The Christmas season often glows with warmth and peace, yet the Gospel of Matthew reminds us of a chilling shadow cast over the manger: the murderous rage of King Herod. We will review "The Holy Innocents," the young boys of Bethlehem who became the first martyrs for Christ. Their story forces us to confront the "Problem of Evil" head-on, asking why an all-powerful God allows such profound suffering to touch the innocent.
We often desire perfect peace while simultaneously tolerating the very sin that destroys it. However, Scripture teaches us that suffering and sin are inextricably linked; the former will only truly vanish when the latter is finally put to death.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Michael Walther; Reader: Joe Rathert
Order of service:
Readings:
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 111
- Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 63:7–14
- New Testament reading is from Galatians 4:4–7
- Holy Gospel is from Matthew 2:13–23
Songs and Hymns:
- Joy to the World
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Text: Isaac Watts
Tune: George Frideric Handel
Public domain - Behold a Host, Arrayed in White
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Text: Hans Adolf Brorson, 1694–1764; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.
Tune: Norwegian, 17th cent.
Text and tune: Public domain - Now Sing We, Now Rejouce
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Text: Latin and German, 14th cent.; tr. Arthur T. Russell, 1806–74, alt.
Tune: German, 14th cent.
Text and tune: Public domain - When Peace, like a River
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Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828–88, alt.
Tune: Philip P. Bliss, 1838–76
Text and tune: Public domain - Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
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Text (sts. 1–2): tr. Theodore Baker, 1851–1934, alt.;
(sts. 1–2, 4): German, 16th cent.; (st. 3): Friedrich L. C. Layriz, 1808–59;
(st. 3): tr. Harriet R. K. Spaeth, 1845–1925; (st. 4): tr. John C. Mattes, 1876–1948.
Tune: Alte Catholische Geistliche Kirchengeseng, 1599, Köln.
Text and tune: Public domain. - Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising
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Text: tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.; Paul Gerhardt, 1607–76; © 1941 Concordia Publishing House;
Tune: German, 14th cent., public domain;
Text: Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220. - Sing We the Song of Emmanuel
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Keith Getty; Matt Papa; Matt Boswell; Stuart Townend
© 2015 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; © Getty Music Publishing
© 2015 Love Your Enemies Publishing; © Messenger Hymns; © Townend Songs
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
Liturgies:
- Gloria in Excelsis
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Sanctus
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Agnus Dei
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
Recording:
- Audio:
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- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Dec 28:
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- Worship Service (Pastor Michael Walther): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Sunday School: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstaris..
- Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstairs.
- Wednesday, Dec 31:
- Thursday, Jan 1:
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- AA Meeting: 6:30 PM
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Downstairs.
- Saturday, Jan 3:
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- Women’s Bible Study: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
- Sunday, Jan 11:
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- Discovering Christianity Class: 10:45 AM
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Interested in joining St. James Lutheran Church or learning more about Christianity?
When: Every Sunday, beginning January 11 at 10:45 AM
Where: St James Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 146 N Main St, Glen Carbon IL.
- Monday, Jan 12:
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- Second Tuesday Women’s Bible Study
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The Second Tuesday Women’s Bible Study
Next Date: January 12, 2026
- Grief at Christmas (Ep133)
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Christmas is supposed to be a season of joy, but for many people Christmas is a reminder of loss and emptiness. In this episode Chuck and Aaron discuss why the holidays are a source of sadness for many, and what the Christian community can do to help.
- Holiday Schedule Changes
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Bible Study Schedule Changes
- Holiday Youth Group Schedule
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Please mark your calendars:
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