Tuesday prior to the Baptism of our Lord

 

A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.

Psalm 29—The key verse of this psalm is verse 3, “The Voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.”  In the thunderstorm, sometimes frightening, suggestive of terrifying cataclysms at the end of the world. Yet not today. That voice is reserved for the final last day of the Lord’s visitation. Today we hear the Father speak, “And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”  -Mark 1:11

The Voice of God is the theme for Psalm 29 which blends with the theme for this coming Sunday that the Voice of the Father was heard by the Savior. Today we listen to the voice of Jesus through the hearing of the Gospel.   

Collect for Psalm 29: Lord our king, your voice sounds over the waters as you reign above the flood. Help us, who are born again by water and the Holy Spirit, to praise your wonderful deeds in your holy temple; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.[1]

For blessing on the Word – Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord.[2]

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[1] Collect for Psalm 29, For All the Saints, A Prayer book for and by the Church © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

[2] A prayer before the study of the Word and For blessing on the Word, Lutheran Service Book © 2996 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

"Baptism" image copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Monday prior to the Baptism of our Lord

 

It’s a New Year and a new season – Epiphany. The first Sunday after the Epiphany is a special day – the baptism of our Lord. In the early church Epiphany was celebrated in terms of Jesus’ baptism. In keeping with the festival, the liturgical color is white.

Psalm 2:7-11, 12c—The Antiphon, is taken from Isaiah 42:1a “Behold my servant whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights.” In ancient times the term “servant” meant something like “trusted envoy” or “confidential representative” but here there is more. This is the Lord’s chosen one, the one in whom the Lord delights, the one in whom the Lord’s Spirit is given. This is a prediction of Christ who comes to make our salvation a reality. With His baptism, not only does the Savior begin His ministry, but from here on there can be no turning back. Salvation will find its completion at a bloody and cruel cross and an empty tomb. The Baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of His earthly ministry where He will bring salvation. In baptism you are brought to the Savior and in Him you are sheltered protected, and sealed.

Collect for the Baptism of our Lord—Father in heaven at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful to their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[1]

Collect for Psalm 2: Lord God, you gave the people 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 ride. As he proclaimed the way of your eternal kingdom, may we serve him faithfully, and so know the royal power of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. [2]

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[1] Collect for the Baptism of our Lord, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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

Woodcut “The Baptism of Jesus” Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, The Book of Books in Pictures © WELS used by permission for personal and congregational use.

Epiphany 1 - The Baptism of our Lord - Series B

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD - Series B
The First Sunday after the Epiphany
10 January 2021 

Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make us all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Genesis 1:1–5

Romans 6:1–11

Mark 1:4–11

In Holy Baptism, the Triune God Reveals Himself and Recreates Us in His Image

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Then, as “the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2), God spoke His Word: “‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). In the same way, “the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (Mark 1:1) brings about the new creation through the waters of Baptism by the same Word and Spirit of God. When John the Baptist came, “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,” Jesus also came “and was baptized by John in the Jordan” (Mark 1:4, 9). Although He had no sins of His own, He took His stand with sinners in His Baptism and took the sins and mortality of the world upon Himself. He was baptized into His own death, by which the heavens are opened and the Spirit is given to us. God the Father is well pleased with His beloved Son and raises Him from the dead. As we share His Baptism and are “united with him in a death like his” (Romans 6:5), we also share His resurrection unto “newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

Mark 1:4–11

Mark 1:4

ἐγένετο Ἰωάννης ὁ βαπτίζων ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ κηρύσσων βάπτισμα μετανοίας εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν.

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 

Mark 1:5

καὶ ἐξεπορεύετο πρὸς αὐτὸν πᾶσα ἡ Ἰουδαία χώρα καὶ οἱ Ἱεροσολυμῖται πάντες, καὶ ἐβαπτίζοντο ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ Ἰορδάνῃ ποταμῷ ἐξομολογούμενοι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν. 

