Lessons and Suggested Hymns and Prayers, Advent through Transfiguration, Cycle A November 27, 2022 – February 19, 2023
Lessons and Suggested Hymns and Prayers,
Advent through Transfiguration, Cycle A
November 27, 2022 – February 19, 2023
NOTE: LBW – Lutheran Book of Worship (The Green Book)
WOV – With One Voice (The Blue Book)
ELW – Evangelical Lutheran Worship (The Cranberry Book)
LSB – Lutheran Service Book (The Maroon Book)
There are versions of some hymns that are superior in LSB and I recommend using them if possible. Also, there are some superb hymns in LSB that aren’t available in the other hymnals. When I suggest one of the latter, I try to include an alternative from LBW or WOV. I recommend that a license and DVD of downloadable hymns from LSB be purchased if you are looking to expand your hymnody. There are, in ELW, some familiar hymns that have been drastically altered, which I try to note. ELW also has some fine hymns not available in the other hymnals, or has, interestingly, a more “traditional” translation or harmonization.
Color for the day is indicated for each Sunday. Primary liturgical calendar taken from Sola Publishing (www.solapublishing.org), based on LSB. Also, I include the lessons from the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) found in ELW and used in some congregations. It often overlaps the Sola/LCMS calendar lectionary, but when there are differences, I will note them.
Because some of the prayers of confession, as well as offertory and post-communion prayers, provided on certain resource pages lack theological heft or linguistic elegance, I have added some seasonal prayers that you are free to cut, paste, and revise as needed. They are modified from the copyright-free Online Book of Common Prayer, or are my own creation. These are found on the following pages. The regular prayers of intercession will, as usual, be provided weekly in their own Word documents.
A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for Advent
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Most merciful God, I confess to you with my whole heart my neglect and forgetfulness of your commandments: my wrong thinking, speaking, and acting; the hurts I have done to others; and the good I have left undone. O God, forgive me, for I have sinned against you. Raise me to newness of life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hear this promise of Almighty God: He prepares in our hearts a royal highway for his Son’s near approach, and cleanses us from all our sins. He drives away the darkness of sin and death, that we may behold the glory of his Son, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Spoken Gospel Acclamation for Advent
Alleluia. Come and save us, LORD our God. Let your face shine upon us that we may be saved. Alleluia.
Offertory Prayer for Advent
Holy God, receive these tokens of our love for you. Make them holy, and use them as you desire, for the glory of your coming Kingdom, and for the well-being of the people you long to redeem. This we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Post-Communion Prayer for Advent
Almighty and ever-living God, we give you thanks for these heavenly gifts. Kindle in us the fire of your Spirit. When your Christ comes again, make us shine as lights before his face; who is alive and reigns now and forever. Amen.
Sending Words for Advent
Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for Christmastide
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Most merciful Father, we confess that we walk in the darkness of sin and not in your light. Sometimes we treat the priceless gift of your Son as an afterthought. And often we do not give the gift of forgiveness, mercy, and care to those who need them from us. Lead us into the light of your healing, forgiveness, and love. Restore to us the joy proclaimed by angels and shepherds at your Son’s birth among us. Amen.
Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy: For unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. His name is Jesus, for he saves us from our sins. He is called Emmanuel, for he is God with us. For his sake, his Father forgives and blesses you, calls you his children, and bestows his Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and sanctify you in all your words and deeds. Amen.
Spoken Gospel Acclamation for Christmastide
Alleluia. The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him he gave power to become the children of God. Alleluia.
Offertory Prayer for Christmastide
Heavenly Father, receive, bless, and use these gifts, given for love Jesus Christ, your gift to us, your Son, our Savior, and our Lord. Amen.
Post-Communion Prayer for Christmastide
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your great gift of love, your Son Jesus Christ. May we who have received his body and blood bear the light of his love into the world, to your glory and for the healing of the nations. Amen.
Sending Words for Christmastide
Go in peace. Christ is born. Thanks be to God.
