Copy the Worship of the Wise Men!
Epiphany Sunday January 6, 2019 Matthew 2:1-12 Copy the Worship of the Wise Men! After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called…
What’s In a Name?
The First Sunday after Christmas December 30, 2018 Luke 2:21 What’s In a Name? Dear fellow worshipers of the Christ-Child, What’s in a name? In our modern-day American culture there usually isn’t a great deal of significance attached to a person’s name. Take for example the name Steve. By itself that name doesn’t carry a great deal of significance. In the right context, however, that ordinary name can take on a great deal of significance. For example, up…
Oh, Come, O Key of David!
The Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, 2018 Isaiah 22:20-22 Oh, Come, O Key of David! Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, One of the things that I have learned to both admire and appreciate is the fact that the Bible is filled with wonderful little details. Many times, however, we simply read these little details and just keep on going with hardly even giving them a second thought. The result is that all too often we miss…
Oh, Come, O Dayspring!
The Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2018 Isaiah 9:1, 2 Oh, Come, O Dayspring! Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I have a confession to make. Whenever I go up to the lakehouse by myself or if it is just Isaac and I, I sleep with a light on. Now normally I would never be able to do this. If someone forgets to turn the hallway light off at home I have to get up and turn…
Oh, Come, O Root of Jesse!
The Second Sunday in Advent December 9, 2018 Isaiah 11:1, 10 Oh, Come, O Root of Jesse! Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, This is the time of the year when certain traditions just need to be followed. One of those traditions centers on setting up a Christmas tree. Can you imagine never setting up a Christmas tree in your home? Can you imagine never setting up a Christmas tree here in God’s house? Setting up a Christmas…
Oh, Come, Oh, Come Emmanuel!
The First Sunday in Advent December 2, 2018 Isaiah 7:14 Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel! “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Ever since the days of Martin Luther, the Lutheran Church has been known as a “Singing Church.” Why is that? There are at least a couple of reasons. …
Our King is Coming Back!
Christ the King Sunday November 25, 2018 Daniel 7:13-14 Our King Is Coming Back! In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away,…
We Are People of “The Book”
Saints Triumphant Sunday November 18, 2018 Daniel 12:1-3 We Are People of “The Book” At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to…
The Day Is Coming!
The Sunday of Last Judgment November 11, 2018 Malachi 4:1-2 The Day Is Coming! “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” (NIV1984)…
The Reformation Gives Our Faith a Firm Foundation!
Reformation Sunday November 4, 2018 Mark 13:5-13 The Reformation Gives Our Faith A Firm Foundation! Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various…