A CRIPPLE AND A KING

by Dennis D. Nelson
Executive Director of Lutheran CORE

I am very grateful to God for the privilege and blessing of being able to live in a place and at a time where and when good medical care is available. The last few months both my wife and I have had orthopedic surgery. My wife had total hip replacement surgery in early August, and then because of a complication had to have a second surgery nine days later. I tried to be a good care giver. I developed a real sense of appreciation for the many people in our congregations who are care givers. As my wife was getting better every day, I also developed a real heart for people who are care givers for people who are not getting better.

Fortunately my wife continued to improve and was cleared for driving in time for me to have total knee replacement surgery in mid-October. She has now transferred her walker and cane to me.

Dealing with three orthopedic surgeries in just over two months, and all the limited mobility and physical therapy that they involve, I am very grateful to live in a place and at a time where and when good and rehabilitative orthopedic care is available. It also got me to thinking about a young man in the Bible who became lame from a very serious injury when he was only five years old. He did not have good orthopedic care. Rather his injury severely impacted the rest of his life. His story also speaks to me as I anticipate Reformation Sunday.

2 Samuel 9 tells of the time after David had united all twelve tribes into one glorious kingdom. He had defeated all his foes and is now living in peace and prosperity. As he is sitting on his throne, he begins to wonder if anyone in Saul’s family is still alive. He summons a man by the name of Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servants.

No doubt Ziba is very suspicious when David asks, “Is there anyone remaining of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” Ziba knows full well that normally it would be a new king’s policy, once his own kingdom is secure, to eliminate anyone remaining from the former dynasty. For as long as even one person is still alive from the former family, that person could be a threat to the throne. But in spite of any misgivings Ziba still answers honestly. “There remains a son of Jonathan,” he says. But then, to downplay any notion that Mephibosheth could ever be a threat, he adds, “He is crippled in his feet.”

The king persists, “Where is he?” Ziba answers. “He is in the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.” “At Lo-debar” – as if to say, “He lives across the river, way out in the sticks; I would not give him a second thought.” But the king persists, “As long as there is one descendant left, I want him brought here.” And so David sends for Mephibosheth, whom the Bible describes as “son of Jonathan son of Saul,” as if to remind us that this crippled boy is the only survivor of that half-crazed lunatic who had spent a big part of the best years of his life chasing a personal enemy, David.

2 Samuel 4: 4 tells us how Mephibosheth had become crippled. He was only five years old when the Israelites lost in battle to the Philistines and both his grandfather Saul and his father Jonathan were killed. As the news reached the king’s house Mephibosheth’s nurse picked him up and fled. In her haste to flee, the five-year-old fell and became lame.

Now – many years later – a crippled boy enters the throne room of the most powerful man in that part of the world. He falls on his face and does obeisance. I am sure that this was not a graceful bow. Rather it was a very scared teenager, who dropped his crutches and then fell face down flat on the floor in front of everyone. Lying there, shaking, wondering what was going to happen to him next.

But David leans forward and says, “Mephibosheth.” Somewhere from that crippled, disabled body, a very scared-sounding voice says, “I am your servant.” The King draws near. “Mephibosheth, you have absolutely no reason to be afraid of me. I asked you to come here so that I could be kind to you. I want to be kind to you because of the promise I made to your father, Jonathan. I loved your dad, and your dad loved me. So I want to show God’s kindness to you in any way that I can. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you yourself shall eat at my table always.” The astonished boy raises his head just enough for two very scared-looking eyes to peer out and for a very frightened voice to say, “Why would you care about a dead dog like me?” Tenth century B. C. Hebrew people had a very low view of dogs, and anything dead was vile and unclean. So for Mephibosheth to call himself a dead dog was basically to describe himself as a stinking pile of garbage.

He had known insults all his life. Mephibosheth was not even his real name. 1 Chronicles 8 and 9 tell us that his birth name was Merib-baal, which means “Hero of Baal.” In spite of its connection with a pagan deity, in the minds of many it was a name of honor. But as time went on, people began calling him not Merib-baal “Hero of Baal,” but Mephibosheth, which means “Man of Shame.” And so, as he lay on the floor before the king in his moment of greatest personal vulnerability, I have a feeling that a lifetime of name-calling and ridicule began flooding over him, as he heard once again all the humiliating insults that he had received from those who considered him to be worthless and despicable. Mephibosheth – Man of Shame. And so he said, “Why would you care about a dead dog like me?”

But the king did not treat him with the disdain that he was accustomed to. David repeats, “I loved your dad and your dad loved me. Because of my love for your dad and the promise I made to him, I want to give back to you everything that you have lost. Your grandfather’s houses and lands – from now on they will all be yours. And Ziba and his sons and servants will now be your servants.” But even with all that, the king had not finished lavishing his amazing grace upon this totally astonished, crippled boy. “Mephibosheth, all that is now yours. But I also want to give you one more thing. I want you to live in the palace with me. I want you to sleep in my house. And every evening, when I eat my dinner, I want you to be at the table with me.” Can you even imagine how all that must have sounded to a crippled Mephibosheth – a Man of Shame – as he was lying on the floor – totally amazed over the king’s grace?

Mephibosheth reminds me of a German monk by the name of Martin Luther who – when he discovered the Gospel – was also amazed over the Heavenly King’s grace. At first Luther was deathly afraid of God, because he saw God as a harsh judge who made demands and had a level of expectations that Luther would never be able to meet and satisfy. The harder he tried, the more he saw himself falling behind. But then – through his study of the Bible – he discovered the Gospel – that we are justified by His grace as a gift (Romans 3: 24). Through faith in Jesus and His death and resurrection we can receive forgiveness of sins, the hope of eternal life, and a sure and certain standing before God that we would never be able to achieve through our own efforts.

And you and I are like Mephibosheth. Before the King of Heaven drew us near, we were running from Him in brokenness and shame. Too scared to come into His presence because we were certain He would only judge and condemn. But one day He summoned us – or at a time of great personal need we came to Him, trembling. He responded in a way we never would have expected. He reached out and touched us and gently said, “Don’t be afraid. I want to give you back everything that you have lost because of sin. I want you to inherit all the riches of Heaven. And even more than that, I want you to be My child and live with Me forever.” When we protested, “Why would you bother with a worthless loser like me?” He answers, “Because I love you and because of the promises I made to you.”

Think for a moment about your life – your status – your being in the Kingdom of God. Why in the world would the King of Heaven want you at His family table? Is it because of your goodness, holiness, wonderful personality, or even your spiritual potential? The Bible answers with a very flat, unflattering No. As Romans 5 says: “Christ died for the ungodly.” Jesus did not die for good and deserving people. (Of which there aren’t any.) Rather “while we were sinners Christ died for us.” “While we were His enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son.”

Ephesians 2 – When we were dead in trespasses and sin, He loved us and made us alive. He raised us with Christ and gave us a seat at His heavenly dining room table. And all this He did because that’s just the kind of God He is and because of the promises He made to us. He specializes in restoring people who have been crippled by sin and giving them a place at His heavenly table.

