As we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, our gospel today confronts us with the death of innocent children at the hands of Herod. The birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil from our world, but its light gives us hope as we walk with all the “holy innocents” of past generations and today who have suffered unjustly. In our gathering around word and meal, God continues to redeem us, lift us up, and carry us as in days of old.

Readings: Isaiah 63:7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 2:13-23

As on the first day of creation, on this Christmas Day the Word illumines the world, shining forth to bring all things into being. Today we celebrate the incarnate Word, God becoming flesh to live among us in the person of Jesus Christ then and now. Emboldened by the good news of Christ’s birth, along with the shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and all witnesses to the light of Christ, we declare to the world that we have indeed seen and been transformed by the arrival of “the salvation of our God.” O come, let us adore!

Readings: Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

All church councilpersons will gather to conduct church business.

In accordance with Troy Lutheran’s church constitution, we will conduct the first (of two) congregational meetings to vote on church matters. All members of TLC are encouraged to attend.

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.

Readings: Isa. 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Rom. 1:1-7; Matt. 1:18-25

Join us for a special movie about the birth of Jesus Christ. We will watch Christ with the Chosen: Holy Night. Popcorn and beverages are provided.

A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.

Readings: Isa. 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10; Jam. 5:7-10; Matt. 11:2-11

The children performing in the Christmas pageant will gather to rehearse their respective parts. A pizza lunch will follow!

TLC honors all military veterans and spouses with a simple luncheon. Come and share in the camaraderie with other vets.

The Worship Ministry Team will gather to review past worship services and plan worship and hymns for the upcoming month.

At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.

Readings: Isa. 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Rom. 15:4-13; Matt. 3:1-12

The children performing in the Christmas pageant will gather to rehearse their respective parts.

A gathering for local children to spend time crafting Christmas gifts for the people they love.

The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.

Readings: Isa. 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Rom. 13:11-14; Matt. 24:36-44

Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears utterly contradictory that a king should be crucified with a criminal. This victory appears for all the world as humiliating defeat. Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise.

Readings: Jer. 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Col. 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43

The church councilmembers will meet to discuss church matters.

The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the meantime. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle: “Do not be weary in doing what is right.”

Readings: Mal. 4:1-2a; Psalm 98; 2 Thes. 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19

The Women of the ELCA will be meeting to discuss and plan the annual Ladies’ Salad Supper to be held in December.

Latah County military veterans and their spouses are invited to a free luncheon at Troy Lutheran Church. Come join other veterans as we honor you and your service to this nation.

The Worship Team will meet to discuss and plan for upcoming worship services in December 2025.

We worship on the first day of the week because Jesus was raised on that day. Every Sunday is a little Easter. This Sunday feels more like Easter than many as the appointed texts celebrate the reality of the resurrection. Live it up this Lord’s day. Our God is the God of the living.

Readings: Job 19:23-27a; Psalm 17:1-9; 2 Thes. 2:1-5, 13-17; Luke 20:27-38

In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In worship today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.” In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of Jesus in today’s gospel. Sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we live with joy as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.

Readings: Dan. 7:1-3; Psalm 149; Eph. 1:11-23; Luke 6:20-31

Worship team will gather to plan worship, hymns, and liturgy for the season of Advent.