2022 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Calendar
Cain
AS WE GATHER
Who is the son of Adam? When Adam and Eve held their firstborn son, Cain, in their arms for the first time, perhaps they wondered, “Who is this son?” After all, following their sin, the Lord God promised salvation from Eve’s offspring (Genesis 3:15). Could this baby boy be that Savior from sin and death? Not yet. Instead, Cain becomes the first murderer and spills the blood of his brother, Abel. Thankfully, a greater Son of Adam would fulfill the promise of a Savior. This Son would be held in the arms of another couple—Mary and Joseph. This Son would allow His very own blood to be shed for the salvation of Adam, Eve, and all their descendants.
Ishmael
AS WE GATHER
Who is the son of Abraham? Like Adam and Eve before them, Abram and Sarai also received a promise from the Lord concerning their descendants. God pledged that Abram’s offspring would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. But as this childless couple grew older, their patience with God’s promise grew thinner. Having decided to take matters into their own hands, Abram has a son by Hagar, a servant who was not his wife. Yet, in His grace and mercy, God still fulfills the promise of another son, Isaac, born to impatient Abram and Sarai. Through him, in God’s perfect timing, the Lord would finally send the true Son of Abraham, Jesus Christ, into the world.
Absalom
AS WE GATHER
Who is the son of David? Just like Adam and Eve and Abram and Sarai, so also David received a promise from God. The Lord’s promise for King David was that his house and kingdom would be established forever. But this promise seems to be in jeopardy when David’s son Absalom rebels against his own father. In the end, however, this disobedient prince dies, hanging from a tree. Yes, God would indeed establish David’s reign, but it would be through Jesus, the greater Son, who is obedient to the will of His Father in heaven. This Prince of Peace dies by hanging nailed to the tree of the cross so we can be restored as sons and daughters of the King of kings.
Son of Man and Son of God
AS WE GATHER
Who is the Son of God? That first Christmas, the baby lying in the manger appeared to be the son of Mary and Joseph. Yet, this infant boy is so much more than meets the eye. He is the Son of God! How do we know? Just listen to God’s Word in the proclamation of the angels: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Or hear the words of John 1: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). This Christmas, through faith, you also are more than what meets the eye. You are a child of God! How do you know? God’s Word connected to water declares it because you are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Celebrate this Christmas that “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4–5).
