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.
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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.
LSB 546, O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild
We have selected LSB 546, O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild, as our AD 2022-2023 Christmastide seasonal hymn. During this portion of the Church Year, we remember the human birth of the eternally begotten Son of God, to receive the name Jesus to proclaim that, “He will save His people from their sins.”… Continue reading LSB 546, O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild
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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Why are they rejoicing?
As we consider the two readings for today, it is clear that both of the people who originally uttered these songs are rejoicing. Our first reading is attributed to Hannah, the second to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptizer. Directly after the evening sermon, we will sing the Magnificat. This is yet another song of praise, first sung by Mary.
So, in the texts we have three Biblical figures, Hannah, Mary and Zechariah, singing songs to God and rejoicing.
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A history of forgiveness
While the prophets of old were directing people to look forward to the Messiah, John was pointing them to the actual Messiah who had come, the Lord Jesus Christ. John was baptizing people into the forgiveness of sins, preparing them for the more excellent and real Baptism into the death of Jesus Christ. It is our baptism into Christ that will save and bring regeneration. This is why our catechumens learn to call it, along with St. Paul, “a washing of regeneration and renewal.”…
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Scripture Readings for December 11, 2022
Scripture Readings for December 11, 20223rd Sunday of Advent, Gaudete (LSB Divine Service-Setting 3) INTROIT: Philippians 4:4-6, Psalm 85:1PSALM: Psalm 85OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 40:1-8GRADUAL: Psalm 80:1-2EPISTLE: 1 Corinthians 4:1–5GOSPEL: Matthew 11:2-11 Links above will open a separate window at the Bible Gateway website showing the listed verses in the ESV.
Hymns for December 11, 2022
Sunday, December 11, 2022, Hymns3rd Sunday in Advent, Gaudete (LSB Divine Service – Setting 3) Entrance Hymn: LSB #820, “My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker”Hymn of the Day: LSB #345, “Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding”Distribution Hymns: LSB #602, “The Gifts Christ Freely Gives”LSB #348, “The King Shall Come”LSB #347, “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People”LSB #343, “Prepare the… Continue reading Hymns for December 11, 2022
Catechism Lesson for the Week of December 11, 2022
Dr. Luther’s Small Catechism lesson for the week of December 11, 2022: [III] THE LORD’S PRAYER IN THE PLAIN FORM IN WHICH THE HEAD OF THE FAMILYSHALL TEACH IT TO HIS HOUSEHOLD THE SIXTH PETITION “And lead us not into temptation.” What does this mean? Answer: God tempts no one to sin, but we pray… Continue reading Catechism Lesson for the Week of December 11, 2022