THE PRAYERS, Advent 3, Cycle A

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)

            ELW/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)

            ELW/RCL: Matthew 11:2-11 (Eliminates bit about violence)

As we await the coming of Christ in mercy and majesty, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

 

How sweet the words we hear this day, dear Lord! Thank you for refreshment along our life’s often-dusty road. Thank you for hope that dawns unexpectedly in our heart’s wilderness. Thank you for Jesus, your sweetest Word of forgiveness, compassion, and life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that “in many and various ways,” your Church may constantly preach the Good News of what Jesus has done: “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk; lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up; and the poor have good news preached to them.”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Establish this congregation, O Lord, in words and deeds of patience, mercy, and goodness. Help us to refresh the heavy-hearted; to heal those wounded by sin and sorrow; and to enlighten the innocent and the ignorant. Make this place a haven of safety and joy for all who trust in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Bless your persecuted Church, and keep it patient, faithful and steadfast. Teach us to honor their witness and provide for their needs. Turn their tormentors from their evil ways.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Deepen the faith and increase the wisdom of your apprentices and journeyman in the art of discipleship. May all they learn from you may bring joy and enlightenment to others.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Conform our earthly rulers to your holy will. Let them give justice to the oppressed, and food to the hungry. Make them set free the unjustly imprisoned, and lift up those who are bowed down.  Teach them to love the righteous; care for the stranger; sustain the orphan and widow, and frustrate the way of the wicked. Use the valor and competence of our military and first responders to accomplish your will in dangerous places. Speed the day when everyone may walk in safety and tranquility throughout this world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

We remember before you all for whom this season of light is shadowed by sorrow or suffering, especially: {List}. Equip us to touch their lives with gentleness and hope; to speak words of forgiveness and encouragement; and to accompany them in their wilderness. Grant them the sure hope that you will embrace us all in your everlasting arms.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Happy are those who, in this life, put their trust in you, dear Lord. Their hope has been fulfilled. Comfort all the bereaved whose grief runs deep. And we pray: Save us from folly and defend us from evil. Strengthen our faltering hands and make firm our feeble knees. Establish our hearts in steadfast patience and the spirit of encouragement. Lead us into Zion, where, with all the redeemed, we shall praise your glory; delight in your love; and see you face to face.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, Advent 2, Cycle A

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)

            ELW/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!)

 

 

As we await the coming of Christ in mercy and majesty, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

 

Come quickly, Lord! Thank you for promising to deliver us from sin, evil, and death – but even so, come quickly! Thank you for being our King, Savior, Healer, and Redeemer – but come quickly to establish your reign, perfectly and forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Come quickly, righteous Branch from Jesse’s root. Make your Church holy, faithful, and tireless in proclaiming your coming. By its words and deeds, lead many to repentance and faith in you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Come quickly, King foretold by prophets. Rule in our hearts and in this congregation. Grant us your gracious Spirit. Help us to show your mercy to fellow sinners, and to live in your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Come quickly, righteous and faithful Savior. Vindicate those who are persecuted on account of your holy Name. Decide with equity on their behalf. Lay low the wicked who refuse to repent. And hasten the day when no one shall hurt or destroy on your holy mountain.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come quickly, wise counsellor. Direct the thoughts and actions of seminarians and all who are called into holy ministry. Grant them right judgment, godly actions, and joy in your presence. Bestow your Spirit upon them, and upon missionaries, evangelists, teachers, and theologians, until the whole earth is full of the knowledge of your saving mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Come quickly, Ensign and signal to all peoples. Establish your glorious and gentle rule among the nations. Teach our earthly leaders to judge with righteousness, to deliberate with equity, and to care for the poor and needy in their charge. Give us grace to live in peace and to be merciful, even when that is hard.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Come quickly, gentle Savior. Protect our little ones from every danger and harm. Keep them safe from the fangs of predators and abusers, the poison of sickness and despair, the venom of lies and hateful words, and the claws of warfare and every form of violence. Protect their innocence and help us to raise them in knowledge, fear, and joy in the Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Come quickly, King of Mercy. Banish those things which trouble your people in body, mind, heart or soul. Especially we lift before you all who crave your healing touch: {List}. Keep them safe from every evil, and restore them to health, hope, and fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come quickly, Lord of Life. Reunite us with all the saints who from their labors rest. As we walk through life’s dark shadows and winding pathways, bestow on us your righteousness, wisdom, and mercy. Help us to withstand the bitter challenges we face, and support one another along our pilgrim road. Bring us to your holy mountain, where with all the redeemed, we shall delight in your presence and sing of your mercy and love forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, Advent 1, Cycle A

