“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.” I Peter 1:10-12

How appropriate it is for Thanksgiving to serve as a prelude to the Advent and Christmas season. The Incarnation of God in the person of Christ Jesus as God’s gift to the world tops the Christian’s thanksgiving list. Christ living one’s heart is the source of every spiritual gift worth having.

In our preparation for Christmas, let us pause to consider what great things God has done. When Mary received Heaven’s message of the incarnation and her part in it, she responded: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant . . . For the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name” (Luke 1:46-49). Circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus were profound. Luke, who may have received the nativity account from Mary herself, simply writes, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered the in her heart” (2:19). Let us ponder these things deeply during this special season of preparation. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15).

Please join us in thanksgiving and prayer for:

• Safe travel and an edifying experience for all FLBCS faculty that traveled to Dallas, Texas last week for the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society.
• Christmas Concerts and Parent’s weekend, December 3-5, may hearts be touched whether in-person or online.
• Students preparing for end of semester finals.
• Safe travel during the upcoming Christmas break.
• Students to have opportunities to share about their first semester at FLBC with their families and home congregations.
• Men to answer the Lord’s call to prepare for the pastorate at the Free Lutheran Seminary.
• Students considering starting FLBC in the spring and more to sense God’s leading.
• Gospel teams as they travel to AFLC congregations and share in word and song.

Please keep up-to-date with us at flbc.edu and encourage others to do so. And please consider yourselves to be advocates of our schools. Join us in reaching out to others and connect them with our vision and passion for the instruction and edification of our young people. May Christ’s Church be a mighty and formidable force to build His Kingdom, secure the future of the next generation and ultimately bring glory to God.

Thank you, our intercessors, for praying back to God what He has placed in your heart.

On behalf of the Intercessor Team,

Pastor Wayne Hjermstad 
FLBC Congregational Connection Coordinator