Years later Mephibosheth had a young son whom he named Mica, which means, “Who is like the Lord?” Imagine the joy and gratitude that Mephibosheth must have felt at the time of the birth of his son. Perhaps he thought, “I never would have dreamed that I would live to see a day like today. Not only did I survive. I am richly blessed. I am a wealthy man. I am part of the family of the king. And now I have a family of my own. God has given me a son. Every time I look into the face of my boy, I will always ask myself, ‘Mica? Who is like the Lord?’” The answer, of course, is that nobody is like the Lord.

2 Samuel 9 concludes with these words. “Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he always ate at the king’s table.” And then it reminds us of Mephibosheth’s condition by adding, “He was lame in both his feet.”

We too are crippled in so many ways by sin. We too, like Mephibosheth, have been invited to become children of a King. Mica – Who is like the Lord? Like Mephibosheth, will we accept the invitation?

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning boys and girls! Pastor, I have a question for you.

Pastor: I am ready for your question, Sammy.

Sammy: What are taxes?

Pastor: Well, paying taxes means that adults give part of the money we earn to the government.

Sammy: You give money to the government?

Pastor: Yes. When adults go to work, they earn money, and part of the money they earn goes to the government. Most of us don’t even see the money that goes to the government. They take it from our paychecks.

Sammy: They steal your money?!

Pastor: No, it’s not stealing our money. We are required to give some of our money in taxes.

Sammy: But what does the government do with the money?

Pastor: Well, some of the money is used for building roads, improving schools, and helping people in need.

Sammy: We help people in need at church.

Pastor: Yes we do. One of the things we do as a church is we give money as an offering to the church and to God. 

Sammy: Hang on. Adults give money to taxes and to the church? Do they have any money left?

Pastor: Yes they do. The church uses the money from gifts to serve and love God and the people in our community of faith. Boys and girls, what are some of the things we do as a church to help people?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: These are all great ministries and events in our church.

Pastor: Yes they are. We have to remember that even our time is a gift. When Jesus talks about giving to God what belongs to him, he doesn’t just mean our money. He wants us to give him our time. When we help with ministries at church, or we sing in the children’s choir, or we read our Bibles, we are giving God our time.

Sammy: I like that we can give God our time–I don’t have much money at all.

Pastor: That’s okay, Sammy. You know what? Let’s all give God our time right now. Boys and girls, will you please pray with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for our country. Thank you for our church. Help us to give our time and our gifts. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

We are searching for a new Senior Pastor at Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo, California.

Please check out the job description (and video) on the search firm’s website: https://www.vanderbloemen.com/job/senior-pastor-mount-of-olives-church/

The link to the Pastoral Call page on the church’s website is https://moochurch.org/home/senior-pastor-call

September 2026

Dear Friends in Christ –

The First Reading for September 13 from Genesis 50 is the culmination of the account of the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers.  There is something absolutely amazing going on here – the healing and restoring of a broken relationship through confession, repentance, and the giving and receiving of forgiveness.   

A few chapters before Judah had offered to stay behind in Egypt in place of Benjamin in order to not break their father’s heart.  Here we see the selfless act of a person who is willing to suffer the punishment that was coming to someone else.  And that person is a biological ancestor of Jesus. 

The brothers go back home, knowing full well that they are now going to have to tell old Jacob, “Joseph is still alive.”  The problem is that in saying that they are going to have to tell their father what they did twenty-two years before. 

Reconciliation and restored relationship are not about avoiding difficult conversations or uncomfortable, unpleasant situations or covering them up.  Instead reconciliation and restored relationship always require telling the truth. 

The miracle of rebuilt trust and community takes truth telling, confession, repentance, and forgiveness.  And that is what happens here.  After twenty-two years it happens here.  For the first time – finally – they are a family.     

Where in your life is a relationship that needs reconciliation?  Where have you been most deeply hurt by someone?  And/or where have you most deeply hurt someone else? 

 Think about the one who hurt you.  You might think, he or she does not deserve to be forgiven.  Maybe he or she does not deserve it.  Neither did Joseph’s brothers deserve it.  Neither do you and I deserve it.

Forgive him or her anyway.  Do it because of the One who also was stripped of His robe, who also was deserted and betrayed, and who said, “I will pay the price.  I will bear the cross.  Let the punishment fall on me.”

What made Joseph able to endure – and endure so graciously – so many years of being mistreated and not take revenge on his brothers?  The same three things that can make us able to endure it.  Three things that are mentioned in Genesis 50 and Matthew 18, the First Reading and Gospel for September 13. 

1. Knowing that their father had told him to do it.  In Genesis 50: 16-17 Joseph’s brothers approach him saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died.  ‘Forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’”
2. Knowing how much he had been forgiven.  In contrast Matthew 18: 23-35 tell of a man who had been forgiven ten thousand talents (a huge amount) who refused to forgive one hundred denarii (a much smaller amount).
3. Knowing that God makes all things work together for good.   In Genesis 50: 20 Joseph said to his brothers, “Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today.” 

We all need to forgive – and we all need to be forgiven. We all need the sweet promise of Psalm 103: 12 (part of the Psalm for September 13).  “As far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.”  

It is very true what has often been said that the person whom we refuse to forgive will always hold power over us.  But there is also a very strange corollary which seems to be the way the ELCA thinks and operates.  You will lose power if you forgive.  You will lose power over the one whom you choose to forgive.  And power is what it is all about.       

The apostle Paul wrote, “The law kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3: 6).  With the law, no matter how much you do, it is never enough.  You always need to do better and more.  The law is a relentless, cruel, never-satisfied task master.

The same thing is true of the ELCA’s constantly calling on us to repent of racism, sexism, male dominance, white supremacy, homophobia, transphobia, and Islamophobia.  No matter how much we repent, it is never enough.  We will always need to grovel and repent more.  How long will the ELCA keep on calling on us to repent of the same things?  And why are they doing this?  I believe for two reasons.  First, at the heart of all this is a massive self-righteousness.  They are woke. They are not guilty of all the awful things that other people – especially old white people with traditional views – are guilty of.  And second, I believe that they want to so demolish the courage, will, and self-confidence of old white people with traditional views that they will not resist as the woke totally take over. 

As we learn more, we will keep you informed about how the stage is being set for an even more complete takeover at the 2028 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.  Thank you for your prayers, words of encouragement, and faithful financial support, all of which enable us to do our work of being a Voice for Biblical Truth and a Network for Confessing Lutherans.  Please find below links you can use to give a gift towards our regular operating expenses.  Your prayers are especially important to us.  Please let us know how we can be praying for you. 

In the Name of Jesus, who removes our sins as far as the east is from the west,  

 

Dennis D. Nelson
Executive Director of Lutheran CORE
P.O. Box 1741
Wausau WI 54402-1741

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I have been reflecting recently on my own upbringing and, in doing so, have come to an uncomfortable realization.

My parents were faithful Christians. We attended church regularly. We prayed before meals. We prayed before bedtime. I attended Sunday school and was confirmed. My parents sincerely believed in Jesus Christ and made certain that I received a Christian education.

Yet we almost never talked about God.

Faith belonged in church. Religious education belonged to the pastor, Sunday school teachers, and confirmation instructors. At home, we lived as Christians, but we rarely discussed why we believed what we believed or what God’s Word meant for our daily lives.

Looking back, I do not blame my parents. They simply reflected the culture in which they had been raised. They likely assumed the pastor was better equipped to teach the faith. Whatever the reason, faith became something practiced primarily on Sunday rather than intentionally woven into everyday family life.

The surprising part is that I repeated the same pattern with my own children. Only much later did I realize that I had unintentionally passed along the model I had inherited.

Then something unexpected happened.

My wife began reading the Bible faithfully. I was genuinely pleased that she had taken such an interest in God’s Word, yet I found myself strangely uncomfortable. Looking back, I cannot fully explain why. I believed the Bible was God’s inspired and authoritative Word. I attended church faithfully. Yet seeing someone intentionally engage Scripture every day somehow exposed how little I had done the same.

Eventually, I decided to listen to the entire Bible in one year. That simple decision changed my life.

The more I immersed myself in God’s Word, the more I wanted to understand it. One year of listening became years of study. Today, to my own amazement, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Orthodox Lutheran Theology. Had someone predicted that twenty years ago, I would have laughed.

Looking back, I now understand something that Martin Luther understood nearly five hundred years ago.

Following the Reformation, Luther was deeply troubled by the widespread ignorance of Scripture among ordinary Christians. During the Saxon Visitations, he discovered that many people, including those expected to teach others, knew very little of the Christian faith. His response was not merely to educate pastors.

He wrote the Small Catechism for fathers and mothers.

Again and again, before each chief part, Luther repeats the simple instruction:

“As the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to his household.”

That sentence may be one of the most overlooked in Lutheranism. Even more striking are Luther’s opening words in the Preface to the Small Catechism:

“The deplorable, miserable condition which I recently observed when visiting the parishes has constrained and compelled me to prepare this Catechism.”

Luther was not lamenting the failures of society. He was lamenting that Christians no longer knew the basics of their own faith.

His solution was revolutionary in its simplicity. Return God’s Word to the home. This was never Luther’s idea alone. It is deeply biblical.

Through Moses, God commanded His people:

“These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

Likewise, Psalm 78 declares that one generation is to tell the next “the glorious deeds of the Lord” so that “they should set their hope in God.”

The Apostle Paul instructs fathers:

“Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

And Paul reminds Timothy that from childhood he had known the Holy Scriptures, “which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)

Notice what all of these passages have in common. The primary responsibility for passing on the faith belongs in the home.

Pastors assist in that calling.

Congregations support it.

Christian schools strengthen it.

But none of them replace it.

Perhaps one of the greatest barriers today is not unbelief but discomfort.

Many Christians sincerely believe, yet feel awkward discussing God with their spouses, children, or grandchildren. They fear they do not know enough. They worry someone might ask a question they cannot answer. They assume religion is best left to the professionals.

I understand that feeling because I lived it.

Even after confirmation, intentionally talking about religion made me feel strangely uncomfortable. It almost felt as though I were becoming someone I was not. Looking back, I realize it was not because I lacked faith.

It was because I lacked practice.

No one had ever modeled ordinary conversations about God’s Word around the dinner table or during daily life.

The remarkable discovery was that the discomfort gradually disappeared as I spent more time immersed in Scripture.

Confidence does not come from knowing every answer. Confidence comes from becoming familiar with God’s Word.

Parents do not need theology degrees.

They simply need to be willing to open the Bible, read it together, pray together, and occasionally say, “I don’t know the answer, but let’s discover it together.”

Children learn as much from watching that humility as they do from hearing perfect explanations.

Our culture understands the importance of daily formation.

Every day, our children are being catechized by social media, entertainment, schools, advertising, politics, and popular culture. They are constantly being taught what to value, whom to trust, and how to understand the world.

If the Church offers God’s Word only for one hour each week, we should not be surprised when other voices become louder.

The Christian home must once again become a place where Christ is spoken of naturally.

Not through long theological lectures.

Not through guilt.

But through ordinary conversations rooted in God’s Word.

Read a few verses after dinner.

Ask one simple question: “What does this passage teach us about God?”

Pray together before bedtime.

Talk about Sunday’s sermon during lunch.

Small habits, practiced faithfully over many years, shape generations.

Yet we must remember that the future of the Church does not ultimately rest upon our efforts. Christ Himself has promised, “I will build My Church” (Matthew 16:18). He preserves His Church through the Holy Spirit working through the Means of Grace—His Word and Sacraments.

In His mercy, God also calls parents and grandparents into this sacred vocation. He entrusts them with the privilege of placing His Word before the next generation, trusting that the Holy Spirit will accomplish His saving work through that Word.

Luther understood this.

Scripture teaches it.

Perhaps it is time we recover it.

If we desire our children and grandchildren not merely to know about Jesus, but to know Him as their crucified and risen Lord and Savior, then the Christian faith must become more than something we attend on Sunday morning.

It must become something we joyfully read, discuss, pray, and live together every day.

Not because our conversations create faith, but because God has promised that His Word shall not return to Him empty, but shall accomplish the purpose for which He sends it (Isaiah 55:11). As Christian parents and grandparents faithfully place that life-giving Word into the hearts of their families, we may confidently trust the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do: create faith, strengthen faith, and preserve Christ’s Church from one generation to the next. May God grant us the confidence not only to believe His Word, but to speak it naturally, faithfully, and joyfully within our homes, for the blessing of our children, our grandchildren, and generations yet to come.

In my last article for Lutheran CORE I reflected on the fact that the animating principle of the Lutheran Reformation was ad fontes—back to the sources of Christian faith.  I also recounted how the formal principle of the Reformationcame to be sola Scriptura—that Scripture alone was to be the standard by which all Christian teaching and practice was to be measured.

The Lutheran take on sola Scriptura is radically different from that of Reformed (Calvinist) theology.  Calvinism operates under what it calls “the regulative principle” of Scripture, which may be roughly summed up as “what is not commanded (in Scripture) is forbidden.”  Using this hermeneutic (reading perspective), Scripture becomes the source of all Christian revelation.

Luther, on the other hand, seeking not to reinvent the Church but to re-form it, turned to the Scriptures with a completely different set of assumptions.  Sure, the medieval Church had gotten off track and out of alignment with God’s revealed will, enshrined in the Scriptures, but the Scriptures could not logically be the source of Christian truth, for there were several decades’ worth of Christians before there was a New Testament.  No, the source of Christian faith is the Apostolic proclamation “Christ is risen!” but the standard by which Christian faith and practice was to be measured were the canonical Scriptures, which were a “snapshot” of the Apostolic mind, inspired by God “so that nothing was written down that should not be.”[1]

Thus, in Lutheran usage, a Christian belief (like the word “Trinity”) or Christian practice (like making the sign of the cross) need not be found in the Scriptures to be authentically Christian; they need merely be measured by the standards presented in the Scriptures.  An authentic Lutheran hermeneutic for reading Scripture is “what is not forbidden is permitted.”

