Sing to the Lord: Recent Episodes
Luther House of Study
"Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." -Martin Luther. To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Luther House of Study's Mason Van Essen and Lars Olson sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel.
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The name of Jesus is “sweet” not simply because it has been set to pleasing music, but because by Christ’s name, we are given faith. In Holy Baptism, Christ removes all sorrow and fear in this world with His promise.
Stanza 2 // In what can sound like a long list of blessings, Jesus’ name is always extended to meet the needs of those in the world. It is wholeness for the wounded, calm for those without rest, manna to those who are hungry, and rest for the weary.
Stanza 3 // The name of Jesus is a “shield and hiding place” from all the world would hurl at us. Where the world runs out of grace and favor, Christ’s treasury is filled and overflowing with mercy.
Stanza 4 // Though not perfect by the standards of the world, our prayers and requests are accepted by God through the name of Jesus Christ, who names all children of God.
Stanza 5 // The prophet, priest, and king of the universe accepts the praise we bring in faith. In faith, Jesus is our sheprhd, guardian, and friend - who walks with us through life, death, and beyond the grave.
Stanza 6 // This weekend’s Gospel reading proves how weak the efforts of our heart and how cold the thoughts of the human mind can be. We see only Christ’s disdain for the “dogs” of the world, and resist the reality this text shares. Even those named a dog by the world [and Christ Himself] receive the full blessings of Jesus’ mercy.
Stanza 7 // Such great love is proclaimed whenever and wherever possible, as we trust Jesus’ name will refresh our soul in death. This is music to our ears, and refreshment to our souls, for we have been joined to Jesus’ sweet name now and forever.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 620 - How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds // ST. PETER
ELW 434 - Jesus Shall Reign - DUKE STREET
ELW 520 - How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - ST. PETER
ELW 587 - There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy - ST. HELENA
ELW 610 - O Christ, the Healer We Have Come - DISTRESS
ELW 675 - O Christ Our Light, O Radiance True - O JESU CHRISTE, WAHRES LICHT
ELW 714 - O God of Mercy, God of Light - JUST AS I AM
ELW 716 - Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace - BEATUS VIR
ELW 886 - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON
LBW 290 - There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy - LORD, REVIVE US
LBW 345 - How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - ST. PETER
LBW 360 - O Christ, the Healer We Have Come - DISTRESS
LBW 380 - O Christ Our Light, O Radiance True - O JESU CHRISTE, WAHRES LICHT
LBW 419 - Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace - BEATUS VIR
LBW 425 - O God of Mercy, God of Light - JUST AS I AM
LBW 530 - Jesus Shall Reign - DUKE STREET
LBW 559 - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON
LSB 524 - How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - ST. PETER
LSB 528 - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON
LSB 839 - O Christ Our True and Only Light - O JESU CHRISTE, WAHRES LICHT
LSB 832 - Jesus Shall Reign - DUKE STREET
LSB 844 - Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace - ANGELUS
LSB 852 - O God of Mercy, God of Might - JUST AS I AM
RH 30 - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON
RH 186 - There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy - LORD, REVIVE US
RH 195 - How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - ST. PETER
RH 268 - Jesus Shall Reign - DUKE STREET
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The book of Hebrews says we make a continual sacrifice to God. This means each day is one lived in the grace of God’s great sacrifice - one in which we sleep and rise in joy - for Christ has paid the price for our sin, and calls us to awake each day in His forgiveness.
Stanza 2 // Just as Christ raises us from death to life in Jesus Christ, so we are given the gift of each day [and the many traditions and routines we enjoy] that God’s work mgiht be done in the refreshment of His promise.
Stanza 3 // This hymn directs our focus to the Lord, who has promised to take away our sin, guard our thoughts, and remove our will by His Spirit, with which we are filled and given forgiveness of sin, new life, and salvation.
Stanza 4 // The confusion of human tradition with God’s commandments and promise are easily seen today - both inside and outside the Church. This prayer asks that all we “design, do, or say” would be offered that God’s glory would be known. Any earthly power or tradition should be united with Christ’s promise.
Stanza 5 // This familiar stanza was part of this morning hymn from its inception. We recognize it today as the “doxology.” In the original context, it was praise for God at the start of the day.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 557 - Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun // MORNING HYMN
ELW 328 - Restore In Us, O God - BAYLOR
ELW 517 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ERHALT UNS, HERR
ELW 520 - Dearest Jesus, at Your Word - LIEBESTER JESU, WIR SIND HIER
ELW 527 - Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now - HERR JESU CHRIST, DICH ZU UNS WEND
ELW 557 - Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun - MORNING HYMN
ELW 772 - Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways - EVAN
ELW 806 - O God, My Faithful God - WAS FRAG ICH NACH DER WELT
LBW 230 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ERHALT UNS, HERR
LBW 248 - Dearest Jesus, at Your Word - LIEBESTER JESU, WIR SIND HIER
LBW 253 - Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now - HERR JESU CHRIST, DICH ZU UNS WEND
LBW 269 - Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun - MORNING HYMN
LBW 480 - Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways - EVAN
LBW 504 - O God, My Faithful God - WAS FRAG ICH NACH DER WELT
LSB 655 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ERHALT UNS, HERR
LSB 696 - O God, My Faithful God - O GOTT, DU FROMMER GOTT
LSB 707 - Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways - EVAN
LSB 868 - Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun - MORNING HYMN
LSB 902 - Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now - HERR JESU CHRIST, DICH ZU UNS WEND
LSB 904 - Blessed Jesus, at Your Word - LIEBESTER JESU, WIR SIND HIER
RH 44 - Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now - HERR JESU CHRIST, DICH ZU UNS WEND
RH 60 - Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun - MORNING HYMN
RH 71 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ERHALT UNS, HERR
RH 203 - Dearest Jesus, at Your Word - LIEBESTER JESU, WIR SIND HIER
RH 235 - Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways - EVAN
RH 238 - O God, My Faithful God - WAS FRAG ICH NACH DER WELT
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The world God has made gives us many great gifts - all of which leave us unfilled apart from Jesus Christ. The call of Christ comes from one who has the “words of eternal life” - greater than all gifts of the world, even the most miraculous manna given to God’s people in the Old Testament.
Stanza 2 // Those who know Jesus Christ have nowhere else to go! When we “taste the ever-living bread” and quench our “thirsting souls” with our Lord’s mercy and forgiveness, we cling to these words in faith.
Stanza 3 // Our “changing lot” in life is the seemingly random decisions and happenings in life we experience apart from Christ. “Where is God in all of this?” is solved in this hymn when Christ “smiles on us in love” and “holds us fast in faith.”
Stanza 4 // The final stanza is a prayer. When Christ promises to be with us in flesh and blood, the “night of sin” is “chased away” by the holy, perfect light of our Lord, by which we have eternal life today - here and now.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 658 - O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts // WALTON
ELW 474 - Bread of Life from Heaven - ARGENTINE SANTO - BREAK NOW THE BREAD OF LIFE
ELW 476 - Thee We Adore, O Savior - ADORO TE DEVOTE
ELW 658 - O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts - WALTON
ELW 758 - You are the Way - DUNDEE
LBW 199 - Thee We Adore, O Hiden Savior, Thee - ADORO TE DEVOTE
LBW 356 - O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts - WALTON
LBW 464 - You Are the Way - DUNDEE
LSB 526 - You Are the Way; through You Alone - DUNDEE
LSB 640 - Thee We Adore, O Hiden Savior, Thee - ADORO TE DEVOTE
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Christ’s words are sung by Christians to one another - perhaps most effectively when led by a choir, cantor, or small group of singers. Jesus gives us these words, and we come to Christ because God calls us to Himself.
Stanza 2 // The bread Jesus gives is Himself for your life, which promises us life forever in God’s promise of resurrection.
Stanza 3 // If we question the veracity of these words, Jesus points to those given truly miraculous, heavenly food as an example of those given a great gift from God - who nonetheless were left in death! When we have Christ, we have all we need for life today and life forever in God’s Son.
Stanza 4 // In contrast with those who ate manna in the wilderness and died, Christ gives us Himself that we might live forever through death. This is the promise which leads us to the repeated refrain - He who is the resurrection and life will raise us up on the last day, for we have Christ as our living bread!
Stanza 5 // If the first four stanzas of this hymn have been sung by a leader, the final stanza might be appropriately sung in response. This is both practical - the congregation will have learned how to track notes and text - and personal - as these words move from quotation to response. This leaves us not in question [as with those in the opening verses of this weekend’s Gospel reading] but in faith. Christ will raise us on the last day!
Refrain // The result of Jesus’ words is resurrection from the dead on the last day - a promise which holds us today and forever.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 485 - I Am the Bread of Life // I AM THE BREAD
ELW 461 - All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly - HOLY MANNA
ELW 472 - Eat This Bread - BERTHIER
ELW 485 - I Am the Bread of Life - I AM THE BREAD
ELW 491 - Come, Let Us Eat - A VA DE
ELW 495 - We Who Once Were Dead - MIDDEN IN DE DOOD
LBW 207 - We Who Once Were Dead - MIDDEN IN DE DOOD
LBW 214 - Come, Let Us Eat - A VA DE
LSB 626 - Come, Let Us Eat - A VA DE
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This hymn provides remarkable contrast between the questions in this weekend’s Gospel text. Here, Christ - enthroned in heavenly splendor - is the same Lord who comes down from heaven to give us “true and living bread!” This leads to shouts of “alleluia” meaning “praise the Lord!”
Stanza 2 // The contrast between God enthroned in splendor and yet present is given further specificity - we worship not only with saints on earth but those in heaven! Though we may ask many questions, Christ is present in the “lowliest form” of bread and wine to give us Himself.
Stanza 3 // When Jesus gives us Himself, all offering and sacrifice is finished - just as Christ speaks from the cross. The “fullness” of this work remains “undiminished” even today, as our Lord gives us Himself in bread and wine by a Word, that our “souls” might be “cleansed from every stain.”
Stanza 4 // The “life-imparting heavenly manna” and “striken rock with streaming side” are not simply Old Testament images, but here help us sing of Jesus Christ flesh and blood given to sinners. For this reason, heaven and earth rejoice, for our Lord is risen, ascended, and glorified, that all people might have life forever.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 475 - Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor // BRYN CALFARIA
ELW 472 - Eat This Bread - BERTHIER
ELW 475 - Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor - BRYN CALFARIA
ELW 476 - Thee We Adore, O Savior - ADORO TE DEVOTE
ELW 488 - What Feast of Love - GREENSLEEVES
ELW 494 - For the Bread Which You Have Broken - OMNI DIE
ELW 542 - O Living Bread from Heaven - AURELIA
ELW 618 - Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer - CWM RHONDDA
LBW 172 - Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor - BRYN CALFARIA
LBW 197 - O Living Bread from Heaven - AURELIA
LBW 199 - Thee We Adore, O Hiden Savior, Thee - ADORO TE DEVOTE
LBW 200 - For the Bread Which You Have Broken - OMNI DIE
LBW 343 - Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer - CWM RHONDDA
LSB 534 - Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor - BRYN CALFARIA
LSB 640 - Thee We Adore, O Hiden Savior, Thee - ADORO TE DEVOTE
LSB 642 - O Living Bread from Heaven - ACH GOTT VOM HIMMELREICHE
LSB 918 - Guide Me, O Thou Redeemer - CWM RHONDDA
RH 221 - Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah - CWM RHONDDA
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Those who wander hungry and thirsty in the wilderness are given a promise from our Lord. In Him, we neither hunger nor thirst, for Christ comes to feed us continually with His word of truth. When Christ gives heavenly food, we taste and see the goodness of God.
Stanza 2 // Whether lost, scattered, strangers, or seeking answers to questions, all of these come to rest in the promise Jesus gives. We stand firm in the love Christ offers us in Himself - the eternal grace of God and joy in the feast our Lord spreads before us. He is the bread of life!
Stanza 3 // In Jesus Christ, we are fed with living bread which brings peace and gratitude through all our days. The Christian’s response is not unlike those who respond to Jesus’ overflowing generosity in amazement: “Sir, give us this bread always!” This is what it means to be grateful - to long for the gift of holy manna Christ gives without
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 461 - All Who Hunger Gather Gladly - HOLY MANNA
ELW 462 - Now We Join in Celebration - SCHMÜCKE DICH
ELW 480 - O Bread of Life from Heaven - O WELT ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN
ELW 485 - I Am the Bread of Life - I AM THE BREAD
ELW 488 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH
ELW 542 - O Living Bread from Heaven - AURELIA
ELW 618 - Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer - CWM RHONDDA
LBW 197 - O Living Bread from Heaven - AURELIA
LBW 203 - Now We Join in Celebration - SCHMÜCKE DICH
LBW 222 - O Bread of Life from Heaven - O WELT ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN
LBW 224 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH
LBW 343 - Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer - CWM RHONDDA
LSB 636 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH
LSB 642 - O Living Bread from Heaven - ACH GOTT VOM HIMMELREICHE
LSB 918 - Guide Me, O Thou Redeemer - CWM RHONDDA
RH 84 - O Bread of Life from Heaven - O WELT ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN
RH 221 - Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah - CWM RHONDDA
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Beyond the now popular stories and miracles of Jesus’ earthly life, this hymn is a prayer seeking Christ’s promise “beyond the sacred page” that we would know God as the Living Word today.
Stanza 2 // When Christ gives us His word of truth, we are both named sinners and named as God’s forgiven people forever. In this promise, we know God’s blessing not only in abundance, but in times of distress and call out to Him as our Lord.
Stanza 3 // Knowing Christ as the bread of life is to know Him as the one who rescues from all that binds us - our doubt, our fear, our questions about daily bread - and turns to Christ in faith as the One who gives all we need in this life and the next.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 515 - Break Now the Bread of Life // BREAD OF LIFE
ELW 478 - Father, We Thank You - RENDEZ À DIEU
ELW 484 - You Satisfy the Hungry Heart - BICENTENNIAL
ELW 488 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH
ELW 515 - Break Now the Bread of Life - BREAD OF LIFE
ELW 843 - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness - NETTLETON
LBW 224 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH
LBW 235 - Break Now the Bread of Life - BREAD OF LIFE
LSB 641/641a - You Satisfy the Hungry Heart - BICENTENNIAL
LSB 636 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH
LSB 652 - Father, We Thank You - RENDEZ À DIEU
LSB 849 - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness - BEACH SPRING
RH 85 - Break Thou the Bread of Life - BREAD OF LIFE
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Christ came to earth to make all people part of His Church - His beloved bride - as this hymn [and Scripture] say. Where Jesus’ promise of forgiveness is present, the Church exists, and those who are without a shepherd have the Good Shepherd in Jesus’ promise.
Stanza 2 // When God gives His promise - whether through Christ or those He sends with the good news of the Gospel - those with ears to hear demand to know this promise. The church is “elect from every nation” and “yet one” because it is united in one Lord, one faith, and one birth - the promise of Christ given to sinners.
Stanza 3 // There is no rest in the world, even for those named as part of Christ’s Church. Being drafted as one of Jesus’ apostles did little to help the disciples’ cause - and this is still true today. Whatever “weeping” we suffer in this life, Christ gives us a “song” to sing - that we might know peace and comfort in Chirst, even as we strain to know Him in the struggles of this life.
Stanza 4 // This world does not offer the rest we desire. We long for rest from work, sickness, disease, and death. These are a small slice of the trials and tribulation in which we live. In the midst of these, Jesus promises victorious rest in His promise, that what we long for might be given freely by God’s grace.
Stanza 5 // The rest Christ promises is ours today, for we share the same promise with all who in the past have clamored for the word of the Lord, and now rest from their labors in Jesus Christ. The final cry of this hymn is not unlike the crowds who close in on Christ - “Lord, save us by your grace!”
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 654 - The Church’s One Foundation - AURELIA
ELW 332/611 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - THIRD MODE MELODY // KINGSFOLD
ELW 604 - O Christ, Our Hope - LOBT GOTT, IHR CHRISTEN
ELW 607 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - CONSOLATOR
ELW 654 - The Church’s One Foundation - AURELIA
ELW 657 - Rise, O Sun of Righteousness - SONNE DER GERECHTIGKEIT
ELW 764 - Have No Fear, Little Flock - LITTLE FLOCK
ELW 789 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY
LBW 300 - O Christ, Our Hope - LOBT GOTT, IHR CHRISTEN
LBW 369 - The Church’s One Foundation - AURELIA
LBW 476 - Have No Fear, Little Flock - LITTLE FLOCK
LBW 481 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY
LBW 497 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - THIRD MODE MELODY
LSB 553 - O Christ, Our Hope - ICH SINGE DIR
LSB 644 - The Church’s One Foundation - AURELIA
LSB 684 - Come unto Me, Ye Weary - ANTHES
LSB 699 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - SARAH-ELIZABETH
LSB 711 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY
LSB 735 - Have No Fear, Little Flock - LITTLE FLOCK
RH 88 - The Church’s One Foundation - AURELIA
RH 185 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - CONSOLATOR
RH 202 - Have No Fear, Little Flock - LITTLE FLOCK
RH 205 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY
RH 241 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - THIRD MODE MELODY
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // For a hymn listed to be sung in celebration of All Saints’ Day, this text has much to teach us about what it means to be named a saint. At all times - most especially when “all around seems bleak” - saints rely solely on “God’s good promise” in life and death.
Stanza 2 // The hope of John the Baptist [and King Herod] is the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. This same hope has been given to us today, greater than all the kingdoms of the world, a “beacon ever bright” even when the world serves our head on a platter to those in power.
Stanza 3 // The concerns of this weekend’s cast of characters is what they want, what they desire, and their own preservation. John the Baptist lived [and died] as one who pointed in faith to Jesus Christ. This is what it means to show God’s love in all we say and do, that God’s concerns might be our own, and God’s love shown through the lives God gives.