A Brief Order of Confession and Holy Absolution for the Epiphany Season
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son+, and of the Holy Spirit: Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Most merciful Father, although in Christ our light has come, at times we prefer the darkness of sin. We do not let your light shine in our lives so others may see our good works and glorify you. We are deeply sorry and humbly repent. Forgive us and fill us with your Spirit. Give us the joy of your salvation. Send us out to proclaim your salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Arise, shine, for your Light has come; and the glorious mercy of the Lord shines round about you. In the name of and by the authority of our Savior Jesus Christ, I announce the forgiveness of your sin. May the Holy Spirit strengthen your faith, heal your spirit, and equip you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord until he comes in glory. Amen.
Spoken Gospel Acclamation for the Epiphany Season
Alleluia. Glory to you, O Christ, proclaimed to the Gentiles. Glory to you, O Christ, believed in throughout the world. Alleluia.
Offertory Prayer for the Epiphany Season
Let us pray. Merciful Father, the magi brought gifts to your Son, the Babe of Bethlehem. Graciously accept our gifts, given to glorify and worship Christ our Savior, and to bring healing and hope to the people he came to redeem. Amen.
Post-Communion Prayer for the Epiphany Season
Gracious heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your dear Son, given to us in this holy Sacrament. Strengthen us, through this gift, in faith toward you, and in fervent love toward one another. This we ask in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, our Light and our Life. Amen.
Sending Words for the Epiphany Season
Go in peace. Share the light of Christ. Thanks be to God.
November 27, 2022: Advent 1
Isaiah 2:1-5 (Nations stream to the house of the Lord)
Psalm 122 (I was glad when they said to me Let us go up to the house of the Lord)
Romans 13:8-14 (Keep the commandments. Behave as children of the day)
RCL/ELW: Romans 13:11-14 (Omits part about commandments)
Matthew 21:1-11 (Jesus enters Jerusalem)
OR Matthew 24:36-44 (which is ELW/RCL text) (Signs of the end; coming of Son of Man)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding!: LBW #37 (This is an awful tune! If you have an SBH, or ELW or LSB, PLEASE use the familiar tune “Merton,” which for some idiotic reason is not in LBW. The words go so well with the epistle that it’s a shame to not use this hymn.), ELW #246, LSB #345, SBH #1)
OR Come Now, O Prince of Peace: ELW #247 (simple Asian tune)
OR The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns: LBW #33, ELW #260, LSB #348
Hymn of the Day: Savior of the Nations, Come: LBW #28, ELW #263 (no dull hellfires), LSB #332
Communion 1: O Happy Day when We Shall Stand: LBW #351, ELW #441
Communion 2:, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357 (latter two have
all verses)
Closing: Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying: LBW #31, ELW #436 (odd translation), LSB #516
OR Abide, O Dearest Jesus: ELW #539, LSB #919
Abide With Us, Our Savior: LBW #263
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December 4, 2022: Advent 2
Isaiah 11:1-10 (A shoot springs up from Jesse’s root; God’s Spirit is upon him)
Psalm 72:1-10 (Prayer for the King’s son to rule with justice)
RCL: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13 (Live in harmony; Gentiles have also received God’s mercy)
Matthew 3:1-12(John the Baptist: prepare the way of the Lord!)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: Comfort, Comfort Now My People: LBW #29, ELW #256, LSB #347
OR Lo, How a Rose is Growing: LBW #58
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (familiar translation): ELW#272, LSB #359
Yes I KNOW it’s a Christmas hymn, but it ties directly to the Isaiah text!
Hymn of the Day: Prepare the Royal Highway: LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343
OR When All the World Was Cursed (familiar tune): LSB #346
OR There’s a Voice in the Wilderness: ELW #255
Communion 1: LBW #36, On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry (ELW #249, LSB #344)
Communion 2: WOV #647, My Lord, What a Morning (ELW #438, LSB #968)
Closing Hymn: Let Our Gladness Have No End: LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381
YES I KNOW it is a Christmas hymn, but our brethren at Concordia suggest it because of its link to the Isaiah text. Plus it’s pretty. So there.
