St. John, Apostle and Evangelist (December 27)

 Revelation 1:1–6
1 John 1:1–2:2
John 21:10–25

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

St. John the Evangelist put Christmas in one verse: “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Not martyred but still a witness, John was exiled to Patmos and died an old man, according to tradition. He bore witness “to the Word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw” (Rev. 1:2). Above all, he was an eyewitness of Christ who proclaims to us what he saw and heard concerning the “Word of Life” that was “made manifest” (1 John 1:1–3). “And we know that his testimony is true” (John 21:24). The readings today include John’s testimony of Christ’s atoning death and His third resurrection appearance (John 21:14). On the third day of Christmas, we find joy and gladness with John and all the apostles that “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous,” who is “the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1–2).

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summery copyright LCMS commission on worship

Friday prior to Christmas 1

[1]

John 1:1-14 There is a person who knows and understands you. His name is Jesus Christ. We need to remember, especially today, that there was a nativity.  Jesus entered time and space to be human just like you.

In that manger, the Son of God didn’t just insert Himself into human activities. He inserted Himself in the grittiness of human flesh. He was also a person who knew pain and anger. He became angry Himself on occasions, and ultimately was the victim of anger. This life that you live; your struggles, your anger, your weakness, your woes, your sorrows - your Lord knows all. Even your joys exactly. Because He became a man.

The coming of Jesus into our world changes everything. For we do not have a God who was too proud to know His people. Or, a God content to rule from a great distance. Or, a God whose majesty was too awesome for us to behold. We have just the opposite. Jesus the son of Mary and Joseph experienced the very same humanity, the very same problems, and the very same challenges that we do.

No, you do not walk this road alone. Jesus is the God who came down from heaven. He was that man. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. –Isaiah 53:3-5

We are living in a broken world outside of Eden. We live in a world filled with disappointment, wounds and loss. Today, show your scars to Jesus and He will show you His. He will take your scarred heart in his scarred hands and love you, and love you, and love you still more; until all that matters is not the scar upon your heart, but the scar embedded in His hand.

Into Your hands oh merciful Savior I commend myself and all for whom I pray. I trust in You no matter how dark my road. –

---

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

 

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.

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship 

Thursday prior to Christmas 1

[1]

Hebrews 1:1-6 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.” (Hebrews 1:2) As “all things were made through Him” (John 1:3), so are all things redeemed and made new in Him.

Jesus is not a mere prophet — he is a Son, and as a Son he has a complete revelation of what the Father wants to reveal. This is definitive. The prophets could only dimly foresee the day of Jesus Christ, but he is the fulfillment of what they said. God has spoken to us in his Son.

How great is he? Verse 2 tells us that the Father appointed him “heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds.” Jesus was appointed heir even before anything existed. He is the Creator and the owner of the universe.

Not only that, “He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word.” (verse 3) When we look at Jesus, we see God’s glory, and he is the exact representation of his nature, and he is so powerful that he can sustain the universe simply by speaking a word. He spoke the world into existence. By that same word he creates faith in you.

In his body of flesh and blood, we behold “the radiance of the glory of God.” 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.

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high – Hebrews 1:3

Loving Lord I am filled with awe and wonder that You should love me and die for me. I am not worthy to gather the crumbs from underneath Your table – but You have redeemed me from death and hell with Your own precious blood. I am filled with awe and wonder and praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy. May I glorify Your name forever.[2] 

 

---

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

[2] https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Hebrews/1

 

Christmas Reflection

Law/Gospel Theme: Jesus was born as the fulfillment of God’s promises to us. This Savior was sent to live and die so that we may be restored to the Father. Just as the angels announced His coming and His birth, we should be excited to announce who Jesus is and what He has done for us.      

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 our earthly life.

Hymn: # 63 O Come All Ye Faithful

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.

Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing, which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying, and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (KJV)

Hymn: # 66 O Little Town of Bethlehem

Out in the fields. A group of shepherds stood guard over their flock that night. Such flocks were always needed for the sacrifices of the Temple at Jerusalem. A mere six miles away. Informed of the birth by an angel. The shepherds went to Bethlehem. They found the babe. Wrapped in swaddling clothes. Lying in a manger. And they repeated the message they had received. For some. The shepherds’ words were a passing wonder, “but Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19).

By faith we journey with them to Bethlehem. For this good news of Jesus’ birth was given by the angel to shepherds who went to see the new- born king.

With the shepherds we visit the new-born king. The shepherds were keeping watch. To guard the flock against thieves and robbers. Into the night of the world Jesus came as the true Light. A symbol of this truth was the heavenly light.

A question. Why is it that so few experience the true joy of Christmas?

The answer. Is that they have not heard the good news. Told by the angel to these shepherds. It is told to you this day.

The source of our joy is found in these words: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”   Luke 2:11

Who is born? “To you is born this day a Savior.” This is good news. For those in need of a Savior. And when is He born? “This day!”

Christmas is an everyday experience. Not a historical observance. Of an ancient event. Today is the day of salvation. This is the day the Lord has made. Now He is making all things new.

“To you is born a Savior.” We now tell His story with joy.

Like the shepherds we share His story with others. The shepherds were afraid. In the face of the divine glory. And holiness. But they had no need to fear. Because the angel’s message was not judgment. But of salvation. Not only to the shepherds. But to all people.

To whom is He born? He is born “to you.” “To you is born this day a Savior.” It is not Christmas for you unless Christ is re-born in you. Thus we can say with the hymn writer: “Cans out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.”

 The Christmas story is for real. It was to real live humans that the story of the Christ child was delivered. The first announcement of this birth came to despised people. It came not to the rulers. The educated. The scribes. Or the pious Pharisees. This news came not to the elite. But to shepherds. – The despised. Unlearned. Crude. Rough people. Those listed with publicans and sinners. For He is a real Savior. Who has come to save real sinners. In His birth. Suffering. Passion. Death and resurrection. There is forgiveness, salvation, and life.

Lord Jesus Thank you for coming to Earth for us.

Thank you for living and dying for our sins.

Please help us live in the joy of that understanding.

And help us to share the good news with others.

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers for all especially 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.[1]

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

Image copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

 

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

---

[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

---

[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