Para Vista Lutheran Church

Realisation: Pastor Rolly Stahl

The realisation that God has actually come to us as a baby in a stable!

Consolation: Pastor Reid Matthias

This week, we’ll be looking at both patience and promise. What does it mean for we who wait for the Return of the King (Messiah) in an increasingly difficult world that seems to be burning right before our eyes? Where do we see the Messiah and how do we wrestle with doubt and questions of God’s care and providence? How do we trust Jesus in what seems to be a cosmic absence?  
In essence, how do we wait?
Luke 2:25-35

Expectation: Pastor Rolly Stahl

This week we look at how things worked out for John the Baptist. I wonder what his expectations were of Jesus. Did he expect the promised Messiah to evict the Romans from the land and establish perfect justice and peace throughout Israel? Did John expect to one day hang up his preaching boots and live in quite retirement until one night he would die in his sleep and join the children of Abraham in God’s glory?  While languishing in prison, John reaches out with a question to Jesus. This Sunday we’ll explore his question – along with Jesus’ answer.
Matthew 11:2-11

Preparation: Pastor Rolly Stahl

When God’s chosen King comes on the scene, will he find us so occupied with our own plans that we have little or no interest in him? Advent is a time to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for Jesus. Repentance is about getting rid of the junk in our hearts, and receiving the gifts of Jesus’ forgiveness and leadership over our lives.
How are you and I preparing room in our hearts for King Jesus in the days ahead?
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11. Matthew 3:1-6

Anticipation: Pastor Reid Matthias

Imagine the struggle and impatience of the Israelites in exile hundreds of years before the birth of the king. Imagine being told that your salvation is coming, but then having to wait fourteen generations for it to occur. Could you remain faithful? As you wait in exile, away from your home, and your comfort and the peace that comes with God being with us, does faith come easy?

This week as we delve into both Matthew and the book of Isaiah, walk with me through the comfort that comes knowing that God always keeps his promises. Even if it takes a very long time.

Isaiah 40:1-10

Advent, a time to surrender Pastor Noel Kluge

What is surrender and what does it bring into our lives?

Advent, a time to give Vicar Dan Meuller

How have you been preparing for Christmas? Advent, is a time to give.

Advent, a time to receive

Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus.  This Sunday at the 8:45am service we launch into Advent with the theme: Advent, a time to receive.  

Advent is a season to clear away the clutter, to let go of those things that are bending us out of shape – so we can receive the better things God wants for us.  And God’s very BEST for us is Jesus.