So how shall we pronounce this new year of 2010? According to an NPR radio interview with a linguistic specialist the correct pronunciation is “two thousand ten” unless it is used to as a proper noun which would be “twenty ten”. Thus we can say 1.1.2010 will be the first day of the year two thousand ten and we can begin discussion on which team is better the nineteen eighty five Chicago Bears or the twenty ten Indianapolis Colts or the nineteen eighty one Hoosiers or the twenty ten Boilers. Now you know.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
New Year's Eve
When our children read in history books concerning the year of our Lord 2009 what shall be recounted as significant? On January 20, 2009 Barack Obama was sworn into office as the 44th president of the United States. On that day the Dow closed at 7,943. The Dow fell to 6,594 on March 19th but by mid October had risen to just over 10,000 points. The economy continued to make headlines as the House and Senate soon after Obama’s inauguration signed into law a trillion dollar stimulus bill to help boost the nation’s financial system. Both GM and Chrysler filed for bankruptcy and restructuring in the 2nd quarter. In summer the temperatures were unseasonably cool across the Hoosier heartland. 2009 would be the coolest July on record. Only four days during the month reached average or above-average temperatures, but after the August recess in Washington things began to heat up as debate started over reforming the nation’s health care system. The college freshmen class set to graduate in 2013 had this unique distinction – never in their lives had they not known of a time when Americans were not fighting a war in Iraq.
Tonight we look back on a year gone by. We look bat at this past year and realize triumphs as well as failures. We see both disappointments and blessings; we find pains as well as pleasures. And yet, as we look at time that seems to fly by so quickly we see that our Lord Jesus remains timeless. In fact, what's more He never changes. Jesus remains consistent beyond time.
I. Jesus Christ has been right by our side in the past.
There was never a time in the past year when He didn't know of your situation or circumstance.
1. He's all knowing
2. He's all seeing
3. He's ever present
He has never left you down
1. There have been times when we have left Him down.
2. There have been times when we would not listen to His Word
Transition: But He remains changeless and that is why in the beginning even before time began before this world existed He established an eternal plan to save and redeem you.
II. He is with us right now.
A. To forgive us our sin
1. Establishing us as His own
2. Drawing us to Himself
3. Ever guiding and leading us
B. Where there is the forgiveness of sins there is also life and salvation.
1. Jesus said: "I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly…"
2. Salvation, having peace with God is a byproduct of this forgiveness.
III. As He has never left us down in the past and is actively involved in our lives at the present we can be assured that He will go with us in this New Year.
A. Changes might come our way in the New Year of 2010
1. Our Lord has some things to teach us.
2. All this is to draw us closer to Himself.
B. No matter what comes our way He's mighty enough to handle any problem we might have.
1. This is the only way we'll survive in this often-unpredictable world.
2. We can depend on Jesus our Savior.
CONCLUSION: We live in an ever increasing world of change. But in the midst of change Jesus remains changeless. He will be with us as He has in the past and will continue to be so even in the New Year. In His hands we will rest safe and secure.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Time in the Word - Christmas 2
Because of the calendar, Christmas 2 is not often observed. By the second Sunday after Christmas many of the decorations are already down, the festivities are over, the gifts have been put away, and Christmas is over and almost forgotten. Now that the hub-bub is over, we can get down to a serious consideration of the meaning of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. In Christ God blesses us with spiritual blessings and has made us sons and daughters through grace. We pray for wisdom as we enter a new year. The Savior entered time and space at Christmas. He will continue to guide our path and direct our steps throughout this New Year. Thus we are moved to pray, “Almighty God, You have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we do.”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
Monday, December 28 2009—Psalm 147:1, 5, 11-12- The Antiphon, is taken from John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory the glory of the One and only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. — During this season of Christmas we see the full impact of Christ’s coming into this world. The Word existed before He became a man. Yet He comes to make his dwelling with us. He literally “tabernacles” with us. In Exodus 40:34-35 the Tent of Meeting was filled with the glory of God. Now He comes to dwell with us.
