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Friday, the First Week of Advent: Why the Promise is Important

December 8, 2017 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Why are Promises Important?

The promise is important because it builds trust with the person who is the issues the promise. When their promises are fulfilled over and over you can have faith that future promises will be delivered.

All throughout the Bible is the word “Promise”. God promises Adam and Eve, He promised Noah, Abraham, Issac, Moses, the Children of Israel, Martha, Mary, the followers of Jesus. In almost every chapter there is a promise to an individual or a group of people.

Much of the time God’s promises after suffering or a tragedy. God promised Noah the earth would never be destroyed by flood again. He promised the Israelites suffering in Egypt that he would send them a deliverer. Moses came.

He promised Abraham He would make him the father of a great nation. Abrahams 12 sons became the 12 tribes of Israel that would eventually scatter throughout the world.  We are Abraham’s offspring.

Jesus Christ is the promise born in a manger, given to us for the salvation of the world.

Lutheran Advent Season, What is is All About? Hopefully, this series will inspire, teach and prepare you for Christmas in a way you never considered. Learn why the promise is important from God in your life.Promises Come in Time

What is missing is “when” the promise will be fulfilled. Rarely are God’s promises quick in coming.

But God doesn’t forget about them.  The promise is important in building faith. God gave the promise of His son to Adam, Abraham, Old Testament prophets, Joseph and many others. They must have talked to others. In fact, they did. They wrote down the promise. It’s written in the book of Isaiah.

People rely on promises. They hang onto promises. Your kids hang onto the promises you make. They remind you of them. “Remember, you promised.” Promises give us faith in the future and in God. The promise is important because it gives trust and reassurance.

When we as parents honor a promise to our kids, we give them trust and reassurance. In return, our kids knowing we will honor our promises then are more inclined to honor their promise of honoring their father and mother.

Promised Birth of Baby Jesus

The birth of baby Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises. 

He is our promise that brings His people out of the bondage of slavery to their sins. A promise to heal the sick, forgive our sins and give us salvation. Jesus is our salvation and our eternal life. 

So we can trust in Jesus, true man and true God, to deliver on the promises He makes us. Our trust in Jesus is what causes us to ask for forgiveness because we know they will be forgiven.

Links for Advent Season Reflections: Friday, First Week Advent

Reading for the 1st Friday in Advent: Isaiah 9:1-7

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 24: 14-25; 1  John 2: 15-29 

  • Higher Things: Dare to Be Lutheran – The First Friday of Advent
  • Trinity Lutheran Church: First Sunday of Advent Sermon    (listen to audio here) 
  • First Wednesday of Lent Sermon (listen to audio)


Filed Under: Christmas, Joy of Advent Tagged With: Advent, Faith, God, lutheran, Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, religion, trinity lutheran church

Lutheran Advent Season: Daily Reflections

December 4, 2017 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The Lutheran Advent Season prepares us for the birth of the baby Jesus. Why Am I Starting a Lutheran Advent Season Series?

As Christmas approaches it is easy to lose focus on the birth of Jesus Christ get wrapped up in the commercialism of the season. The insert Lutheran Advent Season reflections in my church mailbox gave me an idea. It was copied and printed on black and white copy paper, nothing fancy and yet it is so simple.

Each day is outlined with a specific reading and lesson to reflect on the meaning of the Advent season. As I started reading so many things came to mind.

You see I teach Sunday School and have for over 25 years. I always look for inspiration, ideas, and ways to teach my fourth and fifth graders in a way they can relate and understand the Bible and the Gospel message.

Right now we are practicing for our Christmas Eve program and I am the piano accompanist. So I’m craving some eye-opening teaching time.

Hopefully, this series will inspire, teach and prepare you for Christmas in a way you never considered. I will include the Daily reading, hymns, music, and a summary of the Reflection of the Day. A link to Trinity Lutheran Church online sermons will also be provided.

I encourage you to comment below, for a couple of reasons. God wants you to ask questions. By asking questions you learn and understand.

The First Sunday of Advent

Today’s Reading: Matthew 21:1-9

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 9:8-10:11; 1 Peter 5:1-14

Jesus is coming!! He is “the coming ONE”

This, in a nutshell, is the Christian meaning of Advent. Advent is all about Jesus coming to you. He’s not coming to condemn you, He’s coming to save you. He will take upon Himself all your sins and give you everlasting life.

So what are you going to do to make yourself ready?

Nothing. There is nothing that you can do that will make Jesus love you any more than he already does. He alone makes you ready. He delivers His coming to you in His gifts.

Hymns: First Sunday Advent

Hymns during Advent are anticipatory and lead up to Christmas and the anticipation of the birth of Baby Jesus. Many songs people think of as Christmas music are actually Advent hymns. O Come, O Come Emmanuel is what I would call an anthem for Advent.

