Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Christmas Day, 2012, Emmanuel God Among Us




Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. Is. 9


“Do not be afraid;11-1
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” Luke 2

Let us celebrate Christmas tonight with abandon.
Let us be drawn into its wonder and joy.
Let us pray for the gift of peace.


Timothy 2: 11-14
Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of our great God
and savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.

May your Christmas Celebration be especially blessed with the revelation of God among you.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Advent Devotions, Monday, Dec. 24, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN


Christmas Eve, 2012

Luke 2:15-20

15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.


In this passage, we have two different --- but appropriate --- responses to Jesus. Mary pondered; the shepherds proclaimed. Tonight, you will have a chance to come and worship, to hear this story yet again, and ponder its meaning for your life. Tomorrow, and in the days to come, you will have the chance to proclaim the glorious news of Jesus as Savior. Ask God to give you the courage to do so.

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg.


We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. Christmas Eve Services to be held at 5:00 and 11:00 pm.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Advent Devotions, Sunday, Dec. 23rd, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN




Luke 2:8-14

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[b] praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

This part of Luke’s Christmas story focuses on two groups --- shepherds and angels. Angels were God’s special messengers, sent from heaven to declare God’s good news of Jesus’ birth. Shepherds were unclean (physically and religiously) and considered untrustworthy. Consider this day how in the coming of Jesus --- heaven and earth, holy and unclean, human and divine, were brought together.

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.


We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. Christmas Eve Services to be held at 5:00 and 11:00 pm.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Advent Devotions, Saturday, Dec. 22, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN


Luke 2:1-7

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The story of Jesus’ birth, as recorded in Luke’s Gospel, is so well-known, we can easily assume there is nothing new to hear. Challenge that assumption. Read or re-read these first seven verses of Luke 2. Ask God to reveal something new to you in your reading, and then consider what that means in your life.

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.


We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. Christmas Eve Services to be held at 5:00 and 11:00 pm.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Advent Devotions, Dec. 21, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN



Isaiah 9:2-7

2 [a] The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isaiah says that the child born will be called “Prince of Peace,” and that through him “there shall be endless peace.” Sadly, we were reminded again this past week that evil and violence remain, and that peace is at best a temporary condition. What peace did Jesus bring into the world? In what ways can you, as his follower, bring peace to others?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.


We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. Christmas Eve Services to be held at 5:00 and 11:00 pm.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Advent Devotions, Thursday, Dec. 20th, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, Tn



Luke 1:46-55

Mary’s Song of Praise

46 And Mary[a] said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

There is a strong theme of “reversals” in Mary’s song. On the one hand, God “scattered the proud” and “brought down the powerful.” On the other hand, God “lifted up the lowly” and “filled the hungry with good things.” Has this happened yet, or is this still a future prophecy, one not yet fulfilled? What is the role of the Church in lifting up the lowly and filling the hungry with good things?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.


We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. We hold evening worship on Thursdays in December with dinner at 5:30 pm and worship at 6:30 pm.This Thursday will be a Hymn Sing - come and join us ALL are welcome.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Advent Devotions, Wed. Dec. 19th, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN




Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Elizabeth said to Mary: “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1:45) The reference is that Mary was able to believe that she was indeed going to give birth to a child who was the Son of God. Clearly, this was quite unbelievable news, and yet Mary did in fact trust God’s Word. On a scale of one to ten (with ten being the highest), how trusting of God’s promises are you? How do you think you might learn to increase your “trust quotient”?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.


We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. We hold evening worship on Thursdays in December with dinner at 5:30 pm and worship at 6:30 pm.This Thursday will be a Hymn Sing - come and join us ALL are welcome.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Advent Devotions, Dec. 18th. Tuesday, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN




Hebrews 10:5-10

5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:

“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but a body you prepared for me;
6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings
you were not pleased.
7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—
I have come to do your will, my God.’”[a]
8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.