Tuesday, December 29 2008—Psalm 119:97-104—This section of psalm 119 is dedicated to the Hebrew letter “Mem” Meditating on God’s revelation yields the highest wisdom. As we meditate on the Lord’s words and promises we grow into a deeper understanding of the Lord. Are you thinking of making a new year’s resolution? Will you keep it? The Lord always keeps His promises. He has bound Himself to His Word.
Wednesday, December 30 2009—1 Kings 3:4-15— As King Solomon begins his rule over Israel he asks the Lord for an understanding heart. He could have asked for anything and received it, yet as he begins his reign as king he asks the Lord for discretion and discernment. See how the Lord responds in verse 13 “I will give you what you have not asked for.” See Jesus’ promise in Luke 12:31
Thursday, December 31 2009—Ephesians 1:3-14— Paul would remind us that Christ, the Word, blesses the faithful with sonship and wisdom. Verses 3-6 deal with praise to God for spiritual blessings which come with the gift of the Spirit. From eternity we are destined to be sons and daughters of God through the grace of Christ.
At Christmas we receive blessings. What is the nature of these blessings? We often feel blessed if the whole family got together, if the meals were plentiful, and if the gifts were abundant. Paul describes blessings of a Christian as “spiritual.” They are the blessings received in Christ and because of Christ. Some of the blessings are our being chosen as sons of God to be holy and blameless, faith in Christ, and love for others.
God has a destiny for you. He predestines us not to condemnation or hell but to life as His sons through Christ. It is God’s will for all of us to be saved, to have life, and to go to heaven. This was God’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 by faith become people of God. Though this is our divine destiny, we may reject God’s will and refuse sonship.
Friday, January 1, 2009—Luke 2:40-52— Imagine the horror Mary and Joseph went through as they spent three days searching for Jesus. Having traveled to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover the streets of the capital city were filled with the throng of people. It took three days to locate the boy; one day traveling away from Jerusalem, a second traveling back and a third looking for Him. Yet they found Jesus in the temple in the Father’s house. Jesus pointed to His personal duty to His Father in heaven. Even at the age of twelve He was aware of His unique relationship to God. He was also obedient to His earthly parents. A new year has begun. May we dedicate this year to the study of Scripture, weekly attendance at Bible study, worship and frequent reception of the Sacrament. We want to grow in the faith. The degree to which this can be accomplished is determined by the extent to which we use and expose ourselves to Christ’s Word. Notice that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men. As our youth mature they need to grow physically, cognitively, as well as spiritually.
Saturday, January 2, 2009— 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 - The hymn of the day for Christmas 2, 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.
God has a destiny for you. He predestines us not to condemnation or hell but to life as His sons through Christ. It is God’s will for all of us to be saved, to have life, and to go to heaven. This was God’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 by faith become people of God. Though this is our divine destiny, we may reject God’s will and refuse sonship.
Friday, January 1, 2009—Luke 2:40-52— Imagine the horror Mary and Joseph went through as they spent three days searching for Jesus. Having traveled to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover the streets of the capital city were filled with the throng of people. It took three days to locate the boy; one day traveling away from Jerusalem, a second traveling back and a third looking for Him. Yet they found Jesus in the temple in the Father’s house. Jesus pointed to His personal duty to His Father in heaven. Even at the age of twelve He was aware of His unique relationship to God. He was also obedient to His earthly parents. A new year has begun. May we dedicate this year to the study of Scripture, weekly attendance at Bible study, worship and frequent reception of the Sacrament. We want to grow in the faith. The degree to which this can be accomplished is determined by the extent to which we use and expose ourselves to Christ’s Word. Notice that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men. As our youth mature they need to grow physically, cognitively, as well as spiritually.
Saturday, January 2, 2009— 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 - The hymn of the day for Christmas 2, 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.
Prayers for a New Year – O Lord Christ, our Savior dear, Be Thou ever near us. Grant us now a glad new year. Amen. Jesus hear us!
Lord God, You made Your beloved Son, our Savior, subject to the Law and caused Him to shed His blood on our behalf. Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit that our hearts may be made pure from all sins; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray.
