St. John's Lutheran Church Bloomer, WI

In response to complaints that Jesus associated with "sinners" and other outcasts, Jesus tells three parables that remind us to reach out to any who are lost: The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, The two Lost Sons.

As we continue our journey through the book of Luke, this Sunday we see Jesus challenging religious customs that excluded those most in need of the support of God's people. We are challenged to humble ourselves and welcome the outcast.

Our journey through the gospel of Luke brings us to the second half of chapter 8 where we see Jesus is the master and commander over the forces of nature and the forces of death.

The coming of Jesus means the coming of a new age, for our world, for our church, for you individually. It's a new age we need not fear because Jesus himself is the proof of what's in store for those who have surrendered their lives to him. Jesus has promised that his destiny will be our destiny, so let us live, not according to the empty promises of this world, but according to the promise of the new age of the resurrection.

Advent is the four week countdown to the celebration of the coming of Jesus, God Incarnate. Come hear what the Gospel of Luke teaches us about what significance this has for you and for our world.