In a season when the world rushes ahead, Immanuel Lutheran Church invites the community to slow down, listen, and rediscover the promise of Advent. This year’s midweek series, “Steadfast While We Wait,” draws from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians, exploring what it means to live in faith, discernment, and hope as we await and prepare for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor Jason Braaten explains, “Advent isn’t about frantic preparation—it’s about faithful waiting. Paul’s words remind us that even in hardship or uncertainty, the Lord is faithful. He is coming again in glory, and until then, He strengthens us to stand firm.”

Each Wednesday evening in Advent, worshipers will gather to meditate on a new chapter of 2 Thessalonians:

• December 3 – “Waiting with Faith” (2 Thessalonians 1:3–12)
• December 10 – “Watching with Discernment” (2 Thessalonians 2:1–12)
• December 17 – “Living with Readiness” (2 Thessalonians 3:1–13)

All Advent Midweek Services begin at 6:00 p.m.

As part of the congregation’s preparation, Pastor Braaten encourages everyone to read the assigned chapter of 2 Thessalonians before each service and come ready to reflect on how God’s Word steadies us for the days ahead. Each service will feature the beloved Advent hymn “The Day Is Surely Drawing Near” (LSB 508)—a reminder that the light of Christ will soon break through the darkness.

The community is also warmly invited to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord:

• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – Tuesday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m.
• Christmas Day Divine Service – Wednesday, December 25 at 9:00 a.m.

“All are welcome,” Pastor Braaten says. “If you have been weary, if you have been longing for peace, come hear the good news of a Savior who has come and will come again. The same Lord who entered our world in Bethlehem still enters our lives through His Word and grace.”

Immanuel Lutheran Church is located at 600 E Northline Road in Tuscola.
For more information, visit www.immanueltuscola.org or call (217) 253-4341.