New Year's Eve

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Friedheim
10655 N – 550 W
Decatur, IN 46733
260.547.4248
www.zionfriedheim.org

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Parish
Acts 2:42

Chartered February 25, 1838
Celebrating our 172nd Year

New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2010
Romans 8:31-39
In Christ, we are secure

Here we stand on the last day of the year 2010. Has it been a good year?
It all depends on your perspective. For some, it’s been a very good year. For others, it might be a good thing that this current year will soon be history.

Before we bid farewell to this year let us take the opportunity to review this past year and to ask ourselves four specific questions as our text presents itself. St. Paul answers us – in Christ, we are secure. What is it that the apostle Paul would ask this this night?

1. What shall we say concerning these things? Romans 8:31 What shall we say according this past year 2010?
A. There have been challenges, a few changes as well as some blessings this past year. The lagging economy, home sales, and an American presence in Iraq and Afghanistan continued to be topics of national interest throughout the year. A major BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in April and reactions to the US House, which passed a comprehensive Health Care Bill, which guaranteed to overhaul the nation’s health insurance industry, drew national attention. Elena Kagan was nominated to the Supreme Court, while in Arizona tough anti-illegal immigration laws were signed into law. On October 13th, thirty-three minors were rescued after being trapped in a Chilean mine for sixty-nine days. Mid-term elections in November gave the Republican Party control of US House of Representatives.

B. Yet through the changes and chances of this past year one thing will never change. His name is Jesus Christ. St. Paul would remind us, He who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? -Romans 8:32 How do you feel when 2010’w highlights are revealed? Do you feel blessed or beaten?

2. Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? -Romans 8:33

A. Paul reminds us “It is God who justifies.” He declares you righteous. He is the one who has borne the burden of your sins has he has done it all for you. Isaiah the prophet reminds us,
Surely our grief’s He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. – Isaiah 53:4-5

B. This is the condition in which you now stand. It’s all because of the Father’s amazing grace. As we close out 2010 remember – who you are remember WHOSE you are. This life is a journey as we venture on into a New Year. We can be assured that the same Savior walks with you as He orders your days and directs your path.

3. Who then can condemn? –Romans 8:34

A. St. Paul reminds us it’s all about Jesus. There are specific actions your Savior performed for you. Christ is the one who died, but more then that he is risen to life. He is seated at the right hand of the Father and He intercedes for you.

B. This He did because He loves you. He did this because He cares for you. This He did for you – He is very much in love with you. He is concerned about you. Do not hesitate each day of this New Year to take it to the Lord in prayer; every day – PRAY!

4. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? – Romans 8:35
A. Tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness and sword are all a part of this life lived outside of Eden.
This world is broken. Christ has redeemed it but it still begs to be relieved. Will the Lord finally relieve this world of its burdens in 2011?
B. You will be counted as those who love and look for His appearing. As the old song sings, “Soon and very soon we are going to see the King.”*

C. Yet, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. – Romans 8:36 In Christ we are winners. You will not necessarily be successful, not always with it, not always on top of your game, but more then conquerors –because always you are in Christ.

D. Nothing can take away your hope and joy. It is yours in Christ. You are His and He is in control guiding your life each passing year, each season, each month, every week, every day.
Fare thee well child of God. As 2010 is soon to be history and a New Year dawns Godspeed and God Bless!

*
Soon and very Soon by Andre Crouch “Soon and very soon We are going to see the King Soon and very soon We are going to see the King Hallelujah, hallelujah, We're going to see the king

No more cryin there we are going to see the King. No more cryin there, We are going to see the King No more cryin there, We are going to see the King Hallelujah, hallelujah, We're going to see the King

Should there be any rivers we must cross Should there be any mountains we must climb God will supply all the strength that we need Give us strength till we reach the other side.

We have come from every nation, God has already signed our name. Jesus took his blood and he washed my sins.. He washed them all away. Yet there are those of us who have laid down our lives but we all shall meet again on the other side... soon and very soon. Hallelujah, we’re going to see the King!”

