This midweek Advent service centers on the powerful message of comfort found in Isaiah 40:1-3. Like the Israelites, we often find ourselves needing true, lasting comfort amidst a world that clearly demonstrates the consequences of sin. The first half of Isaiah delivers a strong reminder of this reality, a message just as necessary for us today as it was for God’s ancient people. We recognize our need for redemption and solace in the face of our failings and the brokenness around us.
Yet, immediately following this message of warning, Isaiah pivots to the glorious proclamation: "Comfort, comfort my people," says your God. This is the Advent message—a divine gift of comfort and joy from our heavenly Father. This comfort isn't fleeting or worldly; it is secured entirely by God's saving love and is delivered to us through the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, whose coming we anticipate at Christmas. This incredible gift of reconciliation and peace is received through faith.
As we receive and are filled with this profound comfort—the knowledge that God has redeemed us through His love—it naturally leads us to rejoice. Our Advent worship becomes an act of joyful preparation, anticipating the arrival of the One who makes the broken paths straight and brings true peace to a weary soul. Join us as we reflect on this message and allow the certainty of God's love to transform our need for comfort into genuine, lasting joy.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr
Order of service:
Readings:
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 146
- Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 40:1–3
Songs and Hymns:
- Comfort, Comfort Ye My People
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Text: Johann Olearius, tr. Catherine Winkworth
Tune: Trente Quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551, Geneva
Public domain - Magnificat
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Text: Luke 1:46 (ESV), public domain.
Tune: David Schack (b. 1947), © 2006 Lutheran Service Book, used with permission,
LSB Hymn License no. 110001220. - Savior of the Nations, Come
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Text: attr. Ambrose of Milan, 340–397; German version, Martin Luther, 1483–1546;
(sts. 1–2): tr. William M. Reynolds, 1812–76; (sts. 3, 6): tr. Lutheran Service Book, 2006;
(sts. 4–5, 8): tr. F. Samuel Janzow, 1913–2001; (st. 7): tr. Gifford A. Grobien, 1973
Tune: Geystliche gesangk Buchleyn, 1524, Wittenberg, ed. Johann Walter
Text (sts. 3, 6–7): © 2006 Concordia Publishing House; (sts. 4–5, 8): © 1978 Concordia Publishing House;
Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220
Text (sts. 1–2) and tune: Public domain
Recording:
- Audio:
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- Video:
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