At first blush this may seem to be a distinction without a difference, but its implications for Christian faith, life, and church practice are staggering, especially if we are seeking to ground our witness in the tradition of the Church catholic, as I argued that we should in my last article.  The modest Lutheran approach maintains continuity with the Church across time while allowing for necessary course corrections when error seeps in or new missional needs are encountered as the Spirit leads the Church “into all truth.” (John 16:13)  The Calvinist approach not only permits but nearly commands each generation to reinvent its faith and practices, searching the Scriptures to justify their choices.

The Calvinist approach is fundamentally anti-tradition.  The Lutheran approach is cautiously optimistic about Christian tradition.  This has serious consequences.

Here is an example from my own pastoral experience.  At a recent meeting, a well-meaning layman, influenced by the incipient Calvinism of American Evangelicalism, presumed to teach theology at a Christian Education Committee meeting.  I had proposed a blessing of the backpacks as a kickoff to the school year.  This person declared, “Jesus didn’t bless things, He blessed people.  We’re not blessing any backpacks.”  Because I was not present at the meeting, his opinion carried the conversation.

He meant well.  He was trying to be faithful, but his most influential theological formation had come at the hands of a quasi-charismatic parachurch ministry.  His theology was so infused with the Calvinism nearly inescapable in American Evangelicalism that he put me in the position of needing to reeducate people in a Lutheran church on established Lutheran practice, found in our own worship resources, which were crafted by highly trained and experienced Biblical and liturgical theologians.

Of course, Jesus did bless—or consecrate—things if He was a faithful Jew conforming to first century Jewish practice… I confess, I wonder how the person in question missed Jesus’ blessing the bread and fish in Matthew 14 or the elements at Passover!  Still, the point I am trying to make is that because he couldn’t immediately recall to mind a positive instance of Jesus’ doing something, it meant that Christians should not do that thing either—his approach to sola Scriptura was Calvinist, not Lutheran.  Rather than asking, “Are Christians permitted to bless things?” (is that a valid development of Christian practice based on not merely Jesus’ actions, but Old Testament instruction) his instinct was to ask, “Are Christians commanded to bless things?”

The relevance of these two different approaches to Biblical interpretation is manifold for Christian life and faith, and I leave it to Lutheran CORE readers to work out its implications in your own mission context, but one thing I think is worth noting; it was my conviction for the last eight years I served in the ELCA that the theological distraction, dissipation, and dissidence that I saw overtaking the denomination had been built into it from the beginning by its own constitution, which stated that the canonical Scriptures were the “authority, source, and norm” for the church’s life and faith.  In my estimation, the word “source” represented a Calvinist incursion into a Lutheran context, permitting the church to eventually do whatever it wanted theologically without regard for Christian tradition, for as Cyril of Alexandria wrote to John of Antioch in the wake of the Council of Chalcedon, “those who love to upset sound doctrine pervert … words to their way of thinking. … remember that the followers of every heresy extract from inspired Scripture the occasion of their error.”

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[1] Here I am defining the inspiration of Scripture apophatically, in the same way the union of Christ’s human and Divine natures was defined at the Council of Chalcedon as being “without confusion, change, division, or separation.”

Lessons and Suggested Hymns, Advent – Transfiguration, Cycle B

(November 29, 2026 – February 7, 2027)

 

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)

 

 

Please note, I’ve done some updates to the format to make things as user friendly as I can – given that I’m using two lectionaries and four hymnals….

 

Some hymn translations/versions are superior in LSB. There are some great hymns in LSB that aren’t available in the other hymnals (I try to include an alternative from ELW, 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. Additionally, in ELW, some familiar hymns have been significantly altered, which I try to note. ELW also has some fine hymns not available in the other hymnals, or sometimes has 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 the LSB/Missouri Synod rendition of RCL. I also include the lessons from the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) found in ELW and used in most Augsburg/Fortress inserts. It often overlaps the Sola/LSB calendar lectionary, but when there are differences, I will note them. I denote things as RCL/ELW and SOLA/LSB, indicating where they’re most commonly found.

 

Green Sundays are Proper 1,2,3, etc., in Sola/LSB. They’re designated “Lectionary 1, 2, 3” in RCL/ELW, and they’re a week off from the Propers because the Propers begin the Sunday after Baptism of Our Lord – 2^nd Sunday after Epiphany. However, the Lectionary numeration begins with the Baptism of Our Lord. I’ll try to indicate where we are so you can reference things from the Sola liturgical calendar, the lectionaries in the front of ELW or LSB, or elsewhere. A reminder that the lectionary in the front of LBW is an older, first “go” at a three year lectionary. It’s got significant enough differences that I don’t reference it, and to my knowledge Augsburg-Fortress doesn’t support it. Reminder, very soon they won’t be providing LBW-specific materials at all. LBW is nearly 50 years old, after all!

 

I have added some seasonal liturgies 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/ Prayer of Self-Dedication for Advent

 

Holy God, receive these tokens of our love for you. Make them, and us, holy. Use them, and us, as you desire. In everything, grant that we speak and act 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/Prayer of Self-Dedication 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.

 

OR

Heavenly Father, in giving us your beloved Son, you have given us your very heart. By your Holy Spirit, give us grace to offer you our own hearts in humble gratitude. Take, bless, heal, and use them, dear Lord, to your glory and for the good of all people. Amen.

 

Post-Communion Prayer for Christmastide

 

Heavenly Father, 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.

 

 

November 29, 2026: Advent 1 (Blue or purple)

 

All: Isaiah 64:1-9 (tear open heavens and come; we are clay; do not be angry forever)

 

All: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (stir up your might and come; do not be angry forever)

 

All: 1 Corinthians 1:3–9 (God strengths you; wait for Christ to be revealed)

 

All: Mark 13:24-37 (stay alert; lesson of fig tree; parable: master comes unexpectedly)

            OR Mark 11:1-10 (Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey)

 

*******

Opening hymn: The King Shall Come: LBW #33, ELW #260, LSB #348

 

Or my “Advent hymn” (sung to the same tune)

With glory bright and heavenly peace, come quickly, Lord, again.

With judgment true the earth renew; the gates of life unpen.

 

God, Father, glory gilds your name; we worship and adore,

We bless and praise, our thanks we raise; your mercy we implore.

 

O glorious Sun of righteousness, bring healing on your wing.

By your dear grace, reveal your face, unbar our hearts to sing:

 

Sing, “Glory be to you, O Lord; to you, O Christ, be praise,

God’s Lamb of love from heav’n above, Redeemer of our race.”

 

Most glorious Spirit, Holy Lord, conform us to the Son,

To rightly praise through all our days what he for us has done.

 

O glory to the Father, Son, and Spirit ever be!

God, bring your life amidst our strife; Lord Jesus, come quickly.