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.
Lord God, You made Your beloved Son, our Savior, subject to the Law and caused Him to shed His blood on our behalf. Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit that our hearts may be made pure from all sins; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray.
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.
There is no other Savior against sin and death, no one else to help in heaven or earth, than this singular child of the Virgin Mary named Jesus. Good works are to be done, but they are not Jesus, do not save, cannot rescue from death. This child, however, saves and rescues from death.
When we’re assaulted by ordinary earthly misfortunes, we can counter them most likely with the usual human resources. But when we lie at death’s door, then let go of all else, look only to this Savior, and say, “I know one doctor, advocate, emperor, king, pastor —namely, the child Jesus. He can and will save me from eternal death.” (Martin Luther)
SourcesWhen we’re assaulted by ordinary earthly misfortunes, we can counter them most likely with the usual human resources. But when we lie at death’s door, then let go of all else, look only to this Savior, and say, “I know one doctor, advocate, emperor, king, pastor —namely, the child Jesus. He can and will save me from eternal death.” (Martin Luther)
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO
LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES B © 1981 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH
Luther’s Works: American Edit Edition. 55 volumes. (Volumes 1 ion. 1-30, Concordia Publishing House; volumes 31 31-55, Fortress Press)
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas 1
Father in heaven, creator of all, You ordered the earth to bring forth life and crowned its goodness by creating the family of men. In history’s moment when all was ready, You sent Your Son to dwell in time, obedient to the laws of life in our world. Teach us the sanctity of human love, show us the value of human life, and help us to live in peace with all men that we may share in Your life for ever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
This is the last Sunday service in this church for the year of our Lord – 2009. We will close out the old year. How apprehensive are we as we contemplate what the New Year might bring? In our Gospel lesson for today Simeon and Anna are very old and desire to depart this life and remain in glory with their Lord. As we have come into a new relationship with Jesus Christ we, like Anna and Simeon of old can face the future no matter what might come our way in the New Year.
Christmas is a time for secrets: the secret of what we are giving each other. A mother admonished her child, “Now, don’t tell Daddy what we bought him for Christmas!” One sees a strange package in the house, and a spouse asks, “What’s in the package? The other replies: “That’s a secret. Don’t open it!”
But now Christmas has come, the secrets are out to the joy of everyone. Christmas is clothed with mystery – what is the meaning of the virgin birth, the star in the East, an angel’s message to shepherds, a choir of angels singing in the night? Now is the time to see what it is all about. Simeon and Anna in their final years see the secret that explains all in a child less than six weeks old being carried into the temple for dedication to God. Simeon and Anna serve as models for us today to understand the true meaning of Christmas – go gain the secret of Christmas, we, like Simeon and Anna must.
1. Be looking for the Savior – Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him Vs. 25
A. Simeon and others had been waiting for the consolation of Israel.
1. They were waiting for that time when God would come to redeem and save His people.
2. When the Messiah was to come He would take their burdens and cares joys and sorrows to Himself.
B. Jesus is this hope and consolation so long hoped for.
1. But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31
2. Then you will know that I am the LORD. Those who hope in me will not be disappointed. Isaiah 49:23
Transition: Simeon was looking for the Lord. At just the right time and place the Lord’s will was reviewed to him.
2. Be in the right place – Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required Vs.27
A. Simeon entered the temple at the Spirit’s prompting.
1. This was no mere coincidence. It was God directed.
2. Recall those moments in your life and in our life together here within our Friedheim family in which the Lord acted at just the right moment. We were at the right place and at the right time because God was moving among His people. May He continue to shape and mold our lives in the New Year.
B. Joseph and Mary were doing what the Law required for them to do.
1. Although He was the eternal son of God Jesus was at the same time human.
2. Here we find the Father’s perfect substitute for you. Jesus will willingly fulfill every requirement the Law demands. Every detail will be followed. Even at eight days of age Jesus is beginning to “fulfill all righteousness” for you.
Transition: Aged Simeon was waiting for the Savior, He was at the right place and receptive to the Lord’s prompting.