Stanza 4 // With all the saints of our Lord’s Church, we share the One who is the “way, truth, and life” - and is their and our way through life and death! Whether saints of “ages past” or those “alive today” - we rely on God’s promise and give thanks to walk the way of faith God gives.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 428 - Give Thanks for Saints - REPTON
ELW 418 - Rejoice in God’s Saints - LAUDATE DOMINUM
ELW 421 - By All Your Saints - KUORTANE [stanzas 1, 2 and/or 14, and Last]
ELW 424 - Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones - LASST UNS ERFREUEN
ELW 428 - Give Thanks for Saints - REPTON
ELW 429 - In Our Day of Thanksgiving - ST. CATHERINE’S COURT
ELW 776 - What God Ordains Is Good Indeed - WAS GOTT TUT
ELW 786 - O Holy Spirit, Enter In - WIE SCHÖN LEUCHTET
ELW 812/813 - Faith of Our Fathers - ST. CATHERINE
LBW 175 - Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones - LASST UNS ERFREUEN
LBW 178 - By All Your Saints in Warfare - KING’S LYNN [stanzas 1, 15, and 3]
LBW 446 - What God Ordains Is Always Good - WAS GOTT TUT
LBW 459 - O Holy Spirit, Enter In - WIE SCHÖN LEUCHTET
LBW 500 - Faith of Our Fathers - ST. CATHERINE
LSB 518 - By All Your Saints in Warfare - KING’S LYNN [stanzas 1, 2 and 18]
LSB 670 - Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones - LASST UNS ERFREUEN
LSB 760 - What God Ordains Is Always Good - WAS GOTT TUT
LSB 913 - O Holy Spirit, Enter In - WIE SCHÖN LEUCHTET
RH 174 - Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones - LASST UNS ERFREUEN
RH 216 - Faith of Our Fathers - ST. CATHERINE
ZACHARY'S NOTES
Stanza 1 // God’s Word comes in the flesh to those who are bound to the ways of the earth to give a promise that will “pierce the darkness” - even to those who would reject Jesus Christ.
Stanza 2 // This promise is not new, but one of mercy God consistently gave to those who were both “blind and willful” - much as described in this weekend’s Gospel reading. Christ continually seeks those who do not want Him - even those who killed Him - that we might know the mercy of Almighty God.
Stanza 3 // God’s Word and promise is not only relevant in his hometown, and though unwelcomed by sinful hearts, God’s compassion is seen in the face of Christ, which extends through all ages that we might know the Lord’s unfair justice and abounding grace.
Stanza 4 // As this weekend’s reading concludes, so this hymn also ends with a call of sending to “every land and race” that “myriad tongues” may celebrate the gift of God in Jesus Christ.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 507 - O God of Light - ATKINSON
ELW 509 - God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage - EIN FESTE BURG
ELW 513 - Listen, God is Calling - NENO LAKE MUNGU
ELW 514 - O Word of God Incarnate - MUNICH
ELW 517 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ERHALT UNS, HERR
ELW 519 - Open Your Ears, O Faithful People - YISRAEL V’ORAITA
ELW 575 - In Christ Called to Baptize - ST. DENIO
ELW 579 - Lord, You Give the Great Commission - ABBOT’S LEIGH
ELW 675 - O Christ, Our Light, O Radiance True - O JESU CHRISTE, WAHRES LICHT
ELW 737 - He Comes to Us as One Unknown - REPTON
LBW 230 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ERHALT UNS, HERR
LBW 231 - O Word of God Incarnate - MUNICH
LBW 239 - God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage - EIN FESTE BURG
LBW 380 - O Christ, Our Light, O Radiance True - O JESU CHRISTE, WAHRES LICHT
LSB 523 - O Word of God Incarnate - MUNICH
LSB 582/582a - God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage - REUTER // EIN FESTE BURG [alternate]
LSB 655 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ERHALT UNS, HERR
LSB 833 - Listen, God is Calling - NENO LAKE MUNGU
LSB 836/836a - O God of Light - ATKINSON
LSB 839 - O Christ, Our True and Only Light - O JESU CHRISTE, WAHRES LICHT
RH 70 - God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage - EIN FESTE BURG
RH 71 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ERHALT UNS, HERR
RH 266 - From Greelnad’s Icy Mountains - MISSIONARY HYMN
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Though the crowds and leaders attempt to push Christ’s promise of life aside, nothing will stop our Lord from delivering this gift to sinners. This hymn is an invitation that nothing would stand in our way to sing the “glories of [our] God and King” and “the triumphs of His grace” over all that brings us fear.
Stanza 2 // We may admire the faith of those in this weekend’s Gospel text - falling at Chirst’s feet or straining to touch His clothing - it is Christ who finally offers the Word we most need! This is a prayer that the Word of resurrection Christ has promised would “spread through all the earth” - a wonderful contrast with the conclusion of this weekend’s text. This promise is no longer kept in secret, but with God’s assistance, proclaimed and sung far and wide!
Stanza 3 // The music of the Church is to be the “life, health, and peace” of Christ, by whose name we have “charm” or delight in our “fear” and an end to all “sorrow.”
Stanza 4 // As this weekend’s Gospel text assets, the dead are raised by Christ’s speaking. Sometimes, we can think of this as Jesus’ version of magic, but this hymn suggests even the dead “hear his voice” - much like those who fight through crowds to see the Lord! This hymn even gives a place for the “mournful” to rejoice - those who have experienced death! It is these Christ has come to raise to new life!
Stanza 5 // Even those who seem to take great personal pride in seeking out the goodness of God are saved by “faith alone!” Christ says as much to the woman in this weekend’s text. To the leader, He has faith when those around Him write off Christ’s power. Likewise, we are saved only by the gift of faith God gives - by this, Jesus is “our Savior!”
Stanza 6 // When Christ speaks a word of new life, the entire Church is involved in this singing - the “saints below” and “saints above” sing hymns of praise to Jesus Christ, whether on earth or in heaven, for all are held in Jesus’ promise of resurrection and new life.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 886 - Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON
ELW 452 - Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death - AZMON
ELW 511 - Thy Strong Word - EBENEZER
ELW 607 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - CONSOLATOR
ELW 610 - O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come - DISTRESS
ELW 621 - Jesus Lives, My Sure Defense - JESUS, MEINE ZUVERSICHT
ELW 858 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - LOBE DEN HERREN
ELW 886 - Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON
LBW 233 - Thy Strong Word - EBENEZER
LBW 340 - Jesus Lives, My Sure Defense - JESUS, MEINE ZUVERSICHT
LBW 360 - O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come - DISTRESS
LBW 543 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - LOBE DEN HERREN
LBW 559 - Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON
LSB 578 - Thy Strong Word - EBENEZER
LSB 697 - Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death - AZMON
LSB 741 - Jesus Lives, My Sure Defense - JESUS, MEINE ZUVERSICHT
LSB 790 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - LOBE DEN HERREN
LSB 528 - Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON
RH 11 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - LOBE DEN HERREN
RH 30 - Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing - AZMON
RH 185 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - CONSOLATOR
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Though this one stanza may seem to be a trite retelling of this weekend’s Gospel reading, Scripture proves we need to hear this word more than once! Jesus’ calming of the sea [and storms of our life] are done in the same way - with His Word of peace. Christ both rebukes the waves and His followers in this weekend’s reading - “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” This hymn addresses the true accomplishment of Christ on the Sea of Galilee - that his faithless followers are led to wonder - “Who is this?” This hymn provides an answer! Christ is the one - with the same Word of peace - brings balm to our hearts, fears to an end, and calm by His promise of peace.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 794 - Calm to the Waves - CALM SEAS
ELW 755 - Jesus Savior, Pilot Me - PILOT
ELW 756 - Eternal Father, Strong to Save - MELITA
ELW 766 - Lord of our Life - ISTE CONFESSOR
ELW 769 - If You But Trust in God to Guide You - WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT
ELW 788 - If God My Lord Be for Me - IST GOTT FÜR MICH
ELW 794 - Calm to the Waves - CALM SEAS
LBW 334 - Jesus Savior, Pilot Me - PILOT
LBW 366 - Lord of our Life - ISTE CONFESSOR
LBW 453 - If You But Trust in God to Guide You - WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT
LBW 454 - If God Himself Be for Me - IST GOTT FÜR MICH
LBW 467 - Eternal Father, Strong to Save - MELITA
LSB 659 - Lord of our Life - ISTE CONFESSOR
LSB 715 - Jesus Savior, Pilot Me - PILOT
LSB 717 - Eternal Father, Strong to Save - MELITA
LSB 724 - If God Himself Be for Me - IST GOTT FÜR MICH
LSB 750 - If You But Trust in God to Guide You - WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT
RH 6 - Eternal Father, Strong to Save - MELITA
RH 220 - Jesus Savior, Pilot Me - PILOT
RH 222 - If You Will Trust in God to Guide You - WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This is a prayer that the reign or kingdom of God would spread throughout the earth. The stanzas to follow make clear this is God’s work - not our own. We do not pray to ourselves, but to God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is God - our “Creator” - who calls us by name and bestows the “gifts” of “heaven.”
Stanza 2 // This stanza reminds us of the insignificance with which we treated our Lord, the One we nailed to the cross to bear the price of our rebellion. Yet, this seemingly insignificant death is “our Redeemer’s” grace [or favor] for sinners - that we might be “saved.”
Stanza 3 // It is the Holy Spirit who is not only given to “guide to heaven” but to “will and do” the kingdom [or faith] Christ comes to bring. As this weekend’s parable points out, we do not know how faith [or the Holy Spirit] works - this is God’s doing, and God’s will that faith be given to you.
Stanza 4 // When God is “Lord of [the] harvest” it means God is at work in the most insignificant things of life to give His promise. By water and Word, bread and wine, and the spoken, perfect, Word of a sinner, God’s “greatest” gift is given! The “gathering nations all” see Christ’s “light” and hear His “call.”
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 663 - Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word - GOTT SEI DANK
ELW 181-184 - Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful, Lord
ELW 516 - Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast - ST. FLAVIAN
ELW 533 - Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty - UNSER HERRSCHER
ELW 550 - On What Has Now Been Sown - DARWALL’S 148TH
ELW 663 - Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word - GOTT SEI DANK
ELW 679 - For the Fruit of All Creation - AR HYD Y NOS
ELW 689 - Praise and Thanksgiving - BUNESSAN
ELW 880 - O God beyond All Praising - THAXTED
LBW 234 - Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast - ST. FLAVIAN
LBW 250 - Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty - UNSER HERRSCHER
LBW 261 - On What Has Now Been Sown - DARWALL’S 148TH
LBW 379 - Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word - GOTT SEI DANK
LBW 409 - Praise and Thanksgiving - BUNESSAN
LBW 563 - For the Fruit of All Creation - SANTA BARBARA
LSB 577 - Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast - ST. FLAVIAN
LSB 789 - Praise and Thanksgiving - BUNESSAN
LSB 830 - Spread the Reign of God the Lord - GOTT SEI DANK
LSB 894 - For the Fruit of His Creation - AR HYD Y NOS
LSB 901 - Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty - UNSER HERRSCHER
LSB 921 - On What Has Now Been Sown - DARWALL’S 148TH
RH 46 - Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty - UNSER HERRSCHER
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // When Christ “enters” our “human story” he comes to destroy all of the stories we tell ourselves and one another. The Pharisees who placed limits on God’s action in the Law - Jesus comes that we might know “unbounded grace” in His Word.
Stanza 2 // We rise, shine, and sing to Christ because of what He comes to accomplish. Our Lord comes to those “surrounded by death and sin” - to send “the pow’r of evil reeling” and give those without hope “freedom, light…life, and healing.” Where even Scripture causes us to ask whether we have spoken and acted against God’s name, Christ comes to forgive.
Stanza 3 // The strength of Christ to bind the devil and come for sinners is the power Christ gives to His people! This is “our song” and “our prayer” as God’s forgiven people - that the world would see and appreciate God for who He is and what He has done.
Stanza 4 // When Christ makes us a “new creation” by His promise, we see a God “outside His mind” as God at work for us, saving and giving us freedom.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 665 - Rise, Shine, You People! // WOJTKIEWIECZ
ELW 503/504 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - EIN FESTE BURG
ELW 517 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ERHALT UNS, HERR
ELW 621 - Jesus Lives, My Sure Defense - JESU, MEINE ZUVERSICHT
ELW 665 - Rise, Shine, You People! - WOJTKIEWIECZ
ELW 766 - Lord of Our Life - ISTE CONFESSOR
ELW 843 - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness - NETTLETON
LBW 228/229 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - EIN FESTE BURG
LBW 230 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ERHALT UNS, HERR
LBW 340 - Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense - JESU, MEINE ZUVERSICHT
LBW 366 - Lord of Our Life - ISTE CONFESSOR
LBW 393 - Rise, Shine, You People! - WOJTKIEWIECZ
LSB 655 - Lord, Keep Us Steafast In Your Word - ERHALT UNS, HERR
LSB 656/657 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - EIN FESTE BURG
LSB 659 - Lord of Our Life - ISTE CONFESSOR
LSB 666 - O LIttle Flock, Fear Not the Foe - KOMMT HER ZU MIR
LSB 741 - Jesus Christ, My Sure Defense - JESU, MEINE ZUVERSICHT
LSB 825 - Rise, Shine, You People! - WOJTKIEWIECZ
LSB 849 - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness - NETTLETON
RH 71 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ERHALT UNS, HERR
RH 169/170 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - EIN FESTE BURG
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The day of rest is the Sabbath - made for those who rest in the presence of Almighty God! It is a day of rest because we know and worship the Triune God, who brings us a “balm for care and sadness.”
Stanza 2 // This day of rest is not something invented for the benefit of congregations, member engagement, or hymn-singing! In what can sound like a litany to the “day of rest” - these words really tell us of God’s work. On “you” the Father created the world. On “you” Christ “rose from depths.” On “you” the Spirit [was] sent from heaven.” This is the three-fold light in which we rest as God’s people.
Stanza 3 // While the second stanza lists many past events, the blessings of this “day” were made for God’s people in all generations - both those of the past and for us today! As God acted for His people in the past, so we are given “manna from heaven” called by God’s Spirit to hear the Gospel preached, and given “living water” in Holy Baptism.
Stanza 4 // When God creates a day for our rest, it may sound strange to say we “reach the rest remaining” - but this is what God promises for those who die “in the Lord!” There is blessing even here, because of the “new graces” God pours out each day we rest in Jesus’ Word of forgiveness. As Luther reminds us, it is this good news which keeps the Sabbath holy, that we might rest in Jesus’ promise today and forever.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 521 - O Day of Rest and Gladness - ELLACOMBE
ELW 511 - Thy Strong Word - EBENEZER
ELW 513 - Listen, God Is Calling - NENO LAKE MUNGU
ELW 520 - Dearest Jesus, at Your Word - LIEBSTER JESU, WIR SIND HIER
ELW 579 - Lord, You Give the Great Commission - ABBOT’S LEIGH
ELW 645 - Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - WESTMINSTER ABBEY
ELW 652 - Built on a Rock - KIRKEN DEN ER ET GAMMELT HUS
LBW 233 - Thy Strong Word - EBENEZER
LBW 248 - Dearest Jesus, at Your Word - LIEBSTER JESU, WIR SIND HIER
LBW 251 - O Day of Rest and Gladness - ELLACOMBE
LBW 367 - Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - EDEN CHURCH
LBW 365 - Built on a Rock - KIRKEN DEN ER ET GAMMELT HUS
LSB 578 - Thy Strong Word - EBENEZER
LSB 645 - Built on a Rock - KIRKEN DEN ER ET GAMMELT HUS
LSB 833 - Listen, God Is Calling - NENO LAKE MUNGU
LSB 904 - Blessed Jesus, at Your Word - LIEBSTER JESU, WIR SIND HIER
LSB 906 - O Day of Rest and Gladness - ELLACOMBE
LSB 909 - Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - WESTMINSTER ABBEY
RH 91 - Built on a Rock - KIRKEN DEN ER ET GAMMELT HUS
RH 203 - Dearest Jesus, at Your Word - LIEBSTER JESU, WIR SIND HIER
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // When Jesus tells us the Holy Spirit - like the wind - “blows where it chooses” and “[we] do not know where [He] comes from or where [He] goes…” we may have as many questions as Nicodemus, or even a few more! This hymn calms the questions of our mind and heart with a Word: “This” - here - “is the Spirit’s entry” - the “water and the Word.” The Holy Spirit is found in baptism, where we are joined forever to Jesus’ “cross” - His death and resurrection. As if to emphasize the issue twice, this stanza says this promise is both “felt and heard” - that is, in “water and Word.”
Stanza 2 // This stanza reminds us the Trinity is at work in water and Word. The Father who gave us and all things life or “breath” gives us this gift of “life reborn” in the sinless One from whom we “tore [all] life” and crucified. Our promise of death and resurrection is sure because of Jesus Christ, by whose death, we are given life.
Stanza 3 // This stanza might make us nervous, especially after Jesus spends a significant portion of time trying to explain the benefits of Baptism as water and Word applied to the sinner. But to be baptized also means we live in the world each day with all of the frustrating difficulties of life - and God’s promise has something to say even here! “Daily” our “sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires should be drowned through daily repentance…and a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.” God “designs” Holy Baptism to do this!
Stanza 4 // How can we pray for the Spirit to “cleanse again” when we are already baptized? Just as the Spirit “calls [and] gathers” us in faith, so the Spirit “keeps” us in the promise God gives. This promise is not only once - but for all time!
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 448 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - LAND OF REST
ELW 323 - God Loved the World - ROCKINGHAM OLD
ELW 410 - All Glory Be to God on High - ALLEIN GOTT IN DER HÖH
ELW 412 - Come, Join the Dance of Trinity - KINGSFOLD
ELW 413 - Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty! - NICAEA
ELW 414 - Holy God, We Praise Your Name - GROSSER GOTT
ELW 442 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL
ELW 448 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - LAND OF REST
ELW 451 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE
ELW 456 - Baptized in Water - BUNESSAN
ELW 527 - Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now - HERR JESU CHRIST, DICH ZU UNS WEND
ELW 660 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER
ELW 666 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE
ELW 848 - Give to Our God Immortal Praise! - DUKE STREET
LBW 192 - Baptized into Your Name Most Holy - O DASS ICH TAUSEND ZUNGEN HÄTTE
LBW 194 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL
LBW 195 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - PERRY
LBW 292 - God Loved the World - DIE HELLE SONN LEUCHT
LBW 377 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER
LBW 385 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE
LBW 520 - Give to Our God Immortal Praise! - DUKE STREET
LSB 543 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE
LSB 571 - God Loved the World So That He Gave - st. crispin
LSB 590 - Baptized into Your Name Most Holy - O DASS ICH TAUSEND ZUNGEN HÄTTE (DRETZEL)
LSB 591 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - DAMASCUS ROAD
LSB 601 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL
LSB 837 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER
RH 12 - Give to Our God Immortal Praise! - DUKE STREET
RH 74 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE
RH 75 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL
RH 254 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE
RH 269 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // After Jesus tells his disciples he must depart that the Holy Spirit would arrive, it is easy to imagine the disciples' confusion and fear. In our fear, we turn to God’s Holy Spirit in prayer, that we would be restored as those without sin.