OR Jesus Shall Reign: LBW #530, ELW #434, LSB #832
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December 11, 2022: Advent 3
Isaiah 35:1-10 (The wilderness rejoices when God comes to it)
Psalm 146 (The Lord sets prisoners free, opens eyes of blind)
RCL: Ps. 146:5-10 (eliminates “do not put trust in rulers”)
or Luke 1:46b-55 (The Magnificat)
James 5:7-11 (Be patient until the Lord comes)
Matthew 11:2-15 (Jesus addresses John’s disciples: blind see, poor hear the Gospel; violence attends coming of Kingdom)
RCL: Matthew 11:2-11 (Eliminates bit about violence)
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn: WOV #633, ELW #242
OR Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (may be sung to tune for “The Church’s One Foundation):
LBW #87, ELW #311 LSB #398
Hymn of the Day: LBW #23, O Lord, How Shall I Meet You (ELW #241, LSB #334)
OR All Earth is Hopeful: WOV #629, ELW #266
Communion 1: People, Look East: WOV #626, ELW #248
Communion 2: Hark the Glad Sound!: LBW #35, ELW #239, LSB #349
Closing Hymn: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: LBW#30, ELW #254, LSB #338
OR (especially if Magnificat is read) My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness: WOV #730, ELW #251
OR (ditto) My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord: LBW #180, ELW #573, LSB #934
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
December 18, 2022: Advent 4
Isaiah 7:1-17 (2 assurances to King Ahaz of God’s presence: the second is that Emmanuel shall be born of the virgin)
RCL: Isaiah 7:10-16 (only 2nd promise)
Psalm 24 (Lift up your heads, that the King of Glory may come in)
RCL: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.)
Romans 1:1-7 (Promise of the Messiah, coming from David’s line)
Matthew 1:18-25 (The annunciation – to Joseph)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: Fling Wide the Door: LBW #32, ELW #259
OR Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates: LSB #340 (same tune!)
Hymn of the Day: Blessed Be the God of Israel: WOV #725, ELW #250
OR my very own hymn paraphrase, sung to “O Zion, Haste”:
- Bless Israel’s God; he has redeemed his people:
Raised up a Savior born from David’s line;
Promised of old, through prophets’ proclamation,
To save from deadly foes with pow’r divine;
Promised to show our fathers mercy sure;
Promised his covenant forever shall endure.
- Through Abraham, God swore an oath to save us
From hands of foes, to serve him fearlessly
In holiness and righteousness before him,
There to adore and bless him constantly.
You, child – God’s prophet, go before his face,
Give saving knowledge of forgiveness and God’s grace!
- Tenderly, God bestows his love and mercy,
His heav’nly Dayspring shines upon our plight.
Darkness and death no longer can confound us:
In paths of peace, he guides us by his light.
Glory to Father, Son, and Spirit – Lord
God who through the ages ever is adored!
Communion 1: LBW #41, O Little Town of Bethlehem (ELW #279; LSB #361)
Communion 2: WOV #643, Once in Royal David’s City (ELW #269; LSB #376)
Closing Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Yes, even if you did it Advent 1. Find a version with all the verses and belt it out!): LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
December 24, 2023: Christmas Eve, the Nativity of Our Lord
Isaiah 9:2-7 (For Unto us a child is born)
Psalm 96 (Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name)
Titus 2:11-14 (God’s salvation has appeared in Jesus, training us to live godly lives)
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) (The story of Jesus’ birth)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful: LBW #45, ELW #283, LSB #379
Hymn of Praise: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing: LBW #60, ELW #270, LSB #380
Gradual Hymn: From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, selected verses (use a couple for each end of Gospel procession!)