Oxford Hymn Settings for Organists: Advent and Christmas: 38 original pieces on hymns and carolsOxford Hymn Settings for Organists: Advent and Christmas: 38 original pieces on hymns and carolsSeven Preludes on Advent HymnsSeven Preludes on Advent HymnsO Come, O Come, EmmanuelO Come, O Come, EmmanuelWillis Music O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Early Inter Level) Willis Series by Carolyn C. SetliffWillis Music O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Early Inter Level) Willis Series by Carolyn C. Setliff

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-Swwc[/embedyt]

The Piano Guys O Come, O Come Emmanuel is one of my favorite renditions of this popular Advent song. I do scour YouTube for Advent hymns and will be sharing my favorites in the month to come.

A more traditional version of O Come, O Come Emanuel YouTube edition is the performed by a traditional choir.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xtpJ4Q_Q-4[/embedyt]

I like both. Which is your favorite?

Links to follow the Lutheran Advent Season of Reflection

  • Higher Things: Dare to Be Lutheran – The First Sunday of Advent
  • Trinity Lutheran Church: First Sunday of Advent Sermon    (listen to audio here) 

Tomorrow I will share another of my favorite hymns for Advent Season: Savior of the Nations Come.

 

Filed Under: Christmas, Joy of Advent Tagged With: Advent, church, Faith, Jesus Christ, lutheran, Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, meaning of advent, religon, significance of advent, YouTube

Countdown to Christmas: The Season of Advent

December 8, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Getting ready for Christmas is not just about the lights, the tree, the cookies, or the presents. The season of Advent, preparing for the birth of Jesus Christ is the real reason for the season. Advent is about the anticipation of the coming of Christ. In the middle of all the hectic rushing around preparing for our “worldly” Christmas, Advent reminds us to slow down and reflect on the real gift of Christmas, the gift of God’s own Son.

Advent in Narnia: Reflections for the Season

 

Season of Advent
My View from the Church Piano during the Advent Season

The birth of Jesus Christ is the real reason for the season. 

I prepare in many ways, but during this special church season, we add vesper services on Wednesday nights.

It’s a shorter liturgical service, without communion. Pastor reads the Christmas story during the reading, one section at a time, one week at a time, and then brings it to life during the sermon.

I play the piano for Wednesday night Advent services, and I love to sit quietly in front of the church and absorb the message and hear the congregation sing. It fills the church and my soul.

The Advent hymns help me prepare for Christmas and reflect on the true meaning of the season. It’s not just about gifts, presents, and the hectic pace everyone sets for them.

On Sunday I help the kids get ready for the childrens’ program on Christmas Eve, not only do I play during Advent services but for the Christmas Eve program. The organist and I rotate songs and end with a piano-organ duet to Joy to the World.

God Is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and ChristmasPurple Ribbon Advent WreathPurchase Nativity Advent Candle set
Nativity Advent Wreath

The church is decorated not only with an Advent wreath and candles, but poinsettias, candles, and the blue vestments of Advent. I love many of the church seasons, but the season of Advent and Christmas as two of my favorite.


Filed Under: Christmas, Joy of Advent, Small Town Living Tagged With: Christian, christianity, Faith, lutheran, Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, religious, religious & Spirituality, season of advent

Glory Laud and Honor, My Favorite Hymn for Palm Sunday

April 13, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Palm Sunday Traditions
Palm Leaf Lapel Pin 2 Inch Latin Cross Pendant Fashion Accessory for Men or WomenPalm Leaf Lapel Pin 2 Inch Latin Cross Pendant Fashion Accessory for Men or Women

Sometimes I think I look forward to Palm Sunday more than Easter. It’s when I get to sing my favorite hymn Glory Laud and Honor.

I have very fond memories of my Godmother and growing up in a small country church in Connecticut. The significance of Palm fronds on Palm Sunday represents Jesus Christ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem to celebrate Passover.

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week for Christians and the celebration of His coming. This is a marked difference in how Christ was treated just a few days later on Good Friday.

Glory Laud and Honor

Church Traditions on Palm Sunday

At my small country church of Grace Episcopal in Broad Brook Connecticut we would be handed palms.

The whole church would parade around the church waving palms and singing Glory Laud and Honor. The windows in the church would be open and the organ would echo the full refrain in celebration.

My Godmother, Alice Turcotte, would hold my hand and smile at me as if this was the most wonderful moment in her life. She often told me this was her favorite hymn, and it has held a special place in my heart ever since.

Below you can listen and sing along with the words to the traditional hymn All Glory Laud and Honor, YouTube edition. You can believe that’s it’s on my YouTube Hymn Playlist.

