St. Stephen, Martyr (December 26)

 2 Chronicles 24:17–22
Acts 6:8–7:2a, 51–60
Matthew 22:34–39

St. Stephen, Martyr

The Christ is born in the land of Judah, but His own people will not receive Him. As it was in the days of Joash, so it is also in the days of Herod and Pilate. The Lord “sent prophets among them to bring them back to the Lord...but they would not pay attention” (2 Chron. 24:19). As Zechariah was being stoned he cried out, “May the Lord see and avenge!” (2 Chron. 24:-22). But the infant Jesus has come to save and to forgive. Today, the Church remembers St. Stephen, the first martyr after Christ’s ascension. His confession recalled the stiff-necked, uncircumcised hearts and ears of Judah that would not receive the Righteous One (Acts 7:51–52). But as his body was being stoned and his spirit received by the Lord Jesus, Stephen cried, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:59–60), bearing witness to the One who also said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). On the second day of Christmas, our thoughts are already directed to Christ’s atoning death to save rebels like us, and to the vision Stephen saw: Heaven is open to us, Christ is reigning at God’s right hand, and no sin, death, or foe can stop Him.

Sources:

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship 

Christmas Day

[1]

O.T.: Isaiah 52:7–10 — Ep.: Hebrews 1:1–6 (7–12) — Gospel: John 1:1–14 (15–18)

The Living and Life-Giving Word of God Dwells Among Us in the Flesh

The Lord sends out His ministers of the Gospel to make disciples “of all the nations,” so that “all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” The Lord has “bared His holy arm” in the incarnate Christ (Isaiah 52:7, 10). The child in the manger, born of the Mary, is the very Word of God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, “whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom He also created the world” (Hebrew 1:2). As “all things were made through Him” (John 1:3), so are all things redeemed and made new in Him. In his body of flesh and blood, we behold “the radiance of the glory of God” (Hebrews 1:3), “glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He dwells among us in peace, that we might have life and light and salvation in Him. For by His Word of the Gospel, we are born again as the children of God, bearing His name and sharing His eternal life. (In the picture, ὁλόγος is Greek for ‘the Word’).

Collect for Christmas Dawn: Most merciful God, You gave Your eternal Word to become incarnate of the pure Virgin. Grant Your people grace to put away fleshly lusts, that they may be ready for Your visitation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Christmas Day: Almighty God, grant that the birth of Your only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free from the bondage of sin; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. – 25 December

Lectionary summaries from LCMS Commission on Worship 

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[1] Joy to the World, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

 

Christmas Eve

[1]

Old Testament lesson: Isaiah 7:10–14 —

Epistle: 1 John 4:7–16 —

Gospel: Matthew 1:18–25-

The Word of the Lord Is Fulfilled in the Flesh of Jesus

Though Ahaz would not ask, the Lord gives a sign to the House of David, that “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). With this promise He signifies that salvation is by His grace alone; it is no work or achievement of man, but the Lord’s own work and His free gift. The promise is fulfilled as the Son of God is conceived and born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the sign is received in faith by the House of David in the person of  Joseph (Matthew 1:20–24). “Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary.” (Nicene Creed)

God is with us (Immanuel) in the flesh of Jesus, Mary’s Son. Joseph believes that Word of God and so demonstrates a marvelous example in his immediate and quiet obedience, taking Mary to be his wife and caring for her in faith and love. He loves her because the love of God is manifest in this, that “the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world,” “to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9–12).[2]

Collect for Christmas Eve: O God, You make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that as we joyfully receive Him as our Redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold Him when He comes to be our Judge; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Christmas Midnight: O God, You make this most holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that as we have known the mysteries of that Light on earth we may also come to the fullness of His joys in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[3] -24 December

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[1] Joy to the World, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Scriptural notes from the LCMS commission on Worship © Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

[3] Collect for Christmas Eve and Christmas Midnight, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Tuesday prior to Christmas

[1]

Psalm 2 The Psalm appointed for Christmas Day is Psalm 2. Compare and contrast the structure of Psalm 2 to that of Psalm 1.