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)

 

 

As we await the coming of Christ, let us pray for the Church, the world, and for all people according to their need.

A brief silence

 

Thank you, Lord, for your promise to visit your people with judgment and forgiveness. Thank you for Jesus, your final Word and the Yes to all your promises. Make us ready to receive him into our hearts, homes, and world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Stir up your power, O Lord, and purify your Church. Make it a holy dwelling, fit for your Son. Make it the New Jerusalem, the home of all whom you have redeemed. Make it your house of prayer for all peoples.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Stir up your power, O Lord, and cleanse the hearts of all who worship here. Fill us with love for you, and charity for our neighbors especially those most in need of your mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Stir up your power, O Lord, and come to the aid of your persecuted Church. Lift up their heads; strengthen their faith; and deliver them from their enemies. Set free those who hate you from bondage to sin; and give all of us grace to bear witness to Christ until he comes again in glory.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord, and guide all who walk the path of discipleship. Give them grace to listen, ponder, and obey your Word. In all they do, help them prepare your Way into the hearts of others, especially those who walk in the darkness of doubt or despair.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Stir up your power, O Lord, and grant your Spirit to the leaders of the nations. Give them wisdom, humility, prudence, and integrity. Remind them that they must give an account of their stewardship of authority to you, the Lord of the nations and their King and God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Stir up your power, O Lord; and banish violence, injustice, and hatred from this death-shadowed world. Give your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might to all who stand in harm’s way on our behalf. Grant success to all they do that serves your will. Restore them to their loved ones, and speed the day when they may serve you in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 

Stir up your power, O Lord; and bring healing and hope to all whose need is great. Especially we lift before you: {List}. Deliver them from all that darkens their lives. Give patience, gentleness, and respite to caregivers, and shine the light of your love upon us all.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Stir up your power, O Lord; and raise from the shadows of death all who have fallen asleep in you. Help us to comfort those who grieve in this season of feasting and joy. Give us grace to be children of the day, filled with the light of your love. Help us to encourage one another in steadfast faith and deeds of charity until Jesus returns in glory. Then, by your mercy, bring us safely into your eternal Kingdom, which you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

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 2^nd 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”:

 

1. 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.

 

2. 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!

 

3. 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

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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

 

***************************************

 

 

 

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)

 

**************************

 

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: 2^nd 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, 3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany

 

3^rd 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 (1^st 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, 4^th 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: 5^th 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: 6^th 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

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

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)

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge” (2 Peter 1:5)

It is enough to seek to do what is pleasing to the Lord.  You do this not to gain, but because you have already gained and it is pleasing to the One who first loved you.  Do not be led by the way of this world, which is in constant competition between good and evil, but by the way of the cross in which you surrender all to the Lord.  Know that He who called you will give you goodness and through that goodness, will come knowledge and strength to stand firm.

Lord, in the confusion of this world I get caught up in the competition with which this world always seems to be engaged.  Guide me in the way of the cross in order that I would cease the competition and simply live as one who loves You and my neighbor.  Guide me, Lord, in Your way of life, that through Your grace, I would humbly live by the faith You have given me.  In You alone is the way of  true life.

Lord, You have come to set me free from the bondage of death that sin brings.  Guide me, dear Lord, to live according to Your goodness and mercy.  Help me to live in Your goodness and to be graceful and merciful to all whom I meet.  Lead me according to all that You shared with Your disciples so that I may apply the principles You have taught us and live according to them.  Lead me, my Savior, through all of my days.  Amen.