And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Mark 1:6

καὶ ἦν ὁ Ἰωάννης ἐνδεδυμένος τρίχας καμήλου καὶ ζώνην δερματίνην περὶ τὴν ὀσφὺν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔσθων ἀκρίδας καὶ μέλι ἄγριον.

Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

Mark 1:7

καὶ ἐκήρυσσεν λέγων• Ἔρχεται ὁ ἰσχυρότερός μου ὀπίσω μου, οὗ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς κύψας λῦσαι τὸν ἱμάντα τῶν ὑποδημάτων αὐτοῦ•

And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.  

Mark 1:8

ἐγὼ ἐβάπτισα ὑμᾶς ὕδατι, αὐτὸς δὲ βαπτίσει ὑμᾶς ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ.

I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

The Baptism of Jesus

Mark 1:9

Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις ἦλθεν Ἰησοῦς ἀπὸ Ναζαρὲτ τῆς Γαλιλαίας καὶ ἐβαπτίσθη [i]εἰς τὸν Ἰορδάνην ὑπὸ Ἰωάννου. 

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Mark 1:10

καὶ εὐθὺς ἀναβαίνων ἐκ τοῦ ὕδατος εἶδεν σχιζομένους τοὺς οὐρανοὺς καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα ὡς περιστερὰν καταβαῖνον εἰς αὐτόν•

And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

Mark 1:11

αὶ φωνὴ ἐγένετο ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν• Σὺ εἶ ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός, ἐν σοὶ εὐδόκησα

And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;[a] with you I am well pleased.”

ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

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

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

LCMS Lectionary Summary © 2016

Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Time in the Word - The Baptism of our Lord

Time in the Word 
4-9 January, 2021
The Baptism of our Lord

The first Sunday after the Epiphany is a special day – the baptism of our Lord. In the early church Epiphany was celebrated in terms of Jesus’ baptism. In keeping with the festival, the liturgical color is white. The Gospel lesson records the events of John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. With His baptism Jesus will begin His earthly public ministry. John comes preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan. He prepares the way for Jesus by telling the people that one is coming who will baptize with the Spirit. Then comes Jesus from Nazareth and is baptized by John.  According to Mark, this is a personal experience of Jesus, for He alone saw the dove and heard the Father’s voice. From this moment Jesus is the Son of God.  

Collect for the Baptism of our Lord—Father in heaven at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful to their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayers for Epiphany – O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

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.

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 the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

For blessing on the Word – Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord.

A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.

 Morning Prayer Readings for the Coming Week:

January 04 68 Fiery Furnace Pt.2

January 05 69 Daniel Part 1

January 06 Chapel Day

January 07 70 Daniel Part 2

January 08 71 Birth of John Foretold

 Catechism Review: What does Baptism give or profit? 

Monday, January 04, 2021—Psalm 2:7-11, 12c—The Antiphon, is taken from Isaiah 42:1a “Behold my servant whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights.” In ancient times the term “servant” meant something like “trusted envoy” or “confidential representative” but here there is more. This is the Lord’s chosen one, the one in whom the Lord delights, the one in whom the Lord’s Spirit is given. This is a prediction of Christ who comes to make our salvation a reality. With His baptism, not only does the Savior begin His ministry, but from here on there can be no turning back. Salvation will find its completion at a bloody and cruel cross and an empty tomb.

Tuesday, January 05, 2021—Psalm 29—The key verse of this psalm is verse 3, “The Voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.”  The Voice of God is the theme for Psalm 29 which blends with the theme for this coming Sunday that the Voice of the Father was heard by the Savior. In the thunderstorm, sometimes frightening, suggestive of terrifying cataclysms at the end of the world.   

Wednesday, January 06, 2021—Genesis 1:1-5—The Old Testament lesson for the Baptism of our Lord reminds us once again that the Voice of God is important. In ten phrases the Creator of the Universe speaks the world into existence. Sunday’s Old Testament lesson will focus on Day 1. Merely by speaking God brought all things into being – see also Psalm 33:6, 9 and Hebrews 11:3. God’s first creative word called forth light in the midst of the darkness. Light is necessary for making God’s creative works visible and life possible. As you have been baptized, God is re-creating faith in a once sin-darkened heart.

