Saturday prior to Easter 6

 

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Romans 5:1-2 -The Hymn of the Day, Dear Christians, One and All Rejoice (LSB #556), was written by Martin Luther it tells the story of salvation from the believer’s perspective. It starts with man’s condition of sin, explains Christ’s glorious work and concludes with the believer’s new nature. Some may claim “I don’t know how to share my faith; I don’t know what I would say? This hymn explains all.

Luther wrote this hymn in 1523, and it was the first hymn he ever wrote for congregational singing. While “A Mighty Fortress” might be the most popular of Luther’s hymns in our day, “Dear Christians One and All Rejoice” might be Luther’s most important hymn in addition to being his first. It tells the powerful story of man’s wretched state, the Father’s plan to send his Son to die for the sins of the world, and Jesus’ faithful execution of his Father’s will. Salvation was not easy. Indeed, it was the most bitter of all struggles, but because of our Lord Jesus’ work, we are blest forever. The hymn concludes with Jesus promise to send the Holy Spirit and the blessed encouragement that we follow in our Lord’s teaching.[2]

Collect for Easter 6: Lord, because You have promised to give what we ask in the Name of Your only begotten Son, teach us the right way to pray. With all Your saints may we offer to You our adoration and praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [3] – 21 May, 2022

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[1] The New Heaven and New Earth, Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS for personal and congregational use

[2] https://www.redeemerwv.org/blog/2019/5/28/dear-christians-one-and-all-rejoice

[3] Collect for Easter 6, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis