From the Pastor’s Heart Archive

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From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted September 1, 2019 By admin

The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.  5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.  6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:4-6  

 Within the Rite of Holy Baptism, parents of small children, sponsors and congregations promise that we will lead the child into a healthy life of faith in Christ Jesus.  We promise that we will bring the child to God’s house for worship, teach them the Lord’s Prayer, Ten Commandments and the Creed.  We promise to place the Holy Scriptures in their hands and help them learn from them by reading the Bible together.  We promise to provide for their instruction in the Christian faith so that they would live in the covenant of their baptism and in communion with God’s people.  Parents of the newly baptized children especially bear responsibility for these promises; promises their parents first made on their behalf years ago.

 The Proverb above speaks to the importance of such promise keeping.  Usually, when the Proverb is spoken of, it is verse six that stands alone; “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”  But when we read this verse in its fuller context, we soon realize the importance of a young life being provided a strong foundation of faith.  The world is filled with powers that defy God, temptations that are overwhelming and so many of the devil’s false promises. We all want our children to have a good life, a full life, one that brings pleasure to their selves and to others.  But as we read in Scripture, and know through our experience, the devil and his minions set thorns and snares along the pathways of God’s people.  On our own, we are no match for them.  Left to fend for ourselves, we will fall deeper into sin without even realizing it.

 For several decades now, there has been a worsening condition permeating the Christian Church, one by which we have seen ever increasing numbers of our younger members fall away from faith.  I believe it is so important to address this condition that I have devoted my doctoral studies to develop resources for pastors, congregations and families to bring about faith formation for our children and children’s children.

 I think we can all agree that we would love to see more of our young people in worship and Sunday school.  The trouble is that so often we don’t know how to encourage them.  Instead, we sometimes inadvertently enable them in their staying away.  Truth being told, children, especially teens, earnestly desire to have a healthy relationship with church families, one centered upon Jesus Christ and one that shares a desire to grow in relationship with God and his people.

 Over the years, I have ministered to parents whose children have fallen away from the church.  I have ministered to grandparents who faithfully bring their grandchildren to worship often (and that’s a good thing).  I have also heard questions from such children that ask, “If mommy and daddy don’t have to go to church, why do I have to go?”  This is a heartbreaking question because at the root of it lies a deeper and more central question, “Why don’t mommy and daddy WANT to go?”

 Jesus says, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16).  The riches, honor and life the Proverb speaks of is a life lived eternally in the presence of God.  When we fail to keep our baptismal promises, we hinder our children; we keep them from growing in a life of faith in Christ.  And not only that, first and foremost, we break the promise we initially made before God and one another.

People of God, I know this is a sensitive issue.  I myself have had to face this truth in my own life.  I know first-hand the difficulties of keeping such promises, especially when children grow older and become more independent.  That is precisely the time when parents should strive to keep the promise they made to their child.  Train them up in the way they should go.  Encourage them when they are older, and faithfully come to God’s house together and enjoy a life lived among God and his people. Doing so will bring us to the reward God has in mind for all his people; life in his kingdom forever.

 Grace to you and peace, Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, From the Pastor’s Heart, Outreach, Pastor, Worship and Music, Worship Service

Pastoral Devotion For August

Posted August 1, 2019 By admin

What Must I Do?  

Read Mark 10:17-31

What must I do to inherit eternal life? This is a question much like that asked by so many people today. “What must I do to make it into heaven?” The rich man in the text told Jesus he had kept the commandments, yet Jesus finds him still lacking. The Lord tells him to sell all he has, give the       proceeds to the poor and then follow him. There will be no need for personal wealth as he will have treasure in heaven. Sadly for this fellow, he can’t bear to part with his worldly possessions. The       reality, it seems, is that his material goods possessed him.  

So is that how we inherit eternal life? Does the act of passing on our wealth to the poor, filling our days doing good works, and keeping the commandments provide the final punch for our ticket to heaven? In a word, no! If we believe this we also will find ourselves lacking.

To inherit, one must be an heir, someone to whom the inheritance is passed down. Through Holy   Baptism, God makes us his children; we are made inheritors through water and the Word. Joined to Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are made heirs. God no longer finds us lacking, and so to us, the kingdom of God is passed down. What must we do? Simply believe, for Christ has done it for you.