LBW #51, ELW #268, LSB #358
OR Jesus, What a Wonderful Child: ELW #297
Hymn of the Day: Let All Together Praise Our God: (Break out the trumpets and horns
and timpani, please!!) LBW #47, ELW #287, LSB #389
OR Good Christian Friends, Rejoice: LBW #55, ELW #288
Offertory Hymn: What Child is This: LBW #40, ELW #296, LSB #370
Communion Hymns: Use as many as needed for your circumstance
Communion Hymn #1: I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve: LBW #69, ELW #271
Communion Hymn #2: Away in a Manger: LBW #67, ELW #277, 278; LSB #364, 365
Communion Hymn #3: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear: LBW #54, ELW #282; LSB #366
Communion Hymn #4: Angels We Have Heard on High: LBW #71, ELW #289; LSB #368
Communion Hymn #5: O Little Town of Bethlehem: LBW #41, ELW #279; LSB #361
Candle-Lighting Hymn: Silent Night: LBW #65, ELW #281; LSB #363
Closing Hymn: Joy to the World: LBW #39, ELW #267; LSB #387
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Sunday, December 25, 2022: Christmas Day, the Nativity of Our Lord
Isaiah 52:7-10 (How beautiful the feet of messengers who announce, ‘Your God reigns;’ the
ends of the earth shall see his salvation)
Psalm 2 (You are my Son; today have I begotten you; you shall rule the nations)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1-12 (The Son, the perfect image of God, far higher than angels)
John 1:1-18 (In the beginning was the Word…)
RC/ELW: John 1:1-14
+++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: Angels, From the Realms of Glory: LBW #50, ELW #275, LSB #367
Hymn of Praise: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing: LBW #60, ELW #270, LSB #380
Gradual Hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, This Happy Morn: LBW #43, LSB #391
OR From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, selected verses (use a couple for each end of Gospel procession!): LBW #51, ELW #268, LSB #358
Hymn of the Day: Of the Father’s Love Begotten: LBW #42, ELW #295, LSB #384
Offertory Hymn: In the Bleak Midwinter: ELW #294
OR What Child is This: LBW #40, ELW #296, LSB #370
Communion Hymn #1: ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime: LBW #72, ELW #284
Communion Hymn #2: The First Noel: LBW #56, ELW #300
Closing Hymn: Go Tell it on the Mountain: LBW #70, ELW #290, LSB #388
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January 1, 2023: Circumcision and Name Day of Jesus
Numbers 6:22-27 (The Aaronic, priestly benediction)
Psalm 8 (Divine majesty and human dignity)
Galatians 3:23-29 (The law was our disciplinarian; now we are clothed in Christ)
Luke 2:21 (Jesus is named at his circumcision)
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Opening Hymn: Joy to the World: LBW #39, ELW #267, LSB #387
Hymn of the Day: Greet Now/ Now Greet the Swiftly Changing Year: LBW #181, LSB #896
Note: neither tune is familiar, but the words are perfect for today. Sing it to “O God of Mercy, God of Light,” LBW#425. You’re welcome.
OR The Ancient Law Departs: LSB #898 (Very explicitly about the Circumcision as well as the Name of Jesus. Tune is same as “How Good, Lord, To Be Here.” Might get 1-time permission to use this hymn!)
OR At the Name of Jesus: LBW #179, ELW #416, LSB #512
OR All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/329, ELW #634, LSB #549
Communion 1: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice: LBW #55, ELW #288
Communion 2: Go, My Children, With My Blessing: WOV 721, ELW #543, LSB #922
Closing Hymn: Let Our Gladness Have No End: LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381
OR How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds: LBW #345, ELW #620, LSB #524
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
January 6, 2020: The Epiphany of Our Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6 (Arise, shine, your light has come; nations stream to Israel, bringing gifts)
Psalm 72:1-11 (Prayer for guidance and support for the King)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12 (The mystery of salvation revealed to Gentiles; Paul has become steward of God’s mysteries so that through the Church, nations may know God’s wisdom)
Matthew 2:1-12 (The magi adore Jesus, bringing gifts, departing by another way)
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright, v. 1-3: LBW #76, ELW #308, LSB #395
Hymn of the Day: As With Gladness Men of Old: LBW #82, ELW #302, LSB #397
Communion 1: Bright and Glorious is the Sky: LBW #75, ELW #301
Communion 2: We Three Kings of Orient Are: WOV #646
OR Songs of Thankfulness and Praise: LBW #90, ELW #310, LSB #394
Closing Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright, v. 4-6: LBW #76, ELW #308, LSB #395
OR We Are Marching in the Light of God: WOV 650, ELW #866
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
January 8, 2023: The Baptism of Our Lord
Isaiah 42:1-9 (God’s servant will not crush a bruised reed; he is given as light to nations, to open blind eyes and free prisoners of darkness)
Psalm 29 (The voice of the Lord; all cry “Glory!”)