Psalm 2 is the most frequently quoted psalm in the New Testament. It fits together in an interesting way with Psalm 1 to introduce the Book of Psalms. Psalm 1 begins with, “How blessed”; Psalm 2 ends with the same word (in Hebrew). Psalm 1 ends with a threat; Psalm 2 begins with a threat. In Psalm 1, the godly man meditates on God’s law; in Psalm 2, the wicked meditates (NASB = “devising,” NIV = “plot”; same Hebrew word) on how to cast off the rule of God. In Psalm 1 the theme is the contrast between the righteous and the wicked person; in Psalm 2 the theme is the contrast between the rebellion of wicked rulers and nations and the rule of God’s righteous Messiah. Psalm 1 consists of two stanzas and six verses. Psalm 2 is twice as long, consisting of four stanzas and 12 verses.[2]

The Psalm is appropriate for the celebration of Christmas as we see that the Lord’s Messiah will enter time and space to make all things right.

Even though the world scene looks as if God has been on an extended vacation, David shows us that the LORD’s plans have not failed and shall not fail. Everything is under His control. In the fullness of time; and exactly the right time Jesus entered time and space to be our Savior. Rest in His timing, be assured of His care for you.    

Collect for Psalm 2: Lord God, you gave the peoples of the world to be the inheritance of your Son; you crowned him as king of Zion, your holy city, and gave him your Church as his bride. As he proclaims the way of your eternal kingdom, may we serve him faithfully, and so know the royal power of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. [3]

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[1] Joy to the World, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] https://bible.org/seriespage/psalm-2-world-out-control

[3] Collect for Psalm 2, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book for and By the Church, © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Monday prior to Christmas

[1]

Psalm 98:1; The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. With trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn-- shout for joy before the LORD, the King. is the psalm verse for the Introit for Christmas Day while the antiphon is from Isaiah 9:6   For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

We are now just a few days away from Christmas. Are you ready for the celebration? Christmas will come whether you are ready or not. The good news is that at just the right time our Lord Jesus broke into time and space to be our Savior. He intervened at precisely the right time. His entry into this world happened according to the Father’s perfect will for this world and especially for you.

Jesus does not change. He makes it a habit of showing up at exactly when He needs to and specifically in those places he has promised to be found; in His Word, in his gifts, in his action of forgiveness and restoration.  Throughout this week of preparation be mindful that in the midst of your many tasks you must do the Lord has specifically had you on his mind from the beginning of time. You were on his mind when he entered this world and he has remembered you every single day since. Now that’s good news each of us can appreciate.       

Heavenly Father, we thank you that Your Word emboldens our hearts with praise and thanksgiving as we rejoice in Your promises.   Thank You Lord for fulfilling Your word through Jesus, our King of Kings and our Lord of Lords.  Thank you for showing us the way of humility and blessing by taking the form of a baby to bring the hope of the world and salvation to the nations.   Lord, your ways are so much better than ours.  You are our Peace and our Joy and our Salvation.  To You be the glory! Amen and amen!

Collect for 98: Lord, we sing to you a new song, for your victory is ever new. In the empty tomb you have give us a glimpse of your future and in your victory over death you have shown us how we sll overcome the last enemy. As the seas roar and the hills sing together, we too will praise you for your great triumph, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever.[2]

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[1] Christmas image copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Psalm 98, For All the Saints A Prayer Book For and by the Church Vol. 1 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY 

 

Christmas 1Series A study notes

Isaiah 63:7–14
Galatians 4:4–7

Matthew 2:13–23

The Lord Jesus Undergoes a New Exodus in Order to Save His People from Their Sins

 

O God, our Maker and Redeemer, You wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your Son yet more wondrously resorted our human nature. Grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us.  

