Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
As a church with centuries of tradition celebrating the birth of Christ, it seems clear to us what these words from Isaiah mean. God will come to his people, taking on human form, invading our time and space. But imagine yourself a person in the kingdom of Judah, living in Isaiah’s time and hearing the prophet proclaim this message from God firsthand. Certainly, questions would come to mind. “Who is this child Isaiah is talking about?” “When will the child be born?” So many questions to be asked, so many answers to be given, but for now, all the people of Judah could do is wait; wait for God to act, wait for the promised Messiah. As the Church enters into yet another season of Advent, the question becomes; “What are we waiting for?”
As so many people turn the pages of their calendars from November to December, thoughts of the Christmas celebration quickly move to the forefront. There are plans to be made, parties to attend, cards to be mailed and gifts to be purchased. But in all this busyness, what about the promise? Where do Isaiah’s words enter the picture of our Christmas celebration, and do they have a lasting meaning in our everyday lives? Have Isaiah’s words about the coming of Christ lost their urgency or is the church tired of waiting?
Well, truth be told, Advent seems to be the most misunderstood, most unobserved time of the church year. Isaiah’s words are words of promise and words of perseverance while patiently waiting for God to act. But we live in a time where we want gratification immediately. They say patience is a virtue, but it seems our society is running low on virtue. Still, Advent calls us to wait. The message of our Advent season is that just as Christ came into the world so long ago, he will come again bringing God’s kingdom to his people in its fullness and glory.
Now, we all love Christmas, some so much that they begin counting down the days very early in Summer. And clearly, the world loves Christmas, at least what it thinks Christmas is. Christmas trees, festive songs, snowmen, reindeer, and a jolly old elf seem to usher in a time that is most cherished in peoples’ lives. For many, waiting for Christmas begins very early in the year. Early decorations, playing Christmas carols, shopping for gifts. That’s how so many show their love for Christmas. And I wonder, is this what Christmas has become for so many Christians today? If we have this insatiable love for the world’s sense of Christmas, how do we show our love for God with all our heart, soul, and mind for the other 364 days of the year?
Our present reality is that we live in a post-Christian society where even believers don’t dedicate time to Sabbath learning and hearing God’s Word. Many Christians insist they have a strong belief in Jesus. Yet for so many, this strong belief is only shown in social media comments and responses. Yet preparing for the world’s celebration of December 25th takes the shape of preparing for a Christmas without Christ. It seems to me that our post Christian society needs a reset.
As we patiently wait for Christ to come again, we do well to respond in faith to Jesus’s greatest commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, not just during Advent, but all year long. It’s time for all Christians to put the truth behind their claims of faithfulness.
As Isaiah said so many years ago, the Christ child has been given unto us. Christ invaded our world, taking on human form and reconciling people to God. Now we await that day when Christ will come again, just as he has promised to do. We actively wait by lifting up our voices in praise and thanksgiving, loving our neighbor as God loves us, and by passing on the good news of Christ to a world in need of God’s grace. Not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.
Isaiah prophesied that the Christ would come in a miraculous way. A virgin will conceive and bear a son who will be called Emmanuel, that is “God with us.” Jesus promised he would come again in the fullness of God’s glory. He would come and bring the people of God into his glorious kingdom. Yet, this is the same Savior who, after promising to return urged his followers to remain diligent in worship and prayer when he said, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8). Considering our present reality, I find that to be a good question.
It’s not always easy to say, but at the beginning of this Advent season, this is truly what is on your pastor’s heart.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Bible Study Archive
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted December 7, 2025 By adminMidweek Bible Study
Posted December 1, 2025 By adminMidweek Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. We are currently studying the Gospel According to John. This study is a traditional chapter and verse study where we will read and learn more of the message John has to teach all who hear his Gospel and come to believe that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the true Son of God. We will read and compare John’s writing with that of the other Gospel writers. We will also explore the connections between John’s Gospel and the Old Testament. Everyone is invited to join us as they are able.
