NORTHWOODS WELS

Jesus reveals himself as the Anointed one with the Father’s authority to proclaim himself as fulfillment of all prophecy concerning the Messiah. He boldly proclaims that he is the fulfillment. This bold proclamation carries joy to us all and emboldens us to proclaim the joy of our Savior to the world.

Jesus comes as the invited guest to reveal the splendor of his glory. As we behold his glory, we delight in our bridegroom. For he delights in us, bringing to us his righteous deliverance, the strength of his Spirit, and the divine dimensions of his immeasurable love.

The focus for the service this day is anointing and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. David was anointed the next king of Israel and the Holy Spirit came upon him. This served as a picture also of the coming Christ. At the beginning of his earthly ministry Jesus Christ was baptized, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and proclaimed by the heavenly Father to be his Son with whom he is well-pleased. By all these actions Jesus was shown to be the promised Messiah, our only Savior. Let us rejoice!

The one true God is faithful and gracious. As we enter a new year and continue to rejoice in the birth of our Savior let us focus on how great God’s faithfulness and love are. He has fulfilled his promises to all humankind by sending his Son to be our Savior. In love he reveals this us all in his Word and gives the gift of faith in Jesus. Praise be to the God of all creation forevermore!