The Hebrew people were commanded by God to make various offerings (e.g. burnt offerings, sin offerings, grain offerings). Because Jesus offered his life for our sins, making the ultimate sacrifice, we no longer need to make those offerings commanded in the Old Testament. Instead, we are invited to give ourselves to God. In what ways can you --- or do you --- offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.


We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. We hold evening worship on Thursdays in December with dinner at 5:30 pm and worship at 6:30 pm.This Thursday will be a Hymn Sing - come and join us ALL are welcome.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Advent Devotions, Monday, Dec. 17th, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN



Micah 5:2-5
New International Version (NIV)
2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”
3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor bears a son,
and the rest of his brothers return
to join the Israelites.
4 He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.
5 And he will be our peace
when the Assyrians invade our land
and march through our fortresses.
We will raise against them seven shepherds,
even eight commanders,


About six miles away from the “little town of Bethlehem” was the powerful, important city of Jerusalem. With the Temple, it was the center of Israel’s religious life and the seemingly logical place for the Jewish Messiah to be born. However, as we know, God chose Bethlehem as Jesus’ birthplace. Why do you think God makes it a habit of doing what seems illogical to humans when carrying out his plan on earth?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.


We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. We hold evening worship on Thursdays in December with dinner at 5:30 pm and worship at 6:30 pm.

Advent Devotions, Sunday, Dec. 16th, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN



Luke 3:15-18

15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah,[a] 16 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[b] the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 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.”

One thing you notice about John is his humility. People wondered whether he might be the Messiah, and John squelched those rumors. He understood his role as the one who prepared the way for Jesus. Would people describe you as a “humble” person? How does humility help us to be faithful ambassadors for Christ?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.


We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. We hold evening worship on Thursdays in December with dinner at 5:30 pm and worship at 6:30 pm.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Advent Devotions,Saturday, Dec. 15, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN


Luke 3:7-14

7 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? 8 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. 9 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.”

10 And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” 11 In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” 14 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.”

What does it look like for you to “bear fruits worthy of repentance?” Are there ways you can implement some of the advice John gave to the people as to what they might do to bear good fruit?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.


We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. We hold evening worship on Thursdays in December with dinner at 5:30 pm and worship at 6:30 pm, we participate in the Holden Evening Prayer Worship Service.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Advent Devotions, Dec.14th, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN



Philippians 4:6-7

6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

What is this “peace of God” that Paul talks about in these verses? Can you recall a time when you experienced it in your life?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.


We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. We hold evening worship on Thursdays in December with dinner at 5:30 pm and worship at 6:30 pm, we participate in the Holden Evening Prayer Worship Service.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Advent Devotions, Dec. 13th, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN


Philippians 4:4-5

"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near."

Paul encourages us to rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS, but that seems unrealistic. Into all of our lives come situations when rejoicing in the Lord seems far from our minds. Is Paul’s command here practical, or is it simply religious “pie-in-the-sky” thinking? Can knowing that “the Lord is near” help you to be joyful on a regular basis?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.

We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. We hold evening worship on Thursdays in December with dinner at 5:30 pm and worship at 6:30 pm, we participate in the Holden Evening Prayer Worship Service.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Advent Devotions, Dec. 12th, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN


Isaiah 12:2-6

2 Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid,
for the Lord God[a] is my strength and my might;
he has become my salvation.
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day:

Give thanks to the Lord,
call on his name;
make known his deeds among the nations;
proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be known[b] in all the earth.
6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal[c] Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah declares: “Surely God is my salvation, I will trust, and will not be afraid.” What things in your life cause you fear? How can remembering that God is your salvation help you in the midst of such times?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.

Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.

We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. We hold evening worship on Thursdays in December with dinner at 5:30 pm and worship at 6:30 pm, we participate in the Holden Evening Prayer Worship Service.