Time in the Word - Christmas 2

The Lord Jesus Is Found in the Temple of His Church

The Lord Jesus “grew and became strong” (Luke 2:40); He “increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). As His body grew and developed, His mind also increased in knowledge and understanding. For as our brother in the flesh, that we might “have redemption through His blood” (Eph. 1:7), He lived by faith in the Word of His Father. Thus, He was catechized by His parents, who took Him up “to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover” (Luke 2:41); and when He was of age, He gave attention to the Holy Scriptures in His Father’s house (Luke 2:46, 49). 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 (Eph. 1:5, 13). Thus do we gain “an understanding mind” to go about our vocations, discerning “between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9). And so do we also go up to Jerusalem, to stand “before the ark of the covenant of the Lord” (1 Kings 3:15), that is, in the Holy Communion of His body and blood.

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.

Collect for the Feast of St John, Apostle and Evangelist (27 December): Merciful Lord, cast the bright beams of Your light upon Your Church that we, being instructed in the doctrine of Your blessed apostle and evangelist John, may come to the light of everlasting life;

Collect for the Feast of the Holy Innocents (28 December): Almighty God, the martyred innocents of Bethlehem showed forth Your praise not by speaking but by dying. Put to death in us all that is in conflict with Your will that our lives may bear witness to the faith we profess with our lips; through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

Collect for the Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus (1 January): 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,

Collect for the New Year: Eternal God, we commit to Your mercy and forgiveness the year now ending and commend to Your blessing and love the times yet to come. In the new year, abide among us with Your Holy Spirit that we may always trust in the saving name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Prayer for grace to receive the Word: Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

Monday, 27 December 2010—Psalm 147:1, 5, 11–12; Antiphon, John 1:14—The antiphon proclaims the mystery of the Incarnation: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. In the original Greek, the word ‘dwelt’ is derived from word for ‘tabernacle’. That is, the God who dwelt with His people in the tabernacle in the wilderness, who delivered them from bondage in Egypt and brought them into the Promised Land—He is the same God that assumed flesh and dwelt with us as the God-man Jesus Christ, the same one who delivered us from our bondage to sin, and will, at the Last Day, take us into our Promised Land, eternal life with Him in heaven.

Tuesday, 28 December 2010—Psalm 119:97–104—Psalm 119 is an example of Hebrew poetry, which is different than English poetry. First, the psalm is an acrostic: that is, every line of each section starts with the same Hebrew letter, in this case ‘mem’ (מ). Another characteristic of Hebrew poetry is parallelism, where the two halves of each line complement each other in some way. Here, we see that the second half of each line serves to amplify the thought in the first half. The psalmist proclaims that the Word of God is the source of wisdom; it rewards the one who meditates on it by making him wiser than my enemies and having more understanding than all my teachers. So, too, let us not fail to immerse ourselves in the study of God’s Word, for it is sweeter than honey to my mouth.

Wednesday, 29 December 2010—1 Kings 3:4–15—In the tale of Aladdin’s lamp, Aladdin desires and receives great riches from the genie in the lamp. If you could have anything your heart desired, what would it be? Power? Wealth? Long life? Solomon humbly asked the LORD for wisdom to rule God’s people well. His request was granted, and Solomon became the wisest man ever to have lived. Because of his altruistically wise request, the LORD also gave Solomon what he did not ask for: great riches and honor, far beyond any other king. We can benefit from Solomon’s wisdom in the books of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs. We can benefit from the wisdom of God in all 66 books of the Holy Bible.

Thursday, 30 December 2010—Ephesians 1:3–14—Even if we seem to be lacking in worldly wealth or wisdom, we are assured that we, the elect of God, have a treasure far greater than anything on earth. We have the salvation planned by in eternity by God and won in time by Jesus Christ, who has redeemed us with His blood and forgiven us of our trespasses. Furthermore, He has bestowed upon us His Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance until the Last Day, when all His promises will be fulfilled.

Friday, 31 December 2010—Luke 2:40–52—The Jewish rabbis were astounded by the teaching of this young Boy. How could such a One expound the Scriptures as He did? The antiphon from the Introit proclaims it well: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The Word made flesh expounded the written Word to these great teachers. We have not only the written Word (Old Testament) that they had, but we also have the benefit of the Holy Gospels, the record of the words and the deeds of the Incarnate Word. Let us never take God’s Word for granted, but diligently ‘read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest’ it, so that ‘by patience and comfort of [God’s] holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life.’

Saturday, 1 January 2011—Sunday’s hymn of the day is Within the Father’s House (LSB #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.

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

Lectionary summary on front page from the LCMS Commission on Worship

Woodcut by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden [The Book of Books in Pictures] ©WELS.


This week's Time in the Word was written by Pr. Jeffrey Keuning serving St. John Casey and Zion, Dexter, IA of the Iowa West District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

Christmas 1

Matthew 2:13-23
It was good of God

Lord, today we celebrate the entrance of St. Stephen into eternal glory. He died praying for those who killed him. Help us to imitate his goodness and to love our enemies. We ask 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

In the Gospel to be read in churches on the first Sunday after Christmas – we see how good the Father was to His Son and how good He is to us to this very hour. It was good of God

1. It was good of God as He cares for the helpless. Speaking to Joseph He has a deed concern for the children and His mother, “When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. Get up, he said, take the child and his mother.’

A. God cares for all people but especially the helpless. Jesus, by all accounts is a mere infant. As a child of but a few weeks his life could have been so easily snuffed out. Add to the equation the fact that Herod gives the order that all male children two years of age and under are to be systematically killed. A ruthless tyrant, paranoid that a young child will take his place orders a mass execution of the holy innocence. This brutal act of a desperate king shows the plight that Jesus and His earthly family are under. Jesus identifies with those who find themselves frightened and terrified.

B. We live in a fallen world. We live under similar circumstances. During the course of the past year we have seen often, subtle and possibly silent threats rendering each of us just as helpless as the holy family. We need the same protection.
The New Year of 2011 will mark the 10th anniversary of the war on terror. Our college students have not known of a time in their lives when American has not had a physical presence in Iraq.

C. Still there are other forms of fear that can render us feeling helpless. The physician’s office calls to report that the prognosis is not good. As one farming season has come to an end we plan for the next one. How will the market fare? In many circumstances we can feel helpless because we feel powerless. There is nothing we can do. Yet through the changes and chances of this human life the Father continues to care for His own as He orders our days and directs our path. His eye is on the sparrow and His eye is upon you. Cast your care upon Him for He cares for you.

Transition: It was good of God as He cares about the helpless. Yet He does one better. Not only does He identify and care for us He is able to help us in our time of great need.

2. It was good of God as He provides a way of escape as He speaks to Joseph to rise and flee to Egypt. “Get up! He said, take the child and His mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill Him.” [Vs. 13]

A. The Lord provides a place for the holy family to go. In this case it is Egypt. For you the Lord provides a place for you to flee. He leads you to His sure and certain words and promises. When you go back to His Word you find a sure and certain hope that can not disappoint you. When you go to the sure and certain promises they can not disappoint you. There, in His Word, the Savior speaks to you reminding you that he will guide and lead as He always has.

B. Soon we enter a New Year. Who know what will befall us in the next twelve months. Of this we can be certain that the same Lord Jesus who has directed you these past twelve months is with you even now and will walk with you each and every day. In all things; in things begun, continued and ended in His name Jesus will be there. Nothing can separate us from Jesus and His love for us. Nothing can separate us from Jesus and His care.

C. The Lord provided an obedient servant – Joseph to lead Mary and Jesus to safety. His still is in the business of using special means to deliver His mercy and grace. Whenever you and I pick up His Word, when we read it, hear it, study it and meditate upon it He is there to direct us. Likewise, when we come to His table to receive His precious body and blood in the Holy Communion there He is again – giving us the goods- giving us what we truly need; namely the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.

3. The Father continues to be good to us as He brings us back home – After Herod died an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said; “Get up and take the child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead” [Vv. 19-20]

A. Those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead! He put an end to the parents’ watching and waiting. What they endured came to an end. That which you are enduring will come to an end. Joseph and Mary must have endured many a lonely day and many a sleepless night; living in a foreign land, not knowing what tomorrow would bring. It came to an end with the death of their enemies. Whatever you might be currently enduring will also, in due time, come to an end. The Lord directs your ways. He clears the path in your road. He will bring everything to completion according to His perfect will and in His own time.