Herod’s efforts to destroy the little Lord Jesus anticipate the cross for which He was born. In response to Herod’s edict, Joseph must “take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt” (Matthew 2:13). But the Lord does not abandon the holy family there. He brings about salvation for all people, just as He “had spoken by the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son’” (Matthew 2:15). With might and strength, God accompanies His people, causing “his glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses” (Isaiah 63:12). Now through Jesus, even our afflictions are borne by Christ on the cross. “He redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them” (Isaiah 63:9). All of this is accomplished by God’s might so that we, too, are claimed as members of His family. For we “receive adoption as sons” in the only-begotten Son, Christ Jesus, even as He became like us by His conception and birth of the woman. Thus redeemed by Christ, no longer slaves of sin and death but beloved children and heirs of God, we pray in Jesus’ name: “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:4–6).

-Matthew 2:13-23

The Flight into Egypt 

Matthew 2:13

Ἀναχωρησάντων δὲ αὐτῶν ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος κυρίου [a]φαίνεται κατ’ ὄναρ τῷ Ἰωσὴφ λέγων· Ἐγερθεὶς παράλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ φεῦγε εἰς Αἴγυπτον, καὶ ἴσθι ἐκεῖ ἕως ἂν εἴπω σοι· μέλλει γὰρ Ἡρῴδης ζητεῖν τὸ παιδίον τοῦ ἀπολέσαι αὐτό.  

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."

Matthew 2:14

ὁ δὲ ἐγερθεὶς παρέλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ νυκτὸς καὶ ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς Αἴγυπτον, 

And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt

Matthew 2:15

καὶ ἦν ἐκεῖ ἕως τῆς τελευτῆς Ἡρῴδου· ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν [b]ὑπὸ κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος· Ἐξ Αἰγύπτου ἐκάλεσα τὸν υἱόν μου. 

and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt I called my son."

Herod Kills the Children 

Matthew 2:16 

Τότε Ἡρῴδης ἰδὼν ὅτι ἐνεπαίχθη ὑπὸ τῶν μάγων ἐθυμώθη λίαν, καὶ ἀποστείλας ἀνεῖλεν πάντας τοὺς παῖδας τοὺς ἐν Βηθλέεμ καὶ ἐν πᾶσι τοῖς ὁρίοις αὐτῆς ἀπὸ διετοῦς καὶ κατωτέρω, κατὰ τὸν χρόνον ὃν ἠκρίβωσεν παρὰ τῶν μάγων.

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.

Matthew 2:17

τότε ἐπληρώθη τὸ ῥηθὲν [c]διὰ Ἰερεμίου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος· 

Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

Matthew 2:18 

Φωνὴ ἐν Ῥαμὰ [d]ἠκούσθη, κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὀδυρμὸς πολύς· Ῥαχὴλ κλαίουσα τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς, καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν παρακληθῆναι ὅτι οὐκ εἰσίν.

"A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more." 

Return to Nazareth 

Matthew 2:19 

Τελευτήσαντος δὲ τοῦ Ἡρῴδου ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος κυρίου [e]φαίνεται κατ’ ὄναρ τῷ Ἰωσὴφ ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ 

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

Matthew 2:20

λέγων· Ἐγερθεὶς παράλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ πορεύου εἰς γῆν Ἰσραήλ, τεθνήκασιν γὰρ οἱ ζητοῦντες τὴν ψυχὴν τοῦ παιδίου. 

saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead."

Matthew 2:21

ὁ δὲ ἐγερθεὶς παρέλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ [f]εἰσῆλθεν εἰς γῆν Ἰσραήλ.  

And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.

Matthew 2:22

ἀκούσας δὲ ὅτι Ἀρχέλαος [g]βασιλεύει τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἀντὶ [h]τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ Ἡρῴδου ἐφοβήθη ἐκεῖ ἀπελθεῖν· χρηματισθεὶς δὲ κατ’ ὄναρ ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς τὰ μέρη τῆς Γαλιλαίας, 

But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.

Matthew 2:23

καὶ ἐλθὼν κατῴκησεν εἰς πόλιν λεγομένην Ναζαρέτ, ὅπως πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τῶν προφητῶν ὅτι Ναζωραῖος κληθήσεται. 