Stanza 2 // The Holy Spirit is named in many ways throughout Scripture. This hymn says we cry to the One who brings us “comfort” - the “gift of God” - and the “true fount of life.” The gift of the Holy Spirit is from God, who gives us faith to trust the life God gives in Jesus Christ. In this, we have comfort in all fear.
Stanza 3 // The seven-fold gifts of the Spirit are listed in the eleventh chapter of Isaiah - “wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, piety, and the fear of the Lord.” In each of these, the Spirit gives us to see the “Almighty hand” of God.
Stanza 4 // The blessings of the Holy Spirit are not limited to theological definitions in this prayer, but requested that “every sense” and “every heart” would know the Spirit’s “light” and “love.” God knows we need the “might [and] strength” of the Spirit in the midst of our weakness. When God’s Spirit brings us to faith in God’s saving work, our bodies are redeemed to speak, work, and live in Christ’s freedom.
Stanza 5 // This might sound like one of the more unbelievable aspects of this prayer, especially for those seemingly touched by the “cruel foe” and our sin each day. But, it is a reflection of God who will not “lead us into temptation” as we so often pray. A portion of Luther’s explanation of the Sixth Petition can be helpful - that “God would watch over us and keep us, so that the devil, the world, and our sinful self may not deceive us and draw us into false belief…” This is the Spirit’s work - to “keep us” in faith!
Stanza 6 // The purpose of the Holy Spirit is what this stanza says - to teach us to know the “Father, Son, and Spirit” to be one! The message to which the Holy Spirit testifies comes through Father and Son, that we might praise God without end.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 394 - Hail Thee, Festival Day! - SALVE FESTA DIES
ELW 395 - Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord - KOMM, HEILIGER GEIST, HERRE GOTT
ELW 410 - All Glory Be to God on High - ALLEIN GOTT IN DER HÕH
ELW 454 - Remember and Rejoice - ST. THOMAS
ELW 577/578 - Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove - KOMM GOTT, SCHÖPFER
ELW 582 - Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling - IN BABILONE
ELW 627 - O Day Full of Grace - DEN SIGNEDE DAG
ELW 743 - Now to the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray - NUN BITTEN WIR
ELW 786 - O Holy Spirit, Enter In - WIE SCHÖN LEUCHTET
ELW 804 - Come Down, O Love Divine - DOWN AMPNEY
LBW 142 - Hail Thee, Festival Day! - SALVE FESTA DIES
LBW 161 - O Day Full of Grace - DEN SIGNEDE DAG
LBW 163 - Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord - KOMM, HEILIGER GEIST, HERRE GOTT
LBW 166 - All Glory Be to God on High - ALLEIN GOTT IN DER HÕH
LBW 284 - Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove - KOMM GOTT, SCHÖPFER
LBW 317 - To God the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray - NUN BITTEN WIR
LBW 459 - O Holy Spirit, Enter In - WIE SCHÖN LEUCHTET
LBW 472/473 - Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire - VENI, CREATOR SPIRITUS // KOMM, GOTT SCHÖPFER
LBW 508 - Come Down, O Love Divine - DOWN AMPNEY
LBW 523 - Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling - IN BABILONE
LSB 489 - Hail Thee, Festival Day! - SALVE FESTA DIES
LSB 497 - Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord - KOMM, HEILIGER GEIST, HERRE GOTT
LSB 498/499 - Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest - KOMM, GOTT SCHÖPFER // VENI, CREATOR SPIRITUS
LSB 501 - Come Down, O Love Divine - DOWN AMPNEY
LSB 503 - O Day Full of Grace - DEN SIGNEDE DAG
LSB 650 - Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling - IN BABILONE
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // On this final Sunday of Easter, the “vault of heaven resounds now” - today! - with the good news of Jesus’ “triumph” over death! We join in singing not only with the [now smaller] crowd of Christians gathered to worship, but with the “choirs of angels” who sing a song of glory around the throne of the Risen One.
Stanza 2 // The gift of Easter is not simply to repeat the blessings of the empty tomb, though this hymn certainly accomplishes the task! It also tells us Christ comes to us “now” that “all strife” might be stilled by His presence - that we might have abundant life today.
Stanza 3 // Just as Jesus prays for His disciples who are in the world, so this stanza itself is a prayer to God. “Grant grace sufficient for life’s day that by our lives we truly say: ‘Christ has triumphed! He is living!’” God knows we need God’s grace and favor in the difficulties life will bring, the promise of Christ’s presence in the midst of these, and the good news that the Risen Christ rules over the most difficult days the world will bring.
Stanza 4 // Christ says those He has given His word “do not belong to the world.” In this way, we sing the “never-ending” glory with the “blessed heavenly” saints of God! God has given us to know the blessings of heaven today, that we might sing together in this life and forever in the life to come.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 322 - O Love, How Deep - DEO GRACIAS
ELW 367 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - LASST UNS ERFREUEN
ELW 655 - Son of God, Eternal Savior - IN BABILONE
ELW 657 - Rise, O Sun of Righteousness - SONNE DER GERECHTIGKEIT
LBW 88 - O Love, How Deep - DEO GRACIAS
LBW 143 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - LASST UNS ERFREUEN\
LBW 364 - Son of God, Eternal Savior - IN BABILONE
LSB 465 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - LASST UNS ERFREUEN
LSB 544 - O Love, How Deep - DEO GRACIAS
LSB 842 - Son of God, Eternal Savior - IN BABILONE
RH 159 - Now Let the Vault of Heaven Resound - LASST UNS ERFREUEN
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This hymn connects the promises Christ speaks in this weekend’s Gospel text with the promise we are given in Holy Baptism. “Embraced into Christ the vine” we are joined to be “a branch of [the] life-giving Tree” of Christ.
Stanza 2 // The sequence of summer, autumn, and winter is compared to seasons of life. Just as Christ says we are pruned to bear more fruit, so our Lord acts on our behalf that we might know and be sustained by the vine-grower and “shout for joy” at the good news He brings.
Stanza 3 // The middle stages of life are described here as holding a “heavy harvest.” The burdens of responsibility - work, family, friends, relationships, our own needs, and the needs of others - can weigh heavily on us. Joined to the vine, Christ brings His gifts of “beauty, wisdom, and love.”
Stanza 4 // Even in death, we are held and abide in Christ - the vine! This is thanks to the “promise of the spring” - the promise into which we are baptized and held in life and death, even as our lives wither, and must die. Perhaps most espeically in this time, God promises the fruit of faith!
Stanza 5 // As much as this hymn is a prayer weaving together images of today’s reading and Holy Baptism, it is also a hymn of praise. By “word and water” we are revived to abide with Christ, and joined forever to His “Tree of Life” - His cross - by which we abide and live with God forever.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 447 - O Blessed Spring - BERGLUND
ELW 342 - There In God’s Garden - SHADES MOUNTAIN
ELW 362 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - SONNE DER GERECKTIGKEIT
ELW 377 - Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen! - EARTH AND ALL STARS
ELW 379 - Now the Green Blade Rises - NOËL NOUVELET
ELW 447 - O Blessed Spring - BERGLUND
ELW 449 - We Know That Christ Is Raised - ENGELBERG
ELW 758 - You Are the Way - DUNDEE
LBW 148 - Now the Green Blade Rises - NOËL NOUVELET
LBW 189 - We Know That Christ Is Raised - ENGELBERG
LBW 210 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - SONNE DER GERECKTIGKEIT
LBW 378 - Amid the Worlds Bleak Wilderness - GRANTON
LBW 464 - You Are the Way - DUNDEE
LSB 474 - Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen! - EARTH AND ALL STARS
LSB 526 - You Are the Way - DUNDEE
LSB 595/595a - O Blessed Spring - O WALY WALY
LSB 603 - We Know That Christ Is Raised - ENGELBERG
LSB 633 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - SONNE DER GERECKTIGKEIT
RH 150 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - SONNE DER GERECKTIGKEIT
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // In this brief stanza, we are given purpose for singing - to “offer praise full of love” specifically to the “paschal victim” - that is, the victim of our Easter celebration, who laid his life down for our sake. The celebration of Easter is the two-fold nature of what it means to have a Good Shepherd - one who lays his life down and takes it up again.
Stanza 2 // Singing this stanza alongside hearing Christ as “Good Shepherd” gives us a new angle from which to view this parable. With a temptation to figure out where we are present in our Lord’s teaching, this hymn tells us the “Shepherd” is also the “Lamb” who “has bled for the sheep!” The “sinless One” lays his life down and takes it up again, that sinners might live with him and no longer fear death.
Stanza 3 // The “strife” which we celebrate is a contention between death and life - between all we turn to for protection - our health, our wealth, our employment, our family, our fame - and what Christ comes to give. He comes that “God and sinners [would be] reconciled” - that we would no longer fear God, but know and be known by the “Good Shepherd” who endures strife for our sake.
Stanza 4 // The final stanza repeats the final words of the second stanza, as if to underscore the message of this parable - the “Good Shepherd” is the one who lays down his life for the sheep. He does not run from the attacks of the world, nor is he “hired” to fulfill a task or attempt to protect those who are His own. Christ has given Himself for sinners, that all people might listen to His voice and be known by God.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 369 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR
ELW 502 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ST. COLUMBA
ELW 544 - Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing - ALLES IST AN GOTTES SEGEN
ELW 657 - Rise, O Sun of Righteousness - SONNE DER GERECKTIGKEIT
ELW 778 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - BROTHER JAMES’ AIR
ELW 780 - Shepherd Me, O God - SHEPHERD ME
ELW 782 - My Shepherd, You Supply My Need - RESIGNATION
ELW 789 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY
ELW 883 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - OLD HUNDREDTH
LBW 128 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR
LBW 196 - Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing - ALLES IST AN GOTTES SEGEN
LBW 245 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - OLD HUNDREDTH
LBW 451 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - BROTHER JAMES’ AIR
LBW 456 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ST. COLUMBA
LBW 481 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY
LSB 463 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR
LSB 709 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ST. COLUMBA
LSB 710 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - BELMONT
LSB 711 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY
LSB 791 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - OLD HUNDREDTH
RH 17 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - OLD HUNDREDTH
RH 198 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ST. COLUMBA
RH 205 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY
RH 209 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - BROTHER JAMES’ AIR
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The good news of Easter is not only that Christ rose from the dead, but that God’s people are brought forth “joy from sadness” - just as He promised throughout all of Scripture. It is the “faithful” who raise the “strain of triumphant gladness” this Easter day - those “full of faith” that God has worked throughout history, and is at work today in the good news of Jesus Christ.
Stanza 2 // All that troubles our soul - whether the reality of death, sin, or other darkness in this life - flies away because of Christ our Light, to whom we offer “laud and praise.”
Stanza 3 // The “Queen of Seasons” is the season of Easter - 50 Days of celebration at the good news of our Lord’s resurrection. This hymn stanza gives purpose to our celebration. We rejoice in this way not only to rehearse the good news of Jesus Christ once a week, but because Christ comes to us now to “render” - that is, give, make, provide - joy. This is the “royal feast of [all] feasts” that has no end!
Stanza 4 // The One whom death could not hold appears to His disciples and to those gathered in worship to bring “peace, which…passes human knowing.” Though we crucified our Lord, laid Him in a tomb, set soldiers at the gate, nothing will keep Christ from giving His promise of life.
Stanza 5 // A word of praise almost interrupts the thoughts of this Trinitarian stanza. When we see God at work throughout Scripture that we might be forgiven, our praise cannot be contained.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 363 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER
ELW 381 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - FRED TIL BOD
ELW 382 - Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! - MORGENLIED
ELW 384 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - PUER NOBI
LBW 132 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER
LBW 154 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - ERSCHIENEN IST DER HERRLICH TAG
LBW 338 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - FRED TIL BOD
LSB 487 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER
RH 155 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The peace of God is a peace given by the Risen Christ to his frightened followers. In him, we have the peace of God and the good news our Lord brings during the Easter season. This is particularly in contrast with the peace the world gives - and Christ points out - He does not give as the world gives! Sometimes, this comes from stereotypical ideas of peace, or political promises we know will be broken. Sometimes, it is dressed up in Christian platitudes. When the Risen Christ bestows or gives the peace of God, we have joy.
Stanza 2 // Though this could be seen as a greeting and farewell commonly spoken in Christian circles, it is helpful to recognize our Lord’s promise in the simple sentence he offers this weekend: “Peace be with you.” This peace goes with us! Christ’s peace that welcomes us as God’s children into this world, goes with us through life, and carries us beyond death.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 381 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - FRED TIL BOD
ELW 363 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER
ELW 375 - Alleluia! Christ Is Arisen - SANTO DOMINGO
ELW 384 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - PUER NOBIS
ELW 386 - O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing - O FILII ET FILIAE
ELW 390 - The Risen Christ - WOODLANDS
ELW 470 - Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether - UNION SEMINARY
LBW 132 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER
LBW 139 - O Sons and Daughters of the King - O FILII ET FILIAE
LBW 154 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - ERSCHIENEN IST DER HERRLICH TAG
LBW 338 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - FRED TIL BOD
LSB 470/471 - O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing - GELOBT SEI GOTT // O FILII ET FILIAE
LSB 472 - These Things Did Thomas Count as Real - REALITER
LSB 487 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER
RH 151 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today - ORIENTUS PARTIBUS
RH 155 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The Risen Lord is celebrated not only because He rose from the dead - though this is a miracle! - but because He is the same who “suffered to redeem our loss.” This makes Easter “our triumphant, holy day” and the reason Christians gather to celebrate each Sunday.
Stanza 2 // The reason for our singing and exuberant praise is for and because of Christ, who “endured the cross and grave” that sinners might be “redeemed and saved.”
Stanza 3 // The pain Christ endured - our sin, nailed to the cross - obtained for us salvation. Our sin no longer belongs to us, but was taken on by the victorious King, whom angels and saints delight to worship. We join with the saints and angels in a melismatic, repeated text: “Alleluia!” This is an added dimension of praise, where words cannot adequately express joy.
Stanza 4 // The Church sings hymns of praise to God “eternally” because we know his “eternal” love in Christ. This does not mean hymn marathons have to take place - though some congregations do things like this! Here, the Church is all those who know the good news of Jesus’ resurrection - in heaven and earth - and worship Father, Son, and Holy Ghost on Easter morning, every Sunday, and all eternity.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 365 - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - EASTER HYMN
ELW 361 - The Day of Resurrection! - ELLACOMBE
ELW 362 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - SONNE DER GERECHTIGKEIT
ELW 365 - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - EASTER HYMN
ELW 366 - The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done - VICTORY
ELW 367 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - LASST UNS ERFREUEN
ELW 370 - Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands - CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN
ELW 371 - Christians, to the Paschal Victim - VICTIMAE PASCHALI
ELW 372 - Christ Is Arisen - CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN
ELW 376 - Thine Is the Glory - JUDAS MACCABAEUS
ELW 378 - Awake, My Heart, with Gladness - AUF, AUF, MEIN HERZ
ELW 382 - Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! - MORGENLIED
ELW 385 - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! - GELOBT SEI GOTT
ELW 391 - This Joyful Eastertide - VRUECHTEN
ELW 619 - I Know That My Redeemer Lives - DUKE STREET
LBW 128 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR
LBW 129 - Awake, My Heart, with Gladness - AUF, AUF, MEIN HERZ
LBW 131 - Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! - MORGENLIED
LBW 134 - Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands - CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN
LBW 135 - The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done - VICTORY
LBW 136 - Christ Is Arisen - CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN
LBW 137 - Christians, to the Paschal Victim - VICTIMAE PASCHALI
LBW 138 - He Is Arisen! Glorious Word! - WIE SCHÖN LEUCHTET
LBW 143 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - LASST UNS ERFREUEN
LBW 144 - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! - GELOBT SEI GOTT
LBW 145 - Thine Is the Glory - JUDAS MACCABAEUS
LBW 149 - This Joyful Eastertide - VRUECHTEN
LBW 151 - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - EASTER HYMN
LBW 352 - I Know That My Redeemer Lives - DUKE STREET
LSB 457 - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - EASTER HYMN
LSB 458 - Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands - CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN
LSB 459 - Christ Is Arisen - CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN
LSB 460 - Christians, to the Paschal Victim - VICTIMAE PASCHALI
LSB 461 - I Know That My Redeemer Lives - DUKE STREET
LSB 462 - All the Earth with Joy is Sounding - MICHAEL
LSB 463 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR
LSB 464 - The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done - VICTORY
LSB 465 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - LASST UNS ERFREUEN
LSB 467 - Awake, My Heart, with Gladness - AUF, AUF, MEIN HERZ
LSB 475 - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! - GELOBT SEI GOTT
LSB 477 - Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven - HYMN TO JOY
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Christ was crucified not only by enemies or “foes” but by His own! This echoes the first chapter of St. John’s Gospel - the Word was not received by His own people. It is this lack of offense [save for our sin] which demands the poet begin this chorale not with a text of praise or prayer, but of wonder.
Stanza 2 // It is easy to listen to the Passion account and push everything to the past - the guilty must have been Judas, Pilate, or the crowd. But Christ comes to save us from sin, and does so by taking the sin of the world to the cross.
Stanza 3 // Christ is the “Good Shepherd” who lays down his life for His sheep. While we [as helpless sheep] could do nothing, God interceded for our atonement.
Stanza 4 // This stanza places the death of Christ in the context of His life and our own. Jesus’ incarnation, sorrow, offering of his life, death, and passion are all for “our salvation.” This same “offering” we give today - bread and wine - are sometimes called the Church’s sacrifice. In this, God gives the same - new life and salvation.