3. Be spiritually receptive – It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ Vv. 26
A. God had given Him a wonderful promise.
1. He would see the Lord’s Christ before He died.
2. We too by faith have had numerous encounters with Jesus and will continue in the next New Year.
a. In the waters of Baptism
b. In His meal
c. In His declaration of forgiveness
d. Whenever His Word is put to use. When it is read, shared, taught, proclaimed.
B. Simeon knew that God could be trusted at His word.
1. God has bound Himself to His Word. This is where His promises are found.
2. Count on them. Trust them. Be strengthened and assured by them.
Transition: Simeon’s life and faith is a model for our living today.
4. Be guided by the Spirit – Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. Vs.27
A. He was a man of faith.
1. Faith is nothing more then trusting God
2. Trusting God is nothing more then taking Him at His Word.
B. This must be our manner of living.
1. To trust the Father’s will to be just and right.
2. To cling to His promises and to rely on His grace.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So, how long did Simeon live until the Lord called Him? Did he pass from grace to glory that night? Scripture doesn’t tell us. It doesn’t really matter. Having seen the Lord’s Christ his life was fulfilled. He was ready – to be received for His life was complete. Is your life complete or is there still some unfinished business? If we model Simeon of old we can depart from this life knowing ours has been a life well lived – lived not by our own agendas plans and schemes but according to the Father’s will. May He continue to shape our life as He orders our days and directs out path.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use
This is the last Sunday service in this church for the year of our Lord – 2009. We will close out the old year. How apprehensive are we as we contemplate what the New Year might bring? In our Gospel lesson for today Simeon and Anna are very old and desire to depart this life and remain in glory with their Lord. As we have come into a new relationship with Jesus Christ we, like Anna and Simeon of old can face the future no matter what might come our way in the New Year.
Christmas is a time for secrets: the secret of what we are giving each other. A mother admonished her child, “Now, don’t tell Daddy what we bought him for Christmas!” One sees a strange package in the house, and a spouse asks, “What’s in the package? The other replies: “That’s a secret. Don’t open it!”
But now Christmas has come, the secrets are out to the joy of everyone. Christmas is clothed with mystery – what is the meaning of the virgin birth, the star in the East, an angel’s message to shepherds, a choir of angels singing in the night? Now is the time to see what it is all about. Simeon and Anna in their final years see the secret that explains all in a child less than six weeks old being carried into the temple for dedication to God. Simeon and Anna serve as models for us today to understand the true meaning of Christmas – go gain the secret of Christmas, we, like Simeon and Anna must.
1. Be looking for the Savior – Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him Vs. 25
A. Simeon and others had been waiting for the consolation of Israel.
1. They were waiting for that time when God would come to redeem and save His people.
2. When the Messiah was to come He would take their burdens and cares joys and sorrows to Himself.
B. Jesus is this hope and consolation so long hoped for.
1. But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31
2. Then you will know that I am the LORD. Those who hope in me will not be disappointed. Isaiah 49:23
Transition: Simeon was looking for the Lord. At just the right time and place the Lord’s will was reviewed to him.
2. Be in the right place – Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required Vs.27
A. Simeon entered the temple at the Spirit’s prompting.
1. This was no mere coincidence. It was God directed.
2. Recall those moments in your life and in our life together here within our Friedheim family in which the Lord acted at just the right moment. We were at the right place and at the right time because God was moving among His people. May He continue to shape and mold our lives in the New Year.
B. Joseph and Mary were doing what the Law required for them to do.
1. Although He was the eternal son of God Jesus was at the same time human.
2. Here we find the Father’s perfect substitute for you. Jesus will willingly fulfill every requirement the Law demands. Every detail will be followed. Even at eight days of age Jesus is beginning to “fulfill all righteousness” for you.
Transition: Aged Simeon was waiting for the Savior, He was at the right place and receptive to the Lord’s prompting.
