CreatingCommunity is an email devotion to guide your preparation for worship next weekend. Imagine how much more clear and relevant God's Word will be if you have had an opportunity read, reflect, and dwell in the Word prior to worship. You may do this devotion alone, with others, as a family, or over Zoom as a small group.

This devotion is to be done in preparation for this coming weekend's worship.

Please follow these three steps:

1. Read through the text
2. Respond to the questions (select one of the sets of questions)
3. Offer a Prayer
Luke 3:7-18

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
No Experience Necessary Questions:
  1. What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this text?
  2. What delights me in this text?
  3. What stories or memories does this text stir in me?
  4. What is God up to in this text?
Family Questions (for the entire family):
  1. What colors are the candles in your Advent Wreath - white, blue, pick/rose? What do the color(s) represent? If you have a pink/rose colored candle today this is the week you lit it. It is called the "Rejoice" candle. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 to find out why.
  2. This is the second time in Advent we hear about John the Baptizer. What do we learn about him that we didn't learn last week?
  3. John the Baptizer says our actions should should show off our faith. If you were arrested for being a Christian, what eidence would there be to convict you?
Advance Questions:
  1. John the Baptist is presented as a witness to Jesus, one who directs attention away from himself to Christ, the true light. How does John do that?
  2. What is the purpose of John's Baptism? How is Jesus' baptism different that John's? What difference does the difference make in the life of those baptized? Is there any record of Jesus baptizing anyone?
  3. We make a big fuss about baptism in the Lutheran church. What would you say is the same and what is different about your baptism than John's or Jesus'? How would you explain what being baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit signifies?
Click here to listen to this week's CreatingCommunity song,
"Drive out the Darkness"
The Porter's Gate · Latifah Alattas ·
Paul Zach Lament Songs ℗ 2020 The Porter's Gate
Prayer
Jesus Christ, Light of the World, You understand what it is like to feel alone in the midst of great suffering. Remain with us as we continue to endure the coronavirus pandemic. Awaken our hearts as we bear witness to the sickness, the sacrifice, even death. In these dark months we cry, “How long, O Lord?” Help us to watch and pray for signs of your hope. When we long for a world returned to normal, inspire us to work toward a world transformed. When we feel forgotten and lonely, help us to find solidarity through your love. When we cannot see your face, help us to see you in others, especially the essential workers, first responders and medical professionals who labor tirelessly. When we feel only sorrow in our souls, help us to know that the joy of the Gospel remains as true now as ever. When we feel only grief in our hearts, help us to find consolation in knowing that those who are sick or have died are held in your loving embrace.
As we walk through this time of darkness, give us faith that we are headed toward brighter days. Give light to our eyes. Let us show that light to one another. Even in winter, when the ground appears barren, it is warmed by the light of your creation; seeds are nourished and green shoots are pushing up toward the sun. Jesus Christ, be our light. Amen.

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Pastor Lutz would love to hear your responses, questions, thoughts about your experience with CreatingCommunity. You can reach him at [email protected]