For we are the aroma of Christ to God …  2 Corinthians 2:15a

Though I rarely have to face this challenge, I do still remember a certain “aroma.”  The baby wipes box boasts that the wipes are fragrance free. If only there was a guarantee that the used baby wipe was also fragrance free! Like, me, you’ve probably had a couple gagging, eye-watering moments when duty calls! Before we judge our babies by what they sometimes produce, we need to take a whiff of ourselves. Scripture tells us that we were dead in our transgressions and sins, and dead things tend to be very smelly. In contrast, the apostle Paul wrote about a pleasant aroma, the Gospel of Christ, which makes us alive by His grace. The stinking, rotting self was left behind. We have the sure hope of eternal life, and that is news that must be shared!

You may think you are not up to the task of spreading this fragrant Good News. Paul also wrote that our sufficiency does not come from us, but from Christ alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us, making us bold in our witness to others.

Christmas evangelism – Our Savior Jesus Christ, we cannot go shopping at this time of the year without being reminded that Christmas is coming. We know that this holiday is the celebration of your birth, our God who became fully human to take away the sins of the world. Sadly, we realize that not everyone knows this good news even though it is for all people. Bless our congregation and our synod as we strive to bring this gospel about the Savior to the people living around us. Empower each of us to invite someone to worship Christ, the newborn King, along with us. By your grace, bring many more to hear the true message of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring true joy to the people of this world. We pray in the name of Christ, who became our brother to save us all. Amen.

• Our deepest concern and supportive prayers for Sharon Whitford, who has been diagnosed with a rapid growing cancer again. Help her to “be still” and hear your voice, to know that her sins have been covered and that she lives in your grace day by day.  Give her family an extra measure of faith during this challenging time.
• Watch over Liz Plath, Kathy Collyard’s sister who is reaching the end of life – the third sister of Kathy’s to have this terminal disease. Prepare a “room for her” and remind her family that you are the resurrection and the life!
• Surgery went well for Deb Henning who had three titanium rods placed in her neck to stabilize her spine. With John, her husband, we give thanks and ask that you allow her to heal considerably and so regain much of her daily functional life.
• Lord, keep Sandy Jaeger in your care following her recent fall which resulted in broken ribs and a broken leg. As she continues to seek a plan for repair and healing, bless her doctors and medical team with wisdom and understanding so they may provide the care she needs. Dear Savior, grant her relief from her pain and patience during this time of healing. Help her to cling to you for strength and to trust you for all her needs.
• We also add a prayer of thanksgiving along with Cal & Jamie Gall, as they celebrate their 7^th Wedding Anniversary. You have enriched their lives in every way with your special grace, your care and concern even through the challenges of life, their marriage and their family.  Continue to bless them with your unconditional love.
• Dan Gahan’s dad may get the opportunity to come home, though it still appears his time on earth is short. Spirit who is called the “Comforter” we ask you to bring him the gospel – the good news of peace and forgiveness through faith in Christ’s active / passive righteousness.  Lead him, as Psalm 139 says, in the way everlasting.  And in the time appointed take him from this world of tears into your presence and life..
• Additional prayers for a friend of a member whose daughter overdosed and died at age 25. Lord, comfort her and her family. Remind our children and grandchildren that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and that you, the creator, want nothing more than to bless them and save them from their sin.

ADDITION:

Andrea caught me after the first service yesterday and said that Liz Plath (prayed for in this list) was taken home to the Lord on Saturday evening.  We sincerely extend our support and concern for Kathy and her whole family.

And, Julie Wichman’s best friend, Brenda Zonkl, has breast cancer (in her 40’s) and will have a double mastectomy this week.  Our prayers for a successful surgery and for the patience / faith to reconstruct life on the other side.