Over a decade ago I had the pleasure and privilege of being on internship. Internship proved to be a pivotal time in which I figured out – with God’s help and the help of my supervising pastor – what pastoral ministry was about. You learn much in seminary about the ministry but there’s nothing like having boots on the ground. To borrow an image C.S Lewis used about theology in Mere Christianity, seminary provides us a map of the ministry. Internship has us visit that map with someone, often times but not always, taking a vicar/intern pastor by the hand, as Virgil did for Dante in Inferno or as Beatrice does for Dante in Paradiso. It is always our hope and prayer, of course, that for a vicar/intern pastor, their time spent on internship is more of a paradiso than an inferno!

As I reflect back on my time on internship, there are two big lessons learned that proved beneficial for the last 11 ½ years or so of my ordained ministry. No doubt, other seasoned pastors could add more. For the sake of brevity I’ll keep it to two.

1) The importance of having a place to learn and grow knowing the Lord’s gracious people would bear that burden joyfully. I can only imagine what my first sermons were like. God bless that congregation in St. Paul that endured my meager offerings of the Word. It also is a blessing, perhaps, knowing vicars/intern pastors move on after they have “cut their teeth”! Regardless, when others know you’re a “rookie” in the ministry they cut you a bit of slack. Parish ministry will be the same, at least for the first few years of a call!

2) The importance of having a mentor walk through various ministry challenges: How do I lead a Bible study? What do I say at the funeral home? How do I respond to a confirmation student who says they don’t believe in Jesus? Why does this congregation worship the way it does? Do I approach someone who needs pastoral counsel or do I let them come to me? Questions like this, “casuistry” as the old Lutherans would call it, are essential to ask. It’s a good thing to have other faithful shepherds after ordination as well. The questions never go away.

I write this to point out the obvious: Internship is crucial for pastoral growth. Though there is no “one size, fits all” model of internship, internship itself is very valuable. At Lutheran CORE we seek to connect congregations in many ways – one of our goals as a NETWORK. At Lutheran CORE, we also are invested in the next generation of pastors for Christ’s Church. So, if you are a pastor, would you be willing to be an internship supervisor? Perhaps we can connect you to someone. If you are a congregational leader, would you consider your congregation a safe place to learn and grow for a fledgling pastor? If so, perhaps we can connect you to a gifted candidate. If you are interested in the ministry, have had some seminary training, and are looking for what the next step is but aren’t sure where to go, perhaps Lutheran CORE can help too.

We recognize that various church bodies already have existing structures to meet this need so this might only apply to LCMC pastors, churches and students. But even if we can only help LCMC brothers and sisters in Christ, for the sake of the harvest of souls, let us know!

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question that youth have been asked since they graduated kindergarten. But in high school, the question becomes a much more pressing issue. In a culture obsessed with both success and control, students are encouraged at earlier and earlier ages to have their futures and career paths completely mapped out. And much of the decision making in this regard revolves around interests, skills, money, and the expectations of others. At the intersection of “What am I interested in, what am I good at, what will my loved ones approve of, and how much money can I make doing it?” is the decision to follow one career path over all the others.

What is too often excluded from this equation is the biblical reality of God’s call. We are called into being, called into relationship with the Lord and His Church, called to serve, and called into a yet unknown future by One who knows us better than we know ourselves, and who loves us beyond measure. For Christians, then, the primary question that needs to be answered is not, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” but rather, “What is God’s call on my life?”

Every kid in Sunday School has heard the story of young Samuel (I Samuel 3), to whom the Lord spoke in the middle of the night. Like many of us, Samuel struggled to recognize the voice of the Lord. In fact, it was Samuel’s older and wiser mentor, Eli, who helped Samuel recognize God’s voice and call on his life.

