Hope Lutheran - Spearfish

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Good News of Great Joy

This Christmas season we hear about the birth of One, a child, who would remove all our fears and fill our hearts with joy! Let us marvel at this good news of great joy!

For All People

January 7, 2024 • Pastor Mark Schutz • Matthew 2:1–12

Today we celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord. Epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “reveal.” When the Savior was born, he was first revealed to Israelites: the shepherds, Simeon, Anna. But today, the Lord miraculously guides foreigners across countless miles, so the Savior could be revealed to them as well. How did the magi respond? “They were overjoyed” (Matthew 2:10). Epiphany is sometimes known as “The Gentiles’ Christmas.” We Gentiles (non-Jews) rejoice in the good news that this Jewish baby is not just the Savior of Jews. He is for all people—the Savior of the world.

Peace on Earth

December 31, 2023 • Pastor Mark Schutz • Luke 2:22–40

When angels announced the birth of Christ they proclaimed, "peace on earth." Yet, that seems elusive at best. Wars rage on, political differences divide, and family get-togethers can end in tears. What is this peace they were talking about? Is it even real? Thankfully, yes! They were talking about peace between the holy God and sinners. As we see the end of another year that was anything but peaceful, may we take comfort in the very real and lasting peace that came from this child in the manger!

God Became Man

December 25, 2023 • Pastor Mark Schutz • John 1:1–18

God's World reveals the mystery of how God would accomplish our salvation. The eternal Son of God would take on human flesh to be the Savior we needed. We all need some good news. The Word of God becomes the best news for you today and for all of eternity!

A Savior Has Been Born

December 24, 2023 • Pastor Mark Schutz • Luke 2:1–20

“I bring you good news of great joy…. A Savior has been born.” Think of what the angel’s statement means. If you believe you are basically a decent person—not perfect, but good enough—you can still enjoy the carols and appreciate the pretty lights. You can still relish giving presents and gathering with family. But you will not have “great joy” this Christmas. For the angel said that the “good news of great joy” was the fact that “a Savior has been born.” One cannot truly celebrate Christmas unless one believes he needs salvation. Let us then use this night to acknowledge that we aren’t good enough people in God’s eyes. Sin lives in our hearts and permeates our lives. We need to be saved—from the guilt of that sin, from the power of the devil, and from eternal death. So, Jesus came to do just that—save us. So great was his love for us, he left the throne of heaven, crawled into a manger, and would not stop until he reached the cross. Oh, come let us adore him!

What a Story! A Children's Christmas Service

December 17, 2023 • Pastor Mark Schutz • Matthew 1, Matthew 2, Luke 1, Luke 2

The children of our congregation will present their Sunday School Christmas Program called "What a Story!" The life of Jesus, recorded in the Bible, is read again and again. In fact, it has been called the greatest story ever told. And it’s more than just a story—it’s fact! It really happened, with all of its real-life twists and turns. At this Christmastime, we want to look at a specific part of Jesus’ life—his birth. Let’s take a closer look at the elements of this beloved account: its setting, plot, characters, conflict, and theme. And as we do, may we be moved to say by faith, “What a story!”