All Glory Laud and Honor Lyrics

I get chills whenever I hear All Glory Laud and Honor. It is such a majestic hymn sung is the very popular key of C, which is very easy to sing. I enjoy it all year, not just on Palm Sunday.

All glory, laud, and honor
To You, Redeemer, King,
To Whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel
and David’s royal Son,
Now in the Lord’s name coming,
The King and Blessed One.

The company of angels
Is praising You on high;
And we with all creation
In chorus make reply.
The people of the Hebrews
With palms before You went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems
Before You we present.

To You before Your passion
They sang their hymns of praise;
To You, now high exalted,
Our melody we raise.
As You received their praises,
Accept the prayers we bring,
For You delight in goodness,
O good and gracious King!

Lessons from my Godmother

Granny Turcotte was a wonderful person. After her husband died she was a foster parent to over twenty special needs kids and raised a brother and sister with muscular dystrophy from infant to adulthood. The new people and crowds on Easter morning made it difficult to bring Mary and James to Easter service.

The regulars in the congregation knew them, didn’t stare, and thus made Palm Sunday service easier and welcoming. She would often skip Easter service and attend Palm Sunday service as she got older. She celebrated life as if every day were Palm Sunday.  With Shouts of joy and thanksgiving!

Pavilion Mark My Words Godmother Mug 66110Pavilion Mark My Words Godmother Mug 66110Pavilion Gift Company 54004Pavilion Gift Company 54004

She was the epitome of what a Godmother is supposed to be and took her role seriously.

We went to her church where I went to  Sunday school and repeated the lessons to her after church, she helped me learn the Lords Prayer and I recited my confirmation lessons and memory work after church.

She gave me my first Bible and was there when I was confirmed. She died in 1988 and every Palm Sunday when I sing Glory Laud and Honor I get a lump in my throat as I remember her and the impact she had in my life.

Grace Episcopal Church, Broad Brook Connecticut

Grace Episcopal church
Grace Episcopal church in Broad Brook Connecticut
Palm Sunday story kids
Small country church in Broad Brook CT

I have been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Murdock Nebraska for over twenty years. Every morning when I woke the first thing I think of is hearing and singing Glory Laud and Honor.

The tradition at Trinity is to hold the youth confirmation ceremony on Palm Sunday, and how appropriate it is to celebrate the newly confirmed members of the church.

Listen to a Palm Sunday sermon

Sheet Music for Glory Laud and Honor

It never fails, every Palm Sunday I come home, find my All Glory Laud and Honor sheet music and sit at the piano and smile. I would like to think my dear Godmother is looking down from me from heaven and smiling. I hope she knows how she greatly influenced my life.

All Glory Laud and Honor: Sheet Music for String QuartetAll Glory Laud and Honor: Sheet Music for String QuartetAll Glory, Laud and Honor Sheet MusicHymn All Glory, Laud and Honor Sheet MusicHal Leonard All Glory, Laud and Honor (An Organ Suite for Holy Week)Hal Leonard All Glory, Laud and Honor (An Organ Suite for Holy Week)All Glory, Laud and Honor: Hymn Arrangements for Solo Piano (Moderate)All Glory, Laud and Honor: Hymn Arrangements for Solo Piano (Moderate)PROCESSIONAL ONPROCESSIONAL ON Palm SundayAll Glory, Laud and Honor: Organ Expressions for Palm Sunday Through EastertideAll Glory, Laud and Honor: Organ Expressions for Palm Sunday Through Eastertide

What memories of Palm Sunday do you remember most?

How do you celebrate Holy Week and Easter?

Palm Sunday Bible Story Books for Kids

It is easy to find Easter story books for kids, but it’s harder to find Palm Sunday Bible story books. Here are a few books to for a Palm Sunday Bible Story lesson.

The Littlest Donkey: A Palm Sunday StoryThe Littlest Donkey: A Palm Sunday StoryHumphrey's First Palm SundayHumphrey’s First Palm SundayThe Little Donkey: A Palm Sunday/Easter Story for All AgesThe Little Donkey: A Palm Sunday/Easter Story for All AgesThe Colt and the King a Palm Sunday story kidsThe Colt and the King

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: childhood memories, Christian, christianity, church, Easter, Faith, glory laud and honor, God, holy week, hymns, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Lent, lutheran, memories, Palm Sunday, religion

Silent Sunday 19

January 20, 2013 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Country Church in Winter

Silent Sunday Returns

Silent Sunday

Filed Under: Photography, Small Town Living Tagged With: Christian, church, cold, country, lutheran, midwest, Nebraska, Photography, rural, Silent Sunday, snow, winter

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