Advent Devotions Tuesday, Dec. 11th, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN

Zephaniah 3: 17-20

The Lord, your God is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival.
I will remove disaster from you so that you will not bear reproach for it.
I will deal with all your oppressors at that time.
And I will save the land and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.
At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the people of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.


Zephaniah makes a remarkable proclamation.  God will rejoice over the people with gladness.  God will renew them in his love.  God will exult over them with loud singing.  The very things we would expect to do in God’s presence, Zephaniah declares God does in our midst.  What does it mean to you to think that God rejoices over us, renews us in his love, and exults over us with loud singing?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions. 

 Learn more about us at our Facebook page:  http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at www.joinusinworship.com.

We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. We hold evening worship on Thursdays in December with dinner at 5:30 pm and worship at 6:30 pm, we participate in the Holden Evening Prayer Worship Service.




Sunday, December 9, 2012

Advent Devotions, Monday, Dec. 10th Our Savior Lutheran Church,Gatlinburg, TN

Zephaniah 3:14-16

Sing aloud, oh daughter Zion, shout O Israel!
Rejoice and Exult with all your heart O daughter Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken his judgements against you, he has turned away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem,
Do not fear O Zion, do not let your hands grow weak.

The prophet Zephaniah exhorts the people of Israel to “sing aloud” and “rejoice and exult with all your heart” because of what the Lord has done for them.  Christmas is a time when we are inclined to sing songs of praise to God.  Which Christmas carols speak most powerfully to you about what God has done for us in sending his Son?  Take time today to meditate on some of those lyrics.


Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions. 

 Learn more about us at our Facebook page:  http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at : www.joinusinworship.com.

We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. We hold evening worship on Thursdays in December with dinner at 5:30 pm and worship at 6:30 pm, we participate in the Holden Evening Prayer Worship Service.






Saturday, December 8, 2012

Advent Devotions Sunday, Dec. 9th Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN


Luke 3:4-6


As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
"the voice of the one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.  Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God."


John's ministry focused on one main aspect - preparing the way of the Lord.  A big part of Christmas for us remains "preparation."  We spend a month (or longer) getting things ready for that special day.  In what way do you use this time preparing for Christ?  What one thing might you add to your schedule to better prepare yourself for the coming of Christ?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.  Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at : www.joinusinworship.com.

We worship every Sunday at 10:30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am. We hold evening worship on Thursdays in December with dinner at 5:30 pm and worship at 6:30 pm, we participate in the Holden Evening Prayer Worship Service.

Sunday, Dec. 9th will be a special Gala dinner and Cantata presentation at 1:30. All are welcome to attend.


Friday, December 7, 2012

Advent Devotions Saturday, Dec. 8th Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN


Luke 3:1-3

The Proclamation of John the Baptist

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler[a] of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler[b] of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler[c] of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

In the same sentence in which Luke mentions the name of the Roman Emperor (Tiberius) as well as other political and religious leaders of that time, he mentions the name John the Baptist.  On the surface, John would seem to be insignificant compared to these men of position and power.  However, in the kingdom God was ushering into the world, John would play a major role.  What other individuals --- past and present --- would have gone unnoticed but for the special calling they were given by God?  What role in the kingdom of God has God entrusted to you?


Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.  Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at : www.joinusinworship.com

We worship every Sunday at 10 :30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am.  Throughout the Advent Season we welcome you to Thursday evening services.  We hold a supper welcome to all at 5:30 and worship at 6:30.

Our church will be performing a Christmas Music Program at 1:30 on Sunday, December 9th all are welcome to attend!

O Come  O Come Emmanuel!




Thursday, December 6, 2012

Advent Devotions Friday, Dec. 7th Our Savior Lutheran Church Gatlinburg, TN


Luke 1:68-79

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
    for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
69 He has raised up a mighty savior[a] for us
    in the house of his servant David,
70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
71     that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
    and has remembered his holy covenant,
73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
    to grant us 74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness
    before him all our days.
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
    for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
    by the forgiveness of their sins.
78 By the tender mercy of our God,
    the dawn from on high will break upon[b] us,
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

One role both John and Jesus shared was to shine the light of God’s truth to help those who lived in darkness.  In what ways does the Christian Church continue to do that today?  Is there someone you know who lives in darkness?  How might you help them to see God’s light?


Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.  Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at : www.joinusinworship.com

We worship every Sunday at 10 :30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am.  Throughout the Advent Season we welcome you to Thursday evening services.  We hold a supper welcome to all at 5:30 and worship at 6:30.

Our church will be performing a Christmas Music Program at 1:30 on Sunday, December 9th all are welcome to attend!

O Come  O Come Emmanuel!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Advent Devotions Thursday, Dec. 6th Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN

Philippians 1:3-11

Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you,because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart,[a] for all of you share in God’s grace[b] with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Paul prayed that the Philippians love would “overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight” to help them determine what is best for them.  What do you pray God does in your life?  Is it more spiritual in nature --- or more earthly?


Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.  Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at : www.joinusinworship.com

We worship every Sunday at 10 :30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am.  Throughout the Advent Season we welcome you to Thursday evening services.  We hold a supper welcome to all at 5:30 and worship at 6:30.

Our church will be performing a Christmas Music Program at 1:30 on Sunday, December 9th all are welcome to attend!

O Come  O Come Emmanuel!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Advent DevotionsWednesday, Dec, 5th, Our Savior Lutheran Church Gatlinburg, TN

Malachi 3: 1-4

The Coming Messenger

"See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness.[a] Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years."


A refiner’s fire and fuller’s soap serve a similar purpose --- to remove impurities.  In what ways does God remove your impurities?  In what ways can it be a painful process?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions.  Learn more about us at our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit us online at : www.joinusinworship.com

We worship every Sunday at 10 :30 am with Sunday School at 9:15 am.  Throughout the Advent Season we welcome you to Thursday evening services.  We hold a supper welcome to all at 5:30 and worship at 6:30.

Our church will be performing a Christmas Music Program at 1:30 on Sunday, December 9th all are welcome to attend!

O Come  O Come Emmanuel!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Advent Devotions Tuesday, Dec. 4 Our Savior Lutheran Church Gatlinburg, TN



Luke 21:25-36

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Exhortation to Watch

34 “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

How do you remain “on guard” for Christ’s return? Do you live with any expectation that it might occur during your lifetime? Should you?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions. Learn more about us at our Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit our website at www.joinusinworship.com.

O Come O Come Emmanuel!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Advent Devotions Monday, Dec. 3 Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg, TN



1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13

9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 13 And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.


What do you think Paul means when he prays that God will “strengthen your hearts in holiness”? What do you understand “holiness” to be? How do you become “holier” in ways that are pleasing to God?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions. Learn more about us at our Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit our website at www.joinusinworship.com.

O Come O Come Emmanuel!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Advent Devotions 2012 Sunday, Dec. 2 Our Savior Lutheran Church Gatlinburg, TN


Jeremiah 33: 14-16

The Righteous Branch and the Covenant with David

14 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”


Jeremiah reminds us that our “righteousness” is not something we attain by our works. “The Lord is our righteousness.” What does it mean to you that no matter what you do, you cannot make yourself right with God? What does it mean to you that God alone has made you right with him through Jesus?


Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church for providing the content for the devotions. Learn more about us at our Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/oslc.gatlinburg

Visit our website at www.joinusinworship.com.

O Come O Come Emmanuel!

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Easter Sunday, April 8,2012 He is Risen! Alleluia


Mark 16

Jesus Has Risen

1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
Why do you think Mark ends his gospel in such a baffling way, informing us that the women said nothing to anyone about Jesus’ resurrection? What is your role in letting others know the news that Christ is risen? How can you go about doing it in the next week?

