The Greatest Miracle of Christmas



The greatest miracle of Christmas is not that a virgin conceived and bore a son, although that is absolutely amazing. It’s not the angels appearing to shepherds, yet that is pretty awesome, or the Magi following the star which lead them to baby Jesus, truly remarkable. The most mind-blowing miracle of all is that God Almighty took on human flesh and was given the name “Jesus,” which means “Yahweh Saves.” As unbelievable as this “incarnation” event is to our reason trying to understand “how” this could be, it does make sense at least in answering the “why” of God taking on human flesh. 

We can’t save ourselves! That’s the bottom line. We cannot rescue ourselves from the Devil’s dominion; we cannot escape death’s grip; we cannot clean ourselves spotless from all our sins.  God knows that, so he acted. He came to our rescue, and he did it in the form of a baby conceived in a womb. Born of a virgin, named Mary, God was given the name, “Jesus.” Emmanuel, God with us, and he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21-23). 

This greatest miracle, God did, because he loves you. That’s the big “why” of the Christmas story. We did God take on our flesh and blood? So he could bring us back to himself; so we could have life; so we could be washed clean – conscience and all; so death doesn’t define our lives any longer. 

All this comes at a price, a precious price – Jesus’ life for yours. Christmas leads us right into Easter where, the once-baby Jesus, gives his own life and then rises from the grave for you and me. The miracle of Christmas is completed on a cross and by an empty tomb. Because of Jesus, God becoming man, you and I have forgiveness, life, and salvation, all of this as gift! Merry Christmas!

-Pastor Darrin Sheek

Pastor's Book of the Month:

Faith That Shines in Culture

- Alfonso Espinoza

"Today's culture is openly hostile to Christian beliefs. Modeling Martin Luther's teaching of the three estates, author Alfonso Espinosa shows how Christians should not only live but also be the light of God...

While the good works of believers and unbelievers appear very much the same, Espinosa explores how the actions of Christians differ. He discusses how sanctification influences the daily interactions of Christians and shows that they are uniquely positioned to live in faith toward God and in love toward the neighbor"

Purchase a copy from the link below:

New 2024 Church Directory

We have a new Member Directory! Please pick your copy up from your church mailbox.

Thank You!

Would you like to help teach Sunday School?

Email: Church@princeofpeaceanaheim.org for more info!

New Books/Devotions Available in the Narthex!

Add to your daily routine with some inspirational spiritual reading! The church has many different devotional and prayer books to choose from at our free literature table, located in the Narthex. We receive new editions every few months so be sure to check back frequently.

Our congregation is supporting Lutheran Bible Translators and the mission of The Ersland Family this December.

Michael and Naomi Ersland are excited to be serving in Ghana with Lutheran Bible Translators. Michael has been translation advisor for the Komba Old Testament translation project since 2016. The Ersland's were married in 2019 and are accompanied on their mission by their young son.

Elders

8:00am: John Henderson

10:30am: Randy Cade & Steven Sarandis

Readers

8:00am: Matt Cooper  10:30am: Cynthia Cade

Altar Guild

(1st, 3rd, & 5th Sunday)

8:00am: Cindy Sheek 10:30am: Shavonia Wilson

Ways you Can Serve:

We are thankful for those who support our Divine Service every Sunday by filling much these needed positions. If you are interested in learning more about these roles, or how you can help during service,

Please Contact Pastor Sheek:

(949) 370-7198

Sunday Morning

Bible Study

On Break!



No Tuesday morning bible study until January 7th

Saturday Morning

Bible Study

On Break!



No Saturday morning bible study from December 16th - December 30th

Children's Sunday School

No Sunday School until January 7th

Youth Group - Winter Break

Please check out our church bulletin board for some items needed by our teachers and church staff. Our giving tree is an opportunity for our congregation to support our church, school and preschool. Please choose a blossom and turn it into either the church or school office with a donation towards your selected item, or feel free to donate the item outright if it's something you already have!

Here are some items we are in need of so far:

AMAZON WISH LISTS:

YOUTH GROUP

Click here for the Youth Group Amazon Wish list

KINDERGARTEN

Click here for the Kindergarten Amazon Wish List

1st/2nd GRADE

Click Here for 1st/2nd Grade Amazon Wish List

3rd/4th GRADE

Click Here for 3rd/4th Grade Amazon Wish List

ALL GRADES

~SEEDS MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING FOR OUR STUDENTS~

$40 provides 1 hour counseling session for one student

Donations toward tuition assistance

Donations toward Field Trips

Church:

Single-serving crystal light packets

Small water bottles

We thank God that our congregation remains healthy! We pray for everyone's continued health and strength as we move forward!

•We pray for our school staff and all of our students and families that God has placed in our care here at Prince of Peace Lutheran School, this year. We pray for continued good health for our staff to continue their dedication, commitment and love for the families and students that God has placed in our school. We are so thankful for their loving service each and every day. We keep our school & staff in our prayers daily.

•We give thanks to God for the love and financial support from the congregation as we continue to see His blessings each day in our ministries here at Prince of Peace.

•We thank God for all the new and returning families at our school this year. We continue to pray for and welcome new families & students throughout the school year.

•We pray that members at Prince of Peace grow in faith and love for one another, willing to give of our gifts and talents within the congregation, serving and sharing Christ with our neighbors, family, and friends.

•For Cynthia Cade for healing and strength

•For Brian Zeilenga, prayers for he and his family.

•For Warren Carr, for strength and healing while undergoing treatment

•For Robin Biringer for continued care and healing

•For Steve Champeau for finding employment

•For Bob Sheppard for care and healing during treatment for prostate cancer

•Don and Glenda Bevans for strength and continued care for Don

•For John Henderson for continued healing and strength 

•For Christina Carr for employment

•For Sharon Walter, sister of Lynn Zeilenga, for comfort and healing from illness

•For Roman, for recovery from covid and kidney failure.

•For Brett, friend of Alan our organist, recently diagnosed with prostate cancer

If you would like to add a prayer request to this list, feel free to reply to this email or contact the church.

Our Board of Elders have been reaching out and are hard at work to keep our flock in contact during these challenging times.

• We have been working hard to update our member contact information. if you would like a Church Directory, please stop by the church office so we can get you one.

• Our goal is to send out a new “News and Updates” email to all of our members every week. This email highlights important upcoming events for both the church and school. You can even check out the scripture readings for upcoming Sunday Services ahead of time! Please be sure to check your emails every week.