 

Hymn of the Day: Savior of the Nations, Come: LBW #28, ELW #263 LSB #332

OR O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357

 

Communion Hymn #1: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: LBW #30, ELW #254, LSB #338

 

Communion Hymn #2: My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #986

 

Closing Hymn: Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates: LBW #32, LSB #340, 341

OR Christ, Be Our Light: ELW #715

*******

 

 

December 6, 2026: Advent 2 (Blue or purple)

 

All: Isaiah 40:1-11 (Comfort my people; prepare way of the Lord; here is your God,

            who feeds his flock like a shepherd)

 

All: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (righteousness and peace kiss)

 

All: 2 Peter 3:8-15a (1000 years like a day; end comes suddenly; live in righteousness, peace until He comes)

 

All: Mark 1:1-8 (John the Baptist announces One who is greater than he)

 

*******

 

Opening hymn: On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry: LBW #26, ELW #249, LSB #344

(feel free to teach the choir my version: On Jordan’s banks, the Baptists cry; the Methodists are standing by; the Presbyterians all do sing, while Lutherans a hot dish bring….)

 

Hymn of the Day: Comfort, Comfort Now My People: LBW #29, ELW #256, LSB #347

 

Communion Hymn #1:, O God, Our Help in Ages Past: LBW #320, ELW #632, LSB #733

 

OR Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah: WOV #630, ELW #240

 

Communion Hymn #2: The Advent of Our God/King: LBW #22, LSB #331

 

OR Come Now, O Prince of Peace: ELW #247

 

Closing Hymn: Prepare the Royal Highway: LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343

 

*******

 

 

 

December 13, 2026: Advent 3 (Blue, purple – or rose, if you can)

 

All: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 (God anointed me with his Spirit; clothed me with joy of his salvation)

 

All: Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Jerusalem; those who go out weeping return rejoicing)

            OR ELW/RCL: Luke 1:46b-55 (The Magnificat)

 

All: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (Rejoice; don’t quench Spirit; be holy)

 

All: John 1:6-8, 19-28 (John says who he isn’t, there’s one greater than he)

 

*******

Opening hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers: LBW #25, ELW #244, LSB #515

 

Hymn of the Day: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #398, LSB #398

(Can also sing this hymn to tune of LBW #369, “The Church’s One Foundation. In fact, if you use it during communion, or have a congregation unfamiliar with the hymn, I’d recommend it.)

 

Communion Hymn #1: Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness: LBW #224, LSB #636

 

Communion Hymn #2: Hark, the Glad Sound!: LBW #35, LSB #349, ELW #239

 

Closing Hymn: People, Look East: WOV #626, ELW #248

 

OR Come, We That Love the Lord: WOV #742, ELW #625, LSB #669

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

December 20, 2026: Advent 4 (Blue or purple)

 

All: 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 (David won’t build God’s house; God vows David’s house will endure)

 

All: Luke 1:46b-55 (Magnificat)

OR ELW/RCL alternate: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

 

All: Romans 16:25-27 (Mysteries long hidden now revealed; final blessing)

 

All: Luke 1:26-38 (Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary)

*******

 

Opening hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357

(if you didn’t use this the 1^st Sunday in Advent. Or, heck, even if you did!)

 

Hymn of the Day: My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord: LBW #180, ELW #573, LSB #934

 

OR I Will Greatly Rejoice in the Lord: LSB #929, Chanted Canticle

 

OR The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came: WOV #632, ELW #265, LSB #356

 

Communion Hymn #1:, O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild: LSB #546

 

OR O Little Town of Bethlehem: LBW #41, LSB #361, ELW #279

 

Communion Hymn #2:, Lo, How A Rose E’er Growing/Blooming: LBW #58, ELW #272, LSB #359 (ELW and LSB use the familiar words and harmonization)

 

Closing Hymn: Let Our Gladness Have No End: LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381

 

OR Cone, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: LBW #30, ELW #254, LSB #338

 

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

 

 

 

December 24, 2026: Christmas Eve (white/gold)

 

All: Isaiah 9:2-11 (Those in darkness have seen a great light; unto us a child is born)

 

All: Psalm 96 (great is the Lord; bring offerings, all nations!)

 

All: Titus 2:11-14 (God’s grace revealed in the flesh, gives strength to be upright, pious)

 

All: Luke 2:1-20 (The birth of Jesus and visitation of the shepherds)

 

*******

 

Opening hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful: LBW #45, ELW #283, LSB #379

 

Hymn of Praise:  Hark the Herald Angels Sing: LBW #60, LSB #380, ELW #270

 

Hymn of Day:, From Heaven Above to Earth I Come: LBW #51, ELW #268, LSB #358

 

OR Holy Child Within the Manger: WOV #638  (a nice Marty Haugen piece)

 

Communion Hymn #1: ‘Twas In the Moon of Wintertime: LBW #72, ELW #284

 

OR Once in Royal David’s City: WOV #643, ELW #269, LSB #376

 

Communion Hymn #2: I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve: LBW #69, ELW #271

 

Communion Hymn #3: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly: LBW #44, ELW #276, LSB #393

 

Hymn during candle lighting: Silent Night, Holy Night: LBW #65, ELW #281, LSB #363

 

Closing Hymn: Joy to the World: LBW #39, ELW #267, LSB #387

 

 

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

 

 

December 25, 2026: Christmas Day: The Nativity of Our Lord (White or gold)

 

All: Isaiah 52:7-10 (Beautiful on mountain are feet of those announcing peace, salvation of God)

 

All: Psalm 98 (Sing a new song, all creation; God judges with equity, righteousness)

 

All: Hebrews 1:1-12 (God speaks to us through his Son, who is greater than angels)

 

All: John 1:1-14 (The Word is made flesh!)

 

*******

 

Opening hymn: Angels, From the Realms of Glory: LBW #50, ELW #275, LSB #367

 

OR Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light: LSB #378

 

Hymn of Praise: Angels We Have Heard on High: LBW #71, ELW #289, LSB #368

 

Hymn of the Day: Of the Father’s Love Begotten: LBW #42, ELW #295, LSB #384

 

OR A Great and Mighty Wonder: LSB #383 (tune is “The Church’s One Foundation”)

 

Communion Hymn #1: The First Noel: LBW #56, ELW #300

 

Communion Hymn #2: In the Bleak Midwinter: ELW #294

 

OR Go Tell It on the Mountain: LBW #70, ELW #290, LSB #388

 

Closing Hymn: The Bells of Christmas Chime Once More: LBW #62, ELW #298

 

 

*******

 

 

 

December 27, 2026: 1^st Sunday after Christmas (White or gold)

OR St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

 

1 Christmas:

 

All: Isaiah 61:10—62:3 (I will exult in God, who has clothed me with salvation;

Zion will shine with the vindication of God, and all nations will see it!)

 

Sola/LSB: Psalm 111 (God has sent redemption; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)

ELW/RCL: Psalm 148

 

All: Galatians 4:4-7 (God sent his Son under the law, adopts us as children so we may say Abba)

 

All: Luke 2:22-40 (The Holy Family in the temple)

 

*******

 

Opening hymn: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice: LBW #55, ELW #288

 

OR LSB #386, Now Sing We, Now Rejoice: (same tune as above, different lyrics)

 

OR O Sing of Christ: LSB #362 (easy English folk tune)

 

OR Cold December Flies Away: LBW #53, ELW #299

 

Hymn of Praise: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, ELW #287, LSB #389

 

Hymn of the Day: In His Temple Now Behold Him: LBW #184, ELW #417, LSB #519 (if LBW tune is unfamiliar sing this to Regent Square, #50, Angels from the Realms of Glory, which is the tune ELW uses. The LSB tune, “Westminster,” is a wonderful English melody used in WOV for “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation.” 3 nice choices.)  