Thursday, January 07 2021—Romans 6:1-11—Paul will explain both the when and how of the Christian’s death to sin. Baptism is a means by which we enter into a vital faith relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a means of receiving God’s grace, and it depicts graphically what happens as a result of the Christian’s union with Christ. Through faith we are united with Christ, just as through our natural birth we are united with Adam. 

As we fell into sin and became subject to death in father Adam, so we now have died and been raise again with Christ – with baptism effects.

Friday, January 08, 2021 - Mark 1:4-11—Sunday’s Gospel reading is St. Mark’s account of the baptism of our Lord. In Jesus’ baptism, God the Father proclaimed Jesus His Son, whom He loves. 

In His baptism, our sins are washed onto Jesus, and the baptismal waters sanctified, that they might wash our sins off us. We, too, are beloved of God. The day of our Baptism is one of the greatest days in our lives, when our old man was drowned in those sacred waters, and our new selves, righteous and holy, were brought forth to “live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”

The Father declares that Jesus is His Son. Here Jesus receives the knowledge of His identity, His self-understanding, and of His mission in life as the Messiah. Wasn’t Jesus God’s Son prior to His baptism or does this mean that this is the first time Jesus came to a realization of who He was? It is important to note that we only know who we are and what we are to do in relation to the Father. When we know whose we are, we know who we are. Baptism for us is the time of adoption as children of God. By His grace we are accepted as children of His kingdom. Baptism is the initiation and incorporation into the body of Christ.

Saturday, January 09, 2021— Matthew 3:13-17; Hebrews 2:17; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 4:21 - The hymn of the day for the Baptism of our Lord is, To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord (LSB 405). In this hymn references are made to the Savior’s baptism. The Theme for the day emphasizes baptism as the time of the Spirit’s reception and the beginning of ministry. 

Let us honor Christ’s baptism and celebrate this feast in holiness. Be cleansed entirely and continue to be cleansed. Nothing gives such pleasure to God as the conversion and salvation of human beings, for whom his every word and every revelation exist. He wants you to become a living force for all humanity, lights shining in the world. You are to be radiant lights as you stand beside Christ, the great light, bathed in the glory of him who is the light of heaven. You are to enjoy more and more the pure and dazzling light of the Trinity. For now you have received — through not in its fullness — a ray of its splendor, proceeding from the one God, in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be glory and power forever and ever. (Leo the Great)

Sources

LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES B © 1981 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

Baptism images  copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Christmas 2

 

Forward into a New Year

O God, our Maker and Redeemer, who wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your Son yet more wondrously restored our human nature, grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

On the 2^nd Sunday after Christmas we have an opportunity to think through the meaning of Christmas. And to examine our lives as we enter a new year.  The rush and the roar of Christmas festivities are over.

Now we can quietly contemplate what took place at Bethlehem. What in fact did take place close to 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem? It is the fact that the Word became flesh for the ultimate purpose of reconciling us back to the Father.

Last Sunday we ended with verse 40 of Luke’s presentation of the early life of Jesus. “And the child grew and became strong in Spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.”

Fast-forward twelve years. Jesus makes a return trip. To Jerusalem. To the temple. To listen to the scribes and the Elders. And to ask questions. This is His habit. This is His method of operation. That is His MO His Modus operandi. His profile.  There is nothing strange or odd in Jesus’ behavior.  We should not be surprised.

Today is the first Sunday of a New Year. Many if not most are glad to see 2020 in their rear view mirror.  Forget New Year’s resolutions. At least, for this year. If anything many are hoping to hit “restart” to their routines, their schedules and their very lives.   Yet, today’s reading makes a perfect resolution for us as a Friedheim family. As we consider our future.  Make this resolve;

1.That we might receive the Lord’s gifts with thanksgiving. In the Gospel (Luke 2:40-52) Luke tells us, “They found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teacher both listening to them and asking them questions.” – Luke 2:46

The trip to the temple in Jerusalem was for Jesus an annual event.  “Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.”