B. At last the Lord brought the family back where they belonged. In their case it was the town of Nazareth. For you, it’s heaven. That is your destiny. This is your future. The Savior always directs you.

This is the last Sunday service for the year of our Lord 2010. A New Year soon awaits us. Whatever may befall us we can face each day confidently knowing that our Lord will direct our path. Godspeed child of God – in all you do the Father will direct you – He will bring it to pass.
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use

Christmas Day

Father, we are filled with the new light by the coming of Your Word among us. May the light of faith shine in our works 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.

It is the old, old story that never grows old: a Savior is born in the humblest and poorest of circumstances. All of heaven joins in the celebration with joyous singing. A common opinion among "enlightened" people in our post-modern world holds that Christmas is only a story, a myth, a legend - something akin to the story of the sugar plum fairy and Santa. Such folk believe that Jesus is no more real than Rudolph the red nosed reign deer.
The reality happens to be that Jesus came to this earth as He broke into time and space. Consider, from the original Christmas story, how real Christmas happens to become reality. The Christmas story is based on concrete, specific details.

1. First consider the political realities. - There were specific political realities. These circumstances happening at the time Christ was born in Bethlehem. Luke puts it this way: "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed".

The Lord Jesus was born at a time in which the Romans controlled the world. Jesus came to this world when a tyrant ruled the world from the safety and security of Rome. Nothing but Caesars' rule and Caesars' reign mattered.

Yet look closer. Jesus the Lord of life is being born into this world. He is the mighty God who spoke the world into existence - yet He comes into this world like all of us. He is born as an infant, a baby; born to take on our nature. The apostle John puts it this way: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us - full of grace and truth" (John 1)

Jesus was also born at a specific time. Luke tells us: "And this taxing took place when Cyrenius was governor of Syria". Jesus' timing couldn't have been better. He came at a specific point in time - He came into this world when the world was held in sin and darkness. In the midst of this world's sin and darkness Jesus Christ - the Very light of the world - burst forth His divine light to dispel the darkness of sin and death. Isaiah the prophet simply tells us: "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. The people dwelling in a land of deep darkness, upon them the light has shined". When He created this world the Lord spoke and said: "Let there be light". At Christmas He became that light which brightens the souls of men and draws men to Himself.

Transition: There were political realities there are also principle characters - Mary and Joseph.

2. This couple will make the trip up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea unto the city of David called Bethlehem because Joseph was of the house and lineage of King David. Mary and Joseph engaged to be married found themselves in a troubled relationship before the marriage even began! Matthew will tell us that before they came together Mary was found to be with child by the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph knew only two realities. First, his fiancée' was pregnant. The second reality - he was not the father! That's why we find Joseph in Matthew's gospel contemplating how to put Mary away quietly. He's at a crossroads and appears to be a man in crisis. He has deep emotional feelings for the girl - he cares for her immensely. But at the same time He fells betrayed and broken. Frightened and confused, feeling slighted and betrayed Joseph ponders what he should do. What should he do?

A divine intervention is needed. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him: "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit". There you have it! Joseph and Mary will marry - they will become a family and as far as the rest of the world is concerned folk will assume that Joseph is the father of his son Jesus. But you and I know better. We're reminded of this divine intervention every single time we confess the creed together!

3. Then there's the place where Jesus is born. The delivery room is an out building connected to the house where the animals were kept. A barn would be too elaborate a description. It's more like a pen or a lean-to. Jesus is born there for there is no other place for Him to be born. The street is the only other place available.

What does this mean? You can never be too low for Jesus! No matter where you have been and no matter what your circumstances - you can never sink too low for Jesus. His birth is a predictor of His death. His birth among those of humble means will not diminish the fact that He alone is a priceless treasure!

4. Then there are those, whose lives were forever changed due to the circumstances of these events. They all saw it - they witnessed the greatest miracle of Christmas - they welcomed the Lord Jesus into their lives - never again would their lives be miserable again. Sure there would be sad and lonely times but in an instant they were granted audience with the Lord of life. They had witnessed a miracle - God coming to man in the presence of His Son Immanuel - God who is with us.

