5-Day Sermon Devotion 12/22/2024

Pastor Nate Widener • December 23, 2024

Sermon "I Can Hardly Wait For...Christmas to be Over" by Pastor Nate Widener.

Day 1: Recognizing Christ's Presence

Reading: Luke 1:39-45

Devotional: Elizabeth and her unborn child, John, recognized Jesus even before He was born. This reminds us that Christ's presence can be felt in unexpected ways and places. Today, reflect on moments when you've sensed God's presence in your life. How can you become more attuned to recognizing Christ in your daily experiences? Ask God to open your spiritual eyes to see Him working in and around you.

Day 2: The Joy of Salvation

Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 2:8-14

Devotional: The sermon emphasized the joy that comes from recognizing Jesus as our Savior. The shepherds experienced this joy when the angels announced Christ's birth. Isaiah prophesied about the good news that the Messiah would bring. Consider the joy of your own salvation. How has knowing Christ as your Savior changed your life? Express your gratitude to God for the gift of salvation and ask Him to renew your joy in Him.

Day 3: Waiting with Hope

Reading: Romans 8:18-25, Revelation 21:1-5

Devotional: The pastor expressed anticipation for Christ's return, when all suffering will end. Paul writes about creation groaning as it waits for redemption, and John's vision in Revelation shows us the ultimate hope we have in Christ. Reflect on the challenges you face in your life. How does the promise of Christ's return and the new creation give you hope? Pray for strength to persevere in faith as you wait for God's promises to be fulfilled.

Day 4: God's Presence in Our Struggles

Reading: Psalm 23, Matthew 28:16-20

Devotional: The sermon touched on the struggles we face, even during joyous seasons like Christmas. Yet, we're reminded that God is with us through it all. The Psalmist describes God's comforting presence, and Jesus promises to be with us always. Think about a current struggle in your life. How can you invite God's presence into that situation? Take time to sit quietly in God's presence, allowing His peace to fill you.

Day 5: Living in Light of Christ's Coming

Reading: Colossians 3:1-4, 1 Peter 1:13-16

Devotional: Knowing that Christ has come and will come again should impact how we live. Paul and Peter encourage us to set our minds on things above and live holy lives in light of Christ's return. Consider how the reality of Christ's first and second coming should shape your priorities and actions. What might need to change in your life to better reflect your hope in Christ? Ask God to help you live each day with eternity in mind.

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News & Notes

Staffing Updates

By Pastor Danny Eggold • November 12, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I hope this note finds you well and encouraged in the Lord. St. Peter’s continues to be a place where God is at work through our preschool, school, various ministries, and the daily faithfulness of His people. I am grateful to serve the Lord with you in this place! As we continue to serve together, I want to update you on changes in our church office and ministry staff. As many of you know, Michelle Leahy has been serving as our “Interim Director of Operations,” providing support and coordination across many areas of congregational life. In the coming weeks, Michelle will be stepping into a new role, “Executive Director.” This means her work will shift from hands-on ministry support to more administrative leadership and oversight of the church office, properties, finances, and technology. This is an important step for us as a congregation as we continue to support our staff and serve our members. With this change, we want to ensure that daily ministry needs are met. After reviewing our current staffing and budget, we can make an adjustment that supports the ongoing ministry without increasing costs. To that end, Kami Jo Mogelvang will expand her role to serve as “Church Ministry Coordinator.” Many of you have already seen Kami Jo assisting Pastor McDowell in youth ministry two days each week. Under the new alignment, she will: Continue serving in youth ministry, and Help coordinate ministry efforts and volunteer connections with Pastor Nate and Pastor McDowell across the congregation. This will help us strengthen volunteer support and the many “connecting points” that help our church family care for one another. As Kami Jo transitions out of her receptionist duties, this change will open about 18 hours per week at the front desk, which we have posted. This staffing arrangement stays within our approved 2025 budget. I am thankful for Michelle, Kami Jo, our staff, and all our volunteers. I also appreciate the spirit of grace and partnership that marks our congregation. Please keep our staff and ministry leaders in your prayers as we move through these transitions. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for the privilege of serving Christ with you! In Christ, Pastor Danny Eggold St. Peter’s Lutheran Church & School