Septuagesima is so named because we Christians have entered the 70-day countdown that comes before the time, God-willing, when we will again celebrate the Highest, most Holy Feast in the Church Year, that of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus still asks all who hear of the “Laborers in the Vineyard:”
“Is it not proper for me to do that which I will with my things? Or does your eye remain evil because I AM good? Thus, they will be, the last ones first, and the first ones last.”
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Author: kyriss
Jesus’ beautiful baptism fitting to fulfill all righteousness
It is His Presence that we celebrate at every gathering of any Lord’s Service to us. It is Who He was, is, and ever shall be that the Word of God continually places before us. It is He, Jesus, Whom we are called to receive in the Faith on account of God’s grace toward us, sinners though we continue to be.
That is why days such as today have a prominent position in the life of the New Testament Church. In today’s readings we hear of the prophecy concerning God’s Son, and its fulfillment in Jesus. That is why the Baptism of our Lord is remembered in the rightly confessing Church during Epiphanytide each year. This is one day of the Year in which we are given to specifically hear that Jesus’ beautiful Baptism remains necessary to fulfill all righteousness. …for more, click on the title above.
Wise men still seek Him
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, on this day, Epiphany, we celebrate Christ’s revealing of Himself to the gentiles, the magi. The word “epiphany” literally means “reveal,” and we can see it used by people of all kinds with that meaning. Yet, today we focus our attention on the magi who visit our Lord….For more, click on the text above.
Jesus shed first blood to fulfill God’s Holy Law
Today marks the eighth day of Christmas, and, as well, it is used to commemorate the eighth day of Jesus’ life outside of Mother Mary’s womb. For the Old Covenant faithful—to whom Jesus, Mary, and Joseph belonged by birthright and covenantal promises—since long before the time that God gave His Holy Law to the Israelites through Moses, male circumcision had been important.
Since the Law of Moses, the eighth day of an Israelite baby boy’s life held great significance. The eighth day was one in which the infant would be seen as having been sealed under God’s Covenant, having won an advantage against all in this fallen creation that would oppose his eternal life, through his own blood. …for more, click on the title above.
The Word is true, regardless
The command from God in Deuteronomy and the condemnation from Isaiah in our reading this evening stand as polar opposites, then and now. The people of Israel were/are supposed to treat God’s Word with reverence and teach it to their families. They were supposed to write it all over town, wherever they would see it most often. In our day, there are still communities that want Nativity scenes removed from public spaces. …For more, click on the title above
Feast of the Holy Innocents
The meaning of Christmas is truly awesome
Our text for this Christmas Day sermon comes from our Gospel reading which you heard just moments ago, these words:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that was made… and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Thus far our text. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Merry Christmas to you all….or more click on the title above.
The Savior remains Christ (the) Lord
Why did God bring you here tonight? Was it His intent that you would simply behold the beauty of this building’s decorations—those that may be seen in hues of gold and silver (Altar Table), blue and white (Angel Banners), red and green (Wreaths and Ponsettias), purple and rose (Advent Wreath), brass and wood (all about the Chancel and Nave)? Did God move you to be in this place just for you to give thanks to Him through your joining this congregation’s hymns and prayers for sending His only begotten Son into our flesh to bear our sins into death? All those things certainly may be beheld with our human senses in this place on this, one of most holy of nights of the year….For more, click on he title above.
Love, peace, hope and rejoicing
Three out of the four emotions, actions, verbs, meanings attributed to the candles of the Advent wreath are ones which we certainly strive for during our earthly lives, but always fall short of fulfilling—those three being love, peace and hope—those are all Divine gifts that our Lord and Savior provides to us and for us. Rejoicing, now that’s something we can and should do continually when we think about the grace and mercy shown to us by our heavenly Father….for more, click on the title above.
Proclamations of God’s love
Today is the Sunday in the Church Year that is especially set aside so that the members of Christ’s Body would be called to prepare the way of the Lord in their hearts, minds, and lives. That preparation the Holy Spirit works, as the faithful, you we pray, participate as fully as possible in that which is going on the Lord’s Service to us. I said, “as fully as possible,” because as humans still wrestling with sin—in the world and in ourselves—we do become distracted…
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