 

Communion Hymn #1: What Child is This: LBW #40, LSB #370, ELW #296

 

Communion Hymn #2: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly: LBW #44, ELW #276, LSB #393

 

Closing Hymn: O Lord, Now Let Your Servant: LBW #339, ELW #313

 

OR Lord, Bid Your Servant Go In Peace: LSB #937

 

OR my hymn paraphrase of the Nunc Dimitis

(sung to “The Bells of Christmas Chime Once More” or to “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”)

 

Lord, let your servant go in peace, your faithful Word you have fulfilled.

This Word made flesh I now embrace: the sure salvation you have willed!

 

With my own eyes I see the lamp of glory giv’n to Israel,

The light for nations lost; the peace that makes your wounded people well.

 

Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son,

Your light no darkness overtakes, while endless ages ever run!

 

*******

 

St. John:

 

Revelation 1:1-6: The beginning of the end!

 

Psalm 11: (David’s trust in God in midst of danger, persecution)

 

1 John 1:1-2:2: What we have seen, heard, touched concerning Jesus, we declare to you

 

John 21:20-25: I suppose all the books in the world couldn’t say it all!

 

*******

Opening hymn: Of the Father’ Love Begotten: LBW #42, ELW #295, LSB #384

 

OR Thy Strong Word: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578

 

Hymn of Praise: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, ELW #287, LSB #389

 

Hymn of the Day: O Word of God Incarnate: LBW #231, ELW #514, LSB #523

OR Hark, the Herald Angels Sing:  LBW #60, ELW #270, LSB #380

 

Communion Hymn #1: Ler All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence: LBW #198, ELW #490, LSB #621

 

Communion Hymn #2: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly: LBW #44, ELW #276, LSB #393

 

Closing Hymn: What Child is This: LBW #40, LSB #370, ELW #296

 

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

 

 

January 3, 2027: Second Sunday After Christmas

 

Sola/LSB: 1 Kings 3:4-15: (God grants King Solomon wisdom)

            ELW/RCL: Jeremiah 31:7-14: (Sing for joy; God will deliver his people from captivity)

 

Sola/LSB: Psalm 119:97-104: (Meditating on your Law makes me wiser than my teachers)

            ELW/RCL: Psalm 147:12-20: (Praise God, who strengthens your gates, blesses you with peace and plenty)

 

All: Ephesians 1:3-14: (Praise God, who has blessed us in Christ with adoption, forgiveness, inheritance, wisdom!)

 

Sola/LSB: Luke 2:40-52: (Jesus in Temple with elders who raise his wisdom)

            ELW/RCL: John 1:1-18: (In the beginning was the Word…)

 

*******

Opening hymn: (If not used for St. John): O Word of God Incarnate: LBW #231, ELW #514, LSB #523

 

OR God of Grace and God of Glory: LBW #415, ELW #705, LSB #850

 

Hymn of Praise: Let Our Gladness Have No End: LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381

 

Hymn of the Day: Your Little Ones, O Lord, Are We (Simple tune, goes with Epistle and, really, both Gospel choices): LBW #52, ELW #286

OR Within the Father’s House (Excellent hymn for Sola/LSB Gospel, familiar tune!): LSB #410

 

Communion Hymn #1: Children of the Heavenly Father: LBW #474, ELW #781, LSB #725

 

Communion Hymn #2: Gloria (Taize chant; repeat as desired): WOV #640

OR Come, Thou Fount of Ever’y Blessing: LBW #499, ELW #807, LSB #686

 

Closing Hymn: Let All Together Praise Our Lord: LBW #47, v.1-4, 7; ELW #287, v. 1, 2, 5, 6;

LSB  #389, v. 1-4, 7

 

 

 

 

*******

Wednesday, January 6, 2027: The Epiphany of Our Lord (White)

 

ALL: Isaiah 60:1-6 (Arise, shine, for your light has come! Israel gathered in; nations come and worship)

 

Sola/LSB: Psalm 72: 1-15 (Give the King your justice, O God; may he rule with righteousness)

ELW/RCL: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

 

All: Ephesians 3:1-12 (Gentiles are now fellow heirs, sharers of the promise of salvation in Christ; Paul’s ministry is to disclose this mystery to all people)

 

All: Matthew 2:1-12 (Magi worship infant Jesus)

*******

 

Opening hymn: Bright and Glorious is the Sky: LBW #75, ELW #301

 

Hymn of Praise: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, ELW #287LSB #389

 

Hymn of the Day: O Chief of Cities, Bethlehem: LBW #81 (can sing to “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”)

 

OR The Star Proclaims the King is Here (LSB #399) (same theme as “O Chief of Cities,” same meter, so if THIS tune is unfamiliar, you can also sing it to “From Heaven Above”!)

           

OR As With Gladness Men of Old: LBW #82, ELW #302, LSB #397

 

Communion Hymn #1: Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning: LBW #84, ELW #303,

LSB #400

 

Communion Hymn #2: We Three Kings of Orient Are: WOV #646

 

OR When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807

 

Closing Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright: LBW #76, ELW #308, LSB #395

 

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

 

 

January 10, 2027: Baptism of Our Lord  (Lectionary 1) (white)

 

All: Genesis 1:1-5 (God creates light)

 

All: Psalm 29 (the voice of the Lord upon the waters)

 

All: Acts 19:1-7 (baptism in name of Jesus)

 

All: Mark 1:4-11 (the Baptism of Jesus)

 

*******

 

Opening hymn: Thy Strong Word Didst Cleave the Darkness: LBW #233, LSB #578

 

OR Opening hymn/Hymn of Praise/prior to baptism or renewal of baptismal promises:

I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604

 

Hymn of Praise: How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801

 

Hymn of the Day: From God the Father, Virgin-Born: LBW #83, LSB #401

(Why, yes, I can suggest a familiar tune. Thanks for asking! The Doxology; From Heaven Above To Earth I Come; or Lord Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word will all work. Depending on whether you have already used the first two elsewhere in the season, the latter might be a good choice.)

 

OR When Jesus Came to Jordan: WOV #647, ELW #305

 

OR Remember and Rejoice: ELW #454 (very familiar tune)

 

OR Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized: ELW #304 (ditto!)

 

Communion Hymn #1: Eternal Father, Strong to Save: LBW #467, ELW #756, LSB #717

 

OR We Were/Are Baptized in Christ Jesus: WOV #698, ELW #452 (A piece of trivia: Ouilmette, the tune name, is the old French/Indian name for Wilmette, the town on the north shore of the Chicago area where my brother and sister-in-law live. Just thought you’d like to know.)