Stanza 5 // God’s constant love - “unswerving” the hymn says - is our joy and adoration, even as we remember our Lord’s death. At the cross, we stand empty - unable to offer anything to Christ - yet Christ gives everything He has to us.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 349 - Ah, Holy Jesus - HERZLIEBSTER JESU
ELW 342 - There in God’s Garden - SHADES MOUNTAIN
ELW 345 - Jesus, I Will Ponder Now - JESU KREUZ, LEIDEN UND PEIN
ELW 349 - Ah, Holy Jesus - HERZLIEBSTER JESU
ELW 351/352 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN
ELW 355/356 - Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle - PANGE LINGUA // FORTUNATUS NEW
ELW 750 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB
ELW 811 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
LBW 93 - Jesus, Refuge of the Weary - O DU LIEBE MEINER LIEBE
LBW 102 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
LBW 112/113 - Jesus, in Thy Dying Woes - ACK VAD ÄR DOCH LIVET HÄR
LBW 114 - There Is a Green Hill Far Away - WINDSOR
LBW 116/117 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN
LBW 118 - Sing, My Tongue - FORTUNATUS NEW
LBW 123 - Ah, Holy Jesus - HERZLIEBSTER JESU
LBW 124/125 - The Royal Banners Forward Go - HERR JESU CHRIST, WAHR MENSCH UND GOTT // VEXILLA REGIS
LBW 325 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB
LSB 423 - Jesus, Refuge of the Weary - O DU LIEBE MENIER LIEBE
LSB 439 - O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken - HERZLIEBSTER JESU
LSB 422 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
LSB 447 - Jesus in Your Dying Woes - SEPTEM VERBA
LSB 448 - O Darkest Woe - O TRAURIGKEIT
LSB 449/450 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN
LSB 451 - Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted - O MEIN JESU, ICH MUSS STERBEN
LSB 453 - Upon the Cross Extended - O WELT, ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN
LSB 454 - Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle - FORTUNATUS NEW
LSB 455 - The Royal Banners Forward Go - VEXILLA REGIS NOVA
LSB 708 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB
RH 52 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
RH 133 - Ah, Holy Jesus - HERZLIEBSTER JESU
RH 149 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Martin Luther rewrote this first stanza and added two more. God’s mercy is given to those who - weak in soul and in need of forgiveness - bow before God in thanksgiving and faith. The body and blood Christ gives to His people is the same “born of Mary” who “carried our sins and sorrows” and “pleads for us” in all “trial, fear, and need.” The cry for mercy is one offered in faith that God will do these things for us, even as he comes to us now in body and blood.
Stanza 2 // This seems like a stanza eager to jump to Good Friday, but we sing of Christ’s death because of the blessing it is to those who receive the Sacrament in faith! We are bound to Christ and one another in our Lord’s love, and it is His death we proclaim in the Sacrament - given “for you for the forgiveness of sin.” We know God’s love in his body and blood given for us. In this forgiveness, our debt is paid, and God promises peace.
Stanza 3 // This is a prayer for the Church today, that we would live in “love and union” around the “blest communion” given by God. We also pray for the Spirit’s presence, that we might be “remade” [or perhaps reformed] into our Lord’s Church, by which we are given faith, peace, and unity in Christ’s death and resurrection.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 499 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENEDEIET
ELW 347 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE
ELW 358 - Great God, Your Love Has Called Us - RYBURN
ELW 462 - Now We Join in Celebration - SCHMÜCKE DICH
ELW 468 - Around You, O Lord Jesus - O JESU, ÄN DE DINA
ELW 480 - O Bread of Life from Heaven - O WELT, ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN
ELW 488 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH
ELW 494 - For the Bread Which You Have Broken - OMNI DIE
ELW 499 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENDEIET
LBW 122 - Love Consecrates the Humblest Act - TWENTY-FOURTH
LBW 127 - It Happened on That Fateful Night - BOURBON
LBW 199 - Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior - ADORO TE DEVOTE
LBW 200 - For the Bread Which You Have Broken - OMNI DIE
LBW 203 - Now We Join in Celebration - SCHMÜCKE DICH
LBW 208 - Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared - DU LEBENSBROT, HERR JESU CHRIST
LBW 215 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENDEIET
LBW 222 - O Bread of Life from Heaven - O WELT, ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN
LBW 224 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH
LBW 226 - Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord - COENA DOMINI
LSB 617 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENDEIET
LSB 618 - I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table - ICH STERBE TÄGLICH
LSB 619 - Thy Body, Given for Me, O Savior - ICH STERBE TÄGLICH
LSB 620 - Jesus Comes Today with Healing - ALLES IST AN GOTTES SEGEN
LBW 622 - Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared - DU LEBENSBROT, HERR JESU CHRIST
LBW 623 - Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray - HERR JESU CHRIST, DICH ZU UNS WEND
LSB 627 - Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior - JESUS CHRISTUS, UNSER HEILAND
LSB 628 - Your Table I Approach - ST. MICHAEL
LSB 630 - Now, My Tongue, the Mystery Telling - GRAFTON
LSB 636 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH
LSB 637 - Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord - OLD 124TH
LSB 640 - Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior - ADORO TE DEVOTE
RH 86 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENDEIET
ACS 963 - Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior - JESUS CHRISTUS, UNSER HEILAND
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This is the picture we most often paint in our mind on Palm Sunday - Sunday of the Passion. Christ rides into Jerusalem surrounded by cries of “hosanna” complete with palm branches and scattered garments - a greeting fit for the King! One word cuts across this imagery in this stanza - the “Savior” is “meek” - submissive, easily imposed upon. His arrival - while heralded by all others - is in direct contrast to what we create [and re-create] at the start of Holy Week.
Stanza 2 // This stanza will not let us run from the reality of this day and the reason our Lord enters the city in triumph. He comes to “die” and reign in “triumph o’er captive death and conquered sin.” Jesus’ arrival with palm branches is described as “lowly pomp.” It is secondary to his purpose - to “take captivity captive” - and triumph over death.
Stanza 3 // The adoration of the angels is mentioned here, but not for the reasons we might expect. They watch “with sad and wondering eye” to see the Son of God give His life for the sake of the world.
Stanza 4 // The pain Christ meekly assumes this week is “mortal pain” - not only because he endures the pain of the cross as man, but because he bears our sin and is crucified by our hands. The power he brings is one to reign over all things - death and sin. This is his majesty - that through death our death would be conquered.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
ELW 346 - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! - THE KING’S MAJESTY
ELW 340 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON
ELW 342 - There in God’s Garden - SHADES MOUNTAIN
ELW 343 - My Song Is Love Unknown - LOVE UNKNOWN
ELW 344 - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN
ELW 345 - Jesus, I Will Ponder Now - JESU KREUZ, LEIDEN UND PEIN
ELW 346 - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! - THE KING’S MAJESTY
ELW 347 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE
ELW 416 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON
LBW 94 - My Song Is Love Unknown - LOVE UNKNOWN
LBW 105 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON
LBW 108 - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN
LBW 109 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE
LBW 115 - Jesus, I Will Ponder Now - JESU KREUZ, LEIDEN UND PEIN
LBW 121 - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! - THE KING’S MAJESTY
LSB 430 - My Song Is Love Unknown - LOVE UNKNOWN
LSB 436 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE
LSB 438 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON
LSB 440 - Jesus, I Will Ponder Now - JESU KREUZ, LEIDEN UND PEIN
LSB 441 - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! - WINCHESTER NEW
LSB 442 - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN
LSB 443 - Hosanna, Loud Hosanna - ELLACOMBE
LSB 444 - No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet - KINGSFOLD
RH 127 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON
RH 135 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON
RH 145 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE
RH 146 - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The imagery present in John 12:24 is given poetic voice in this stanza. Through the mystery of death and life - things discarded by the world but given new life by God - we have “faith in our deepest darkness, and life in our night and death.”
Stanza 2 // The faith of which Jesus speaks and this hymn helps us sing is not only a picture, but a specific promise. Our death comes in the waters of baptism, where we are baptized into the glory of which Christ speaks in this weekend’s Gospel text. The result is not only a promise of praise and eternal life, but “heaven’s praise [begun] here” where Christ is “near us, deep in our night and death.”
Stanza 3 // This stanza tells us the natural result of the promise given - the dying one rises to bear much fruit! Today, that fruit is Christ himself, given to us as the “bread of life.” In Him, we rejoice with all the baptized - the “unceasing praise of the ages” - who have been raised from death to life.
Other Suggestions
ELW 330 - Seed That in Earth Is Dying // SÅKORN SOM DØR I JORDEN
ELW 321 - Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church - OLD 124TH
ELW 330 - Seed That in Earth Is Dying - SÅKORN SOM DØR I JORDEN
ELW 334 - Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery - THOMAS
ELW 416 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON
ELW 442 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL
ELW 448 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - LAND OF REST
ELW 451 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE
ELW 660 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER
LBW 101 - O Christ, Our King, Creator, Lord - OAKLEY
LBW 179 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON
LBW 194 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL
LBW 195 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - PERRY
LBW 377 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER
LSB 512 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON
LSB 591 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - DAMASCUS ROAD
LSB 596 - All Christians Who Have Been Baptized - NUN FREUT EUCH
LSB 598 - Once in the Blest Baptismal Waters - WER WEISS, WIE NAHE
LSB 601 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL
LSB 837 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER
RH 74 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE
RH 75 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL
RH 127 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON
RH 269 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Because this is a Scripture passage we’ve heard many times in life [and many times in the lectionary] it is helpful to hear and sing of God’s love in new ways. This hymn helps us hear John 3:16 in what might be a new way. God’s love is seen in Christ “bearing the dreadful curse” for our soul! The curse of sin is our own. Christ comes to make it his own, that we might have his gift of forgiveness and new life.
Stanza 2 // “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world” says the famous Scripture passage. This is not only good news because we do not wish to know the wrath of God, but [as this stanzas points out] we were fairly well condemned without God’s help! Though we were utterly helpless, Christ became helpless for us, laying aside his power and glory to forgive those who were condemned.
Stanza 3 // More than a simple hope that singing might take place in all congregations, we join with the “millions” of sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. This is the theme of the Church - week after week, Sunday after Sunday - who stand in need of the “wondrous love” God gives.
Stanza 4 // The song we sing today is one that does not end! The Son came that we might have life eternal, and sing today in faith, and forever in glory around the throne of the Lamb.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 666 - What Wondrous Love Is This // ᴡᴏɴᴅʀᴏᴜꜱ ʟᴏᴠᴇ
ELW 321 - Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church - OLD 124TH
ELW 323 - God Loved the World - ROCKINGHAM OLD
ELW 339 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN
ELW 442 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL
ELW 451 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE
ELW 456 - Baptized in Water - BUNESSAN
ELW 660 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER
ELW 666 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE
ELW 803 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG
ELW 848 - Give to Our God Immortal Praise! - DUKE STREET
LBW 96 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN
LBW 192 - Baptized into Your Name Most Holy - O DASS ICH TAUSEND ZUNGEN HÄTTE
LBW 194 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL
LBW 292 - God Loved the World - DIE HELLE SONN LEUCHT
LBW 377 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER
LBW 385 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE
LBW 482 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - ROCKINGHAM OLD
LBW 520 - Give to Our God Immortal Praise! - DUKE STREET
LSB 420 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN
LSB 425/426 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG // ROCKINGHAM OLD
LSB 543 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE
LSB 571 - God Loved the World So That He Gave - st. crispin
LSB 590 - Baptized into Your Name Most Holy - O DASS ICH TAUSEND ZUNGEN HÄTTE (DRETZEL)
LSB 601 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL
LSB 837 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER
RH 12 - Give to Our God Immortal Praise! - DUKE STREET
RH 74 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE
RH 75 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL
RH 132 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG
RH 218 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN
RH 254 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE
RH 269 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This prayer is especially effective as we stand in worship and sing in light of this weekend’s Gospel text. Christ does not simply lose his mind over money, but demands that worship give the “splendor of God’s love” in prayer and praise.
Stanza 2 // The love of money, attendance, attraction, or having something to sell in the name of God is not new - nor has it been driven from Christian congregations today! These exist because of what this hymn calls a “fruitless fear.” By the Spirit’s power, we are given a promise beyond all of these concerns - one that gives assurance of God’s mercy in the midst of sin.
Stanza 3 // The life Christ gives to His people is in direct contrast [and perhaps opposition] to all the worldly wealth we might accumulate, whether money or influence. This is joy in all its fullness - one in the waters of Baptism in which we are killed and raised to life - all with a Word from God killed and raised from the dead. This is what the Psalmist says - in God’s presence is “fullness of joy!”
Stanza 4 // Even as we continue to search for answers in life - sometimes choosing convenience over Christ - God gives us a promise of grace. This is a repeated and undeserved favor, that we will see God face-to-face in worship around the throne of Almighty God.
Other Suggestions
- ELW 328 - Restore in Us, O God // ʙᴀʏʟᴏʀ
- ELW 324 - In the Cross of Christ I Glory - RATHBUN
- ELW 328 - Restore in Us, O God - BAYLOR
- ELW 339 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN
- ELW 602 - Your Heart, O God, Is Grieved - ZNÁME TO, PANE BOŽE NÁŠ
- ELW 705 - God of Grace and God of Glory - CWM RHONDDA
- ELW 775 - Jesus, Priceless Treasure - JESU, MEINE FREUDE
- ELW 757 - All My Hope on God Is Founded - MICHAEL
- ELW 803 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG
- ELW 811 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
- LBW 96 - Your Heart, O God, Is Grieved - ZNÁME TO, PANE BOŽE NÁŠ
- LBW 97 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN
- LBW 102 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
- LBW 104 - In the Cross of Christ I Glory - RATHBUN
- LBW 335 - May God Bestow on Us His Grace - ES WOLLE GOTT UNS GNÄDIG SEIN
- LBW 415 - God of Grace and God of Glory - CWM RHONDDA
- LBW 428 - O God of Earth and Altar - KING’S LYNN
- LBW 457/458 - Jesus, Priceless Treasure - JESU, MEINE FREUDE // GUD SKAL ALTING MAGE
- LBW 482 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - ROCKINGHAM OLD
- LSB 420 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN
- LSB 422 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
- LSB 425/426 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG // ROCKINGHAM OLD
- LSB 427 - In the Cross of Christ I Glory - RATHBUN
- ELW 743 - Jesus, Priceless Treasure - JESU, MEINE FREUDE
- LSB 850 - God of Grace and God of Glory - CWM RHONDDA
- LSB 945 - Your Heart, O God, Is Grieved - ZNÁME TO, PANE BOŽE NÁŠ
- RH 39 - Jesus, Priceless Treasure - JESU, MEINE FREUDE
- RH 52 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - FREU DICH SEHR
- RH 132 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG
- RH 138 - In the Cross of Christ I Glory - RATHBUN
- RH 194 - All Depends on Our Possessing - ALLES IST AN GOTTES SEGEN
- RH 218 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This first stanza can sound a little bit like doubting, obstinate Peter - “Lord, this should never happen to you!” Instead of joining with Peter, it recognizes the “surpassing value” of knowing Christ as Lord - that heaven itself would be empty without God’s promise. In this Word, we place all our trust.
Stanza 2 // Because God gives everything we have, we can [and should] praise God in all times and places, even as we are reminded of this weekly in the context of Holy Communion. As Peter’s rebuke shows, we need to pray these words: “Give strength and patience unto me to follow!” This means, behind, after our Lord. When Peter wants to tell Jesus where to go, Christ puts him in his place - a follower - to death and resurrection.
Stanza 3 // This glorious picture of heaven pairs especially well with this weekend’s first reading from Genesis, and is itself a glorious picture of the place to which we follow our Lord! When Christ hears and attends to this prayer - we are assured a place in Abraham’s bosom and all the faithful - and know complete joy in Christ, the One we follow through death to life.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 750 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart // ʜᴇʀᴢʟɪᴄʜ ʟɪᴇʙ
ELW 667 - Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said - BOURBON
ELW 750 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB
ELW 799 - Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake - MACHS MIT MIR, GOTT
ELW 802 - Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus - LASSET UNS MIT JESU ZIEHEN
ELW 803 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG
ELW 806 - O God, My Faithful God - O GOTT, DU FROMMER GOTT
ELW 811 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
LBW 102 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
LBW 325 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB
LBW 398 - “Take Up Your Cross,” the Savior Said - NUN LASST UNS DEN LEIB BEGRABEN
LBW 455 - “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake - MACHS MIT MIR, GOTT
LBW 482 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - ROCKINGHAM OLD
LBW 487 - Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus - LASSET UNS MIT JESU ZIEHEN
LBW 504 - O God, My Faithful God - WAS FRAG ICH NACH DER WELT
LSB 422 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
LSB 425/426 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG // ROCKINGHAM OLD
LSB 685 - Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus - LASSET UNS MIT JESU ZIEHEN
LSB 688 - “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake - MACHS MIT MIR, GOTT
LSB 696 - O God, My Faithful God - O GOTT, DU FROMMER GOTT
LSB 708 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB
RH 52 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ
RH 132 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG
RH 238 - O God, My Faithful God - O GOTT, DU FROMMER GOTT
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // As much as we hear of Christ’s temptation and might admire his fortitude, this stanza is a challenge, that across the forty days of Lent, we might turn toward our Lord, who comes to free us from all temptation and deliver us from all evil.
Stanza 2 // Christ’s battle with Satan is not over trite temptations, but includes the allure of twisting God’s Word to suit His own needs. The second half of this stanza - a prayer that we would put our trust in God’s Word - exists that we would put our trust in what God has said about us rather than what the world or others may tempt us to believe.
Stanza 3 // In what can sound like we need to deny ourselves Dove chocolate or our favorite dish across forty days, this is a prayer to fix our mind not on earthly matters, but on the gifts Christ gives from above - water and Word, bread, wine, body, and blood. This is denial of self that we might have a new identity - one forgiven by God.
Stanza 4 // This hymn helps us sing and look beyond this particular day on the Church calendar, and even beyond Lent. God is with us in all temptation, all trial, and all difficulty - even death - that when the “final Easter” dawns, we will praise Christ with all the saints in heaven.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 319 - O Lord, throughout These Forty Days // ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
ELW 321 - Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church - ᴏʟᴅ 124ᴛʜ
ELW 325 - I Want Jesus to Walk with Me - SOJOURNER
ELW 503/504 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ
ELW 517 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
ELW 618 - Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ
ELW 624 - Jesus, Still Lead On - SEELENBRÄUTIGAM
ELW 629 - Abide with Me - EVENTIDE
ELW 705 - God of Grace and God of Glory - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ
ELW 769 - If You But Trust in God to Guide You - WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT
ELW 796 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
LBW 99 - O Lord, throughout These Forty Days - CAITHNESS
LBW 228/229 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ
LBW 230 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
LBW 272 - Abide with Me - EVENTIDE
LBW 308 - God the Father, Be Our Stay - GOTT DER VATER WOHN UNS BEI
LBW 343 - Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ
LBW 415 - God of Grace and God of Glory - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ
LBW 450 - Who Trusts in God, a Strong Abode - WAS MEIN GOTT WILL
LBW 453 - If You But Trust in God to Guide You - WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT
LBW 507 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
LSB 418 - O Lord, throughout These Forty Days - CAITHNESS
LSB 424 - O Christ, You Walked the Road - SOUTHWELL
LSB 655 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
LSB 656/657 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ
LSB 718 - Jesus, Lead Thou On - SEELENBRÄUTIGAM
LSB 728 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
LSB 750 - If Thou But Trust in God to Guide Thee - WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT
LSB 850 - God of Grace and God of Glory - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ
LSB 878 - Abide with Me - EVENTIDE
LSB 918 - Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ
RH 62 - Abide with Me - EVENTIDE
RH 71 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
RH 169/170 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ
RH 191 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
RH 221 - Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ
RH 222 - If You Will Trust in God to Guide You - WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT
RH 237 - Jesus, Still Lead On - SEELENBRÄUTIGAM
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The first stanza sings of a strange glory. It is one we “share” as the Church - but a glory we have a difficult time describing or explaining! Instead, we share in the glory of a Savior who speaks that we might listen - he will rise from the dead for our sake.