CONCLUSION: That's what makes Christmas so special - it's not the gifts, the noise the lights - it's the story just as it happened - God coming to man in time and space. We have seen it too and beheld the wonder of it all! A blessed Christmas to one and to all!

“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.”

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use

Time in the Word - The Week of Christmas

Time in the Word: The Week of Christmas

[This week, Time in the Word includes summaries of all the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel readings appointed for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord, and for next Sunday’s feasts.]

CHRISTMAS EVE

Old Testament: 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” (Is. 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 (Matt. 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).

CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT

Old Testament: Isaiah 9:2–7 — Epistle: Titus 2:11–14
Gospel: Luke 2:1–14 (15–20)

The Light of Christ Shines Forth in the Darkness

Heaven and earth rejoice on this night, because the glory of the Holy Trinity is manifested in the human birth of “our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13), through whom the Father’s grace and mercy permeate the world. Death’s silence is nullified by this “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). And all we who have gone astray like lost and wandering sheep, who have “walked in the darkness” of doubt, fear, and sinful unbelief, behold “a great light” in the nativity of Jesus Christ (Is. 9:2). In Him “the grace of God has appeared” (Titus 2:11). For this child of Mary who is born for us, this dear Son of God who is given to us, bears the burden of our sin and death in His own body on the cross. By initiating and fulfilling His earthly journey from nativity to crucifixion, Christ establishes a government of peace, “with justice and with righteousness,” which shall have no end; not by any work of man, but “the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” (Is. 9:7).

CHRISTMAS DAWN

Old Testament: Isaiah 62:10–12 — Epistle: Titus 3:4–7
Gospel: Luke 2:(1–14) 15–20

Christ Jesus Reveals Himself in the Signs He Has Given to His Church

The Lord has not forsaken us. He has come to us and sought us out to save us (Is. 62:11–12), so that, “being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:7). In Christ Jesus, conceived and born of Mary, “the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared” (Titus 3:4). Now He is lifted up in the Gospel, “a signal over the peoples” (Is. 62:10), that He might call us to rejoice in His salvation. St. Luke emphasizes the signs by which the shepherds once found Him: in Bethlehem, the City of David, “wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). The same Lord Jesus reveals Himself to us in the sure and certain signs of His Gospel. His Church is a true Bethlehem (House of Bread); for the Son of David, “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11), feeds us with His Body and His Blood from the manger of His altar, wrapped in under and with bread and wine. We ponder these mysteries as we receive the Word of God and live out our vocations, “glorifying and praising God” (Luke 2:19–20).

CHRISTMAS DAY

Old Testament: Isa. 52:7–10 — Epistle: Heb. 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 (Is. 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” (Heb. 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” (Heb. 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. (ὁ λόγος is Greek for ‘the Word’)

THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

Old Testament: Isaiah 63:7–14 — Epistle: Galatians 4:4–7
Gospel: Matthew 2:13–23

The Lord Jesus Undergoes a New Exodus in order to Save His People from Their Sins

Herod’s efforts to destroy the little Lord Jesus anticipate the cross for which He was born. In response to Herod’s edict, Joseph must “take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt” (Matt. 2:13). But the Lord does not abandon the holy family there. He brings about salvation for all people, just as He “had spoken by the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son’” (Matt. 2:15). With might and strength, God accompanies His people causing “His glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses” (Is. 63:12). Now through Jesus, even our afflictions are borne by Christ on the cross, “He redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them” (Is. 63:9). All of this is accomplished by God’s might so that we too are claimed as members of His family. For we “receive adoption as sons” in the only-begotten Son, Christ Jesus, even as He became like us by His conception and birth of the woman. Thus redeemed by Christ, no longer slaves of sin and death but beloved children and heirs of God, we pray in Jesus’ name: “Abba! Father!” (Gal. 4:4–6).