Romans 6:1-11 (We have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection)
RCL/ELW: Acts 10:34-43 (Peter preaches sermon to newly-baptized Gentiles)
Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus comes to John in the Jordan and is baptized)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: O, Worship the King: LBW #548, ELW #842; LSB #804
OR How Marvelous God’s Greatness: LBW #515, ELW #830 (very simple, lovely Swedish tune, but can be sung to “The Church’s One Foundation,” Aurelia)
Hymn of the Day: Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker: LBW #191, ELW #458
(tune is same as for “Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender.” Good hymn for baptism/renewal of baptism)
OR To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord: LBW #79, LSB #406/7
I know, I know, but it’s one of the great doctrinal hymns on Baptism. Heck, you might not have to
preach more than 5 minutes if you sing this hymn. Have the choir do a few verses, then alternate choir
and congregation. It’s good for them.
OR When Jesus Came to Jordan: WOV #647, ELW #305
OR Christ, When For Us You Were Baptized: ELW #304 (familiar tune)
Communion 1: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise: LBW #90, ELW #310, LSB #394
Communion 2: Baptized in Water: WOV #693, ELW #456
OR Remember and Rejoice: ELW #454 (Familiar tune, great words)
Closing Hymn: I Bind Unto Myself This Day: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604
OR I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
January 15, 2023: 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 49:1-7 (God’s Servant given as light to all nations)
Psalm 40:1-11 (Happy are they who make the Lord their trust; he does not require burnt
offerings but a willing heart)
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (Thanksgiving that the Corinthians are enriched with every spiritual gift)
John 1:29-42a (John says, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!”
2 of his disciples become Jesus’ disciples)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #696
OR Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, v.1-3: LSB #540 (GREAT hymn, singable early American tune! This is worth getting copyright permissions for if you don’t have LSB)
Hymn of the Day: O Christ, Thou Lamb of God: LBW #103
OR Jesus, Lamb of God: ELW #199
OR Lamb of God (Your only Son, no sin to hide): ELW #336, LSB #550
Communion 1: I Lay My Sins on Jesus: LBW #305, LSB #606
Communion 2: Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809
Closing Hymn: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311, LSB #398
OR Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, v. 4-6: LSB #540
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
January 22, 2023, 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany
3rd Sunday after the Epiphany Lessons and Hymn Suggestions
Isaiah 9:1-4 (The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light)
Psalm 27:1-9 (The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?)
RCL/ELW: Psalm 27:1, 4-9
1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (1st mention of divisions in Church; message of Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but the power of God to those being saved)
Matthew 4:12-25 (In the region mentioned by Isaiah, Jesus begins his ministry – “Repent; the kingdom of Heaven has come near” – and calls his first disciples)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: The People That in Darkness Sat: LSB #412 (great words, familiar tune!)
OR Rise, Shine, You People: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825
OR Shine, Jesus, Shine: WOV #651, ELW #671
Hymn of the Day: O Christ, Our Light, Our Radiance True: LBW #380, ELW #875
O Christ, Our True and Only Light: LSB #839
Communion 1: God Himself is Present: LBW #249
OR (if you didn’t use it on Baptism of Our Lord) I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light:
WOV #660, ELW #815, LSB #411
Communion 2: Renew Me, O Eternal Light: LBW #511, LSB #704
Closing Hymn: Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult: LBW #494, ELW #696
OR Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness: LSB #849 (Another winner, worth getting permission for it. Beach Spring is a familiar Early American tune, too.)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
January 29, 2022, 4th Sunday after the Epiphany
Micah 6:1-8 (Answer me, my people; how have I burdened you? What does the Lord require but to love justice, do mercy, walk humbly before him?)