Gracious God, thank you for making us your children, and thus, heirs to your everlasting kingdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Pastor

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted July 1, 2019 By admin

How often have you wondered what it might be like to go to a far-off place, meet people of a much different culture, and share with them the good news of Christ our Lord? Several years ago, I was afforded just such an experience. As most of you know, I travel to the democratic Republic of Congo every other year with my mission partner, Pastor Stéphane Kalonji. My first experience was so profound that I have made this mission a key part of my ministry of the gospel. Now, following months of preparation, it is finally time to make this trip again.

On Monday, July 8th Pastor Kalonji and I will begin our travels. I will depart from Columbia in the early morning hours and head to Houston, Texas. There, Pastor Kalonji and I will fly to Paris, France and finally to Kinshasa, the capitol city of the Congo, DRC. My total travel time will be just about thirty-six hours with twenty-one in the air. Certainly, it is a long trip and there is no doubt that we will be very tired when we finally reach our destination.

The next morning, the hardships of life in Congo will be immediately upon us. There is no gradual acclamation, no settling in; the conditions are what they are. Food, clean water, and electricity are all scarce. The extreme conditions of poverty and hunger are just the way of life. Yet, as we meet with pastors from the Lutheran Church in Kinshasa on our first morning there, the joy of mission in Christ’s name will be brought to the forefront instantly. I am looking forward to seeing my friends again and sharing this important work with them. Pastors Tombisa, Ngoma, Ahkim and Epaphras share a close bond of friendship with Pastor Kalonji and I.

Our schedule will see us travel to several cities in the Bas-Congo Province (western region). As we visit various congregations, we will lead seminars for pastors and church leaders, have Bible studies with women’s groups and feed large numbers of orphaned children. We will provide Bibles for pastors who do not have one of their own, and if possible, Bibles for families as well.

Pastors and lay leaders travel great distances to attend these seminars and the women’s groups come from all around. Considering the difficulty of travel in such a place, I am always quite taken by their response. Most have no place to stay, so they cook over charcoal fires and sleep on the concrete floor of the church building. Even in these conditions, the joy of being a child of God is made clear by their continual singing of thankful songs of praise.

Of course, we cannot do this work on our own. I am so thankful that St. Jacob’s has recognized and supported this mission. Through faith, many have been moved by the Holy Spirit to contribute funds, assist with projects and pray for the Congo Mission. It goes without saying that, as I address the people of Congo, I will bring to them greetings and prayers from all of you here. I may be the one on the ground, but you, my church family, will be with me in spirit at every moment.

Just as I am looking forward to making this trip again, I am also looking forward to returning and sharing with you the joys of a job well done in the name of Christ our Lord. The peace of the Lord be with you always, and may God bless those to whom we share our faith and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.

To God be the glory,

now and forever.

Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in From the Pastor’s Heart, Missions, Other Happenings

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted June 1, 2019 By admin

On the Sunday of Pentecost, we celebrate God’s giving the gift of the Holy Spirit. In our worship, our learning and our serving, we see God’s Spirit in action. The faithful can feel the power of God’s love as the Spirit comes like the rush of a violent wind, stirring the hearts and minds of God’s people. These are the themes of Pentecost; the power of God’s Spirit blowing through the lives of God’s people, calling them to share the gospel in faith, hope and love.

There are several traditions within the Church surrounding the day of Pentecost, yet Pentecost is not about wearing your red dress or shirt to worship. It is not about confirming our youth as they complete their initial study of the catechism. It’s about the Holy Spirit of God blowing in the doors of the hearts and minds of God’s people, rearranging the furniture of our lives and filling us with all the confidence, strength, excitement and assurance the disciples had in order to share the good news of God’s re-demption

Think about the world around you. Think about the things you have heard and seen. Think about all the times in your life when you thought you were at your wit’s end. So many others have faced the same obstacles in life. The world needs to hear this good news of great joy. In so many ways and in so many instances, God makes his presence and power known. He is revealed in ways so clear that no matter what, people can feel the power of his presence, realizing God’s mercy and grace are real and that his love lasts forever.

This is exciting stuff folks. This is the stuff of which books of biblical proportion are written. The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is the best news you are ever going to receive in your life. The times you first realized God’s grace is for you, that you have been rescued from the consequences of sin forever is as good as it can possibly get.

When you are young, prom is a big moment. Some of us know kids who have recently gone to their first prom. Guess what, as good as the prom was, God claiming you to be his child is better. When you get older, graduation comes with all of its pomp and circumstance. Guess what, it can’t compare with all the glory of heaven. There are still bigger moments ahead in your lives. College, your first real love, engagement, marriage, the purchase of a home, and the birth of a child. You know what? All of these are blessings from a loving God, yet because of Christ Jesus, the best is yet to come.