 

OR Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters: WOV #697

 

Communion Hymn #2: O Worship the King: LBW #548, ELW #842. LSB #804

 

Closing Hymn: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311. LSB #398

 

OR (if not used as hymn of praise): How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801

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

January 17, 2027: 2^nd Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 1, Lectionary 2)

 

All: 1 Samuel 3:1-20 (the call of Samuel to be a prophet)

 

All: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you knew me in the womb)

 

All: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (the body made for the Lord; you are a temple for the Holy Spirit)

 

All: John 1:43-51 (Jesus calls Philip and Nathaniel)

 

*******

 

Opening Hymn: Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty: LBW #250, ELW #533, LSB #901

 

OR Wondrous Are Your Ways, O God: LBW #311 (paraphrase of psalm, but tune wanders a bit.)

 

Hymn of the Day: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411

 

OR “Come, Follow Me” the Savior Spake: LBW #455, ELW #799, LSB #688

 

OR Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens: LSB #589 (Ties Old Testament and Gospel together!)

 

Communion Hymn #1:, Take My Life, That I May Be/and Let It Be: LBW #406, ELW #583/685;

LSB #783/784

 

Communion Hymn #2: Blessed Assurance: WOV #699, ELW #638

 

OR Hark the Voice of Jesus Calling/Crying: LBW #381, LSB #826

 

Closing Hymn: The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve: WOV #723

 

OR God’s Word is Our Great Heritage: LBW #239, ELW #509, LSB #582

 

 

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

 

 

 

January 24, 2027: 3^rd Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 2, Lectionary 3)

 

All: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 (Jonah preaches, Nineveh repents, God has mercy)

 

All: Psalm 62:5-12 (God judges all justly; trust in him)

 

All: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (the time as short; live accordingly)

 

All: Mark 1:14-20 (time fulfilled, Kingdom near, repent; I will make you fishers of men)

 

*******

 

Opening hymn: Christ Be My Leader: LSB #861 (tune is Lord of All Hopefulness)

 

OR O Christ Our Light, Our Radiance True: LBW #380, ELW #675

O Christ, Our True and Only Light : LSB #839

 

OR Christ, Be Our Light: ELW #715

 

Hymn of the Day: “As Surely As I Live,” God Said: LSB #614

 

OR You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore: WOV #784, ELW #817

 

OR Spread, O Spread, Almighty Word: LBW #379, ELW #663

Spread the Reign of God the Lord: LSB #830

 

Communion Hymn #1: I Love to Tell the Story: LBW #390, ELW #661

 

Communion Hymn #2: Rise Up, O Saints of God!: LBW #383, ELW #669

 

Closing Hymn: Listen, God is Calling: WOV #712, ELW #513, LSB #833

 

OR God, Whose Almighty Word: LBW #400, ELW #673

 

 

 

*******

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2027: 4^th Sunday after Epiphany (Proper 3, Lectionary 4)

 

 

All: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (I will raise up a prophet, put my words in his mouth; listen to him alone)

 

All: Psalm 111 (God is faithful and just; praise him for his righteous deeds)

 

All: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (Caring for brethren with weak consciences; eating food offered to idols)

 

All: Mark 1:21-28 (Jesus drives out a demon in Capernaum on Sabbath)

 

*******

 

Opening hymn: Rise, Shine, You People!: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825

 

Hymn of the Day: “Away From Us!” The Demon Cried: LSB #541 (Don’t panic; it’s same tune as “In Christ There Is No East or West”)

 

OR Hope of the World, Thou Christ of Great Compassion: LBW #493 (Do NOT panic if you think the congregation will struggle. You can sing this to hymn #84, “Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning,” a perfectly fine Epiphany hymn tune to boot!)

 

OR You are Mine: ELW #581 (It’s easier than it looks, honest!)

 

Communion Hymn #1: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

 

Communion Hymn #2: O Savior, Precious Savior: LBW #514, ELW #820, LSB #527

 

Closing Hymn: O Jesus, King Most Wonderful: LBW #537, LSB #554

 

OR Praise, Praise! You Are My Rock: ELW #862 (a sprightly Herb Brokering hymn)

 

 

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February 7, 2027: Transfiguration of Our Lord

 

 

All: 2 Kings 2:1-12 (Elisha sees Elijah being taken up into heaven in fiery chariot)

 

All: Psalm 50:1-6 (Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth)

 

All: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (God shines in our hearts, gives light of knowledge of his glory seen in Jesus’ face)

 

All: Mark 9:2-9 (The transfiguration of Christ)

 

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Opening hymn: How/Tis Good, Lord, To Be Here!: LBW #89, ELW #315, LSB #414

 

Hymn of Praise: Holy God, We Praise Thy Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940

 

Hymn of the Day: Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory: LSB #416

 

OR In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

 

OR Jesus On the Mountain Peak: ELW #317

 

OR I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411

 

Communion Hymn #1: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, LSB #802

 

Communion Hymn #2: Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537

 

Closing Hymn:  Alleluia, Song of Gladness: WOV #654, LSB #417 ELW #318

 

OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: LBW #158, LSB #821, ELW #392

 

OR O Wondrous Type/Image! O Vision Fair: LBW #80, ELW #316, LSB #413

 

 

 

“His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Luke 3:17).

What ends up being worthless has its purpose for a while.  It was lived, but now has no value.  We are each precious to the Lord; but there are those who choose to live a life that becomes worthless.  Help us to see the simple beauty of the offer of new life that You have set before us, knowing that in this age things are clouded and confused.  You offer the peace which surpasses all understanding that comes by walking with You.

Lord God, show me the places where I do not understand these things.  Help me to walk humbly in the way You have set before me.  Guide me according to Your goodness to understand that only in walking with You can I find life and live, not for myself, but according to Your purpose.  Lead me in the goodness You offer to humbly follow the narrow path which leads to a new life.  Through all things, lift me out of the pit of sin which surrounds me.

Lord Jesus, You have come so that I may have life and have it abundantly.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk the path which You have set before me.  According to Your grace, show me the steps I need to take this day so that I may continue moving forward according to the Father’s purpose.  Through all things, help me to keep my eye upon the prize of true life and be of value to You and Your kingdom.  Amen.

“Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ, John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:15-16).

The baptism of water is earthly, a sign showing something in this world.  God gives us His Holy Spirit to cause us to see heavenly things.  The difference in these two is often the place of struggle which brings suffering in this age.  The Mighty One is the Lord Himself, God’s salvation, our Savior, Jesus.  Many look either with expectation or with skepticism, but the believer enters into the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, through the power of Your Holy Spirit guide me into the life You have set before me.  Lead me according to Your will to go and see that You are doing something which is so much greater than I am able to comprehend without faith.  This world is filled with those who expect and those who scoff and deride anything that looks to You. Help me to see through the fog of this age that obscures the life You offer and give.

Lord Jesus, You are the Mighty One who has come to lead the way for all who believe.  Let me not be caught up standing on the byways but live the life You have given me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to come through faith to the place where You are leading me.  Help me to not be stopped along the way; but to live the life You have set before me.  Lead me according to the Father’s will.  Amen.

“Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14).