Why do you think Mark ends his gospel in such a baffling way, informing us that the women said nothing to anyone about Jesus’ resurrection? What is your role in letting others know the news that Christ is risen? How can you go about doing it in the next week?

Lord Jesus, light shining in the darkness, you lead your people into life, and give our mortal nature the gift of holiness,
- may we spend this day in praise of your glory.

Lord, you walked the way of suffering and crucifixion,
- may we suffer and die with you, and rise again to share your glory.

Son of the Father, our master and our brother, you have made us a kingdom of priests for our God,
- may we offer you our joyful sacrifice of praise.

King of glory, we look forward to the great day of your coming in splendor,
- that we may see you face to face, and be transformed in your likeness.

Friday, April 6, 2012

2012 Holy Week, April 7, 2012

Mark 15:42-47

The Burial of Jesus

42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.

As the 15th chapter of Mark ends, the disciples had scattered, Joseph had placed Jesus in a tomb, and two women watched where Jesus’ body was laid. What do you think was going through their minds as they reflected on the events of the past few days?

Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week, we have special video posted from our Palm Sunday Service held April 1. Join our Facebook page get to know us! New photos from the Seder Meal on Maundy Thursday are posted.

Join Us in Worship!
Easter Sunday Worship: 8 and 10 AM services with breakfast served inbetween services.
Come and Join Us! Casual Dress OK

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Good Friday 2012



John 19:17-30

17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”

This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,

“They divided my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment.”[a]

So this is what the soldiers did.

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman,[b] here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

The Death of Jesus

28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

In John’s account, even while on the cross, Jesus appears to be in complete control. Rather than feeling forsaken by God, Jesus seems to know that he is fulfilling the will of his Father. Take time today to ponder the fact that on the cross, Jesus not only accomplished his Father’s will, doing what was needed for our salvation.

Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week, we have special video posted from our Palm Sunday Service held April 1. Join our Facebook page get to know us! New photos from the Seder Meal on Maundy Thursday are posted.

For our sake our Redeemer suffered death and was buried, and rose again. With heartfelt love let us adore him, and pray:

Lord, have mercy on us.

Join Us in Worship!
Maundy Thursday Seder Meal at 6:30 PM. RSVP required for attendance.
Good Friday Service at 6:30 PM
Easter Sunday : 8 and 10 AM services with breakfast served inbetween services.
Come and Join Us! Casual Dress OK

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

2012 Maundy Thursday Holy Week



Luke 22:14-23

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.[a] 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” 23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

What does it say that all of the disciples --- including Judas, who would betray Jesus; Peter, who would deny Jesus; the others, who would desert Jesus --- were gathered around the table to share in the meal Jesus instituted that night? Does it help you to see that there is a place for you at the Lord’s table?

Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week, we have special video posted from our Palm Sunday Service held April 1. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

We celebrate the gift of the love of Jesus,
given to us for our nourishment -
given to us as an example of self-less love.

In our prayers today, we let our Lord wash our feet - love us unconditionally -
and we let Jesus be broken and given for us.
We pray that we might be faithful to the one commandment of Jesus -
that we might love others in the same way that we have been loved.


Join Us in Worship!

Maundy Thursday Seder Meal at 6:30 PM. RSVP required for attendance.
Good Friday Service at 6:30 PM
Easter Sunday : 8 and 10 AM services with breakfast served inbetween services.
Come and Join Us! Casual Dress OK

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

2012 Holy Week Wednesday 2012


Mark 14:3-11

3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Why do you think Jesus commended the woman who anointed his body? Weren’t those who criticized her for her extravagance correct in saying that the money she spent could have helped the poor? What message might this have for the Church today?

Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week, we have special video posted for our Palm Sunday Service held April 1. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!