Stanza 2 // The contrast in this short stanza is more than a retelling of Scriptural events. Instead, this places Christ above all those who came before - both those who gave the Law and spoke as prophets. The Lord [who can have casual conversation with such dignitaries] is the beloved Son of God.
Stanza 3 // If we wonder what purpose the Transfiguration of Our Lord serves each year, it is to know the indescribable glory God has prepared for us in Christ! Jesus “deigns” - that is, stoops down and comes to us today - that we might know His promise of “joy…in [the] perfect love of God.”
Stanza 4 // Perhaps this stanza is a commentary on our worship of Almighty God. Sometimes, whether musician, pastor, or Sunday school teacher, we can feel a need to have all the answers, when God knows we struggle to find the proper words! We see this in Peter’s babbling about dwellings, when Christ has much more important work to accomplish. Instead, this stanza acknowledges the mystery of this story - and we respond in song.
Stanza 5 // These words of prayer are sung in the light of those who live knowing the Lord as One who was raised from the dead. The glory we sing of in this stanza is not that we would experience the Transfiguration again, but that God would grant us to see the glory of Christ risen for our salvation.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 316 - Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair // ᴅᴇᴏ ɢʀᴀᴄɪᴀꜱ
ELW 308 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
ELW 315 - How Good, Lord, to Be Here! - ᴘᴏᴛꜱᴅᴀᴍ
ELW 317 - Jesus on the Mountain Peak - ʙᴇᴛʜᴏʟᴅ
ELW 318 - Alleluia, Song of Gladness - ᴘʀᴀɪꜱᴇ, ᴍʏ ꜱᴏᴜʟ
ELW 553 - Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies - ʀᴀᴛɪꜱʙᴏɴ
ELW 631 - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - ʜʏꜰʀʏᴅᴏʟ
ELW 838 - Beautiful Savior - ꜱᴄʜöɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ʜᴇʀʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ
LBW 76 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
LBW 80 - O Wondrous Type! Oh, Vision Fair - ᴅᴇᴏ ɢʀᴀᴄɪᴀꜱ
LBW 89 - How Good, Lord, to Be Here! - ᴘᴏᴛꜱᴅᴀᴍ
LBW 265 - Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies - ʀᴀᴛɪꜱʙᴏɴ
LBW 315 - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - ʜʏꜰʀʏᴅᴏʟ
LBW 518 - Beautiful Savior - ꜱᴄʜöɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ʜᴇʀʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ
LSB 395 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
LSB 414 - ‘Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here - ᴘᴏᴛꜱᴅᴀᴍ
LSB 415 - Jesus on the Mountain Peak - ꜱᴇᴡᴀʀᴅ
LSB 416 - Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory - ʟᴏᴠᴇ’ꜱ ʟɪɢʜᴛ
LSB 417 - Alleluia, Song of Gladness - ʟᴀᴜᴅᴀ ᴀɴɪᴍᴀ
LSB 537 - Beautiful Savior - ꜱᴄʜöɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ʜᴇʀʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ
LSB 700 - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - ʜʏꜰʀʏᴅᴏʟ
LSB 873 - Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies - ʀᴀᴛɪꜱʙᴏɴ
RH 14 - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - ʜʏꜰʀʏᴅᴏʟ
RH 129 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
RH 164 - Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies - ʀᴀᴛɪꜱʙᴏɴ
RH 252 - Beautiful Savior - ꜱᴄʜöɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ʜᴇʀʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Brief accounts of Scripture heard during this time of year can sound like interesting past events, miracles Jesus performed for people in a certain time and place. And, this hymn can sound like a listing of such events! The key phrase in this stanza is the third: “Praise the One who preached the Gospel, healing ev’ry dread disease.” Christ’s healing of “every disease” comes through the preaching of the Gospel, giving hope beyond disease, death, and all earthly affliction.
Stanza 2 // This stanza continues a listing of Jesus’ miraculous work, including a reference to our Lord who “drove out demons…” In this way, we direct praise and thanksgiving for Christ’s past action proclaimed in this weekend’s Gospel text, giving thanks for all of the ways our Lord has shown himself to have power over all powers and circumstances we cannot overcome.
Stanza 3 // If some have referred to John 3:16 as the “Gospel in a nutshell” this final stanza provides the same in the form of a hymn. This too begins as a past event, calling Jesus’ the One who “suffered [and rose] in our place.” But, this stanza will not leave us in past events! Because of our Lord’s work, we know God’s favor, and sing for “joy and gladness.” In this promise, we are united as baptized and forgiven sinners in our Lord’s death and resurrection.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 843 - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness // ɴᴇᴛᴛʟᴇᴛᴏɴ
ELW 308 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
ELW 332 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ᴛʜɪʀᴅ ᴍᴏᴅᴇ ᴍᴇʟᴏᴅʏ
ELW 607 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛᴏʀ
ELW 611 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ᴋɪɴɢꜱꜰᴏʟᴅ
ELW 617 - We Come to You for Healing, Lord - ᴍᴀʀᴛʏʀᴅᴏᴍ
LBW 76 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
LBW 497 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ᴋɪɴɢꜱꜰᴏʟᴅ
LSB 395 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
LSB 699 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ꜱᴀʀᴀʜ-ᴇʟɪᴢᴀʙᴇᴛʜ
LSB 849 - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness - ʙᴇᴀᴄʜ ꜱᴘʀɪɴɢ
RH 129 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
RH 185 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛᴏʀ
RH 241 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ᴋɪɴɢꜱꜰᴏʟᴅ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This paraphrase of Psalm 72 helps us answer the question present at the conclusion of this weekend’s Gospel: “What is this new teaching with authority?” Just as Christ demonstrates in the synagogue, He comes today to “break oppression, set captives free, take away transgression, and rule in equity.”
Stanza 2 // As perplexed as those in this weekend’s Gospel reading appear, they have one thing right! They recognize Jesus’ “authority” in the world. This stanza points out the equally shocking way in which our Lord uses the authority he possesses. He comes to “rescue” all who suffer, to “help the poor and needy” and give strength to the weak. In Christ, we have “songs” in the midst of “sighing,” our “darkness” is turned to “light,” and our “condemned and dying souls” are called “precious” in the eyes of God.
Stanza 3 // In what can sound like a poetic description of spring, this hymn gently announces the true authority of Christ! When the One with “all authority” arrives, life is given! In this life, “peace” is announced, and “righteousness” flows freely to those in need.
Stanza 4 // During this Time after Epiphany, the fourth stanza places this weekend’s account of authority and healing in the context of Christ as a revelation to all people. When Christ comes with authority to forgive, rulers of the world [with only worldly authority] bring gifts, powerful nations of the world bow in adoration, and God’s people lift their voice in song! In contrast to the kingdoms and powers of the world, our Lord’s reign and authority knows no end. As those who live in this kingdom, this is good news for us today!
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 311 - Hail to the Lord’s Appointed // ꜰʀᴇᴜᴛ ᴇᴜᴄʜ, ɪʜʀ ʟɪᴇʙᴇɴ
ELW 434 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ
ELW 757 - All My Hope on God Is Founded - ᴍɪᴄʜᴀᴇʟ
ELW 811 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - ᴅᴇʀ ᴀᴍ ᴋʀᴇᴜᴢ
ELW 877 - Praise the Almighty! - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ᴏ ᴍᴇɪɴᴇ ꜱᴇᴇʟᴇ
ELW 880 - O God beyond All Praising - ᴛʜᴀxᴛᴇᴅ
ELW 886 - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - ᴀᴢᴍᴏɴ
LSB 87 - Hail to the Lord’s Anointed - ꜰʀᴇᴜᴛ ᴇᴜᴄʜ, ɪʜʀ ʟɪᴇʙᴇɴ
LBW 102 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - ᴅᴇʀ ᴀᴍ ᴋʀᴇᴜᴢ
LBW 530 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ
LBW 539 - Praise the Almighty! - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ᴏ ᴍᴇɪɴᴇ ꜱᴇᴇʟᴇ
LBW 559 - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - ᴀᴢᴍᴏɴ
LSB 422 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - ᴅᴇʀ ᴀᴍ ᴋʀᴇᴜᴢ
LSB 797 - Praise the Almighty! - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ᴏ ᴍᴇɪɴᴇ ꜱᴇᴇʟᴇ
LSB 398 - Hail to the Lord’s Anointed - ꜰʀᴇᴜᴛ ᴇᴜᴄʜ, ɪʜʀ ʟɪᴇʙᴇɴ
LSB 528 - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - ᴀᴢᴍᴏɴ
LSB 832 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ
RH 30 - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - ᴀᴢᴍᴏɴ
RH 52 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - ᴅᴇʀ ᴀᴍ ᴋʀᴇᴜᴢ
RH 268 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Our Lord’s call comes not only to disciples in this weekend’s Gospel reading, but “daily” to those burdened by the toils of the world. This means his call is for today! Christ’s word to “follow” sounds over the “wild, restless” sea. This is not simply a reference to those who find their employment in the fishing business, but speaks to Jesus’ call over our daily difficulties.
Stanza 2 // When Christ’s call to follow came to Andrew, Scripture says he “immediately” left his net and followed the Lord. This stanza points out everything disciples leave behind: “home” [family], “toil” [work], and “kindred” [friends], for the sake of God’s call. While we might espouse similar priorities in day-to-day life, those writing hymns know we need to pray these words together as Christian people, that the good news of Christ might have priority over all other things.
Stanza 3 // If we are wondering where “home, toil, and kindred” rank on God’s flow chart of priorities, this stanza calls each of these and all worldly treasures “vain” [or empty] idols - those things which keep us from hearing Christ’s call to follow.
Stanza 4 // The first three stanzas might give us the idea the call of the Christian is one to misery, but this stanza acknowledges the truth of life. We live with “joys, concerns, work, leisure, cares, and pleasures.” Jesus’ word to “follow [or love] me” comes in the midst of these, that we might do the work God gives each day with the love our Savior freely gives.
Stanza 5 // Whether an account of Scripture or today, we hear Christ’s call to follow because Jesus has “mercy!” Stanza-by-stanza, this hymn points out our daily failings to love Christ more than family, friends, work, financial success, and other worldly concerns. The good news in this hymn is found between these often unfulfillable demands. As we struggle and sin daily, Jesus comes with a call to follow each day, forgiving in mercy, that we might be freed to serve and love our Lord.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 696 - Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult - ɢᴀʟɪʟᴇᴇ
ELW 420/421 - By All Your Saints - ᴋᴜᴏʀᴛᴀɴᴇ // ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ʟʏɴɴ
ELW 665 - Rise, Shine, You People! - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ
ELW 669 - Rise Up, O Saints of God! - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ
ELW 685 - Take My Life, That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ
ELW 799 - Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ
ELW 825 - You Servants of God - ʟʏᴏɴꜱ
LBW 177/178 - By All Your Saints in Warfare - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ʟʏɴɴ
LBW 252 - You Servants of God - ʟʏᴏɴꜱ
LBW 383 - Rise Up, O Saints of God! - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ
LBW 393 - Rise, Shine, You People! - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ
LBW 406 - Take My Life, that I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ
LBW 455 - “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ
LBW 494 - Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult - ɢᴀʟɪʟᴇᴇ
LSB 517/518 - By All Your Saints in Warfare - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ʟʏɴɴ
LSB 688 - “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ
LSB 783 - Take My Life, That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ // ʜᴇɴᴅᴏɴ
LSB 825 - Rise, Shine, You People! - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ
RH 184 - Jesus Calls Us; o'er the Tumult - ɢᴀʟɪʟᴇᴇ
RH 233 - Take My Life, That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // While the invitation we hear this week from Philip to Nathaniel is that he “come and see” Christ, this brief hymn delivers our Lord’s promise of life - a continual invitation - to know the Lord. It is a prayer - that in leaving the altar and Holy Communion - God would bring us to see “greater things.” In one sense, this hymn prays for the joys of heaven, where the celestial chorus sings the praise of Christ for all eternity. This is a wonderful picture about which to sing! But, the hymn also prays that God’s peace would remain with us today in those God has made His people.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 501 - Come with Us, O Blessed Jesus - ᴡᴇʀᴅᴇ ᴍᴜɴᴛᴇʀ
ELW 308 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
ELW 309 - The Only Son from Heaven - ʜᴇʀʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛ, ᴅᴇʀ ᴇɪɴɪɢ ɢᴏᴛᴛꜱ ꜱᴏʜɴ
ELW 310 - Songs of Thankfulness and Praise - ꜱᴀʟᴢʙᴜʀɢ
ELW 314 - Arise, Your Light Has Come - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ
ELW 665 - Rise, Shine, You People - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ
ELW 799 - Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ
LBW 76 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
LBW 86 - The Only Son from Heaven - ʜᴇʀʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛ, ᴅᴇʀ ᴇɪɴɪɢ ɢᴏᴛᴛꜱ ꜱᴏʜɴ
LBW 90 - Songs of Thankfulness and Praise - ꜱᴀʟᴢʙᴜʀɢ
LBW 219 - Come with Us, O Blessed Jesus - ᴊᴇꜱᴜ, ᴊᴏʏ ᴏꜰ ᴍᴀɴ’ꜱ ᴅᴇꜱɪʀɪɴɢ
LBW 393 - Rise, Shine, You People - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ
LBW 455 - Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ
LSB 395 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
LSB 402 - The Only Son from Heaven - ʜᴇʀʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛ, ᴅᴇʀ ᴇɪɴɪɢ ɢᴏᴛᴛꜱ ꜱᴏʜɴ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Baptism is God’s gift, worth more than all the treasures of earth. This is not hymn hyperbole, but the blessing of the Sacrament. In it, we have salvation given freely to sinners, and a promise lasting to eternity.
Stanza 2 // Baptism is not only a gift to be remembered and celebrated each year around this time, but a gift to be used! The latter portion of the stanza is a rhetorical question: “Should a guilty conscience seize me?” The response is Luther’s own: “I am baptized!”
Stanza 3 // The promise of Baptism is not only one given to sinners, but one sinners can speak [or in this case] sing directly to Satan! Where St. Paul’s words may be confusing and tongue-twisting, this hymn echoes the promise Paul and Christ repeat: “Against [Satan’s tyranny] God unites with us in our Lord’s death and resurrection.
Stanza 4 // Though stanzas two and three tell us to use this gift of Baptism in life, the promise God gives is that the same gift can be used in death! When we can longer speak, God’s Word speaks for us and [as this stanza says], faith’s “assurance brightly flashes” giving us life beyond death and immortality to a mortal body.
Stanza 5 // In Christ, we “sleep secure” with the promise of our Lord. Washed in water and God’s Word, the refrain of this hymn is our hope: “I am baptized into Christ! I am a child of paradise!”
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- LSB 594 - God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It - ʙᴀᴄʜᴏꜰᴇɴ
- ELW 305 - When Jesus Came to Jordan - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ʟʏɴɴ
- ELW 442 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴅᴀꜱ ʜᴇɪʟ
- ELW 447 - O Blessed Spring - ʙᴇʀɢʟᴜɴᴅ
- ELW 448 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - ʟᴀɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ʀᴇꜱᴛ
- ELW 449 - We Know That Christ Is Raised - ᴇɴɢᴇʟʙᴇʀɢ
- ELW 450 - I Bind unto Myself Today - ꜱᴛ. ᴘᴀᴛʀɪᴄᴋ’ꜱ ʙʀᴇᴀꜱᴛᴘʟᴀᴛᴇ
- ELW 454 - Remember and Rejoice - ꜱᴛ. ᴛʜᴏᴍᴀꜱ
- ELW 456 - Baptized in Water - ʙᴜɴᴇꜱꜱᴀɴ
- ELW 458 - Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God - ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇ ꜱᴀɴᴄᴛᴏʀᴜᴍ
- LBW 79 - To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord - ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛ, ᴜɴꜱᴇʀ ʜᴇʀʀ
- LBW 188 - I Bind unto Myself Today - ꜱᴛ. ᴘᴀᴛʀɪᴄᴋ’ꜱ ʙʀᴇᴀꜱᴛᴘʟᴀᴛᴇ
- LBW 189 - We Know That Christ Is Raised - ᴇɴɢᴇʟʙᴇʀɢ
- LBW 191 - Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God - ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇ ꜱᴀɴᴄᴛᴏʀᴜᴍ
- LBW 192 - Baptized into Your Name Most Holy - ᴏ ᴅᴀꜱꜱ ɪᴄʜ ᴛᴀᴜꜱᴇɴᴅ ᴢᴜɴɢᴇɴ ʜÄᴛᴛᴇ
- LBW 194 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴅᴀꜱ ʜᴇɪʟ
- LBW 195 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - ʟᴀɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ʀᴇꜱᴛ
- LSB 404 - Jesus, Once with Sinners Numbered - ᴍɪꜱꜱɪꜱꜱɪᴘᴘɪ
- LSB 405 - To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord - ᴡɪɴᴄʜᴇꜱᴛᴇʀ ɴᴇᴡ
- LSB 600 - Mark How the Lamb of God’s Self-Offering - ʀᴇɴᴅᴇᴢ À ᴅɪᴇᴜ
- LSB 601 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴅᴀꜱ ʜᴇɪʟ
- LSB 595 - O Blessed Spring - ᴏ ᴡᴀʟʏ ᴡᴀʟʏ
- LSB 591 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - ᴅᴀᴍᴀꜱᴄᴜꜱ ʀᴏᴀᴅ
- LSB 603 - We Know That Christ Is Raised - ᴇɴɢᴇʟʙᴇʀɢ
- LSB 604 - I Bind unto Myself Today - ꜱᴛ. ᴘᴀᴛʀɪᴄᴋ’ꜱ ʙʀᴇᴀꜱᴛᴘʟᴀᴛᴇ
- RH 75 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴅᴀꜱ ʜᴇɪʟ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This is a fascinating text [and hymn] with which to end the Christmas season on Sunday morning. It appears again each year on February 2 as the Gospel text and recommended hymn for the Presentation of Our Lord, when Christians remember and give thanks for these same words of Simeon. This particular hymn is Martin Luther’s setting of the Nunc dimittis - one of the canticles - or Biblical songs of the Church.
