Learning the Faith by Heart

Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together

The Week of Nov 30 – Dec 7, 2025

Preparing for the Second Sunday in Advent  

Hymn of the Week: On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (344)

GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: God Loves Me Dearly (392)

GLCA Catechism Memory: Apostles’ Creed First Article/ OT Books of the Bible, Genesis – Judges   

Bible Verse Memory: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1 

Monday: What is Advent? The Church Year begins with Advent. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, which means “coming.” During the four weeks of Advent, we prepare for Christ’s first coming as a baby in the manger at Bethlehem. But we also look ahead to Christ’s second coming, when He will return in glory and take all believers to be with Him forever. The story of Jesus in Advent is a story of hope! How does Jesus’ advent(s) bring you hope?

Tuesday: Old Testament – Isaiah 11:1-10 Although the royal family tree of David had been reduced to a stump by the wicked King Ahaz, the LORD promised to send His people a new king (“shoot from the stump of Jesse”), who would be anointed (“the Spirit shall rest upon him”) to reign with wisdom, justice, and righteousness. Jesus, David’s greater son, is the Messiah, which means, “Anointed One”. Read verses 6-10. What is the scope of the Messiah’s kingdom? What are the results of His reign? Who are His subjects?      

Wednesday: Midweek Advent Service – “Advent Songs of Salvation”    This year the theme of our midweek Advent services will be “Advent Songs of Salvation.” We’ll be singing with Mary (the Magnificat), Zechariah (the Benedictus), and Simeon (the Nunc Dimittis) in anticipation and fulfillment of Christ’s coming. IN preparation for the service read Luke 1:46-55. Read vs. 47. What/who is at the heart of Mary’s song? What/who is at the heart of Christmas?     

Thursday: Holy Gospel – Matthew 3:1-12    The Kingdom of Heaven arrives when the King of Heaven arrives. In what sense, then, is the Kingdom of Heaven at hand for the people in John’s day? What about for us? The people confessed their sins when they were baptized (v.6). Why is confession still essential as we remember our Baptisms and await the coming of the King of kings?    

Friday: Commemoration of Nicholas of Myra, Pastor (Dec 6, Sat) On this day, the Church remembers St. Nicholas of Myra, the real “Santa Claus”. Nicholas was a bishop in the city of Myra in Lycia (present-day Turkey) in the 4th century. He was a pastor: he preached Christ as the only Savior from sin and death and the devil, he absolved people of their sins in Jesus’ name, he fed them with the life-giving body and blood of Jesus, he was merciful to those in need in Jesus’ name. How does this understanding of the real St. Nicholas change how you think about him?

The Order of Meditation and Prayer

The sign of the cross + may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism .

Invocation 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Verse of the Week 

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1 

Catechism Memory 

The First Article (Creation)

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

What does this mean? (1st & 2nd Paragraphs)

I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and my senses, and still takes care of them.

He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil.

Bible Reading for the Day (From Upcoming Readings for Sun, Portals of Prayer, or other Daily meditation)

This is the Word of the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty…

Hymn of the Week  

  On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (344)

Family Prayers 

For___________________, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.  

Lord’s Prayer