And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene. -

A true friend of children is one who...

1. Is open to God's guidance - v13, Vv.19-20 

2. Is aware of the worlds threats - V.21 

3. Immediately obeys God - V.14

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

Image Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts “The Flight into Egypt” © WELS For personal or congregational use 

St. Thomas, Apostle (December 21)

Judges 6:36–40
Ephesians 4:7, 11–16
John 20:24–29

St. Thomas, Apostle

The Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20). “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). We have the testimony of the truth, so that the Church is not “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning” (Eph. 4:14). As the Lord confirmed His truth to Gideon (Judges 6:36–40), so He does not turn away Thomas, but reveals His crucified and risen body to him, creating faith (John 20:27-28). Christ’s wounds are the source of our redemption and peace. Strengthened by this, Thomas is said to have brought the Gospel to India and faced a martyr’s death. Those who follow the Master will suffer on account of His Name (John 15:18–21). But by the confession of the truth, the body of Christ grows “up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:15), whom Thomas praised as his “Lord” and his “God” (John 20:28).

Sources:

Image of Thomas in the upper room copyright Google Images

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship

Saturday prior to Advent 4

[1]

Sunday’s hymn of the day, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (LB #357), is an ancient hymn based upon seven even more ancient antiphons (called the ‘O’ Antiphons) which were used in the Office at Vespers (the evening office) during the last seven days of Advent. Each antiphon and each hymn stanza refers to a different title for Christ: Wisdom, Adonai (‘Lord’), Root (or Branch) of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, King of Nations, Emmanuel (‘God with Us’).

The Great ‘O’ Antiphons:

17 December -O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, pervading and permeating all creation, mightily ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.

18 December – O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and gave him the Law on Sinai; Come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.

19 December - O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples, before whom all kings are mute, to whom the nations will do homage: Come quickly to deliver us.

20 December - O Key of David and Scepter of the house of Israel, You open and no one can close, You close and no one can open: Come and rescue the prisoners who are in darkness and the shadow of death.

21 December - O Dayspring, Splendor of light everlasting: Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

22 December - O King of the Nations, the Ruler they long for, the Cornerstone uniting all people: Come and save us all, whom You formed out of clay.

23 December - O Emmanuel, our King and our Lord, the Anointed for the nations and their Savior: Come and save us, O Lord our God.

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

 

Friday prior to Advent 4

[1]

Matthew 1:18–25—A Blender for Christmas? At Christmas a good blender was once a popular gift. Various foods and liquids can be put in a blender and in a minute or two the items are blended into one substance. The various items cannot be distinguished one from the other.

At Christmas, God send the world a blender – Jesus. In him God and man, divinity and humanity were so perfectly blended that no one can separate the human and divine natures in him. He is all human and all God, perfectly blended into one integrated personality; Jesus, the God-man.

With the coming of Jesus we see the human nature of Jesus; Born of a woman, born as a human. Vv. 20-21 We also see the divine nature of Jesus; conceived by the Holy Spirit with a God-given name. Vv. 20-23[2]

Here is the consummation of our advent preparation: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, to a virgin, just as Isaiah had prophesied. No ordinary child, this One was conceived from the Holy Spirit and born to a human mother. Jesus (‘the LORD saves’): what a fitting name for the Son of God come down from heaven and the One who, by laying down His life for us, would save his people from their sins.

All-powerful Father, guide us with your love as we await the coming of your Son, Keep us faithful that we may be helped through life and brought to salvation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [3] -

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

[3] Prayer for the Friday of the week of Advent 3, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, © 1996 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Matthew 2 reflection

Matthew 2:1-12 reflection

Law/Gospel Theme:      Today we celebrate the visitation of the Magi after the birth of Christ. Although there are many details of which we are uncertain, we do know that God’s revelation of the Messiah to the “Wise Men” was significant in demonstrating His heart for all people.

The Magi were led by a star. Which guided them to where Jesus was. With this message, we are reminded that we have our guidance from God’s Word, the Bible.

