Saturday prior to Christmas 2

[1]

1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 - The hymn of the day for Christmas 2 is Within the Father’s House (LSB 410).  Paul mentions “mystery of godliness.”  This phrase means the “revealed secret of true piety” that is the secret that produces piety in people. This secret is none other that Jesus Christ. His incarnation is the source of genuine piety. Has Jesus been born in you this Christmas season? By faith He dwells within you.

1 Within the Father's house
The Son has found His home,
And to His temple suddenly
The Lord of life has come.

2 The doctors of the Law
Gaze on the wondrous child
And marvel at His gracious words
Of wisdom undefiled. 

3 Yet not to them is giv'n
The mighty truth to know,
To lift the earthly veil which hides
Incarnate God below.

4 The secret of the Lord
Escapes each human eye,
And faithful pond'ring hearts await
The full epiphany. 

5 Lord, visit Thou our souls
And teach us by Thy grace
Each dim revealing of Thyself
With loving awe to trace

6 Till we behold Thy face
And know as we are known
Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Coequal Three in One.

 

Collect for Christmas 2—Almighty God You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ, Your  Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen [2]

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[1] Jesus in the Temple, Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts copyright © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

[2] Collect for Christmas 2, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis