem, Come to the Jordan where we are forced to despair of ourselves. Then John can direct us to the place where salvation lies – Christ. “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” Only in Him, God made man, is salvation found. John’s testimony calls for belief on our part. Where faith already exists, his testimony aims to increase, intensify, and fortify it lest it decline or grow ineffective. To meet John’s testimony with unbelief constitutes the most fatal guilt and is damnable.
So, dear friend, Before Going to Bethlehem, Come to the Jordan. There…
III. …carry away the fullness of faith. The child to be born is the Son of God incarnate. This is the almighty God in heaven come down as a true man to do for you what you could not do for yourself. In a brief phrase come to save you from your sin.
This truth demands faith in your heart to receive its gifts. It is the essential purpose of John’s testimony and our preaching. Each must appropriate it to him or herself for faith is a personal matter.
In a most direct and personal way, all that occurred is for you: The Savior born for you; The Savior manifested for you; The Savior suffered and died for you; He arose on the third day for you; He ascended to God’s right hand for you; He sent the Holy Spirit for you\; and you, by faith, carry away the fullness of it all – all the saving power and grace which only flows from the One born for you.
So, Before Going to Bethlehem this week, Come to the Jordan. Hear John’s testimony. The One in the manger is Christ, God’s Son incarnate, made flesh to save you. Believe it! Amen.
Zion Lutheran Church of Springfield
(A member congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
4717 S Farm Rd 135 (Golden Avenue)
Church phone: 417.887.0886 Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244
www.zionluthchurch.com email: revelehmann@gmail.com
You can also find us on Facebook
The Fourth Sunday in Advent December 22, 2024
“Rejoice! The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:4
Welcome: The family of Zion welcomes you as we worship the Lord today. We encourage children to worship with us. However, if you need to leave with your child, there is a nursery room to the right as you exit the sanctuary. The rest rooms are located in the hallway between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. Visitors, please sign our guest book to the right, just outside the sanctuary. We’re glad that you are here and pray that through our worship the Lord grants you peace.
U p o n E n t e r i n g G o d’ s H o u s e
(Messiah speaks in the Psalm) “Then I said, ‘Here I am. I have come. The book written on a scroll tells about me. My God, I take pleasure in doing Your will. I preach righteousness in the great assembly. Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You” (Psalm 40).
W h a t T h i s S u n d a y i s A b o u t
The Preparation. The ancient Church called the last Sunday before the celebration of the Nativity The Praeparatio, that is, The Preparation. Indeed, the lessons of the day and the prayers seek to reflect the sense of immediacy, preparation, and expectation of the faithful: “The Lord is near”; “Make straight the way of the Lord”; “Listen to Him;” “Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come!” “And the peace of God will guard your hearts.” Such are exclamations of joy and hope in anticipation of that which is about to take place – the birth of the Savior.”
If we are to be properly prepared for the commemoration of Christ’s first coming, the inner presence of faith in Christ is needed. Then we shall be properly prepared to bow before our Savior.
Therefore, in eager expectation of His coming, we pray: Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the burden of our sins and make us ready for the celebration of Your birth so that we might receive You in joy and serve You always, for Your name’s sake. Amen.
– T h e W o r d o f G o d f o r T o d a y –
Old Testament Lesson: Deuteronomy 18:15-19
The Lord promised His Old Testament people to send a prophet to them like Moses. He would be greater than Moses, for from Him would come the Word of the Lord and in Him was grace and truth. He will intercede and make atonement for them before God. Those who listen to Him will be saved.
Epistle Lesson: Philippians 4:4-7
Even though St. Paul was in prison and endured many hardships because the world opposed the Gospel of Christ that he preached, he could still rejoice in the Lord and encourages us to do the same. The Lord is near. Put aside anger and anxiety, setting your mind on Him.
Gospel Lesson: John 1:19-28
Before Christ’s first coming God sent John the Baptist to testify to the Savior’s ministry which was about to come on the earth. John freely confessed Christ and his own role in preparing the way for Him. That was his joy, calling people to repentance and faith in the coming Savior.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Organist: Jane Rips The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann
Point to Ponder: “We stand on the eve of the Festival of the Savior’s Birth. The object of the lessons this day is to impress upon us the Deity of Him who is born in Bethlehem. This is why we celebrate His birth as we do. So great is the Savior sent by God into the world, because none less than He could possibly stand to perform the work needed for our redemption.
“In other words, the Messiah had to be the very Son of God, and He was the Son. This is the true burden of the testimony of John the Baptist. This testimony stands for all time, for you and for me to this day.
“True testimony calls for belief on our part. It aims to produce this belief and all it fruits. Where faith already exists, this testimony seeks to increase, intensify, fortify such faith, lest it decline or grow ineffective. To meet true testimony with unbelief constitutes the most fatal guilt. Such unbelief is unnatural, abnormal, hence damnable.
“This is the testimony. Believe it! Rejoice! Amen!”