Advent at St. Jacob’s
Posted December 1, 2025 By adminThe season of Advent is the beginning of the new liturgical year for the Christian Church. The word “advent” literally means “coming.” During Advent, Christians prepare for the second coming of our King Jesus Christ. This year, due to Christmas Eve being on a Wednesday, our Advent celebration includes three midweek services. We ponder again the great mystery of the incarnation when our Lord humbled himself, taking on our humanity, and his promised second coming. Mid-week Advent Vespers will be observed on the three Wednesdays in Advent (Dec. 3 rd, 10 th , 17th) beginning at 7:00 PM. Our liturgy for these services will be Holden Evening Prayer Vespers. Following tradition of vespers liturgy, Holy Communion will not be offered during these services, and the Advent observation will culminate with the eucharistic celebration upon the Nativity of Our Lord on December 24th. If you have been away from St. Jacob’s for an extended period, Advent is a great time to renew your relationship with your church family. All are encouraged to “come and see” him who is called Christ the Lord and prepare for his coming again. Join your church family in worship in all these opportunities to help prepare the way of the Lord.
Pastoral Devotion for December – Light of the World
Posted December 1, 2025 By adminRead Luke 2:1-20, John 1:1-4
Light came down; it came from heaven. This light came down and assumed the flesh of a child. He took up residence among the people of God. Many who encountered the light did not recognize its source. Most who passed by didn’t even take notice. Others most certainly found it hard to believe such light could radiate from the smallest, most insignificant of people; a baby wrapped in rags, a feeding trough for his bed. But then shepherds came.
They were filled with excitement; theirs was a story too good to be true. Angels brought, to this band of sheep watchers, the news concerning the birth of a Savior; Christ the Lord they said! Can it be? The Christ of God born this night…in this little town? So, they ran, only to find things just the way the angels said they would be. In that instant, the shepherds recognized the light.
Who told you? Who brought you the good news of this light from heaven? Was it an angel, or a shepherd? Probably not, but it was most certainly someone who recognized the light from heaven; and now you do too. Tell others. Tell them light came down. Tell them it came from heaven. And in the light was life and the life was the light for all people. This is the light no worldly darkness shall ever overcome. Angels told shepherds. Tell someone, anyone. Share the light of Christ.
Prayer: God of wonder, fill us with the light of your Christ, that we may share the light and the life he brings for the sake of all people. For we know he is Christ the Lord. Amen.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted November 15, 2025 By admin[Jeus said] 33“For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” John 6:33-34
With Thanksgiving being just over the horizon, I, like most people, can recall many fond memories from Thanksgivings past. They play in my mind like film loops running continuously in succession. One of my fondest memories is watching my grandma as she went about the task of making her famous biscuits. Here in the South, they would be better known as dinner rolls, but we didn’t live in the South back then, and in Michigan they were called biscuits, so biscuits it shall be.
For every gathering of the extended family, my grandma’s biscuits would be the highlight of the meal. She would begin making them early in the morning when she could enjoy peace and quiet, having the kitchen all to herself. Sometimes I would sneak into the kitchen and just take up a place next to her without saying a word. Grandma would give me a nod and then continue with her work. Taking a fist full of dough, she would squeeze it just right and “pop” just enough through her thumb and forefinger to produce a perfectly sized ball that would later be my biscuit, or my brother’s, or someone else’s.
Every now and then, she would let me give it a try. I’d snatch up some dough, give it a squeeze, but try as I might I just couldn’t get the hang of it. Grandma was a pro; she could pop out those dough balls faster than I could count them and soon enough she would attract a crowd. All of her grandchildren would assemble around the table to watch the dough “pop” through her fingers. The more she would do it, the more we would say, “Go slower so we can see how it is done.” None of us ever quite got the hang of it, but we always looked forward to Grandma’s biscuits. As the family grew over the years, so too would the number of biscuits, each year leaving us wanting more. But I’m not sure what we wanted more of, the delicious biscuits or the wonderful experience of watching Grandma as she “popped” them out.
Reading the gospel according to St. John, we see Jesus also had a situation concerning having enough bread. Jesus had been seen performing great miracles of healing; and the more such signs and wonders were witnessed, the larger the crowds following him became. Then, while in the wilderness, crowds of people who were gathered around Jesus grew hungry. Having only five small loaves and two fish at his disposal, Jesus “popped” out enough bread so that everyone, about 5,000 men plus their families, could have enough and be satisfied. Amazingly, or should I say miraculously, there were even twelve full baskets leftover. The bread seemed to “pop” out of nowhere and the people were amazed.