It’s easy for us to get caught up in details, rules, or regulations. We can feel “lost” sometimes. Wondering what God would guide or how He might want us to act.

We learn this not through road maps or travel guides, but with study in His Word, the Holy Bible. Today we learn of the importance of using the Bible as a spiritual “map” of sorts, and following its directions for our lives.

Prayer:    O Lord Jesus, we meet you here at the crib, we marvel at your being born in weakness, as we also have been born. Give us the strength and the love to follow you through all the seasons of your earthly life.

Hymn: # 63 O Come all ye Faithful Vv. 1-2

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.

That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness.

And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Matthew 2:1-12

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened while Herod was king of Judea.

After Jesus’ birth, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? When we were in the east, we saw his star. Now we have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard about it, he was very upset. Everyone in Jerusalem was troubled too. So Herod called together all the chief priests of the people. He also called the teachers of the law. He asked them where the Christ was going to be born.

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied. “This is what the prophet has written. He said,

“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are certainly not the least important among the towns of Judah.

A ruler will come out of you. He will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’ ” —(Micah 5:2)

Then Herod called for the Wise Men secretly. He found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem. He said, “Go! Make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, bring me a report. Then I can go and worship him too.”

After the Wise Men had listened to the king, they went on their way. The star they had seen when they were in the east went ahead of them. It finally stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.

The Wise Men went to the house. There they saw the child with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures. They gave him gold, incense and myrrh.

But God warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they returned to their country on a different road.

Hymn: # 63 O Come all ye Faithful vv. 3-4

Whenever we travel my wife gets a  map  that shows us how to get around.  You might go hiking and get a little guide -  that helps you follow trails and not get lost.

You might also use a compass - that points to the North to show you where things are.  These days a lot of people have electronic versions (hold up phone or GPS), so all you have to do is tell it where you want to go, and you can get turn by turn directions and even voice commands that guide you along your way!

Consider this, though: have you ever followed a STAR for guidance? Has the night sky told you where and how to go? That probably sounds a little strange, doesn’t it? Well, a long time ago, a little bit after Jesus was born, God sent some special visitors to Him.

There were men who lived far away, and they had studied Scripture and watched the stars. They knew that God had promised to send a Messiah to rescue people. We sometimes call them “wise men” or “Magi.” These men saw a brilliant star shining in the sky, brighter than any other star.

They knew this was something important, and they believed God sent the star to show them where to find the Messiah. They traveled a long way to find the place the star led, and they finally found Him.

Well, they first came to Jerusalem and saw King Herod, and then made their way to where Jesus was.

When they found Him with Mary and Joseph. They gave Him special gifts: valuable gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They knew Jesus was important and wanted to honor Him.

They were willing to take risks, sacrifice their time and money, and go to a lot of hard work to find the Messiah, and trusted God to lead them.

Well, we may not have brightly shining stars to guide us. But we do have a special instruction manual to show us where to go. Do you know what map God has given us for direction?  God has given His word, the Bible, for us to follow.

It is our compass, map, and recipe for life! When we read the Bible and seek to understand what it says, we can better understand what God tells us and what ways we should live our lives.

Just like a compass always points North, the Bible points to Christ.

All of its stories are true. And they guide us to Jesus just like the star guided the Magi.

So whatever else we look to for direction, let’s look to the Bible for spiritual guidance. Ask God to help you understand the Bible. Study it, put it in your heart, and remember its significance. It will never steer you wrong![1]

Thank you, Jesus for your love and care. Thank you for coming into our world to be our Savior, Lord and King. You are the light that guides our way. Help us to read your word. To understand what it means, and obey your directions. Thank you for your instruction.[2] 

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers for the sick and suffering.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.

The Lord has given us life in a nation of opportunities and liberty; with public services such as fire and police protection, ambulances, food pantries, schools, libraries, and hospitals. We thank you Lord for our national life.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a world full of creatures that crawl, fly, swim, and climb. We enjoy a bounty of flowers and shrubs, grass and trees, plants and moss, and rocks and hills. We thank you Lord, for your creation.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.[3]

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Image of the Infant Christ copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things 

[1] Follow God’s Guidance! Mathew 2:1-12 Children’s Sermon for Epiphany Sunday - Ministry To Children

[2] Luke 2:1-14 - The Birth of Jesus Announced to the Shepherds | PDF Sunday School Works!