Like Simeon, Luther begins his paraphrase of this song stripping death of its power. As Scripture references, in Christ death is “but a slumber” and so Simeon’s words of departure are surrounded by the peace and joy of our Lord.
Stanza 2 // This particular translation says: “Christ Jesus makes a way for me” as Savior. While this is true, another more helpful version suggests “Christ Jesus brought this gift to me.” This is the gift of death as slumber. In faith, this is God’s favor for us. The final phrase of this stanza sings the truth of life: apart from Christ, we have no hope; in Christ, God’s embrace is our hope in death.
Stanza 3 // While still quoting this weekend’s Scripture reading, the final stanza continues to deliver God’s promise of salvation to those singing today. “The Lord is health and saving light for every nation.” We conclude the celebration of Christmas properly by naming the Christchild what he is: “our treasure, joy, and glory!”
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 440 - In Peace and Joy I Now Depart - ᴍɪᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇᴅ ᴜɴᴅ ꜰʀᴇᴜᴅ
ELW 286 - Your Little Ones, Dear Lord - ʜᴇʀ ᴋᴏᴍᴍᴇʀ ᴅɪɴᴇ ᴀʀᴍᴇ ꜱᴍÄ
ELW 287 - Let All Together Praise Our God - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ, ɪʜʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇɴ
ELW 313 - O Lord, Now Let Your Servant - ᴋᴜᴏʀᴛᴀɴᴇ
LBW 52 - Your Little Ones, Dear Lord - ʜᴇʀ ᴋᴏᴍᴍᴇʀ ᴅɪɴᴇ ᴀʀᴍᴇ ꜱᴍÄ
LBW 47 - Let All Together Praise Our God - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ, ɪʜʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇɴ
LBW 339 - O Lord, Now Let Your Servant - ᴋᴜᴏʀᴛᴀɴᴇ
LBW 349 - I Leave, As You Have Promised, Lord - ᴍɪᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇᴅ ᴜɴᴅ ꜰʀᴇᴜᴅ
LSB 389 - Let All Together Praise Our God - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ, ɪʜʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇɴ
LSB 938 - In Peace and Joy I Now Depart - ᴍɪᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇᴅ ᴜɴᴅ ꜰʀᴇᴜᴅ
RH 112 - Your Little Ones, Dear Lord - ʜᴇʀ ᴋᴏᴍᴍᴇʀ ᴅɪɴᴇ ᴀʀᴍᴇ ꜱᴍÄ
RH 56 - Lord, Now Let Your Servants Depart
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The first stanza is a reference not only to the Word made flesh, but to God’s promise through the prophet Isaiah in chapter 55. God’s Word will accomplish its purpose. We certainly have a sense of this power from this weekend’s Gospel text - this Word was in the beginning, came to earth, and comes to us now! The first stanza lists the blessings of this “living rain” - it brings “faith, hope, and love” unending. This is not our faith, hope, or love, but what God gives. In this context, we can properly understand our posture toward the Word - reverence for its power, and a plea that this Word would be given to us today.
Stanza 2 // The second stanza most closely aligns with this weekend’s Gospel text, outlining in simple language the Word we continue to celebrate throughout these 12 Days of Christmas. The same Word that brought creation to life comes “from heaven to die” - not only to be born! This hymn will not leave us comfortably in the season of Christmas, but recognizes the baby we celebrate has something to say - and when he speaks, we know God’s forgiveness and love poured out for the world, restoring all people.
Stanza 3 // While the first two stanzas are a prayer that God’s Word would be given to us today, the final stanza tells us where we can hear this Word. Here, we do not sing of past events - creation, birth, life, death, or resurrection - but of the Spirit “dwelling” with God’s people today, the Word of “truth” given to sinners in preaching, and a Word of “life” given in Holy Communion.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
ELW 510 - Word of God, Come Down on Earth - ʟɪᴇʙꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ, ᴡɪʀ ꜱɪɴᴅ ʜɪᴇʀ
ELW 267 - Joy to the World - ᴀɴᴛɪᴏᴄʜ
ELW 268 - From Heaven Above - ᴠᴏᴍ ʜɪᴍᴍᴇʟ ʜᴏᴄʜ
ELW 270 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - ᴍᴇɴᴅᴇʟꜱꜱᴏʜɴ
ELW 276 - Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - ᴡ żłᴏʙɪᴇ ʟᴇżʏ
ELW 283 - O Come, All Ye Faithful - ᴀᴅᴇꜱᴛᴇ ꜰɪᴅᴇʟᴇꜱ
ELW 295 - Of the Father’s Love Begotten - ᴅɪᴠɪɴᴜᴍ ᴍʏꜱᴛᴇʀɪᴜᴍ
ELW 296 - What Child Is This - ɢʀᴇᴇɴꜱʟᴇᴇᴠᴇꜱ
ELW 288 - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice - ɪɴ ᴅᴜʟᴄɪ ᴊᴜʙɪʟᴏ
LBW 39 - Joy to the World - ᴀɴᴛɪᴏᴄʜ
LBW 40 - What Child Is This - ɢʀᴇᴇɴꜱʟᴇᴇᴠᴇꜱ
LBW 42 - Of the Father’s Love Begotten - ᴅɪᴠɪɴᴜᴍ ᴍʏꜱᴛᴇʀɪᴜᴍ
LBW 44 - Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - ᴡ żłᴏʙɪᴇ ʟᴇżʏ
LBW 45 - O Come, All Ye Faithful - ᴀᴅᴇꜱᴛᴇ ꜰɪᴅᴇʟᴇꜱ
LBW 51 - From Heaven Above - ᴠᴏᴍ ʜɪᴍᴍᴇʟ ʜᴏᴄʜ
LBW 55 - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice - ɪɴ ᴅᴜʟᴄɪ ᴊᴜʙɪʟᴏ
LBW 60 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - ᴍᴇɴᴅᴇʟꜱꜱᴏʜɴ
LSB 358 - From Heaven Above - ᴠᴏᴍ ʜɪᴍᴍᴇʟ ʜᴏᴄʜ
LSB 370 - What Child Is This - ɢʀᴇᴇɴꜱʟᴇᴇᴠᴇꜱ
LSB 379 - O Come, All Ye Faithful - ᴀᴅᴇꜱᴛᴇ ꜰɪᴅᴇʟᴇꜱ
LSB 380 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - ᴍᴇɴᴅᴇʟꜱꜱᴏʜɴ
LSB 384 - Of the Father’s Love Begotten - ᴅɪᴠɪɴᴜᴍ ᴍʏꜱᴛᴇʀɪᴜᴍ
LSB 386 - Now Sing We, Now Rejoice - ɪɴ ᴅᴜʟᴄɪ ᴊᴜʙɪʟᴏ
LSB 387 - Joy to the World - ᴀɴᴛɪᴏᴄʜ
LSB 393 - Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - ᴡ żłᴏʙɪᴇ ʟᴇżʏ
LSB 545 - Word of God, Come Down on Earth - ʟɪᴇʙꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ, ᴡɪʀ ꜱɪɴᴅ ʜɪᴇʀ
RH 104 - From Heaven Above - ᴠᴏᴍ ʜɪᴍᴍᴇʟ ʜᴏᴄʜ
RH 106 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - ᴍᴇɴᴅᴇʟꜱꜱᴏʜɴ
RH 113 - What Child Is This - ɢʀᴇᴇɴꜱʟᴇᴇᴠᴇꜱ
RH 119 - O Come, All Ye Faithful - ᴀᴅᴇꜱᴛᴇ ꜰɪᴅᴇʟᴇꜱ
RH 120 - Of the Father’s Love Begotten - ᴅɪᴠɪɴᴜᴍ ᴍʏꜱᴛᴇʀɪᴜᴍ
RH 123 - Joy to the World - ᴀɴᴛɪᴏᴄʜ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This night is “silent” and “holy” because of the “Holy infant” who brings God’s peace to the world, and sets us apart as his beloved people. “Heavenly peace” is not a picturesque Christmas scene, but the peace Christ comes to give in his birth - peace between God and humankind, becoming man and taking our sin.
Stanza 2 // For a night we dress up with hymns such as this one, stanza two is honest about our reaction to such news! “Shepherds quake” at the sight, because the “glory of the Lord” needs a Word from God’s messengers for this to be good news! “Do not be afraid” is at least part of the message we sing! From heaven, we hear [and sing] the good news of this blessed night - “Hallelujah!” meaning “Praise the Lord!” Why? Because, as the hymn tells us, “Christ, the Savior, is born!”
Stanza 3 // Jesus is born to bring “love’s pure light” and the “dawn of redeeming grace” to lowly shepherds, lowly Lutherans, and lowly people, terrified by God’s power and might. At this birth and with these gifts, Christmas Eve is made holy, for God speaks a Word of hope, silencing all fear.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 281 - Silent Night, Holy Night! - ꜱᴛɪʟʟᴇ ɴᴀᴄʜᴛ
- ELW 268 - From Heaven Above - ᴠᴏᴍ ʜɪᴍᴍᴇʟ ʜᴏᴄʜ
- ELW 270 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - ᴍᴇɴᴅᴇʟꜱꜱᴏʜɴ
- ELW 273 - All My Heart Again Rejoices - ᴡᴀʀᴜᴍ ꜱᴏʟʟᴛ ɪᴄʜ
- ELW 274 - On Christmas Night - ꜱᴜꜱꜱᴇx ᴄᴀʀᴏʟ
- ELW 275 - Angels, from the Realms of Glory - ʀᴇɢᴇɴᴛ ꜱǫᴜᴀʀᴇ
- ELW 276 - Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - ᴡ żłᴏʙɪᴇ ʟᴇżʏ
- ELW 279 - O Little Town of Bethlehem - ꜱᴛ. ʟᴏᴜɪꜱ
- ELW 282 - It Came upon the Midnight Clear - ᴄᴀʀᴏʟ
- ELW 283 - O Come, All Ye Faithful - ᴀᴅᴇꜱᴛᴇ ꜰɪᴅᴇʟᴇꜱ
- ELW 289 - Angels We Have Heard on High - ɢʟᴏʀɪᴀ
- LBW 41 - O Little Town of Bethlehem - ꜱᴛ. ʟᴏᴜɪꜱ
- LBW 44 - Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - ᴡ żłᴏʙɪᴇ ʟᴇżʏ
- LBW 45 - O Come, All Ye Faithful - ᴀᴅᴇꜱᴛᴇ ꜰɪᴅᴇʟᴇꜱ
- LBW 46 - All My Heart Again Rejoices - ᴡᴀʀᴜᴍ ꜱᴏʟʟᴛ ɪᴄʜ
- LBW 50 - Angels, from the Realms of Glory - ʀᴇɢᴇɴᴛ ꜱǫᴜᴀʀᴇ
- LBW 51 - From Heaven Above - ᴠᴏᴍ ʜɪᴍᴍᴇʟ ʜᴏᴄʜ
- LBW 54 - It Came upon the Midnight Clear - ᴄᴀʀᴏʟ
- LBW 60 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - ᴍᴇɴᴅᴇʟꜱꜱᴏʜɴ
- LBW 65 - Silent Night, Holy Night! - ꜱᴛɪʟʟᴇ ɴᴀᴄʜᴛ
- LBW 71 - Angels We Have Heard on High - ɢʟᴏʀɪᴀ
- LSB 358 - From Heaven Above - ᴠᴏᴍ ʜɪᴍᴍᴇʟ ʜᴏᴄʜ
- LSB 360 - All My Heart Again Rejoices - ᴡᴀʀᴜᴍ ꜱᴏʟʟᴛ ɪᴄʜ
- LSB 361 - O Little Town of Bethlehem - ꜱᴛ. ʟᴏᴜɪꜱ
- LSB 363 - Silent Night, Holy Night - ꜱᴛɪʟʟᴇ ɴᴀᴄʜᴛ
- LSB 366 - It Came upon the Midnight Clear - ᴄᴀʀᴏʟ
- LSB 367 - Angels, from the Realms of Glory - ʀᴇɢᴇɴᴛ ꜱǫᴜᴀʀᴇ
- LSB 368 - Angels We Have Heard on High - ɢʟᴏʀɪᴀ
- LSB 377 - On Christmas Night - ꜱᴜꜱꜱᴇx ᴄᴀʀᴏʟ
- LSB 379 - O Come, All Ye Faithful - ᴀᴅᴇꜱᴛᴇ ꜰɪᴅᴇʟᴇꜱ
- LSB 380 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - ᴍᴇɴᴅᴇʟꜱꜱᴏʜɴ
- LSB 393 - Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - ᴡ żłᴏʙɪᴇ ʟᴇżʏ
- RH 104 - From Heaven Above - ᴠᴏᴍ ʜɪᴍᴍᴇʟ ʜᴏᴄʜ
- RH 106 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - ᴍᴇɴᴅᴇʟꜱꜱᴏʜɴ
- RH 107 - Silent Night - ꜱᴛɪʟʟᴇ ɴᴀᴄʜᴛ
- RH 108 - Angels We Have Heard on High - ɢʟᴏʀɪᴀ
- RH 115 - O Little Town of Bethlehem - ꜱᴛ. ʟᴏᴜɪꜱ
- RH 118 - All My Heart Again Rejoices - ᴡᴀʀᴜᴍ ꜱᴏʟʟᴛ ɪᴄʜ
- RH 119 - O Come, All Ye Faithful - ᴀᴅᴇꜱᴛᴇ ꜰɪᴅᴇʟᴇꜱ
- RH 126 - Angels, from the Realms of Glory - ʀᴇɢᴇɴᴛ ꜱǫᴜᴀʀᴇ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Each stanza of this hymn is a prayer. The first speaks to the state of God’s people apart from Christ - mourning in “lonely exile” and in need of God who will “ransom” those who are “captive.” Jesus - Son of God - comes that we might be free from all things.
Stanza 2 // Both Old and New Testaments recognize Christ as “Wisdom” or the “wisdom of God.” Here, we pray for the wisdom of the promised Messiah - what the world sees as foolish! - and the promise we have in Christ’s cross.
Stanza 3 // The God for whom we pray and wait is the same who gave the Law. This stanza puts the grace of God in context - we are saved from a Law we cannot keep. God shows favor to those who disobey and betray Him.
Stanza 4 // This Old Testament promise is echoed in this weekend’s Scripture passage. The promised One comes from the house of David/branch of Jesse to save us from “depths of hell” and give us victory “o’er the grave.” We pray to Jesus - who comes to save!
Stanza 5 // The “key of David” is again a reference to Jesus Christ, this time particularly from the New Testament book of Revelation. This is a reference to the promise we hear in this weekend’s reading - Christ being from the “house of David” - and a promise! God will use this key to open the kingdom of heaven when he comes to earth.
Stanza 6 // Identifying Christ as the Dayspring finds its roots in the song of Zechariah. Like the bright morning star sung elsewhere in other chorales, Christ’s power for which we pray in this stanza is light that would overcome all darkness in mercy and forgiveness.
Stanza 7 // The King for which we wait and pray is one of unity and peace, binding all people together as His forgiven sinners, and giving peace unlike any earthly ruler. When this King comes, he will bring peace, even as the Old Testament prophets promise.
Stanza 8 // The repetition of this stanza turns a prayer into a plea. There is longing in these words, even as we celebrate Advent 4 on Christmas Eve! When these words are repeated - particularly when the hymn is sung as a complete text - we hear them as longing and demand that God would fulfill what He has promised.
Refrain // The repeated word in this refrain is the same given to Mary: “Rejoice!” - “Be glad” - “Know God’s grace!” - God “shall” come to us, as He has promised.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 257 - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - ᴠᴇɴɪ, ᴇᴍᴍᴀɴᴜᴇʟ
- ELW 247 - Come Now, O Prince of Peace - ososǒ
- ELW 251 - My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness - ᴋɪɴɢꜱꜰᴏʟᴅ
- ELW 254 - Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus - ᴊᴇꜰꜰᴇʀꜱᴏɴ
- ELW 263 - Savior of the Nations, Come - ɴᴜɴ ᴋᴏᴍᴍ, ᴅᴇʀ ʜᴇɪᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇɪʟᴀɴᴅ
- LBW 28 - Savior of the Nations, Come - ɴᴜɴ ᴋᴏᴍᴍ, ᴅᴇʀ ʜᴇɪᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇɪʟᴀɴᴅ
- LBW 30 - Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus - ᴊᴇꜰꜰᴇʀꜱᴏɴ
- LBW 34 - Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel - ᴠᴇɴɪ, ᴇᴍᴍᴀɴᴜᴇʟ
- LBW 180 - My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord - ɪᴄʜ ʜᴇʙ ᴍᴇɪɴ ᴀᴜɢᴇɴ ꜱᴇʜɴʟɪᴄʜ ᴀᴜꜰ
- LSB 332 - Savior of the Nations, Come - ɴᴜɴ ᴋᴏᴍᴍ, ᴅᴇʀ ʜᴇɪᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇɪʟᴀɴᴅ
- LSB 338 - Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus - ᴊᴇꜰꜰᴇʀꜱᴏɴ
- LSB 357 - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - ᴠᴇɴɪ, ᴇᴍᴍᴀɴᴜᴇʟ
- LSB 934 - My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord - ᴡᴏ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ᴢᴜᴍ ʜᴀᴜꜱ
- RH 97 - Savior of the Nations, Come - ɴᴜɴ ᴋᴏᴍᴍ, ᴅᴇʀ ʜᴇɪᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇɪʟᴀɴᴅ
- RH 103 - Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel - ᴠᴇɴɪ, ᴇᴍᴍᴀɴᴜᴇʟ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // John the Baptist exists to tell us one thing. In the words of this hymn: “The Lord is nigh!” John speaks that we might know the “glad tidings” of Christ.
Stanza 2 // This second stanza tells us of John’s work [and the work of Law] to prepare our hearts for the arrival of the Savior. It is not our actions which “make straight the way of the Lord” but God’s work of repentance by which we are prepared for Christ.
Stanza 3 // Because we hear a Word which convicts us in sin, we “hail” Christ as “our Savior, refuge, and great reward.” A Savior is the reward of sinners, who “waste away and decay” without the favor of God in Christ.