Nothing would distract Him. His focus was complete. Mary and Joseph were frantic. Jesus was so focused that He lost all track of time.  "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

That we might grow.

 “And the child grew and became strong in Spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.” – Luke 2:40 Jesus’ life was one of growth through submission, the ultimate example of losing your life only to find it.

 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and statute and in favor of God and men.” – Luke 2:52 We just aren’t good at seeing those growth opportunities, but the Father loves us still. Christ loved you enough to submit to the cross. Jesus submitted where you could not. He is the one directing growth from the right hand of the Father. As you place your focus and your confidence in Him realize that just as in the past He continues to order all things.

Transition: Because of Christmas we are children of God by faith. But what kind of children?  We are adopted into God’s family.

II. The events of Christmas mean we are children of God by means of adoption. In our Epistle lesson (Ephesians 1:13-14) Paul reminds us that in Christ God blessed us with spiritual blessings making us sons and daughters through grace. That we might “have redemption through his blood.” (Ephesians 1:7) Jesus lived by faith in the Word of His heavenly Father.

 Christ Jesus is still found in His Church, in “the word of truth, the gospel,” by which we are adopted by His Father and sealed with His Spirit. (Ephesians 1:5, 13)

Paul tells us we are “destined” (v.5) God has a destiny for you. He predestined you. Not to condemnation. But to life through Christ. It is the Father’s will for all of us to be saved. To have life. And go to heaven. This has been the LORD’s will even before the world was created. To accomplish this, He sent His Son to the world to die for us that we might become a people of God by faith. This is your destiny in Christ.

Transition: Christmas means we are children of God by faith. Christmas means we are children of God by adoption. Christmas means we are children of God by grace.

III. We are children of God by grace – In the Old Testament lesson (1 kings 3:4-15) we are told that early in his administration Solomon prayed for a discerning heart. “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (v.9)  Solomon received what he asked for – and even more.

What do people dream of? A larger house? A bigger raise? A strong portfolio. A secure future?  The careful reader will remember that the seeds of Solomon’s destruction have already been sown in God's gift of what Solomon did not ask for. His wealth and honor which attracted the foreign marriages that ultimately led him astray.

Solomon was wise in what he prayed for, a discerning heart. His downfall came when he became distracted and enamored by the things of this world. He was charmed and captivated by the trappings of his office and position. He kept his gaze on the periphery instead of the center where the Lord has promise to be. Seek the Lord and find Him in those places He has promised to be. In the promises of the gospel. In His promises of forgiveness, pardon and peace; in his gifts of redemption in word, water, wafer and wine.  

In this New Year keep Christ at the center of your attention. It’s easy to become diverted and soon sidetracked when we become preoccupied by the cares of this life.  Becoming distracted as a demented squirrel!  Heed the words of the Savior, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” - John 16:33

Keep your focus on Christ and not the vain things which can easily be misplaced, and soon gone. Possibly, one of the lessons learned from this past year is for us to set priorities on what is that one thing needful.        

Are you dreaming of a house with many rooms? Listen to the promise of your Savior.” Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.  – John 14:1-3

In this coming year may we be directed by the Grace. That we might receive the Lord’s gifts with thanksgiving knowing we have been adopted into His family; that we are the children of God by grace.  

Words-1,270
Passive Sentences- 9%
Readability – 78%
Reading Level – 5.1

Saturday prior to Christmas 2

 

Luke 2:41-52 - The Hymn of the Day is Within the Father’s House (Lutheran Service Book #410)It recounts the Gospel reading of the Boy Jesus in the temple, and then offers up a prayer in stanzas 5 and 6 that we, by grace, might grasp and hold to the mysteries of the Incarnation and the Holy Trinity till they are at last made fully known to us on that great day when our Lord returns in majesty and glory.