People of God, all of these are wonderful events; they are milestone moments, monumental achievements, and times of great joy. But if these are truly the most important times in your life, you’ve missed the mark. None of these can even compare with the fact that through Christ Jesus, God has saved you from sin and death, made you holy in his sight and prepared a heavenly home for you. Nothing can compare with the fact that through Christ Jesus, God has saved your life for all time. That is good news; that is exciting.

My prayer this Pentecost is that God stirs our congregation to such faithfulness that we cannot help but share the gospel of Christ Jesus, and that by the power of the Holy Spirit, we experience the disciples’ joy, living in the fullness of God’s grace, loving our neighbor and extending our Savior’s love to all who are in need.

Come Holy Spirit. Stir up the hearts of your
faithful, and kindle in us the fire of your love. Amen.

To God be the glory, now and forever.
Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted May 1, 2019 By admin

When confronted by the Pharisees and scribes concerning issues of authority, Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and I will raise it up in three days.” These words were spoken within the confines of the temple in Jerusalem, which of course took decades to build with hundreds of workers. Of course, we know Jesus was speaking about the temple of his body, that he would be killed, thus, destroyed, but then raised up on the third day by the powerful hand of God. Later, the disciples marveled at the huge buildings and the surrounding temple. But Jesus said to them, “Do you see all these things? Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

These two occurrences took place on the day after Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, the day we call Palm Sunday. This year, on the day after Palm Sunday, I could not help but recall these two passages from Scripture. Another iconic temple built nearly a thousand years ago by hundreds of God’s people was de-stroyed by fire. Notre Dame Cathedral is a fixture in the landscape of Paris, and also within the landscape of the Christian Church. It has withstood wars and many natural disasters, and for centuries, it has been a gathering place for the faithful people of God.

While serving in the navy, I was fortunate to be able to visit Notre Dame. It was long ago, and my memories are dulled by time, but I can remember the feeling of wonder, much like it must have been for the disciples, as I entered this massive church. The choir and the nave were magnificent, and the altar certainly a sight to behold. A large cross, the symbol of our faith stood in the chancel. Upon my exit I was able to light a candle and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for those persons who are dear to me.

After hundreds of years, this temple made by hands has been destroyed. As I watched the video that streamed across the world of this cathedral burning, my heart sank. Oh, we have been reassured by politicians and business men that it will indeed be restored, but to what end and for what purpose? I am sure there is a sense of the need to restore Notre Dame for its historical nature. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visited Notre Dame each year. Some who were interviewed by news agencies said Paris would not be the same without it. But I can’t help but remember, Jesus teaches us to put our trust in God, not in things of this world.

As we stand in the midst of the Easter season, we remember that God indeed raised up Jesus on the third day. The temple of Christ’s body, which was once beaten, crucified and thus destroyed, has been raised physically, wholly, and perfectly by the hand of God. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, sin, death and the grave have lost their power over those who confess that Christ is indeed Lord and Savior. Because of this, we too, after our skin has thus been destroyed (Job 19), will be raised up.

Friends, whether it is the Cathedral of Notre Dame, or the three historically black churches in Alabama intentionally set ablaze, such destruction breaks the hearts of many. Surely, we love our churches, the buildings, the grounds and the memories that come with them. But we must always remember, the Church is not the building. The Church is made up of sinners redeemed through the blood of Christ Jesus. Bricks and mortar can be rebuilt. What is most important is that, as they are, it is for the purposes of worshiping the one true God who has saved his people and will raise them up on the last day.
To God be the glory, now and forever.
Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted March 31, 2019 By admin

Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
John 20:4

Recently while looking for some new Bible study material, I stumbled upon a video that made me pause for a while. It is a video of a skit portrayed by two men enacting the first Easter morning. In this skit, Peter and
John are running to the empty tomb. Their faces display the anticipation and perhaps even a bit of fear concerning what they might find. John reaches the tomb first, but he won’t look inside or enter. Peter then
arrives, huffing and puffing, but he enters the tomb without stopping to think. As I replay this video in my mind, this is the point where I had to hit the pause button.

I wondered to myself, if I had been the first disciple to receive the reports from the women, would I be bold enough to charge into Christ’s tomb? Even as I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus was beaten, whipped and crucified, would I have the where with all to enter the tomb where they laid his body? Thinking about that, I finally decided yes, I would. Having walked with Jesus for three years as a disciple, witnessing so many miraculous events, and having come to expect that Jesus is who he says he is; I would have to go into the tomb.