[3] September-15.2024-10AM-17th-Sunday-after-Pentecost.pdf (stmarksnewcanaan.org)

 

Thursday prior to Advent 4

[1]

Romans 1:1–7—In this beginning to his epistle to the Church at Rome, St Paul proclaims the dual nature of Jesus Christ: true man, in that He was descended from David according to the flesh; and true God, as testified by His Spirit of holiness and resurrection from the dead.

Paul proclaims the LORD’s Christ to be Jesus our Lord. Jesus, a human name meaning ‘the LORD saves’; Christ his title, meaning the ‘Anointed One, the Messiah’; Lord, another title, and witness to the fact that He is the eternal Second Person of the Trinity, the only true God, though robed in human flesh. It is for the proclamation of the Gospel—the salvation that comes only through Jesus Christ our Lord—that Paul was called to be an apostle.

Like Jesus, we have a double dimension to our lives. We are body and soul created and child of God, carnal and spiritual, mortal and immortal. Many folks think of themselves only in one dimension – being human flesh and blood, material, creatures. This results in the neglect of the spiritual dimension of life. On the other hand, we cannot be so spiritual that we cease to be human.

Consider the duel nature of the Christ-child Jesus. He descended to man to be man through the royal lineage of David. He honors our humanity by becoming one of us. As humans we have descended from Adam. We are creatures of God.

By his resurrection Jesus is designated as the Son of God. By grace, we are also designated sons of God by faith in Christ. In Christ, we are children of God by grace.[2] 

Collect for the Fourth Sunday in Advent: Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen [3]

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

[3] Collect for Advent 4, Lutheran Service Book © 2006, Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

 

Wednesday prior to Advent 4

[1]

Isaiah 7:10–17—Here is one of the most clear and beloved prophecies of the coming of our Lord in the flesh: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Indeed, seven hundred years later, the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived and bore a Son: the promised Messiah who would deliver us from sin and its consequences, God in flesh, Immanuel (which means God with us).

At Christmas a baby barges in and changes everything. Every child has a right to be wanted. Ahaz, the king of Judah, was offered a baby as a sign of God’s deliverance of the nation from the two nations besieging Jerusalem. Yet, Ahaz didn’t want diving help. We might be tempted to say, “I want to do it myself.”  After all we’ve been told to handle things ourselves. We have come of age and can handle our own problems.

The Christ-child changes everything.  Christmas is more than gifts, friends, and days off from work or school. What about the real meaning of Christmas. It’s all in the baby’s name – “Emmanuel: God with us.” To have the real Christmas means to have God in Jesus come into our lives.[2]

Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come, that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mighty deliverance; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.[3]

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

[3] Advent Collect, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Tuesday prior to Advent 4

[1]

 

Psalm 24—This psalm may have been used when David brought the Ark of the Covenant—the place where the LORD dwelt with His people—into Jerusalem and in later festivals commemorating the event. How fitting that we sing this song as we look forward to the coming of the King of Glory to dwell among us in human flesh in order that we might receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of our salvation.

David declares, “The earth is the LORD’s.” David was a noble, successful king – but of a relatively small and insignificant kingdom. One might easily think that the gods of the Egyptians or Assyrians were greater because those kingdoms were greater. Yet David rightly knew that the LORD, Yahweh, the God of Israel, was God of all the earth. It wasn’t enough for David to say that the entire earth belonged to the LORD; he added that all its fullness also belonged to Him.

Collect for Psalm 24:  Lord God, ruler and guide of heaven and earth, you made your Son a priest and brought him into your everlasting temple. Open our hearts that the King of glory may enter and bring us rejoicing to your holy mountain, where you live and reign, one God, now and forever.[2] 

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Psalm 24, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1995 Delhi, NY