— RCH Lenski on today’s Gospel Lesson
Outline of Our Worship
Lord, Hear Us
Advent Candlelighting The Angel’s Candle
The Entrance Hymn: #301
The Order of Service
Morning Prayer: Hymnal pg.207
The Venite & Psalm of the Day: Hymn #327
Lord, Feed Us
Deuteronomy 18:15-19
Philippians 4:4-7
John 1:19-28
Sermon Hymn: #316
Sermon Text: John 1:19-28 Before Going to Bethlehem, Come to the Jordan.
Lord, Accept Our Response
The Te Deum Laudamus Hymn #362
The Offering
Hymnal pg.213-214 “Lord, Have Mercy”
Prayers, Lord’s Prayer
Lord, Bless Us
The Benediction Hymnal pg.214
Closing Hymn: #313
Silent Prayer
WELS Connection WELS 175th anniversary celebration in 2025
Fourth Sunday in Advent – Historic Series
Old Testament Lesson: Deuteronomy 18:15-19 God Will Send a Prophet.
15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brother Israelites. Listen to him.
16 That is exactly what you asked from the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly. You said, “Do not let me hear the voice of the Lord my God anymore, and do not let me see this great fire again, or I will die.”
17 Then the Lord said to me, “They have done well by saying what they said. 18 I will raise up a prophet for them from among their brothers, like you, and I will put my words in his mouth, and he will speak to them everything that I command him. 19 Anyone who will not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account.
Epistle Lesson: Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice In the Lord! He Is Near.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Gospel Lesson: John 1:19-28 John the Baptist Testifies about Christ.
19 This is the testimony John gave when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”
20 He confessed and did not deny. He confessed, “I am not the Christ.”
21 And they asked him, “Who are you then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.”
“Are you the Prophet?” “No,” he answered.
22 Then they asked him, “Who are you? Tell us so we can give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ just as Isaiah the prophet said.”
24 They had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 So they asked John, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, or Elijah, or the Prophet?”
26 “I baptize with water,” John answered. “Among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”
28 These things happened in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2019
Calendar & Announcements for Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
| Today
Dec.22 |
Mon.
Dec.23 |
Tues.
Dec.24 |
Wed.
Dec.25 |
Thurs.
Dec.26 |
Fri.
Dec.27 |
Sat.
Dec.28 |
Next Sun.
Dec.29 |
| 9:00 am
Divine Worship Service online -Facebook 10:15 am Christmas Brunch
Advent 4 |
6 pm
Candlelight Service at Zion 9 pm Candlelight Service at Peace
Christmas Eve |
Christmas Day | 9:00 am
Divine Worship Service online -Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study
Christmas 1 |
A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today
We become enamored with eloquent and influential speakers today and eat up anything they say. But the true messenger of God will step out of the limelight and let Christ Himself shine in His Word. That is where the real change in our faith-born outlook comes from and the humble lifestyle that longs to serve Him and His will.
The Gospel Lesson: John 1:19-28 (the answers are found on the back side)
- Who was the focal point of John’s message?
- What was John’s attitude toward Christ?
Those We Remember In Our Prayers: Greg Miller; William & Laurie Moon; Libya, (Jodi Milam’s granddaughter); Barbara Long; Liz Lisenby; Pastor Roger Neumann from Oskaloosa, IA; Dee Bruck, following knee surgery.
Divine Call Sent At the joint call meeting of Zion and Peace Wednesday, Pastor Kurt Uhlenbrauck was selected to whom our ninth call for a pastor will be sent. He is 62 years old and presently serves St. Jacob Lutheran Church, Grass Lake, MI. He and wife Karen have 2 non-dependent adult children.. Please keep Pastor Uhlenbrauck and family in your prayers over the next few weeks as he prayerfully considers the call. More information about Pastor Uhlenbrauck may be found on the bulletin board in the hallway.
Pre-Christmas Brunch Today we will enjoy our annual pre-Christmas Brunch during the fellowship time following the worship service. We hope that you can all stay and enjoy this mealtime together.
The Issues of Meditations daily devotions and the Forward in Christ for December will be found in the narthex. There are plenty of copies that you can share with family, friends, and acquaintances.
Upcoming Services and Events
Today, December 22 – Zion’s annual Christmas Brunch after worship; please stay and join in the fellowship
Tuesday, December 24, 6 pm – at Zion, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (at Peace, Marshfield, 9 pm)
Tuesday, December 31, 7 pm – New Year’s Eve Communion Service
The Week in Review
Last Sunday Worship: 23; Communed: 21; Bible Study: 14; Offerings: $986.
Next Sunday’s Lessons:
Sunday after Christmas: Isaiah 63:7-16; Galatians 4:1-7; Luke 2:33-40 (Historic Pericope Series)
Answers to Today’s Gospel Lesson Brief Study:
- Some might have focused on John as their leader. John said he wasn’t the “light” but only the messenger to point out the light. Jesus is the Light of the world.
- John didn’t want the spotlight on himself but on Christ. His selfless humility is heard as he voiced that he wasn’t even worthy to do slave duty for Christ. Can we have any less an understanding of our relationship to Christ?