Nebraska Synod ELCA
The world feels chaotic and uncertain. As we wait and long for the Baby Jesus, we not only grow impatient for the arrival of the newborn King, but also for the arrival of peace, justice, equity and for the needs of all God’s beloved children to be met. Advent is a time of hope, but it’s also a time of longing. With the Psalmist, we grow weary of waiting and we cry out “How Long, O Lord?” How long until justice rolls down? How long until all are fed? How long until there is truly peace on earth, goodwill for all? How long O Lord?
In unpacking this theme and question, the congregations of the Nebraska Synod are invited to use this resource this year which features an order of worship for mid-week Advent services for Advent 2025, and included reflections and messages from different voices across the Nebraska Synod.
Advent begins with a cry of longing: “How long, O Lord?” As we light the first candle, we remember that we wait not only for Christ’s coming, but also for all people to know that the Good News is truly for everyone. This week’s worship invites us into prayer, scripture, song, and silence as we proclaim God’s promise of hope and peace, and as we are called to live out justice, welcome, and love for all.
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As we light the second candle, Advent calls us not only to wait, but also to act. Like Esther, we are reminded that God places us in this world “for such a time as this.” This week’s worship invites us to lift our voices for justice, to stand alongside our neighbors in love, and to care for all of creation—even as we continue to wait in hope for Christ’s coming.
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Waiting is not easy. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we sometimes wonder if God has forgotten us. This week’s worship names the weariness that comes with long seasons of longing, while also reminding us that God provides water in the desert, manna in our hunger, and hope in our despair. Even when our hearts cry out “How long, O Lord?”, we are assured that God’s presence meets us in our waiting and sustains us with unfailing love.
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As Advent draws to a close, we light the final candle with a spirit of steadfast hope. Even in grief, weariness, or uncertainty, God’s people hold fast to the promise that “death has been swallowed up in victory.” This week’s worship invites us to lean into God’s unchanging love, to remain faithful in our waiting, and to trust that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. Christ, our Emmanuel, is coming soon.
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Not everyone enters Christmas with joy and cheer. For many, this season carries the weight of grief, loneliness, or weariness. This special service offers space to pause, lament, and rest in God’s steadfast love. Through scripture, prayer, music, and candlelight, we are reminded that the light of Christ shines in the darkness—and the darkness cannot overcome it. Emmanuel, God with us, meets us right where we are with hope and healing.
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Bishop Scott Johnson has recorded a Christmas sermon for congregations across the Nebraska Synod. You are invited to use it in whatever way best serves your community—during worship, in small groups, or as a devotional resource. May this message offer comfort, hope, and encouragement as we celebrate Christ’s coming among us.
If you have any questions or would like to share stories about how you are using this resource, please reach out to Nebraska Synod’s Director for Youth and Justice Ministries, Gretchen Ahrens at gretchen@nebraskasynod.org, and Director for Evangelical Mission, Innovation, and Stewardship, Deacon Timothy Siburg at timothy@nebraskasynod.org.
On behalf of the whole Nebraska Synod staff, this resource is offered in deep hope and a shared longing for the One who is to come, and for a meaningful Advent and Christmas season in your congregation and larger communities.
~ Gretchen and Deacon Timothy