THE FEAST OF ST. STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR

Old Testament: 2 Chron. 24:17–22 — Epistle: Acts 6:8—7:2a, 51–60
Gospel: Matt. 23:34–39

The Lord Preaches Repentance and Bears the Cross for the Forgiveness of Our Sins

The Lord longed to gather His children to Himself, but they reject and pervert the invitation. (Matt. 23:37). Instead, they persisted in their murder of the prophets, “from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah” (Matt. 23:35). The Lord sent the prophets to preach repentance, but the people “would not pay attention” (2 Chron. 24:19). “The Spirit of God clothed Zechariah,” but the men of Jerusalem “stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord” (2 Chron. 24:20, 21). Yet, when they also “betrayed and murdered” the Righteous One, Christ Jesus (Acts 7:53), He shed His blood for the forgiveness of their sins. By faith in Him, “Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8), and in his martyr’s death he confessed the Gospel of Christ. Falsely accused, as the Lord Jesus had been, Stephen saw “the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). Therefore, even “as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit’” (Acts 7:59), and for his murderers he prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60).

Lectionary summaries from the LCMS Commission on Worship.
Woodcuts by Baron Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, 1794-1872, a distinguished German artist known especially for his book, Das Buch der Bücher in Bilden [The Book of Books in Pictures]) ©WELS.

Advent 4

Stir up Your power and come to us, bringing light into the darkness of our hears; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen

The high cost of Christmas is a topic getting plenty of press these days. Some will spend way beyond their means, going into debt which will not be paid for months. Though Christmas may be costly so some consider what it cost God. Jesus was a precious gift. It cost the Father His all. While for us it is only money. Consider today the high cost of Christmas.

1. Cost Himself – Emmanuel God with us. Vs. 23

A. Jesus is unique among all humans.

1. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a human mother Jesus enters our world sinless.

2. As the sinless Son of God He will give up His divine power. He did not and would not fully use the divine attributes communicated to His human nature. He could have turned stones into bread. He could ask the Father to send down legions of angels at His defense. He could have taken His kingdom by force. Yet He chose not to.
B. This is the only change the Father has to win the world and free it from sin and corruption.

1. Then the owner of the vineyard said, “What shall I do? I will end My Son, whom I love. Perhaps they will respect Him”. But when the tenants saw Him, they talked the matter over, ‘This is the heir’, they said, ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours’. So they threw Him out of the vineyard and killed Him. [Luke 20:13-14]

2. God who is the author of second chances has none for His own Son. If the world is not redeemed by Him all is lost. There is no other option. There is no other way. There would be no hope. This child to be born is Emmanuel – God who is with us. He is the only solution for the world today.

Transition: Christmas cost God Himself. It cost Him pride and humility.

2. The cost of Humility – Jesus is born of a virgin Vs. 18

A. Is the virgin birth offensive to you? Matthew simply tells us before marriage Mary was “found” to be with child. That is putting it mildly for those times. Joseph knows two realities – his betrothed is pregnant. He is not the father. He experiences betrayal, humiliation, shame, disgrace. His life is forever changed.

B. Rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. [Romans 5:7] Joseph is a good man. Joseph is obedient. He did what the angel commanded him to do. He makes no protest. He does not hesitate. Jesus has a godly father in Joseph. Out of compassion he had planned to put Mary away quietly and privately to avoid a scandal and humiliation. He will have no union with her until after Jesus is born.

Transition: The cost of Christmas cost the Father, it involved humility. It came at the cost of the cross.

3. The cost of the cross – He will save His people from their sins. Vs. 21

A. Jesus is altogether God’s work. He saves them from their sin. He came in time for You. He carries your sins, burdens and cares. He becomes your redeemer.

B. He saves you with the goods the world considers foolish. He choose to be found in those places the world would least expect. He chooses to reveal Himself in those places the world considers unimportant. He chooses to exert His power in what an unbelieving world considers weak and of little consequence.

The cruel cross of Calvary looms ahead of us. Does the death of a condemned man seem compelling enough to offer atonement? Could His life and sacrifice really save you? The surroundings and the circumstances of His birth predict His death. They are the means by which we find peace with God and absolution for our sin.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use

Advent 3 Mid-week

Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth Your Son, we pray, that he may lead home His bride, the Church, that we will all the redeemed may enter into Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Isaiah 64:6-7"Oh God, Come!