Although he failed to recognize God’s calling at first, Samuel was open to the Lord’s leading. After learning that it was God who was calling, he responded by saying, “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” Are you listening for God’s call on your life? Are you open to His leading? You might hear God’s call during times of study or silent prayer. You may hear God’s call through the proclamation of His Word in a sermon or Bible study, through a petition in the Prayers of the Church, or through the lyrics of a hymn. Or even more likely, you may hear God’s call through family, friends, or church members who might say, “You would make a good pastor. Have you ever considered pursuing ordained ministry?”

One of Martin Luther’s gifts to the Church was his insistence that all callings are holy. Whether one is gifted and called by God to be a pastor, butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, each calling is equally holy and necessary for human flourishing, and for the building up of the Lord’s people. So how does one “hear God’s call?”

The first step is to recognize the Holy Spirit’s movement in your life. The older and more experienced Eli recognized that the Spirit was speaking to Samuel, and he encouraged Samuel to reply, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” Only then could Samuel recognize the Spirit’s leading and respond in obedience to the call.

The truth is that most of us need an “Eli” at one time or another in our lives. And most, if not all of us, are also called to be an Eli for others. Being an Eli simply means keeping our eyes open to recognize the gifts of others and staying present to them — listening, talking, praying, and sharing with them. Finding an answer to every question is not always as necessary as just being a companion as they search and discern.

Jesus had compassion on the crowds he encountered because “they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 9:36). Today there is a critical shortage of shepherds in God’s Church. Many congregations are without a called and trained pastor to preach His Word and administer the sacraments. How to explain this shortage? Has God gone silent? Is the Lord no longer speaking?

No. In fact, somewhere in our congregations right now is an infant who will be baptized this Sunday, who has a call to ordained ministry. Somewhere in our congregations right now is a fourth grader who has a call to ordained ministry, and who is also the absolute terror of Mrs. So-And-So’s Sunday School Class. Somewhere in our congregations right now is an eighth grader who has a call to ordained ministry. They are about to be confirmed, and they wish their parents would allow them to sleep in on Sundays, because “Church is boring.” Somewhere in our congregations right now is a high school sophomore who is preparing to attend the retreat that will change their life and confirm their call to ordained ministry. And somewhere in our congregations is a college student or career person who is running from God’s call to ordained ministry or has postponed it to pursue an alternative career path. I know this because each of these people was me at different points in my life.

Thankfully, the Lord strategically placed Eli’s in my life. My youth minister, Duane. My Sunday School teacher, Ruth. And my pastor, Reuben. Each of them, and many others, too, played the role of Eli in my life to help me recognize my spiritual gifts, to encourage my discernment of God’s call, to listen to my concerns, questions, and objections, and ultimately to walk with me to the “yes” that finally came when I filled out my seminary application.

Friends, there are many, many Samuel’s out there today who are called to serve and speak the Word of God, but instead of filling out a seminary application, they are pursuing a path that is more expedient or lucrative. They are pursuing a path that is more in line with the expectations of those around them.

So let me ask you to find your place in this biblical story. Are you a Samuel, knowing that there is a voice speaking to you and calling you to a purpose bigger than your own dreams and desires? Or are you an Eli, called to pay attention to the gifts of those with whom you worship? Called to encourage and walk with those who are or should be discerning God’s call to Word and Sacrament ministry? Either way, you are the answer to the crisis we face today in the Church of Jesus, where sheep without a shepherd are “harassed and helpless.” Every Samuel needs an Eli. And every Eli can recognize a Samuel with God’s help.

Pastor Jeff Morlock is Director of Vocational Discernment at the North American Lutheran Seminary. He may be reached at jeff.morlock@tsm.edu.

Does doctrine matter?  That is a question that has been asked again and again in the Church.  Sometimes, the question is asked because doctrine seems so dry and boring.  It seems so much like academic hair splitting.   A second reason is because doctrine divides.   During the 17^th Century, central Europe endured the 30 Years War, leading to the death of up to one-third of the population of Germany.  That war was driven by doctrinal differences between Catholics, Lutherans, and the Reformed. 