3. Be spiritually receptive – It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ Vv. 26
A. God had given Him a wonderful promise.
1. He would see the Lord’s Christ before He died.
2. We too by faith have had numerous encounters with Jesus and will continue in the next New Year.
a. In the waters of Baptism
b. In His meal
c. In His declaration of forgiveness
d. Whenever His Word is put to use. When it is read, shared, taught, proclaimed.
B. Simeon knew that God could be trusted at His word.
1. God has bound Himself to His Word. This is where His promises are found.
2. Count on them. Trust them. Be strengthened and assured by them.
Transition: Simeon’s life and faith is a model for our living today.
4. Be guided by the Spirit – Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. Vs.27
A. He was a man of faith.
1. Faith is nothing more then trusting God
2. Trusting God is nothing more then taking Him at His Word.
B. This must be our manner of living.
1. To trust the Father’s will to be just and right.
2. To cling to His promises and to rely on His grace.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So, how long did Simeon live until the Lord called Him? Did he pass from grace to glory that night? Scripture doesn’t tell us. It doesn’t really matter. Having seen the Lord’s Christ his life was fulfilled. He was ready – to be received for His life was complete. Is your life complete or is there still some unfinished business? If we model Simeon of old we can depart from this life knowing ours has been a life well lived – lived not by our own agendas plans and schemes but according to the Father’s will. May He continue to shape our life as He orders our days and directs out path.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use
Friday, December 25, 2009
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. Amem Father, we are filled with the new light by the coming of Your Word among us. May the light of faith shine in our words and actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen
Just about everybody greets the other with the phrase, “Merry Christmas!” Yet, for many, Christmas is not merry but miserable. Social workers report that their intake numbers increase around the holidays then at any other time of the year. Alcohol and drugs are taken in record amounts either to have a merry Christmas or to avoid a miserable Christmas. For many a merry Christmas depends on the quantity and cost of gifts, the family gathering, and the Christmas party. Few experience the true joy of Christmas because they have not heard the good news told by an angel to shepherds. The source of our joy is found in verse 11.
1. Who is born – “To you is born this day a Savior.” This is good news to those who need a Savior. Who is this new baby? What will he amount to? Christmas should be a time for reflection and meditation. For some Christmas is over in a day and then life goes on as before. If so, Christmas is only a mad rush and a state of confusion. For those who “ponder,” Christmas is a meaningful experience.
A Savior comes to rescue people in danger, preserve those who are threatened by harm, and protect his people from the troubles that surround them. That's what saviors do! That's what Jesus came to do for us. Do not be afraid because God has sent a Savior to us -- Jesus Christ the Lord. He is the One who will never leave us or forsake us. He is the one who will supply all our needs according to his riches in glory. He alone will add to us all the things we need as we seek him and his Kingdom.
2. When is He born? –“This day.” Christmas is a contemporary experience, not an historical observance of an ancient event. It is a bold proclamation of the Gospel at the very hour of Jesus' birth. The time has come for the fulfillment of the prophetic expectation of the Messiah's coming. Fear not. The shepherds' fear is turned to joy as they hear news that a Savior is born. The Messiah! In Bethlehem, the city of David himself!
And so they run down the hillsides into the town and hurry from stable to stable until they find the Child in the manger, just as they have been told. Tucked in that manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes against the cold, is the Savior himself.
3. To whom He is born? – “To you The angels said, “To you is born this day...a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The emphasis is on “you.” That’s good, because we really do need saving. —Not just the suffering people in Judea back then... Not just the oppressed and impoverished people of Africa... Not just the war weary people of Iraq, the Sudan, and Afghanistan... —but us! And we need not just some “savior figure.” We need the real one, the One whose birth is the reason we’re here today. We need Him in ways our ancestors would never have imagined.
Here are some reasons why: The timeless message of Christmas is this: God believes in you. That’s right. God believes in you. He risked Himself on you. He entered our world as a dependent child, born to a poor girl from Galilee over 2000 years ago. And He is still “God who is with us”.... God who will not forsake us and leave us to seek a substitute salvation in consumerism, drugs, entertainment, political power or some other idol we might choose. It is not Christmas for you unless Christ is re-born in you. As the carol reminds us, “Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.”