Stanza 4 // The fourth stanza turns to words of prayer. Though these seem to be somewhat specific requests, the final hope echoes the words heard in the first section of this weekend’s text. Just as John came to testify to the light, so we pray God would “fill the world” with the divine light of his mercy. This is a prayer for all people.
Stanza 5 // For all those wondering what to do when Advent texts seem to be the same week by week or year after year, this stanza can help! Our Lord’s arrival means “freedom” has been “won” for us! We join our voices with John the Baptist, pointing to the One who comes to take away our sin.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 249 - On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry - ᴘᴜᴇʀ ɴᴏʙɪꜱ
- ELW 246 - Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding! - ᴍᴇʀᴛᴏɴ
- ELW 250 - Blessed Be the God of Israel - ꜰᴏʀᴇꜱᴛ ɢʀᴇᴇɴ
- ELW 255 - There’s a Voice in the Wilderness - ᴀꜱᴄᴇɴꜱɪᴏɴ
- ELW 256 - Comfort, Comfort, Now My People - ꜰʀᴇᴜ ᴅɪᴄʜ ꜱᴇʜʀ
- LBW 29 - Comfort, Comfort, Now My People - ꜰʀᴇᴜ ᴅɪᴄʜ ꜱᴇʜʀ
- LBW 36 - On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry - ᴘᴜᴇʀ ɴᴏʙɪꜱ
- LBW 37 - Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding - ꜰʀᴇᴜᴇɴ ᴡɪʀ ᴜɴꜱ ᴀʟʟ ɪɴ ᴇɪɴ
- LSB 344 - On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry - ᴘᴜᴇʀ ɴᴏʙɪꜱ
- LSB 345 - Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding - ᴍᴇʀᴛᴏɴ
- LSB 347 - Comfort, Comfort Ye My People - ꜰʀᴇᴜ ᴅɪᴄʜ ꜱᴇʜʀ
- RH 94 - Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding - ᴍᴇʀᴛᴏɴ
- RH 98 - Comfort, Comfort Ye My People - ꜰʀᴇᴜ ᴅɪᴄʜ ꜱᴇʜʀ
- RH 101 - On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry - ᴘᴜᴇʀ ɴᴏʙɪꜱ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The opening words of this hymn are not a directive, but a proclamation of what God does through John the Baptist. As this weekend’s text declares, God sends John to prepare the way that the “King of glory foretold” might be greeted by those who wait for the promised Messiah.
Stanza 2 // This stanza won’t leave us comfortably in the season of Advent. Instead, we hear echoes of the Palm Sunday narrative - “palm branches” and “garments” are laid before the King. The promise of God [to send a Savior] will not fail and overcome all doubt.
Stanza 3 // When the promised One arrives, all preparation comes to an end! We have nothing left to do but “fling the gates wide open” to greet the “promised King!” For all who have a checklist of what makes for proper Christmas preparation, this stanza reminds us Christ comes as King of “all nations” and “all people.”
Stanza 4 // If preparation was completed in John the Baptist and the King has arrived in Jesus Christ, what is left for Christians to do? Stanza four summarizes our task well: “Let your praise be sounding for kindness so abounding.” In other words, sing to the Lord!
Refrain // In addition to the second stanza, this refrain is also a Palm Sunday reference: “Hosanna to the Lord!” We sing these words not only in the context of Palm Sunday, but especially during this time as those who give thanks for the One who is born to save and “fulfills” all promises of God.
Other Suggestions
- ELW 246 - Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding - ᴍᴇʀᴛᴏɴ
- ELW 249 - On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry - ᴘᴜᴇʀ ɴᴏʙɪꜱ
- ELW 250 - Blessed Be the God of Israel - ꜰᴏʀᴇꜱᴛ ɢʀᴇᴇɴ
- ELW 255 - There’s a Voice in the Wilderness - ᴀꜱᴄᴇɴꜱɪᴏɴ
- ELW 256 - Comfort, Comfort, Now My People - ꜰʀᴇᴜ ᴅɪᴄʜ ꜱᴇʜʀ
- ELW 552 - Blessed Be the God of Israel - ᴍᴇʀʟᴇ’ꜱ ᴛᴜɴᴇ
- LBW 26 - Prepare the Royal Highway - ʙᴇʀᴇᴅᴇɴ ᴠÄɢ ꜰᴏʀ ʜᴇʀʀᴀɴ
- LBW 29 - Comfort, Comfort, Now My People - ꜰʀᴇᴜ ᴅɪᴄʜ ꜱᴇʜʀ
- LBW 36 - On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry - ᴘᴜᴇʀ ɴᴏʙɪꜱ
- LBW 37 - Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding - ꜰʀᴇᴜᴇɴ ᴡɪʀ ᴜɴꜱ ᴀʟʟ ɪɴ ᴇɪɴ
- LSB 343 - Prepare the Royal Highway - ʙᴇʀᴇᴅᴇɴ ᴠÄɢ ꜰᴏʀ ʜᴇʀʀᴀɴ
- LSB 344 - On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry - ᴘᴜᴇʀ ɴᴏʙɪꜱ
- LSB 345 - Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding - ᴍᴇʀᴛᴏɴ
- LSB 347 - Comfort, Comfort Ye My People - ꜰʀᴇᴜ ᴅɪᴄʜ ꜱᴇʜʀ
- RH 94 - Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding - ᴍᴇʀᴛᴏɴ
- RH 98 - Comfort, Comfort Ye My People - ꜰʀᴇᴜ ᴅɪᴄʜ ꜱᴇʜʀ
- RH 101 - On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry - ᴘᴜᴇʀ ɴᴏʙɪꜱ
- RH 102 - Prepare the Royal Highway - ʙᴇʀᴇᴅᴇɴ ᴠÄɢ ꜰᴏʀ ʜᴇʀʀᴀɴ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The One who comes in glory at the end of all time was crucified for “favored sinners.” Other translations say “our salvation” but the original text is more specific. It is these saints of God who accompany our triumphant Lord.
Stanza 2 // Those to whom Christ comes are the same who rejoice with Him in glory. The hymn is unforgiving: “those who set at nought and sold him, pierced and nailed him to the tree” see the Messiah returning in glory. Those gathered are sinners - who despised and counted as worthless the Savior of the world.
Stanza 3 // Some take issue with the language in this stanza - that those who crucified our Lord could “gaze with rapture” upon the scars of the crucified Christ. In these scars, the “ransomed” see their sin killed once and for all, and rejoice at the coming of this merciful Lord and God.
Stanza 4 // The final stanza which may appear to be a stanza of praise highlights the truth of Christ’s return. Everything we consider in this life will pass away, but Christ will reign over all things at the end of time. This is good news for us today, as we await His return and celebrate the promise He gives in Word and Sacrament.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 435 - Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending - ʜᴇʟᴍꜱʟᴇʏ
- ELW 244 - Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers - ʜᴀꜰ ᴛʀᴏɴᴇꜱ ʟᴀᴍᴘᴀ ꜰᴀʀᴅɪɢ
- ELW 263 - The King Shall Come - ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
- ELW 260 - Savior of the Nations, Come - ɴᴜɴ ᴋᴏᴍᴍ, ᴅᴇʀ ʜᴇɪᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇɪʟᴀɴᴅ
- ELW 267 - Joy to the World - ᴀɴᴛɪᴏᴄʜ
- ELW 441 - O Happy Day When We Shall Stand - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ, ɪʜʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇɴ
- LBW 25 - Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers - ʜᴀꜰ ᴛʀᴏɴᴇꜱ ʟᴀᴍᴘᴀ ꜰᴀʀᴅɪɢ
- LBW 27 - Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending - ʜᴇʟᴍꜱʟᴇʏ
- LBW 28 - Savior of the Nations, Come - ɴᴜɴ ᴋᴏᴍᴍ, ᴅᴇʀ ʜᴇɪᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇɪʟᴀɴᴅ
- LBW 33 - The King Shall Come - ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
- LBW 38 - O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide - ᴏ ʜᴇɪʟᴀɴᴅ, ʀᴇɪꜱꜱ ᴅɪᴇ ʜɪᴍᴍᴇʟ ᴀᴜꜰ
- LBW 39 - Joy to the World - ᴀɴᴛɪᴏᴄʜ
- LBW 351 - O Happy Day When We Shall Stand - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ, ɪʜʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇɴ
- LSB 332 - Savior of the Nations, Come - ɴᴜɴ ᴋᴏᴍᴍ, ᴅᴇʀ ʜᴇɪᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇɪʟᴀɴᴅ
- LSB 336 - Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending - ʜᴇʟᴍꜱʟᴇʏ
- LSB 355 - O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide - ᴏ ʜᴇɪʟᴀɴᴅ, ʀᴇɪꜱꜱ ᴅɪᴇ ʜɪᴍᴍᴇʟ ᴀᴜꜰ
- LSB 348 - The King Shall Come - ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
- LSB 387 - Joy to the World - ᴀɴᴛɪᴏᴄʜ
- LSB 508 - The Day Is Surely Drawing Near - ᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ɢᴇᴡɪꜱꜱʟɪᴄʜ
- LSB 509 - Christ Is Surely Coming - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ᴡᴇꜱᴛᴏɴ
- LSB 515 - Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers - ʜᴀꜰ ᴛʀᴏɴᴇꜱ ʟᴀᴍᴘᴀ ꜰᴀʀᴅɪɢ
- RH 97 - Savior of the Nations, Come - ɴᴜɴ ᴋᴏᴍᴍ, ᴅᴇʀ ʜᴇɪᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇɪʟᴀɴᴅ
- RH 99 - Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers - ʜᴀꜰ ᴛʀᴏɴᴇꜱ ʟᴀᴍᴘᴀ ꜰᴀʀᴅɪɢ
- RH 123 - Joy to the World - ᴀɴᴛɪᴏᴄʜ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // In a stanza that can sound like hyperbole, Jesus reigns “from shore to shore” and at all times because of the picture we are given in this weekend’s text. When Christ gives a promise “before the foundation of the world” His people live in a kingdom of forgiveness and inherit the promise of life with God forever.
Stanza 2 // Because we live under Christ’s reign, God’s people offer “endless prayer and praise” to the name of the One who is our reason for worship.
Stanza 3 // This is a beautiful picture of what it means to have God’s promise given from one generation to the next. Knowing God’s love, we “dwell” on this blessing in “sweet song” and trust God’s promise even to “infants” - whose voices add to the praise of our King.
Stanza 4 // The abundant blessings of Jesus’ reign are given further pictorial language in this stanza. “Prisoners leap to lose their chains” - "the weary find eternal rest” and “all who suffer want are blest.” Not only is this imagery we hear in this weekend’s text, but the result of the promise Jesus gives - those captive to sin are free, eternal rest is given in Christ, and we lack nothing in this life or the next.
Stanza 5 // This weekend's text can leave us wondering where we fit in the story - are we a sheep or a goat? This stanza has an answer! It says “every creature” should offer “peculiar honors” to our King. This can sound like God’s people spend their time [or life] doing some strange things for our King! But here, we seek to bring unique or representative honors to the One who reigns over all things. That which represents our King is the promise only He can give: “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 434 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ
- ELW 430 - Rejoice, for Christ Is King! - ʟᴀᴜꜱ ʀᴇɢɪꜱ
- ELW 434 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ
- ELW 435 - Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending - ʜᴇʟᴍꜱʟᴇʏ
- ELW 707 - Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us - ʜʏꜰʀʏᴅᴏʟ
- ELW 855 - Crown Him with Many Crowns - ᴅɪᴀᴅᴇᴍᴀᴛᴀ
- LBW 27 - Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending - ʜᴇʟᴍꜱʟᴇʏ
- LBW 170 - Crown Him with Many Crowns - ᴅɪᴀᴅᴇᴍᴀᴛᴀ
- LBW 171 - Rejoice, for Christ Is King! - ʟᴀᴜꜱ ʀᴇɢɪꜱ
- LBW 424 - Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us - ʜʏꜰʀʏᴅᴏʟ
- LBW 530 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ
- LSB 336 - Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending - ʜᴇʟᴍꜱʟᴇʏ
- LSB 525 - Crown Him with Many Crowns - ᴅɪᴀᴅᴇᴍᴀᴛᴀ
- LBW 832 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ
- LSB 851 - Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us - ʜʏꜰʀʏᴅᴏʟ
- RH 22 - Crown Him with Many Crowns - ᴅɪᴀᴅᴇᴍᴀᴛᴀ
- RH 268 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Because God gives us any gift, ability, or money in this life, we pray in this hymn God would use us in all of these ways as servants of God to our neighbor’s good. The true purpose of these gifts from God are that God’s Son - Jesus Christ - might be made known.
Stanza 2 // No work we do in God’s name - whether in “some far outlying field” - “suffering” - “reproach” - or “courage” is forgotten by our Lord. To do these works - large or small - are themselves gifts of Almighty God.
Stanza 3 // There is no limit to the “talents” and gifts God gives His people. This stanza lists many: knowledge, triumphs, and zeal. No matter the blessing, we pray in this stanza God would use these to “lift the nations from the shadows to the gladness of the sun” - that all might know God’s love in Christ through the gifts God has given.
Stanza 4 // This is the work of [and gifts given to] the Church: to pray without ceasing, to give the cross of Christ and the forgiveness He brings, and to bring the love [and peace] that passes all human understanding. In this, we are united in faith - recklessly sharing the gifts God has given with the world.
Refrain // More than a quotation of the Lord’s Prayer, this refrain is itself a prayer - asking that the kingdom of heaven be brought to all people through the blessings God gives us as His people.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 688 - Lord of Light - ᴀʙʙᴏᴛ’ꜱ ʟᴇɪɢʜ
- ELW 497 - Strengthen for Service Lord, the Hands - ʙᴜᴄᴋʜᴜʀꜱᴛ ʀᴜɴ
- ELW 655 - Son of God, Eternal Savior - ɪɴ ʙᴀʙɪʟᴏɴᴇ
- ELW 669 - Rise Up, O Saints of God! - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ
- ELW 685 - Take My Life That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ
- ELW 687 - Come to Us, Creative Spirit - ᴄᴀꜱᴛʟᴇᴡᴏᴏᴅ
- ELW 688 - Lord of Light - ᴀʙʙᴏᴛ’ꜱ ʟᴇɪɢʜ
- ELW 695 - As Saints of Old - ꜰᴏʀᴇꜱᴛ ɢʀᴇᴇɴ
- LBW 383 - Rise Up, O Saints of God! - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ
- LBW 404 - As Saints of Old - ʀᴇɢᴡᴀʟ
- ELW 783 - Take My Life That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ
- LSB 842 - Son of God, Eternal Savior - ɪɴ ʙᴀʙɪʟᴏɴᴇ
- RH 233 - Take My Life That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The call to greet the bridegroom - Christ, our Lord - is urgent! We rise to greet the One who prepares a feast for His people.
Stanza 2 // If we wonder who the bridegroom is in this weekend’s text, this stanza calls Him by name: “Come now, O blessed One, Lord Jesus, God’s own Son.” The song offered by God’s people at His return is the same of the crowds on Palm Sunday: “Hosanna!” We are prepared by God for Christ’s arrival because He comes to save. The conclusion of this stanza says we follow to the “banquet hall.” Today - in faith - we follow to the banquet Jesus prepares, that we might be given all we need in this life, and well-prepared for our Lord’s return.
Stanza 3 // This is a glorious picture of Christ’s return, and the beauty that awaits those given faith in our victorious Lord. This is a glory “no eye has seen” and “no ear has heard.” It is Jesus’ return for those He has chosen, where saints below and above join with the angels in an everlasting song of praise.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 436 - Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying - ᴡᴀᴄʜᴇᴛ ᴀᴜꜰ
- ELW 244 // LSB 515 - Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers - ʜᴀꜰ ᴛʀᴏɴᴇꜱ ʟᴀᴍᴘᴀ ꜰᴀʀᴅɪɢ
- ELW 488 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - ꜱᴄʜᴍüᴄᴋᴇ ᴅɪᴄʜ
- ELW 827 - Arise, My Soul, Arise! - ɴʏᴛ ʏʟöꜱ, ꜱɪᴇʟᴜɴɪ
- LBW 25 - Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers - ʜᴀꜰ ᴛʀᴏɴᴇꜱ ʟᴀᴍᴘᴀ ꜰᴀʀᴅɪɢ
- LBW 224 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - ꜱᴄʜᴍüᴄᴋᴇ ᴅɪᴄʜ
- LSB 515 - Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers - ʜᴀꜰ ᴛʀᴏɴᴇꜱ ʟᴀᴍᴘᴀ ꜰᴀʀᴅɪɢ
- LSB 636 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - ꜱᴄʜᴍüᴄᴋᴇ ᴅɪᴄʜ
- RH 99 - Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers - ʜᴀꜰ ᴛʀᴏɴᴇꜱ ʟᴀᴍᴘᴀ ꜰᴀʀᴅɪɢ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The name of Jesus is “blest” in this stanza because of those our Lord makes his saints. Originally, the hymn began “for all thy saints” underscoring what it means to be a saint. It is not the Church’s [or the Pope’s blessing] but Jesus’ own Word given to sinners.
Stanza 2 // Almost immediately, this hymn points out that saints of God live in the world. They are not angelic, perfect creatures, but flesh and blood human beings, who need God’s protection and strength for the “fight” the devil and this world bring. The battle in which saints engage is a battle for our soul - where the blessing Christ bestows breaks the darkness, and is our “one true light.”
Stanza 3 // The blessing saints receive is not something for which we wait in heaven, but given to those who “feebly struggle” in this life. The “glory” with which our heavenly counterparts shine is the same promise we receive - all saints - whether in heaven or on earth - belong to our Lord.
Stanza 4 // When the struggles of this life seem to outweigh the blessing God promises, the true triumph of being a saint of God is in the “distant song” we are given to hear. In the context of this weekend’s passage, it is Jesus’ replanting of the promise in our ear: “The kingdom of heaven belongs to you!”
Stanza 5 // When we are named saints of Almighty God, even death cannot take away this great promise. Even in death, we are given the “rest” Christ promises - a “sweet calm” where we hear nothing but our Lord’s promise in His kingdom.
Stanza 6 // Though not something we often speak [or sing] on this festival day, to be God’s saint means we will rise on the last day when Christ - the “King of glory” returns to judge the living and the dead! In this stanza, we sing of a yet “more glorious day” when the strange blessings Christ shares are removed, and we know only the promise of our triumphant King.