When the war was over, a movement arose called Pietism.  Many saw it as a Second Reformation.  Pietism emphasized many things that have become part of our common heritage as Christians.  The man considered the founder of Pietism, Philip Jacob Spener, made six proposals to improve the life of the Church.  One of them was this:

We must beware how we conduct ourselves in religious controversies.

Being at war with one another, either literally or verbally, does little to spread the Gospel.  Non-believers are turned away from the Church when they see how divided we are.  In particular, when they perceive that Christians are lacking in love for one another, they wonder about the truth of the Gospel.  After all, didn’t Jesus teach that the greatest commandment was to love God and one another?

That is all true, but it’s not so easy to dismiss doctrine.  In the Lutheran Church of the 17^th Century there was another movement that emphasized doctrine.  It is known today as Lutheran Orthodoxy.  They spent a great amount of time disputing with Catholics and the Reformed over proper theology.  At its best, Orthodoxy was not obsessed with doctrine for its own sake, as if one is saved by having the right answers to abstract theological questions.  Rather, Orthodoxy understood that the purpose of doctrine is to preserve the pure preaching of God’s Word and the proper administration of the Sacraments. 

Why does this matter?  Because it is through the Word and the Sacraments that God gives us forgiveness, life and salvation.  For instance, there is the question, “Is the Bible the Word of God?”  You might be surprised to hear that question.  Both the Pietists and the Orthodox held the Bible in high regard.  In fact, Jacob Spener’s complaint was that there wasn’t enough Bible reading in the Church, particularly among the laity.  Meanwhile, Catholics, the Reformed, and Lutherans all agreed that the Bible was the Word of God.  They only disagreed on how it should be interpreted.

That is not the case today.  In the past year, I have heard an ELCA pastor declare that the Bible is not the Word of God.  Instead, he said that Jesus is the only Word of God.  The Bible, he said, is a Word about God, but it is not the Word of God.  The reason he did this is that he finds parts of the Bible to be offensive, outmoded, and oppressive. Rather than turning to the Bible on questions of faith and life, he would prefer that we ask ourselves what we think the “real Jesus” would do.  In doing this, he drives a wedge between the Jesus of the Bible and the Jesus that we supposedly “know in our hearts.”

What does Lutheran doctrine teach?  It certainly does teach that Jesus is the Incarnate Word of God.  However, it also teaches that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.  It is in and through the Written Word that we encounter the Incarnate Word.  In fact, Lutheran doctrine teaches that the Word of God comes to us in three forms:  1) the Incarnate Word, 2) the Written Word, and finally 3) the Preached and Sacramental Word. 

This is where doctrine becomes practical, and not only practical, but a matter of life and death.  Think of the question of the forgiveness of sins.  If your sins are forgiven, you have life and salvation.  If your sins are not forgiven, you will be condemned eternally.  So, how do you know your sins are forgiven?   How can you be sure?  The answer that Lutheran doctrine gives is that you will know for sure when a Preacher announces to you, “Your sins are forgiven.”  You will also know for sure when you are Baptized and when you receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion. 

“But wait a second,” you might say, “how do I know that Preaching, Baptism and Communion do these things?”  The answer is very important.  You know because it says so in the Bible.  Can a human preacher really announce the forgiveness of my sins?  Yes! Go read John 20: 22-23 and Matthew 16:18.   Does Baptism really save me?  Yes!  Go read Mark 16:16 and 1 Peter 3:21.  Do I really receive forgiveness, life and salvation in Holy Communion?  Yes!  Go read Matthew 26:27-28. 

It all depends on what we believe about the Bible.  If it is God’s Word, then we can be comforted with the knowledge that our sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake.  If it is only a human word, we are left to figure it out for ourselves.  Lutheran doctrine tells you that you can be confident that the Bible is GOD’S WORD.  As the beloved children’s songs says:

Jesus loves me, this I know, for the BIBLE tells me so.

May God give all of us the childlike faith to believe those simple words.

