Stirring Things Up
December 7, 2025 – Second Sunday in Advent
Rev. Scott Zeckzer

It is time for decorations and baking. There will be a lot of stirring up. God stirs things up to get us ready for His coming.

Sermon Text: Matthew 3:3
Readings: Psalm 105:4-8; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12

Featured Choirs: Zion (Bull Rapids) Lutheran Church Choir, Woodburn, Ind.; Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Antwerp, Ohio; Concordia Lutheran High School A Cappella Choir, Fort Wayne, Ind.; The Kapelle of Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill.

Featured Art and Architecture: Emanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven, Ind.

Lord, Give Us Patience
December 14, 2025 – Third Sunday in Advent
Rev. Dr. Walter Maier III

John the Baptist asked Jesus if He was the Messiah because earlier John had preached that the Messiah would come in judgment. John did not see this happening in Jesus’ ministry. In response, Jesus indicates that He is indeed the Messiah and that John should be patient. In this account, God also teaches us about patience.

Sermon Text: Matthew 11:2-10
Readings: Psalm 146:1-10; James 5:7-11; Matthew 11:2-10

Featured Choirs: St. John Adult Choir, Indianapolis, Ind.; Holy Cross Men’s Chorus, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Featured Art and Architecture: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Ind.

The Word Became Flesh
December 21, 2025 – Christmas Day (observed)
Rev. Shayne Jonker

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14a ESV). The Son of God came in humility that we might be glorified. He came in poverty that we might be rich. He came to die that we might live. He came to dwell with us that we might dwell with Him, His Father , and the Spirit.

Sermon Text: John 1:14
Readings: Psalm 2; Isaiah 52:7-10; John 1:1-14

Featured Choirs: The Kapelle of Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill.; St. Paul Choristers, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Concordia Lutheran High School A Cappella Choir, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Featured Art and Architecture: Trinity Lutheran Church, Detroit, Mich.

Christmas Can’t Be Stolen
December 24, 2025 – Nativity of Our Lord; Christmas Candlelight
Rev. Paul Shoemaker

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas was not successful because he did not realize the true meaning of Christmas was not in things. We know the true meaning of Christmas is to be found in Jesus. This world’s Grinch, Satan, still tries to steal Christmas joy from us. Let’s focus on Jesus, the Reason for the season.

Sermon Text: Luke 2:1-14
Readings: Psalm 96; Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-14

Featured Choirs: The Kapelle of Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill.; Holy Cross Men’s Chorus, Fort Wayne, Ind.; St. Peter’s Junior Choir, Fort Wayne, Ind.; St. Paul Choristers, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Concordia Choir of Concordia University , Irvine, Calif.; Concordia Lutheran High School A Cappella Choir, Fort Wayne, Ind.; St. Paul Preble Adult Choir, Decatur, Ind.

Featured Art and Architecture: St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Save the Child!
December 28, 2025 – First Sunday after Christmas
Rev. William Mueller

Aside from the fact that the text tells us about the not-any-older than 2-year-old Jesus, this Gospel reading seems so out of place in the Christmas season. Yet, there is an important truth to be discovered and a searching question to be asked.

Sermon Text: Matthew 2:13-23
Readings: Psalm 111; Isaiah 63:7-14; Matthew 2:13-2

Featured Choirs: The Kapelle of Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill.; Holy Cross Treble Choir, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Featured Art and Architecture: Lutheran Life Villages (North Anthony), Fort Wayne, Ind.