The Star: A Journey to Christmas - St. Mark's Lutheran Church

The Journey Continues

December 29, 2024 • Pastor Jim Mericle • Hosea 11:1–5, Matthew 2:13–23

Today, we remember that Jesus' holy night was brief and soon wise men were visiting him and Herod was after him. Joseph took his family to Egypt for safety and scripture was fulfilled that the messiah would come out of Egypt. In our lives, we had this brief moment of peace, but then the journey of life continues with all its challenges. In the midst of that, we can find peace and strength that God is with us and will continue to guide us.

Christmas Eve: The Journey Arrives

December 24, 2024 • Pastor Jim Mericle

We have made it to Christmas Eve! We invite you to join us here online at 4:30pm for live worship online as we celebrate the birth of Jesus through well-love Christmas Carols, the telling of the story, a message and gift for the Children and a Christmas message from our Pastor. If you are in the area, consider joining us in person, too! This evening we focus on the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem ready to have their baby and the challenges they faced, along with the celebration of God's great gift to them and each of us - Jesus!

The Journey of Peace

December 22, 2024 • Pastor Jim Mericle • John 14:27–29, Luke 2:13–14, Psalm 29:9–11

Today our journey through Hope, Love, and Joy bring us to Peace. It is not like the peace the world provides, often at the barrel of a gun. Rather, peace from God is something deep within us that assures us that Go is there and will walk with us and we will get through the highs and lows.

The Journey of Joy

December 15, 2024 • Pastor Jim Mericle • James 1:2–4, Luke 2:6–14

Today we continue our Journey to Christmas as we follow the Star and discover the joy of the season. We will also be celebrating Las Posadas at the end of the worship and invite everyone to follow the procession of the children and Mary and Joseph to the Inn and a Christmas Brunch after worship. We will also be serving communion as well during the worship.

The Journey of Love

December 8, 2024 • Pastor Jim Mericle • Ephesians 1:3–6, 1 John 4:7–14, Luke 1:26–33

This week we continue on our Advent journey being guided by the light of the The Star to help us see the power of Love that came down in the birth of Jesus and that continues to be offered to each of us. We invite you to open yourself to God's love and trust that you matter to Jesus. And then we are called to share that love with each other in the way Jesus intended for us. We will also be receiving new members today.

The Journey of Hope

December 1, 2024 • Pastor Jim Mericle • Isaiah 9:2–7, Matthew 2:1–2, Matthew 9:9–10, John 1:5–9, John 1:22–23

We begin our Advent Season with the theme: The Star: A Journey to Christmas. Just as the wise men followed the Star to discover the birth of a humble king, Jesus and honored him; we too pause on our journey and take time to honor Jesus and look to Jesus for guidance, encouragement and the Hope for us and our World to cut through the challenges and fears and pain to keep us hopeful for what lies ahead. We also invite you to receive Holy Communion with us if you would like to receive Jesus through this meal. Have wine/juice and bread/crackers ready.