Later, after Jesus had returned to Capernaum, the crowds of people that were fed previously on the other side had made it across the sea, searched for and found Jesus. They wanted more, the question was, what did they want more of? They asked to see the miracle again. Perhaps they were still hungry, but I can’t imagine that free bread would be enough cause for so many people to travel such a distance, especially so quickly. They wanted more. They wanted to believe Jesus was God’s long-awaited Messiah, and they wanted him to prove it by producing more bread. Jesus’s answer? “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
The people wanted a sign so that they might believe; yet with the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Jesus had already done so. The crowds wanted to see the miracle again. They wanted to be sure. What they failed to realize is that it isn’t bread that satisfies the hunger they were experiencing, it goes much deeper than that. Earthly bread satisfies hunger for a little while; Jesus satisfies the hunger that goes much deeper; Jesus satisfies the hunger of our souls. Jesus gives food for life, food for forgiveness, food for our salvation. Jesus satisfies our hunger for God’s love and grace by giving his body and blood as ransom for our sin. Jesus satisfies our hunger to live in the peace of Christ, knowing that no matter what trials we face on earth, we will never be separated from God’s love; and we will become inheritors of his kingdom forever. So, because of this, we say to Christ, “Give us this bread always, that we may share the good news with others.” Thanks be to God.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for November – Called by Christ
Posted November 3, 2025 By adminRead Matthew 4:17-22, Acts 9:1-9
Four men were simple fishermen. They really did not have the qualifications we might think necessary to build a church. Their expertise was working with nets and boats, finding fish, catching and selling them. Another man was a tax collector, a traitor in the eyes of many of his peers. He worked for the oppressive government, taking in more than he was asked so that he could skim off the top and live a lavish lifestyle. Certainly, as we size up the twelve, none would seem made of the metal required to carry on Christ’s mission.
Within today’s Church, many pastors come with prior experience. Some filled occupations in skilled labor, others held professional positions. Before attending seminary and being ordained, many pastors, myself included, never thought themselves qualified or to be one called to the office of Pastor. Yet, years later, there they are and here I am.
And so, we have the conversion of Saul, who was once a persecutor of the Church. Along the Damascus Road, Jesus confronted Saul, brought him to faith, and made him God’s instrument in the gospel mission. God chooses whom he will. And he alone equips and qualifies those he chooses. Who knows? If he has not already, God may choose you. Actually, he already has.
Every Christian man, woman or child is called to share the good news of Christ Jesus. Sharing faith with friends and family, inviting others to worship and doing acts of charity are all ways in which we proclaim the goodness of God. Certainly, through the power of the Holy Spirit, God has called us all to do all the above. Go in peace; serve the Lord.
Prayer: Fill me with your Spirit, O Lord, and use me as you will. Amen
Midweek Bible Study
Posted October 30, 2025 By adminMidweek Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. We are currently studying the Gospel According to John. This study is a traditional chapter and verse study where we will read and learn more of the message John has to teach all who hear his Gospel and come to believe that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the true Son of God. We will read and compare John’s writing with that of the other Gospel writers. We will also explore the connections between John’s Gospel and the Old Testament. Everyone is invited to join us as they are able.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 7, 2025 By admin“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.” Psalm 119:105-106
Throughout my career as Pastor, it has been my privilege and pleasure to be a teacher of God’s Word. Nothing gets me going like a rousing conversation centered upon the message of God’s Law and Gospel shared among the people of Faith. Since coming to St. Jacob’s about eight years ago, I have made it a priority to encourage the members of our church family to regularly engage God’s Word. In this time together, I have shared reading plans for everyone to read the entire Bible in the span of one year. I have also offered many weekly Bible studies, some well attended, others, not so much. We even had a few opportunities to read the entire Bible chronologically in ninety days. My congratulations to those who were able to complete these readings of the Scriptures, no matter the time frame or which reading plan you followed.
Currently, I am leading an in-depth study of the Gospel according to John on Wednesday mornings. In all of these, our study together has helped me grow in my faith and love for God’s Word and increased my hunger to continue wading through the Scriptures. What has become the norm for me and for several others is that as we read the more familiar stories in the text, we find something we never noticed before. Whether it is studying how Jesus is made known in the Old Testament, or how the ancient prophecies of God’s grace come alive in Christ in the New Testament, it is always a profound moment when such connections are made.