I suppose the question I have for you is much the same. If someone came to you all excited and out of breath telling you they had seen Jesus and he is very much alive, you would run to the tomb to see for yourself? Would this amazing news of Christ’s resurrection stir your emotions so deeply that you would have to personally witness it? I suspect that it would. I suspect that given such extraordinary news, you too would run to the tomb of Jesus, probably because of the same reason Peter and John did, as disciples of Christ, our hope rests entirely in his death and resurrection.

Through Holy Scripture, worship and prayer, we are witnesses to the many amazing miracles of Jesus. Following Jesus throughout his mission and ministry, we too have come to know Jesus as Messiah and Lord, through whom we have forgiveness of sin and the hope of eternal life. Throughout the past twelve months, since Easter of last year, I pray that in my preaching, you have heard this gospel truth that is for all who believe in Christ.

At the conclusion of the video I mentioned, Peter finally emerges from the tomb to meet John who is still standing outside. As he holds the burial
garments of Christ in his hands, Peter can only look at John with a stare of complete amazement. As the two disciples take in the meaning of what they have witnessed, they both burst into laughter while shedding tears of joy. Jesus is alive! He is risen! It happened just as he said it would!

People of God, I invite you to hear the good news of Jesus’ resurrection once more. I invite you to run to the tomb, charge right in and behold the glory of God in the resurrection of our Lord. It happened just the way Jesus said it would. Come be a part of the Easter story. Share the good news of Christ Jesus. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Alleluia!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings, Pastor

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted March 1, 2019 By admin

Before you read this page, first go pick up your Bible. Then go to the kitchen and pour yourself a glass of water. Now set the glass filled with water beside your Bible on the table nearest you and begin reading.

A book I enjoy reading is written by Max Lucado titled Come Thirsty. Within its pages, one can hear God calling us, inviting us to come to him as a father calls his dear children. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about God’s love for his people. As we begin our annual Lenten pilgrimage toward Easter, it is appropriate that we ponder how we approach our Father in heaven. It is a time to earnestly study God’s Word and to pray for heightened awareness of God’s presence each day. It is a time to look deep inside our lives in order that we may see ourselves for who we are as sinners, yet also to see ourselves for whose we are, God’s beloved children redeemed by the blood of Christ. Lent is a time when Christians around the world take time to reflect upon God’s mercy and grace. It’s also a time when we are to consider our lives as disciples, loving God with all our heart and loving our neighbor as God loves us. Such is the journey of Lent.

As God’s people, during Lent we are metaphorically traveling the Jerusalem road toward the cross of Good Friday. The cross is where the powers of sin and evil meet the powers of God’s righteousness and mercy. The events of the cross are the focal point of Lent. They bring the powerful message of God’s salvation through the sacrifice of his Son. Yet, weighed down by the burdens of earthly life, we tend to focus more on worldly things and fail to realize the full impact of what Jesus has done to redeem God’s people. Pulled in several directions at a time, life becomes a blur and before we
know it, we have lost touch with our Lord and Savior. In order that you may fully realize God’s awesome power and love in your life, I invite you to “come thirsty.” Come thirsty to worship and join the hearts and voices of your church family, singing praises to God for all he has done and continues to do. Come thirsty to hear the message of God’s deliverance from death to life for all who believe. I invite you to come thirsty for God’s love, to hear his gospel proclaimed and to realize the love he has especially for you. Come thirsty also to our mid-week Lenten services. Enjoy the fellowship we share and hear the message of Jesus’ victory upon the cross. Come thirsty to learn how you too are
called as a disciple of Jesus Christ, empowered and equipped for ministry and sent into the world for the sake of those who are neediest among us.

Finally, I invite you to ponder the Bible and the glass of water set before you. As you open the pages of Holy Scripture, you will be reminded that, in Baptism, God made water to be a sign of his unfailing love and his promise to save his people. Through water and the Word, God washes us clean from the stain of sin and makes us his own.

Commit to worshiping with us during Lent and come thirsty for God’s love. Be refreshed through the water and the Word as we journey toward the cross of Good Friday. It’s there where sin and brokenness meet the powers of God’s love and righteousness, and his goodness and mercy endure forever.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Pastor

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted February 4, 2019 By admin

“To those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:2-3

If you want to know what a person is really passionate about, just listen to them as they speak. It doesn’t take very long to figure out what makes them tick; it’s that one thing they continue to bring up repeatedly. If there is any doubt as to what makes the apostle Paul tick, all we need to do is read the introduction and opening salutations of his first letter to the Church at Corinth. In particular, notice whose name continues to be lifted up.