Introduction: As our text for today opens to us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the exiles who have returned back to their home land are in a desperate situation. Their city and temple are destroyed. All was desolate. Can you relate?
Many today find a serious parallel to our time as well. No, our homes, business and churches might not be sitting in ruins but culturally and socially there are many that would say that we are facing a genuine moral crisis as we enter a new century.
Already there is talk about who will lead us as a nation and the national mid-term election is eleven months away. Many commentators are suggesting that America lacks a leader who can lead us out of despondency and depression.
At the time in which Isaiah wrote these words of our text the people experienced low moral, moral corruption, political confusion, and erosion of natural resources. That was the lay of the land at the time of the prophet Isaiah; and while our times might not mirror the plight of the people back then there are many parallels. But the question that our text asks of us is one that is ageless. That is, in our extremity where do we go? Whom do we seek to help us when our situation is desperate? Isaiah gives us the answer. We cry out to God. We call upon Him to help us. As Isaiah cries to the lord so we call on His also. "Oh God, come…O that thou wouldst rend the heavens and come down!" (vs.1)
What is it that we ask of God when we ask Him to come?

{1} First we ask God to come because we need His presence in our lives. Listen to verse 7 of our text; "No one calls on Your name or strives to lay hold of you; for You have hidden Your face from us and made us waste away because of our sins." The parent who disciplines her child might say "look at me!" She does that because it only natural for a guilty party to turn their eyes away from the one who has the power to punish. The people, like the guilty child, had turned their face away from God. In turning their backs on God it was meant to look as if God had turned His back on them.
But the truth of the matter is that God could never turn His back on us. That was an option, and an option that He could have chosen to take had He wanted to. Yet the good news for you and for me is that God has given to us His word and promise of restoring us back to Himself. In the garden the Father spoke to the serpent and said, "I will put enmity between you and the woman between your seed and her seed. He will crust your head and you will bruise His heel" (Genesis 3)
How can we say with so much assurance that God will not abandon His people? We can say that because God the Father abandoned and turned His back on His Son Jesus. At the cross Jesus cried out with a cry that pierced the silence of that lonely Friday afternoon "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" The Father rejected His Son at the cross so that He would never turn His back on us. In this season of Advent we remember that God sent forth His Son to be rejected on our behalf. He can to suffer the greatest humiliation ever so that you and could not and would not face rejection from God. Does it appear that God is distant from you? Well, who has wandered? Who has strayed? Advent calls for us to heed the cry of Isaiah and to turn, to turn back to God in repentance and faith so that we can see the face of the Father and be welcomed by Him when Christ returns in glory.

{2} We also ask God to come for we need His forgiveness. Isaiah reminds us that our sins are as "filthy rags". I’m sure you’ve heard the story but allow me to tell it once again. Would you expect your child to go out to the shop and bring in ten rags that were used as Dad greased the tractor and proceed to use them as napkins for Christmas dinner? Of course not! That’s not appropriate! Well, neither is it appropriate for us to stand before a just and holy God with the grease of sin hanging all over us. We need to be fixed up and cleaned up to meet Him. A Savior has done that for us whose birth we celebrate in four short weeks. Christ came into this world to be our Savior and our Redeemer. He has taken our soiled cloths of sin washed them clean in His own blood. We stand redeemed, restored and forgiven because of the blood of Jesus Christ. In this Advent season He calls us to come to Him in repentance to receive that pardon and peace that we need which only He can give.

{3} We also call for Christ to come because we need deliverance. "Because of our sins…" Isaiah reminds us, "we waste away!" And it’s not because of "burn out" rather it’s because of "rust out!" When we fail to come to Christ for that forgiveness which only He can give we will waste away! We need that deliverance from sin, from death, and from the power and grip of the Devil and only Christ and Christ alone can remove that grip that Satan has. That is why He calls on to come. He calls on us to come to Him to find salvation and life.

Conclusion: Today His mercy calls us to return to Christ and live. He calls us to come to Him in repentance and faith to receive salvation and life. As we prepare during this Advent season may this be our cry; "Redeemer come I open wide, My heart to Thee dear Lord abide! Let me Thine inner presence feel; Thy grace and love in me reveal; Thy Holy Spirit guide us on Until our glorious goal is won. Eternal praise and fame We offer to thy name." {TLH #73 stanza 5}
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 and Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House
Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use