Within the Father’s house
The Son hath found His home;
And to His temple suddenly
The Lord of Life hath come.

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

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

 

Collect for the Second Sunday after Christmas: 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 the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.[1]

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[1] Collect for the Second Sunday after Christmas, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

January

 

A New Year befalls us. Most are happy to see the year 2020 come to an end with all of the drama associated with this past year. A contentious election cycle, a global pandemic, so much uncertainty will be remember when we reflect back on this past year that was matchless; exceptional is so many ways.

Is there something or anything spiritual or sacred about pausing to reflect on the events of the past twelve months? Where’s the Gospel in the phrase, “Happy New Year!”?

The Gospel is found in the observance of a new year when we pause and ponder the fact that the LORD God is timeless. He’s beyond time – He has a completely different vantage point then we do when it comes to the concept of time. We who are mortal only can evaluate situations from the perspective of past experiences and present circumstances. When we begin to consider the future our prospects and predictions can become suspect. True, the old adage tells us past behaviors predict future outcomes, which is somewhat accurate.

Our Savior who has the perspective and advantage of eternity is the only One able to guide our future as He has the past. He is the only one capable of ordering our days and directing our path. We shouldn’t be surprised at this. The Old Testament trumpets this message clearly in the simple yet profound words of the prophet Malachi when he tells us, “I am the Lord, I change not.” - Malachi 3:6

Our good and gracious LORD remains faithful to His promises in spite of our history and our past. His Word is much stronger than our weaknesses. The LORD remains faithful to His promises in spite of our history of doubt and unbelief. Have there been moments in this past year in which we are not proud?

Have there been times in this past year in which we have not acted as becomes a child of God? Our Lord Jesus, the Word who was made flesh defeated sin and destroyed death at a cross on a hill called Calvary.

The Savior knew - that the only way to save and rescue mortal man - was to come down to our level; to enter time and space to live and dwell among us. The eternal Son left His Father’s world and entered our world to redeem and save us. Thus writes the Psalmist, “Thou art the same and Thy years shall have no end.”- Psalm 102:27

There you have it! Finding the Gospel throughout the year is remembering the reality that the LORD is timeless and He will not, nor cannot change. But if there is to be any change in us – if there is to be a future for us – we will have to abide by His will and His ways. Your destiny is to live and dwell with Him, not in a fallen world which is marked by time – but in His world, which is beyond the scope and limits of time and space.

The writer to the Hebrews explains to us clearly, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, yes and forevermore.” - Hebrews 13:8 Jesus is the same yesterday – a clear reference to His time on earth where people became eye-witnesses to His ministry.

The time for Jesus to be born was the right time. Everything was planned by the Father’s hand. The God who is timeless decided the time was right to send His Son Jesus into our world to redeem and save it.

These witnesses heard His words and marked His actions, they beheld His glory. They observed Him as He was made known to them - they produced a living testimony – The New Testament – preserved for us by the Holy Spirit for us to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest. We posses this testimony in the Scriptures today – use it!

Jesus Christ is the same today. Every word and every action, - everything - what those eyewitnesses said about Jesus is true. Has He not acted for you in this past year? Has not this single solitary life impacted you? 

Where do we find the Savior today?  We find Him in those places only the Father has promised. We find Him in His message of the Gospel. We find Him in the reading of the Inspired Word.

We find Him in the waters of Holy Baptism. We find Him in His Meal, in His Words of Absolution, and hidden away in His promise; ‘lo I am with you always.’-Matthew 28

This good news about Jesus calms our fears, removes our doubts and gives us hope. Does the death of a condemned man seem compelling enough to offer atonement?

Could His life and sacrifice really save you? This is the means by which we find peace with God and absolution for our sin.

Jesus is the same yes and forevermore. His promises will always be true. He cannot undermine His character and good name. His credibility is at stake. Your future is His concern and His care. As we enter a New Year Godspeed dear child of God – fare thee well – into this New Year.