Paul was zealous for his faith in Christ and eager to share the good news of God’s salvation throughout his known world. Being among God’s people and rejoicing in the promise of life in God’s kingdom is most certainly what fueled Paul’s fire. Throughout his missionary journeys, Paul endured hardship, imprisonment and even shipwrecks, yet nothing seemed to dampen his excitement for telling others about the power of God’s love made manifest in Christ’s victory over sin and death.

The gospel is a message of God’s perfect and unconditional love for his people. The news that sin no longer has the power to condemn those who have faith in Christ Jesus is too good to keep to ourselves. As people
redeemed by Christ, we too are possessors of this good news. We have a wonderful gift to share with a world in need of God’s saving grace. Being among God’s people, in fellowship with the faithful and gathering for worship adds fuel for our fire just as it did for Paul. But once the fire is lit,
we cannot sustain it by ourselves.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul teaches the Church that we need to remain steadfast in the hearing of the gospel. We need to share in the supper that is Christ’s body and blood and we need to live in faithful fellowship with all who share the gift of God’s grace and peace. As a family of faith gathered at St. Jacob’s Lutheran church, we must pay attention to the time we spend together as a church family.

Yes, we are busy people with busy lives, but the burden of such a life is one we place upon ourselves. In the lives of Christian people, all too often, time with the church is sacrificed in order to engage in worldly activities. For instance, when is the last time you heard someone say, “I have to leave the football game early so I can make it to our church’s fellowship event”? No, it is usually the church that sees people leaving worship early, or skipping
it entirely, in order to keep their habits or participate in worldly functions. Before we know it, personal habits and worldly agendas take precedent and time spent in worship and fellowship begin to fade. As Paul points out, when we live for ourselves, the fire burning within will certainly diminish. Some will fall away.


Even faithful Christians (especially) need to be on guard. Those who would be seen as examples must be diligent in their faith and practice. If one is faithful 90% of their time, it is the 10% others will see. Christians need to
know and understand that no matter what may happen in this world, God’s grace and peace given through Christ Jesus cannot be overcome. In those times when we fall short of God’s expectation for us, we need to be reminded that our sins are forgiven and as such, God calls us all to be saints together in every time and place, living together in the unity of Christ.


And so, we too gather as did the Church in Paul’s time, in the name of Jesus in order to hear the message of the gospel. We too come to confess our sins, receive God’s grace, partake in the supper and at the close of the meal, hear the words of God’s blessing as they are pronounced over the entire assembly. It cannot be emphasized enough; there is no better place to be than in the presence of God and among his people. With that, I greet you as Paul greets those whom he writes to throughout the ages: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen!


Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted January 9, 2019 By admin

“Arise and shine, your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1

For centuries, astronomers have plotted the courses of the stars in order to keep track of time and the passing of the seasons. Navigators of ships used the stars to help guide them to their destination. And long ago, ancient cultures shared stories of mythical characters whose constellations may be seen as people gazed at the night time sky. Much has been learned by tracking the many points of light that pierce the darkness of night.

Following the birth of our Lord Jesus, there were others who also looked to the stars, one star in particular. The Magi from the East followed this star which led them to Bethlehem. By marking the exact time when they first saw the star and following its light westward, the wise men were led on a journey upon which they encountered Christ. Once they reached their destination, God revealed to the them the one born as his own redeeming light. It is in this epiphany that Jesus is revealed to the world as God’s ultimate outpouring of love.

The celebration of the Epiphany of our Lord is the proclamation that long before we could have ever stumbled our way out of darkness, God’s light has come to us. Through our Baptism, God makes us children of the light. In our thankful response to God’s grace, we carry the light of Christ into the world so that others can experience the fulfillment and wonder of God’s promise of a Savior. It is through loving God above all else and serving our neighbor in the name of Christ, that we let our light shine. Our Lord calls each and every one of us to serve as a beacon leading others to the truth of the gospel, just as that single star led the Magi so many years ago.

As we begin a new year in ministry, I would invite all of our church family members to consider the ways in which you proclaim the gospel and share God’s love. We have the opportunity to engage is so many missions of the NALC and within our mission district. Here in Chapin, we can feed the hungry, give aid to the poor, provide shelter and welcome those who have no place for worship. St. Jacob’s is uniquely positioned to serve our neighbors in town, and the many who live in developing communities all around us.