Through the summer months, I had the joy of meeting with members who wanted to learn more about the Lutheran tradition. Our Adult Confirmation group has been a highlight of my ministry for the year, and I look forward to continued exploration of our Lutheran heritage with them, while inviting more of you to join the conversation.
I have set a goal for myself for the next few years ahead. I am going to strive to lead a study of each book in the New Testament, one by one, so that everyone can gain greater knowledge of God’s Word and have confidence in sharing it with others. To be people of the Word is a noble endeavor for all Christians and a wise undertaking for people of faith. What strikes me as significant is that people who have a long history of reading their Bible continue to make important discoveries in their faith as they read and study together.
Unpacking the familiar stories and exploring their tradition and meaning from the ancient languages of Hebrew and Greek help us to engage the Bible on a deeper level and in a much different way. My hope is that we are able to do this with the New Testament Books and that we become more deeply grounded in faith. Currently, we are gaining new and fresh insights concerning John’s Gospel message about Jesus who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. I pray that more will join us in this and other studies.
Right now, Bible study is held on Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM. I would love to offer more opportunities for those who are not able to make it on Wednesday morning but would like to join a study led by their pastor. Please let me know of any times or days that would work and let’s read the Bible together.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottil
Up and Going
Posted October 4, 2025 By adminThursday, September 11th was a bright, beautiful, sun-kissed day, a gift from God, as 15 Up and Going members and guests gathered in the Fellowship Hall for devotions on forgiveness and we prayed together “The Lord’s Prayer.” Helen, Team Leader, gave the devotions. A short business session was held.
Soon Davis with Sandra and Leon arrived with 2 vans. We quickly boarded and happily headed to Hendersonville, North Carolina. We stopped for lunch at the Golden Corral restaurant. We enjoyed a private dining room and a dedicated server who catered to our every need. After the meal blessing, we all enjoyed a delicious lunch from the bountiful buffet tables. The food was outstanding as was our server. We laughed, talked and enjoyed our meal.
Then on to Granddad’s Apple Farm to fill our vans with a large variety of apples, cabbage, green beans, apple cider and the most popular item – fried apple pies. Yum yum. The time came quickly for us to head home, so we loaded up and headed home, full of laughter and good memories. This was indeed a very good day. Thank you to all who traveled today and especially to Davis and Leon who did an excellent job driving for us.
The October meeting will be on Thursday, October 9 th at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. We will have a covered dish meal and BINGO. Please bring a food dish for sharing and 3 or 4 repurposed items for gifts. See you then.
Helen
Team Leader for
Up and Going
Pastoral Devotion for October – Encourage One Another
Posted October 1, 2025 By adminRead 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
When Paul made his way to Thessalonica, he brought with him the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Most had not heard the gospel; it was the first time such a man as Paul came with this amazing message. As he taught, some might have thought him crazy to believe so earnestly a story of saving grace which comes through a man once crucified, dead, but alive again. Just the opposite was the case. A number of people in Thessalonica were gripped by the power of the Holy Spirit, and in their hearing the gospel they came to great faith. In this introductory passage to his first letter, Paul gives thanks and praise for their faith and early enthusiasm. But Paul did not write this letter to puff them up. No, he wrote it to encourage them as they faced challenges, doubts and fears.
Christians today certainly face doubts and fears. Like the first Christians at Thessalonica, the church today benefits from the encouragement of other faithful disciples. Left on their own, the faithful soon become distant and inactive in matters of worship, fellowship and Christian living. The world offers so many alternatives to living a life patterned after the example of Jesus. At every turn, the powers that defy God lay in wait to snatch the believer from the community of faith, that they would set their minds on earthly things rather than seeking God’s kingdom.
Many today look at the church and think Christians are as crazy as Paul to believe such a story. To a world fallen into sin, the gospel simply doesn’t make sense. Yet, through the sharing of the gospel message, the Holy Spirit continues to bring people to faith. The church certainly faces issues of complacency; many are not as active as we ought to be. And so, we encourage one another with God’s Word and through prayer. The Holy Spirit strengthens God’s people through their hearing the gospel. The epistles of Paul, along with the other biblical authors continue to encourage Christians throughout the world. And finally, the powerful witness of the saints and the lives of all who have gone before us in faith continue to serve as examples for the church to follow.
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit; fill the hearts of your people and kindle within us the fire of your love, that we too may share the good news of Christ. Amen.