In Christ,

Pastor David Charlton

Each month we feature two videos – the most recent addition to our video book reviews, and a recent addition to our CORE Convictions videos.  The CORE Convictions series is designed particularly for those who wish to grow in their knowledge of Biblical teaching and Christian living as well as for those who want to know more about how Lutherans understand the Bible. We also want to provide this resource for those who do not have the opportunity or the option of attending a church where the preaching and teaching is Biblical, orthodox, and confessional.

Here is a link to our You Tube channel.  In the top row you will find recordings from both sets of videos – in the order in which they were posted, beginning with the most recent.  In the second row you will find links to the Playlists for both sets of videos.  We now have six videos in our CORE Convictions series.  Many thanks to retired NALC pastor Tim Hubert for his video on “Interim Ministry.”  His video will be featured in January 2023.

This month we want to feature a video book review by Ken Coughlan and a CORE Convictions video by Pastor Jeffray Greene.

“HOW GOD BECAME JESUS”

Many thanks to Christian apologist Ken Coughlan for his video review of the book, How God Became Jesus.  Ken is media director, director of international programs, and staff counsel for Trinity Lutheran Church (NALC) in Joppa, Maryland.  A link to his video can be found here.

In 2014 Bart D. Ehrman from the University of North Carolina published a book entitled How Jesus Became God: The Exaltation of a Jewish Preacher from Galilee.  His argument is that the earliest Christians did not view Jesus as any kind of divine being.  Rather over time the prevailing view of Jesus changed from being merely human to being a lesser divine figure.  Ehrman claims that in this change the early Christians were following early Judaism, which allowed for many lesser divine figures.  Eventually, by the time we come to the Gospel of John, the view of Jesus changes again from being a lesser divine to being equal with the Father.

Anticipating a strong reaction, the publisher released an advance manuscript to a group of five internationally recognized biblical scholars with traditional views, who wrote a response entitled, How God Became Jesus: The Real Origins of Belief in Jesus’ Divine Nature.  These scholars argued that right from the start early Christians saw Jesus as one with the Father.  They fault Ehrman for totally ignoring the major Jewish tenant of a strict monotheism.  They also argue on the basis of the earliest Gospel, the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus’ claim to be able to forgive sins is a claim to be God.

Ken Coughlan urges people to read How God Became Jesus and then bring it to the attention of their congregations, friends, and colleagues so that people will see that there is a better substantiated view than that of Ehrman.  If they only read Ehrman’s book, there is a good chance that they will become confused by the fundamentally inaccurate information that can be found within it.      

“WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CONFESSIONAL?”

Many thanks to NALC pastor, Dr. Jeffray Greene, for his very illuminating discussion of the question, What does it mean to be confessional?  A link to his video can be found here.

Beginning by stating the need for watchmen and for walls to protect the Church from all the streams of error and wickedness that are threatening to invade the Church, Pastor Greene then makes the affirmation that the work of the Lutheran Confessions is to be the walls while our work as the people of God is to be the watchmen.  The Confessions were written and carefully constructed so as to keep us from having to start out all over again with each new generation.  They are there to keep us from treading down all of the paths which might tempt us.  They are there to protect us from all of the ways in which the church is being pillaged today.

Having talked about the role of the Confessions, he then discusses the content of our Lutheran confessional faith, as delineated in the Book of Concord.  He has a very interesting way of putting it – God gets all the verbs.  God does all the work of salvation.  If He did not do it, it would not happen.  God alone gets the credit.  The action is His.  He gives; we receive.  Christ did it all for us so that we can receive what is needed. 

With the Lutheran Confessions, which were written as a defense of the faith, we do not need to start over and build the walls.  Rather the Lord through His saints has already built the walls.

Many thanks to retired ELCA pastor and former Lutheran CORE board member Keith Forni for organizing, and to St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church (ELCA) in the Hermosa neighborhood of northwest Chicago for hosting the mid-October, annual gathering called Encuentro.  Encuentro is Spanish for “Encounter.”  This event is co-sponsored by Lutheran CORE and the Bilingual Ministry Resource Center, which is based in Chicago and Joliet, Illinois.    