Psalm 15 (Who abides with God? Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right)
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Christ is the wisdom and power of God, despite the foolishness and stumbling-block nature of the Cross)
Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: Let Streams of Living Justice Flow: ELW #710 (Gustav Holst’s majestic tune Thaxted pairs well with the Micah text!)
OR Let Justice Flow Like Streams: WOV #763 (Very familiar tune)
OR Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor: LBW #418 (Simple Welsh folk tune)
Hymn of the Day: Blest Are They: WOV #764, ELW #728, LSB #982
OR (if preaching on Corinthians): When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/426
Communion 1: Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me: LBW #336, LSB #683
Communion 2: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842
Closing Hymn: Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660 (Note: “soldiers” replaced with “servants,”
and a verse is omitted), LSB #837
OR O God of Mercy, God of Light: LBW #425, LSB #852
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
February 5, 2023: 5th Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 58:3-9a (The fasting God requires is justice and refraining from evil)
Psalm 112:1-9 (God’s blessing to the righteous and those who remember the poor)
1 Corinthians 2:1-16 (We preach Christ crucified; God’s wisdom, given through the Spirit, contrasted with “wisdom of the age”)
Matthew 5:13-20 (You are to be salt and light; Christ came not to abolish but to fulfill the Law and prophets)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: Your Kingdom Come: LBW #376
OR The People Walk: ELW #706 (Nice Hispanic melody)
OR You Are the Way; Through You Alone: LBW #464, ELW #758, LSB #526
Hymn of the Day: Thy Strong Word Did Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB 578
Communion 1: My Faith Looks Up to Thee: LBW #479, ELW #759, LSB #702
Communion 2: In the Cross of Christ I Glory: LBW #104, ELW #324, LSB #427
Closing Hymn: May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfill: LBW # 353, LSB #698
OR O Christ, Your Heart, Compassionate: ELW #722 (Familiar tune)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
February 12, 2023: 6th Sunday after the Epiphany
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (I set before you life and death; choose life; obey my commandments)
Psalm 119:1-8 (Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the Lord)
1 Corinthians 3:1-9 (Paul chides Corinthians for childish quarreling; he, Apollos and others are ALL Christ’s servants, working together; Church is God’s field and building)
Matthew 5:21-37 (Hard words about anger, lust, and divorce)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Opening Hymn: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: LBW #499, ELW #807, LSB #686
Hymn of the Day: Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive: LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843
OR Lord Jesus, Think On Me: LBW #309, ELW #599, LSB #610
OR get the sheet music; go to musicnotes.com: In Christ Alone
Communion 1: Holy Spirit, Truth/Light Divine: LBW #257, ELW #398, LSB #496
Communion 2: Lord, Whose Love in/Through Humble Service: LBW #423, ELW #712, LSB #848
OR Just a Closer Walk With Thee: ELW #697
Closing Hymn: Blest Be the Tie That Binds: LBW #370, ELW #656, LSB #549
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February 19, 2023: The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Exodus 24:8-18 (The 70 elders and Moses on the mountain with God)
Psalm 2:6-12 (You are my Son, today have I begotten you; tremble, O nations, before him!)
RCL: Psalm 2, complete
2 Peter 1:16-21 (We do not follow cleverly devised myths; we are eyewitnesses to God’s glory in Christ as he was transfigured before us)
Matthew 17:1-9 (The Transfiguration account)
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Opening Hymn: When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW 549, ELW #853, LSB #807
OR Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning: LBW #84, ELW #303, LSB #400
Hymn of the Day: Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory: LSB #416
OR O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair!: LBW #80, LSB #413
O wondrous Vision! Image Fair!: ELW #316
Communion 1: How Good, Lord, to be Here: LBW #89, ELW #315
Communion 2: Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537
Closing Hymn: In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818
OR Alleluia, Song of Gladness: WOV #654, ELW #318, LSB #417