We also have the opportunity to serve Christ through our service to others around our country and world. I am so pleased that many of our church family members have embraced the mission work of Pastor Stephane Kalonji and I in the Congo. Several other congregation have also joined St. Jacob’s in supporting this important mission. Through your efforts and generosity, pastors have Bibles from which to teach and preach, many hungry children are fed, and a community of God’s people have a relationship of faith and love with a congregation who will pray for them and minister to them in times of trial. Jesus calls us all to follow his example of love and service for the sake of the least among us. I would also invite those who have not considered attending Sunday school and one of our weekly Bible studies to give it a try. As Christians and disciples of Jesus Christ, daily reading of Holy Scripture is essential and weekly gathering for worship and learning is most beneficial for those growing in faith and hope. There is no better time to begin such practice than during Epiphany, the season of light.

Since the birth of Christ, the time of our lives is no longer marked by plotting stars and our destination is no longer found by tracking celestial bodies. Our time and our destination are caught up in Jesus Christ. To use a metaphor, the books of Holy Scripture serve as the stars of our celestial journey and Christ our compass. Led by God’s Holy Spirit, we travel through life’s journey always remembering to let our light shine before others, so that all may see that in Christ the light of the world has come.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Pastor

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted December 1, 2018 By admin

Recognizing newsletter deadlines, once again, I have the peculiar task of writing a Christmas message even before I’ve worked up an appetite for Thanksgiving turkey. So, to get in the mood for the season I’m playing Christmas music on the computer as I write. Most of us have our favorite Christmas song and I am no different. My favorite is O Holy Night. I love this song and it never gets old.

Many of my favorite artists have recorded O Holy Night. There are dozens of renditions that will literally bring a tear to my eye. Like so many, I get caught up in the emotional response to beautiful music played by amazing musicians or sung by gifted vocalists. Throughout my years as pastor, members of previous congregations have given their renditions of this beloved song, only to reduce their pastor to tears of joy as they offered their gift. You may wonder what it is about this song that solicits such a reaction for me. Truly, beautiful as it is, it is not the melody. O Holy Night captivates me so because of its message. The words speak so strongly to the power of God’s love.

In 1847, a priest commissioned Frenchman Placide Cappeau to write a poem for the Christmas mass. He knew this poem would be central to the priest’s proclamation so it must be scriptural and reverent. The poem would have to speak to the struggle of our human condition and at the same time declare the hope of God’s people fulfilled through the birth of the Christ child. Turning to Luke’s gospel, Cappeau imagined what it might have been like to witness the birth of Christ on the holiest of nights. Cappeau’s poem speaks of a night extraordinarily different than most. The sky was so clear that the stars seemed to shine brighter than ever before. The opening of the song leads us into this same vision:

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
this is the night, of our dear Savior’s birth!

We’ve all witnessed Christmas nights such as this. Yet, we realize that even at Christmas, the world is still filled with difficulties and challenges . There is a reason God came to earth in human form. Our world is one bent on disobedience, selfishness, and anger. Each week, as we confess our sins we admit our part in the world’s calamity.

We cannot pretend that God is not privy to the instances where we have not kept his commandments. We cannot live as though he has not seen the wrongs we’ve done toward one another. Even the most faithful among us has sinned against God and against a neighbor. Yet, there is hope, and this is where O Holy Night gets my full and complete attention. Cappeau writes:

Long lay the world, in sin and error pining;
Till he appeared and the soul felt his worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices;
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

God has kept his promise to save his people; he has sent his Son, the child of Mary to be Savior and Lord. Cappeau offered his congregation a declaration of God’s grace and forgiveness made possible through the life, death and resurrection of a single child born on that holy night. Just as he was born in humility, Jesus would also humbly endure the burden of shame brought about the world’s sin. The message of O Holy Night proclaims the powerful truth of God’s salvation made known as the King of Glory makes his entrance into the world for the sake of all humanity. This is no ordinary child. This is no ordinary night. This Christmas, as I have and always will, I invite you all to worship with me and the rest of your church family on the holiest of nights. Come hear the message of God’s grace as we remember how our Savior and Lord breaks into our time a space yet once more. Hear the words of the gospel and realize the thrill of God’ssaving grace.

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night; O night divine!

Grace to you and peace, this Christmas,
Pastor David Nuottila
From the Pastor’s Heart

Filed in From the Pastor’s Heart
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