The Son of Man came not to be served,
but to serve
and to give his life
as a ranson for many.
Matthew 20:28

Join Us in Worship!
Maundy Thursday Seder Meal at 6:30 PM. RSVP required for attendance.
Good Friday Service at 6:30 PM
Easter Sunday : 8 and 10 AM services with breakfast served inbetween services.
Come and Join Us! Casual Dress OK

Monday, April 2, 2012

2012 Holy Week Tuesday 2012


Mark 11:12-19

Jesus Curses a Fig Tree and Clears the Temple Courts

12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.
15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.”

18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.

19 When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.

Just shortly after his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus wreaked havoc in the Temple area, further infuriating the religious leaders and no doubt confusing some of the people who witnessed his actions. Why do you think Jesus chose to cleanse the Temple at this point in his ministry, when he had been in Jerusalem at other points and could have done it then?

Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week, we have special video posted for our Palm Sunday Service held April 1. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

I will make you a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach
to the ends of the earth.
Isaiah 49


Join Us in Worship!

Maundy Thursday Seder Meal at 6:30 PM. RSVP required for attendance.
Good Friday Service at 6:30 PM
Easter Sunday : 8 and 10 AM services with breakfast served inbetween services.
Come and Join Us! Casual Dress OK

Sunday, April 1, 2012

2012 Holy Week Monday 2012


Isaiah 42: 1-7
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
Upon whom I have put my Spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
Not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
A bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
Until he establishes justice on the earth;
the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

Thus says God, the LORD,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spreads out the earth with its crops,
Who gives breath to its people
and spirit to those who walk on it:
I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
To open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

God of love,
Our prayer is simple:
Your son, Jesus, suffered and died for us.
We know only
that we cannot have real strength
unless we rely on you.
We cannot feel protected
from our many weaknesses
until we turn to you
for forgiveness and your unalterable love.
Help ua to share this
strength, protection and love with others.

Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week, we have special video posted for our Palm Sunday Service held April 1. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!


Join Us in Worship!

Maundy Thursday Seder Meal at 6:30 PM. RSVP required for attendance.
Good Friday Service at 6:30 PM
Easter Sunday : 8 and 10 AM services with breakfast served inbetween services.
Come and Join Us! Casual Dress OK

Saturday, March 31, 2012

2012 Lenten Journey, April 1 Palm Sunday Holy Week 2012


Mark 15:21-47

The Crucifixion of Jesus
21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.

25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.

27 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. [28] [a] 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Death of Jesus
33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”

36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.

37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,[c] he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph,[d] and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.

The Burial of Jesus

42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.

Take a moment to go back and look at the crucifixion scene through the eyes of the different people there: Simon of Cyrene; the Roman soldiers; the other criminals; the Roman centurion; the women; Joseph of Arimathea. While they were witnesses to the same event, some saw it differently than others. Consider how that remains true for people today.

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

As Christ entered Jerusalem he was greeted as King and Messiah,
Let us adore him, and joyfully praise him:
_Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Savior of mankind, you came to save sinners,
- bring into your kingdom all who have faith, hope, and love.

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM

Friday, March 30, 2012

2012 Lenten Journey March 31


Mark 15:1-20
Jesus Before Pilate

1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.

2 “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate.

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.”

5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.

6 Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.

9 “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.

12 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.

13 “Crucify him!” they shouted.

14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

In the Apostles’ Creed, we recite that Jesus “suffered under Pontius Pilate.” However, in reading Mark’s account, it seems like Pilate had the greatest sympathy toward Jesus. How do you think Pilate felt when the crowd called for the release of Barabbas rather than Jesus? How do you think he felt when he consented to having Jesus be crucified?

Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join our Facebook page and get to know us!

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, clothe us with compassion, kindness and humility,
- make us want to be patient with everyone.
Teach us to be true neighbors to all in trouble and distress,
- and so imitate you, the Holy One.

Join Us in Worship!
Thursday: 6:30PM Lenten Service, Dinner prior at 5:30.
Sunday: Sunday School 9:15AM with Worship Service at 10:30AM