The Real Christmas message is this: God has sent a Savior for you. To save you from your sins and to help you in this life -- to lift your burden and ease your fears. That's it! A Savior who is Christ the Lord -- God himself! The world is gripped by fear. But fear's hold has been broken in those of us who believe the angel's words: "Fear not ... for a Savior is born to you -- Christ the Lord!"
“Almighty God, you have made this holy light shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory.”
Just about everybody greets the other with the phrase, “Merry Christmas!” Yet, for many, Christmas is not merry but miserable. Social workers report that their intake numbers increase around the holidays then at any other time of the year. Alcohol and drugs are taken in record amounts either to have a merry Christmas or to avoid a miserable Christmas. For many a merry Christmas depends on the quantity and cost of gifts, the family gathering, and the Christmas party. Few experience the true joy of Christmas because they have not heard the good news told by an angel to shepherds. The source of our joy is found in verse 11.
1. Who is born – “To you is born this day a Savior.” This is good news to those who need a Savior. Who is this new baby? What will he amount to? Christmas should be a time for reflection and meditation. For some Christmas is over in a day and then life goes on as before. If so, Christmas is only a mad rush and a state of confusion. For those who “ponder,” Christmas is a meaningful experience.
A Savior comes to rescue people in danger, preserve those who are threatened by harm, and protect his people from the troubles that surround them. That's what saviors do! That's what Jesus came to do for us. Do not be afraid because God has sent a Savior to us -- Jesus Christ the Lord. He is the One who will never leave us or forsake us. He is the one who will supply all our needs according to his riches in glory. He alone will add to us all the things we need as we seek him and his Kingdom.
2. When is He born? –“This day.” Christmas is a contemporary experience, not an historical observance of an ancient event. It is a bold proclamation of the Gospel at the very hour of Jesus' birth. The time has come for the fulfillment of the prophetic expectation of the Messiah's coming. Fear not. The shepherds' fear is turned to joy as they hear news that a Savior is born. The Messiah! In Bethlehem, the city of David himself!
And so they run down the hillsides into the town and hurry from stable to stable until they find the Child in the manger, just as they have been told. Tucked in that manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes against the cold, is the Savior himself.
3. To whom He is born? – “To you The angels said, “To you is born this day...a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The emphasis is on “you.” That’s good, because we really do need saving. —Not just the suffering people in Judea back then... Not just the oppressed and impoverished people of Africa... Not just the war weary people of Iraq, the Sudan, and Afghanistan... —but us! And we need not just some “savior figure.” We need the real one, the One whose birth is the reason we’re here today. We need Him in ways our ancestors would never have imagined.
Here are some reasons why: The timeless message of Christmas is this: God believes in you. That’s right. God believes in you. He risked Himself on you. He entered our world as a dependent child, born to a poor girl from Galilee over 2000 years ago. And He is still “God who is with us”.... God who will not forsake us and leave us to seek a substitute salvation in consumerism, drugs, entertainment, political power or some other idol we might choose. It is not Christmas for you unless Christ is re-born in you. As the carol reminds us, “Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.”
The Real Christmas message is this: God has sent a Savior for you. To save you from your sins and to help you in this life -- to lift your burden and ease your fears. That's it! A Savior who is Christ the Lord -- God himself! The world is gripped by fear. But fear's hold has been broken in those of us who believe the angel's words: "Fear not ... for a Savior is born to you -- Christ the Lord!"
“Almighty God, you have made this holy light shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory.”
photo found on Pr. F Eckert's blog http://gottesblog.blogspot.com/
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christ is Born
A Little Child, We Praise We Sing - M Praetorius (1571-1621)A little Child, His praise we sing,
Is born to us, our thanks we bring.
From virgin maid, so pure and fair,
He comforts all, who burdens bear.
Had He, this little Child, not been born,
We surely would be lost, forlorn.
He brings to us salvation!
Oh, Thou, dear Savior, Jesus Christ!
Thou are born for all mankind,
Protect us from all evil.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)