John did not tell the soldiers to stop being soldiers.  We are appointed to the jobs we have.  There is evil in the world and communities need protection.  What he does direct is, that no matter the job, do not take advantage of your position.  Do not abuse others.  Be honest in your testimony.  Do your job and be content with what you receive.  This world is filled with those who take advantages.  Do not be one of them.

Lord, You know the places where I cut corners, cheat, and take advantage of my position.  Help me to live within the boundaries of my life which You have placed there.  Show me where the lines are so that I do not cross them.  Help me to understand and accept the kind of character You are growing in me so that I may focus upon the goals You set in front of me and not upon the pressure of this world to get ahead.

Lord Jesus, You who gave up everything to redeem us, came to show us how to live in this world and prepare us for the world to come.  Guide me on the right way of living which leads me to be content in every circumstance.  Lead me in the upward way of Your call this day, showing me what I am able to see, and those small places where I may make amends, where You will grow my character to be like Yours.  Amen.

“And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”  And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to” (Luke 3:12-13).

Many jobs offer the potential to take advantage and be dishonest.  Whether it is something small or large that is tempting does not matter, we are reminded that we should not take what is not ours.  To repent is to recognize the sin, turn from it, and no longer do what you did which caused you to sin.  The principle here is one of learning how to obey.  The Lord has told us that we are to obey all that He commands.

Lord God, You know the places where I play games with myself and others.  Lead me in true repentance where I recognize those places where I have played these games, and willingly enter onto the path of learning how not to do them.  Only by the help of Your Holy Spirit am I able to do this.  Guide me not only to understand but to act properly so that I may live the life You intend for me.

Lord Jesus, You know the places where I need to be directed in what I should do.  Lead me to comprehend these places where I need Your guidance and direction.  Help me to become the person You are making me to be by aiding me through those places where I need to repent and make amends.  Guide me to live by the standard You have set before me to act according to the Father’s will.  Amen.

“And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?”  And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise” (Luke 3:10-11).

Mine, mine, it’s all mine!  We often begin with an attitude that looks at things from the perspective of the self.  God has given prosperity to us, and asks that we care for our neighbor as we would want to be cared for.  We are to trust the Lord for all things.  Has not the Lord provided for you all of your life?  Why do you fret and worry?  Come to the Lord and learn to trust in Him above all things.

Lord, You know the attitude I have in my heart.  I am constantly worrying about the things I call my own.  I do not share as I ought.  Help me gracious Lord to overcome those things in me that need to be overcome.  Guide me to be willing to share as You direct me to share.  Grant me a new heart to live the life You have set before me.  In and through all that comes, cut the root of sin out and grow me upon the good foundation of Your Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus, You have come into the world to lead the way so that all who come to You might become like You.  Lead me this day to see and understand those places where the old, old problem of sin hinders me from living as You would have me live.  Blot out my sin and give me a new heart that sees things through Your eyes.  In Your mercy, lead me into the righteousness You give by grace through faith.  Amen.

“Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Luke 3:9).

The axe is the recompense of sin.  The wages of sin is death.  We each will die the mortal death that is appointed for all.  We do bear fruit, but is it the fruit of sin or the fruit of righteousness?  We are called from the death that holds us in bondage to the new life which Christ offers.  We can be burned up with our own passions, or be freed to learn how to live as the Lord created us to live.  This is the offer before us all.

Lord God, Creator of all worlds, You created us to be in a loving relationship with You and with one another.  Sin has led us to curve in on ourselves where we have neither.  You have come to shine the light for as many as would see in order that those who will see may walk in the light.  Shine Your light once again and let me see.  Help me to understand how simple the Gospel really is.  I need to be redeemed, and You are the Redeemer.

Lord Jesus, I do not want to say it, but I need to say it.  Cut away at the root.  I need to die to sin, death, and the devil.  You must be the Author and Finisher of my faith.  Help me learn how to trust Your leading, and then go where You send me.  Help me to listen, and then obey Your commands.  Through all things, guide me in the way of true righteousness, living into the new life You offer.  Amen.

“So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham” (Luke 3:7-8).

At first, it seems so offensive, but when sinners sin, are they not lashing out with vitriol?  It is sometimes true that people are like a brood of vipers.  And then there are those who have religion.  Some “vipers” hide behind religion and call their wickedness good in the name of religion.  We all need to repent and turn to the Lord.  In His mercy, he will get rid of the poison of sin.

Lord, I want to think these words are for others, but they are also for me.  I have played the game of religion so that outwardly others think me decent, but You know that I am filled with sin and do not live as You have required me to live.  Lead me into repentance so that I learn how to truly live.  Raise me to the place where I am able to bear fruit befitting Your presence in my life.

Lord Jesus, You have come into our midst, and we each are where we are.  In Your mercy, You heal me of the disease of sin.  It will take as long as it takes but help me to look to You and trust in the healing You give.  Guide me away from those places where I need to repent and then aid me to repent.  Help me to see that You are my Savior and that I cannot gain unmerited favor from any other.  Amen.

“‘Every ravine will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be brought low; the crooked will become straight, and the rough roads smooth; and all flesh will see the salvation of God’” (Luke 3:5-6).

The pitfalls of this world are being and have been overcome.  The Lord levels everything so that the greatest and the least are on equal footing before the Lord.  He has come to make our crooked ways straight.  He has come to lead us out of this life of rebellion and self-will into a life which lives in harmony between Creator and created.  All are invited into the new life which is offered through Christ.

Lord, I look around and make judgements.  I have desires and act upon them.  Through penitence, that is willing repentance, guide me to the level ground where I do not seek my will, but for Your will to be done.  Help me on the way You have set before me so that I see the salvation which You have prepared before all people.  Teach me all that these things mean.

Lord Jesus, You are the One who lifts up the lowly.  You are the One who slays our haughtiness.  You are the One who smooths the road before us.  Set me on the right path to follow You as You prepare the way of salvation before me.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, guide me in the right way of living this life as You prepare me to live the life which is to come.  Guide me in faith by grace to live as the Father would have me live.  Amen.

“And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight” (Luke 3:3-4).

The beginning of the Gospel introduces repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  The Lord alone forgives, but we need to be willing to be forgiven.  We have the will to expect, but we also have the ability to give up that will in contrition.  Perhaps humility is a word that describes this ability.  This is the beginning place for us all, humbly coming to the Lord in repentance, being forgiven so that we can continue on the journey of salvation.

Gracious Lord, You offer mercy to the contrite.  It is not my act of repentance, but Your mercy which forgives.  Help me to hear and heed the words which call for me to repent whenever and wherever it is needed.  Lead me in the way of everlasting life.  Conform me to what You know I need to be reformed.  Guide me in Your will to walk according to Your ways in the grace You give me.

Lord Jesus, You were baptized with a baptism of repentance.  You have led the way and we are to follow.  Help me to overcome the willfulness in me that thinks I am exempt from anything You know I need.  Guide me to look to You, and then follow, without any second thoughts my will might inject.  Teach me how to be obedient, as You were obedient to the Father’s will, in all that I experience.  Amen.