Because of the pandemic this was the first time we were able to hold this event since 2019.  We were all glad that we were again able to gather for teaching, worship, fellowship, and exchange of ideas on how we can be engaged in outreach to our diverse neighborhoods, particularly focusing on Spanish-speaking people.

We gave thanks to God as we heard from Pastor Forni regarding how seventy to eighty children and their parents walk by the church each day on their way to and back home from school.  Members of the church hand out to the children Spanish language coloring books such as “Questions Kids Ask About God.” Local residents were invited to join us for the presentations and the delicious lunch.  We remembered the beginnings of significant outreach to the community before the pandemic, and we prayed for a resumption of that response.  We recalled how that outreach began with the response of one family, who invited their friends and neighbors, who in turn invited their friends and neighbors, and so on.  Outreach and ministry certainly does most effectively happen through relationships.

We were blessed by and learned much from the two keynote presentations by the Rev. Dr. Maxwell Johnson, ELCA pastor and professor of theology at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana.  His morning presentation was on “Reclaiming the Eucharist and Great Thanksgiving in Contemporary Lutheran Worship.” 

Dr. Johnson began by mentioning the misunderstanding that certainly has always been my understanding – that liturgy is the work of the people.  Instead Dr. Johnson said that Christ is the prime liturgist.  He is the one who performs the work on behalf of the people.  Liturgy is God’s work for us, not our work for God.  Our work is our deeds of service after our worship.  Dr. Johnson also stressed that right from the beginning the eucharistic meal has always been central to Christian worship.  He gave as an example of worship’s being both Word and sacrament Luke’s account of when Jesus joined His followers on the road to Emmaus.  Jesus interpreted the Scriptures to them (Word) and His presence became known to them in the breaking of the bread (meal). 

Dr. Johnson’s afternoon presentation was on “The Virgin Mary in Liturgy, Doctrine, and Life.”  This presentation was particularly timely in light of the enormous impact upon the entire ELCA of spiritual and cultural insensitivities by denominational leaders towards an ELCA Latino mission in Stockton, California in the termination of their mission developer on a day that should have been a time of great celebration for them and the ending of synodical mission support. 

Dr. Johnson reminded us that most people today are not naturally going to be looking for a Lutheran church home.  Rather, with an increasing number of Latino people in our communities, if we want to intentionally reach our neighbors, including our Latino neighbors, then we need to find a way to embrace their symbols and images.  He sees this embrace as including finding a place for Mary within our churches.  He shared a very humorous but also a very insightful remark from one bishop – that it only makes sense that it is the mother in a very dysfunctional family who keeps the family together. 

Dr. Johnson sees in the appearances of the Virgin to Juan Diego in 1531 the clear message that the Latino community is seen and known by God.  While others may look down on them, marginalize and dismiss them, God gives them hope by showing that He cares about them, reaches out to them, and treats them with dignity. 

Dr. Johnson quotes from Mary’s Magnificat as he speaks of the appearances of the Virgin to a poor peasant whose people had recently been conquered.  “He has looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant. . . . He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.  He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly.  He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.”  (Luke 1: 48, 51-53)  The appearances to Juan Diego were Gospel – good news for those who had nothing and no reason to hope for good news.  Dr. Johnson sees the Latino people’s coming to know God’s liberating power proclaimed in the Magnificat as a gift of the Latino people to the wider church. 

Dr. Johnson mentioned two books which he has written or edited which further expand on the themes he was developing – The Virgin of Guadalupe: Theological Reflections of an Anglo-Lutheran Liturgist and American Magnificat: Protestants on Mary of Guadalupe.  He concluded by saying regarding Mary, “Her presence is a sign of welcome (to Latino people); her absence or the forbidding of her would be seen as a sign of rejection.”   He then added, “Mary always points us to Jesus, who is the Savior.”