Stanza 7 // Here, we sing a picture of the Church - all those blessed and chosen saints in Christ. This is a number no one can count - even the poor, meek, and mourning! Those whom the world sees as useless, God chooses to be his saints forever.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 422 - For All the Saints - ꜱɪɴᴇ ɴᴏᴍɪɴᴇ
- ELW 422 - For All the Saints - ꜱɪɴᴇ ɴᴏᴍɪɴᴇ
- ELW 426 - Sing with All the Saints in Glory - ᴍɪꜱꜱɪꜱꜱɪᴘᴘɪ
- ELW 427 - For All Your Saints, O Lord - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ
- ELW 867 - In Thee Is Gladness - ɪɴ ᴅɪʀ ɪꜱᴛ ꜰʀᴇᴜᴅᴇ
- ELW 873/874 - Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart - ᴍᴀʀɪᴏɴ
- LBW 174 - For All the Saints - ꜱɪɴᴇ ɴᴏᴍɪɴᴇ
- LBW 176 - For All Your Saints, O Lord - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ
- LBW 552 - In Thee Is Gladness - ɪɴ ᴅɪʀ ɪꜱᴛ ꜰʀᴇᴜᴅᴇ
- LBW 553 - Rejoice, Ye Pilgrim Throng - ᴍᴀʀɪᴏɴ
- LSB 671 - Sing with All the Saints in Glory - ᴍɪꜱꜱɪꜱꜱɪᴘᴘɪ
- LSB 677 - For All the Saints - ꜱɪɴᴇ ɴᴏᴍɪɴᴇ
- LSB 813 - Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart - ᴍᴀʀɪᴏɴ
- LSB 818 - In Thee Is Gladness - ɪɴ ᴅɪʀ ɪꜱᴛ ꜰʀᴇᴜᴅᴇ
- RH 175 - For All the Saints - ꜱɪɴᴇ ɴᴏᴍɪɴᴇ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Luther’s paraphrase of Psalm 46 is really an expansion of the original text. The “God of Jacob - our fortress” is quoted in the first phrase, but our reason for singing is because this fortress is not only protection - a “sword and shield” - but wins the battle - this God is our “salvation!” Apart from Christ, there is no power in this world that can confront and win the battle - on earth “[the devil] has no equal.”
Stanza 2 // If the Psalmist says “the Lord of hosts is with us” Luther names this Lord - Christ Jesus! It is Christ who “holds the field victorious” and allows us to fight the battle against the power of this world with God’s assurance of victory.
Stanza 3 // When Psalm 46 says: “The nations are in an uproar; the kingdoms totter” Luther writes of “hordes of devils, filling the land, threatening to devour.” In a world that tries to convince us our worth is tied up in having the latest thing - whether an item or our reputation - God sends Jesus Christ to free us. This world’s prince is doomed to fail” because “God’s judgment” is outside the rules and laws of this world - outside the ways in which we measure success - goods, fame, child or spouse. And look what puts an end to it all! Luther says: “One little world subdues [the devil.]” The Word is Christ’s - “You are forgiven.”
Stanza 4 // Because we have God’s promise, all the ways we measure success - “goods, fame, child, or spouse” - can [and will] be taken away. God’s promise is that nothing will take away the life we have in His Son. With one word from Christ, the kingdom is given to us today and forever!
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 410 - All Glory Be to God on High - ᴀʟʟᴇɪɴ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ɪɴ ᴅᴇʀ ʜöʜ
- ELW 503/504 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ
- ELW 517 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
- ELW 590 - Salvation unto Us Has Come - ᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴅᴀꜱ ʜᴇɪʟ
- ELW 645 - Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - ᴡᴇꜱᴛᴍɪɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴀʙʙᴇʏ
- ELW 652 - Built on a Rock - ᴋɪʀᴋᴇɴ ᴅᴇɴ ᴇʀ ᴇᴛ ɢᴀᴍᴍᴇʟᴛ ʜᴜꜱ
- ELW 858 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ
- LBW 166 - All Glory Be to God on High - ᴀʟʟᴇɪɴ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ɪɴ ᴅᴇʀ ʜöʜ
- LBW 229 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ
- LBW 230 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
- LBW 297 - Salvation unto Us Has Come - ᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴅᴀꜱ ʜᴇɪʟ
- LBW 365 - Built on a Rock - ᴋɪʀᴋᴇɴ ᴅᴇɴ ᴇʀ ᴇᴛ ɢᴀᴍᴍᴇʟᴛ ʜᴜꜱ
- LBW 367 - Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - ᴇᴅᴇɴ ᴄʜᴜʀᴄʜ
- LBW 543 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ
- LSB 555 - Salvation unto Us Has Come - ᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴅᴀꜱ ʜᴇɪʟ
- LSB 645 - Built on a Rock - ᴋɪʀᴋᴇɴ ᴅᴇɴ ᴇʀ ᴇᴛ ɢᴀᴍᴍᴇʟᴛ ʜᴜꜱ
- LSB 655 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
- LSB 656 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ
- LSB 790 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ
- LSB 909 - Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - ᴡᴇꜱᴛᴍɪɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴀʙʙᴇʏ
- LSB 947 - All Glory Be to God on High - ᴀʟʟᴇɪɴ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ɪɴ ᴅᴇʀ ʜöʜ
- RH 1 - All Glory Be to God on High - ᴀʟʟᴇɪɴ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ɪɴ ᴅᴇʀ ʜöʜ
- RH 11 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ
- RH 169/170 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ
- RH 71 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
- RH 91 - Built on a Rock - ᴋɪʀᴋᴇɴ ᴅᴇɴ ᴇʀ ᴇᴛ ɢᴀᴍᴍᴇʟᴛ ʜᴜꜱ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This hymn wastes little time defining the conundrum of this weekend’s Scripture passage. “All that we have” belongs to God! Stewardship praises God with everything we have - because everything belongs to our Lord.
Stanza 2 // There are two helpful pictures to consider in this stanza. First, we sing words of a prayer, that we might receive what God gives as blessing from the Almighty. It is easy to walk through day-to-day life unaware of where God is at work. Our prayer in this hymn is that - as God’s people - we might see God’s blessing in our lives. The image of first fruits is also instructive - that we give what God bestows for the work of the Church.
Stanza 3 // It would be easy to ask the question: “why give back to God what God gives to us? Doesn’t God want us to have it?” We give of what God bestows because God has power to “release the captive, bring home the lost, and teach life and peace” to those who do not know this great blessing! This is the same liturgical image we celebrate in communion - that the gifts of bread and wine given by God are returned to our Lord that we might be fed with the new life Christ promises.
Stanza 4 // The final stanza speaks of trust in God’s Word - though we may see evidence to the contrary all around us! - and references our Lord’s words in St. Matthew’s Gospel: “...Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 686 - We Give Thee but Thine Own - ʜᴇᴀᴛʜ
- ELW 580 - How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord - ʀᴇᴘᴛᴏɴ
- ELW 663 - Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word - ɢᴏᴛᴛ ꜱᴇɪ ᴅᴀɴᴋ
- ELW 685 - Take My Life, That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ
- ELW 695 - As Saints of Old - ꜰᴏʀᴇꜱᴛ ɢʀᴇᴇɴ
- ELW 757 - All My Hope on God Is Founded - ᴍɪᴄʜᴀᴇʟ
- ELW 871 - Sing Praise to God, the Highest Good - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ɪʜʀ
- ELW 877 - Praise the Almighty! - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ᴏ ᴍᴇɪɴᴇ ꜱᴇᴇʟᴇ
- LBW 379 - Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word - ɢᴏᴛᴛ ꜱᴇɪ ᴅᴀɴᴋ
- LBW 404 - As Saints of Old - ʀᴇɢᴡᴀʟ
- LBW 406 - Take My Life, That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ
- LBW 539 - Praise the Almighty - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ᴏ ᴍᴇɪɴᴇ ꜱᴇᴇʟᴇ
- LBW 542 - Sing Praise to God, the Highest Good - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ɪʜʀ
- LSB 783/784 - Take My Life, That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ // ʜᴇɴᴅᴏɴ
- LSB 797 - Praise the Almighty - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ᴏ ᴍᴇɪɴᴇ ꜱᴇᴇʟᴇ
- LSB 819 - Sing Praise to God, the Highest Good - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ɪʜʀ
- LSB 830 - Spread the Reign of God the Lord - ɢᴏᴛᴛ ꜱᴇɪ ᴅᴀɴᴋ
- LSB 853 - How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord - ʀᴇᴘᴛᴏɴ
- RH 233 - Take My Life, That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The banquet to which we are invited is founded by the King - Christ, our Lord. For all of the imagery sung in the first part of this stanza - a “soul adorned with gladness” - the “daylight’s splendor” - the true miracle of God’s banquet is expressed at the conclusion. Though Christ dwells in heaven - “high and holy/apart from us” - in this feast, our Lord comes to dwell with the lowly - those who consider themselves good for something and good for nothing!
Stanza 2 // In contrast to this weekend’s text, this stanza encourages our attendance at the banquet be “eager and glad.” The invitation is Christ’s own - He “founds” the banquet, “knocks at the door” and “unlocks the gate.” The latter half of this stanza holds Christ to the promise He gives: In mercy, our Lord will not forsake His people. We have his promise!
Stanza 3 // The banquet to which God invites is for our “consolation and salvation.” The souls fed at this table are countless - perhaps a helpful picture thanks to our own attempts to keep others from receiving the body and blood of Christ.
Stanza 4 // We sing a word heard in this weekend’s Scripture passage: “Worthily let me receive you, and, so favored, never leave you.” As we learn from Jesus’ own recounting of the story, those who were deemed “unworthy” were replaced with “good and bad” people! What matters at this banquet is the One who gives the invitation - who chooses His guests! When we come to Christ’s table - whether good or bad in the world’s eyes - Christ sees us for what we are, and bestows his favor upon those who receive His promise of forgiveness, new life, and salvation.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 488 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - ꜱᴄʜᴍüᴄᴋᴇ ᴅɪᴄʜ
- ELW 531 - The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing - ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴇᴀꜱᴛ ɪꜱ ʀᴇᴀᴅʏ
- ELW 462 - Now We Join in Celebration - ꜱᴄʜᴍüᴄᴋᴇ ᴅɪᴄʜ
- ELW 827 - Arise, My Soul, Arise! - ɴʏᴛ ʏʟöꜱ, ꜱɪᴇʟᴜɴɪ
- ELW 362 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - ꜱᴏɴɴᴇ ᴅᴇʀ ɢᴇʀᴇᴄʜᴛɪɢᴋᴇɪᴛ
- LBW 203 - Now We Join in Celebration - ꜱᴄʜᴍüᴄᴋᴇ ᴅɪᴄʜ
- LBW 210 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - ꜱᴏɴɴᴇ ᴅᴇʀ ɢᴇʀᴇᴄʜᴛɪɢᴋᴇɪᴛ
- LSB 633 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - ꜱᴏɴɴᴇ ᴅᴇʀ ɢᴇʀᴇᴄʜᴛɪɢᴋᴇɪᴛ
- LSB 636 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - ꜱᴄʜᴍüᴄᴋᴇ ᴅɪᴄʜ
- RH 150 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - ꜱᴏɴɴᴇ ᴅᴇʀ ɢᴇʀᴇᴄʜᴛɪɢᴋᴇɪᴛ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // In God’s vineyard [from which tennants come and go] stands the “tree of all wisdom, knowledge, compassion, and beauty.” This tree is Christ’s cross, which stands at the center of the Church. Despite our rejection of the Son, God is determined to bring beauty out of death, and knowledge of God’s mercy to all people.
Stanza 2 // The cross has power because of the One we crucified - “Jesus” [the one who saves] is “our Savior!”
Stanza 3 // The thorns [nails] this stanza references are the sins of humanity - our “greed” and “despite” - which “choked” the life of Christ and killed the Son God sends. This stanza supports a reading of this weekend’s text which places the chief priests and Pharisees at the heart of the passage, but fails to recognize the reality of this parable - Christ takes our sin to the cross. We killed the Son. The second half of this stanza tells us something else about this cross - Christ lives! Nothing will consume the life God desires to give to His people.
Stanza 4 // The One we crucified reaches not only with metaphorical branches in welcome, but actually has something to say: “Come to me, you weary!” Though we crucified the Son of God in greed, our Lord gladly takes our “sickness” and “sorrow” and in their place, gives blessing - rest from all earthly strife.
Stanza 5 // All our searching comes to an end in the cross of Christ. While it is easy to hear these words as Christ on the cross - “Into your hands, Lord, I commit my Spirit” - this is the result of those who have our Lord’s promise. All we need in life is found in the cross of Christ, for the One we reject comes with the promise of resurrection!
Stanza 6 // All people and nations receive the “healing, strength, and pardon” Christ freely gives. The result here is a beautiful picture - heaven and earth are joined to sing together in praise of the One who suffered on the cross and lives now that we might have life and freedom.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 342 - There in God’s Garden - ꜱʜᴀᴅᴇꜱ ᴍᴏᴜɴᴛᴀɪɴ
- ELW 645 - Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - ᴡᴇꜱᴛᴍɪɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴀʙʙᴇʏ
- ELW 803 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - ʜᴀᴍʙᴜʀɢ
- ELW 343 - My Song Is Love Unknown - ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴜɴᴋɴᴏᴡɴ
- ELW 727 - Lord Christ, When First You Came to Earth - ᴍɪᴛ ꜰʀᴇᴜᴅᴇɴ ᴢᴀʀᴛ
- ELW 796 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
- LBW 94 - My Song Is Love Unknown - ʀʜᴏꜱʏᴍᴇᴅʀᴇ
- LBW 367 - Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - ᴇᴅᴇɴ ᴄʜᴜʀᴄʜ
- LBW 482 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - ʀᴏᴄᴋɪɴɢʜᴀᴍ ᴏʟᴅ
- LBW 507 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
- LSB 425/426 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - ʜᴀᴍʙᴜʀɢ // ʀᴏᴄᴋɪɴɢʜᴀᴍ ᴏʟᴅ
- LSB 430 - My Song Is Love Unknown - ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴜɴᴋɴᴏᴡɴ
- LSB 531 - Hail, Thou Once-Despised Jesus - ᴏ ᴅᴜʀᴄʜʙʀᴇᴄʜᴇʀ
- LSB 728 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
- LSB 909 - Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - ᴡᴇꜱᴛᴍɪɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴀʙʙᴇʏ
- RH 132 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - ʜᴀᴍʙᴜʀɢ
- RH 191 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This hymn is a prayer, with each stanza addressing a member of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Just as the authorities question Christ’s authority in this weekend’s Gospel reading, so this first stanza helps us pray that the kingdom Christ has won might prevail over all “deceit” and “sword” of the world. The power of God’s Word is in what “[God’s Son] has done” for us.
Stanza 2 // The power [or authority] of Christ is His mercy and forgiveness - an authority the world and “lords” of this world do not know and cannot give. This prayer in defense of the Church is that we might sing praise to our Lord forever, and that this Word might have authority in the Church in preaching and song.
Stanza 3 // This stanza - a prayer to the Holy Spirit - is not simply a stanza about peace and unity, but one that speaks to the “authority” of God’s Word - one that accomplishes what all other words given through history by religious leaders and scholars cannot. It is a Word that leads us “out of death to life” - where we live forever under the gracious authority of a loving and merciful Lord. In this good news, we have peace.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 517 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
- ELW 311 - Hail to the Lord’s Anointed - ꜰʀᴇᴜᴛ ᴇᴜᴄʜ, ɪʜʀ ʟɪᴇʙᴇɴ
- ELW 416 - At the Name of Jesus - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ᴡᴇꜱᴛᴏɴ
- ELW 600 - Out of the Depths - ᴀᴜꜱ ᴛɪᴇꜰᴇʀ ɴᴏᴛ
- ELW 604 - O Christ, Our Hope - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ, ɪʜʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇɴ
- ELW 776 - What God Ordains Is Good Indeed - ᴡᴀꜱ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ᴛᴜᴛ
- ELW 806 - O God, My Faithful God - ᴡᴀꜱ ꜰʀᴀɢ ɪᴄʜ ɴᴀᴄʜ ᴅᴇʀ ᴡᴇʟᴛ
- LBW 87 - Hail to the Lord’s Anointed - ꜰʀᴇᴜᴛ ᴇᴜᴄʜ, ɪʜʀ ʟɪᴇʙᴇɴ
- LBW 179 - At the Name of Jesus - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ᴡᴇꜱᴛᴏɴ
- LBW 230 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
- LBW 295 - Out of the Depths - ᴀᴜꜱ ᴛɪᴇꜰᴇʀ ɴᴏᴛ
- LBW 300 - O Christ, Our Hope - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ, ɪʜʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇɴ
- LBW 446 - What God Ordains Is Good Indeed - ᴡᴀꜱ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ᴛᴜᴛ
- LBW 504 - O God, My Faithful God - ᴡᴀꜱ ꜰʀᴀɢ ɪᴄʜ ɴᴀᴄʜ ᴅᴇʀ ᴡᴇʟᴛ
- LSB 398 - Hail to the Lord’s Anointed - ꜰʀᴇᴜᴛ ᴇᴜᴄʜ, ɪʜʀ ʟɪᴇʙᴇɴ
- LSB 512 - At the Name of Jesus - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ᴡᴇꜱᴛᴏɴ
- LSB 553 - O Christ, Our Hope - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ, ɪʜʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇɴ
- LSB 607 - From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee - ᴀᴜꜱ ᴛɪᴇꜰᴇʀ ɴᴏᴛ
- LSB 655 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
- LSB 696 - O God, My Faithful God - ᴡᴀꜱ ꜰʀᴀɢ ɪᴄʜ ɴᴀᴄʜ ᴅᴇʀ ᴡᴇʟᴛ
- LSB 760 - What God Ordains Is Good Indeed - ᴡᴀꜱ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ᴛᴜᴛ
- RH 71 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
- RH 127 - At the Name of Jesus - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ᴡᴇꜱᴛᴏɴ
- RH 238 - O God, My Faithful God - ᴡᴀꜱ ꜰʀᴀɢ ɪᴄʜ ɴᴀᴄʜ ᴅᴇʀ ᴡᴇʟᴛ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This hymn poignantly mirrors the story of workers at various points in the day. Like those in the story, we pray for God’s “bliss, strength, love, and peace” no matter the time of day or - perhaps more importantly - stage in life. God’s mercy is for all people at all times. In this stanza, we pray Christ would be present with us at “our waking” - as we begin life in the world. We ask for the trust of a child - without care - and free to hear and enjoy the “bliss” of Christ’s promise.
Stanza 2 // Our new birth in the waters of Baptism does not leave us in bliss. As we work in the world and labor for the Lord, we pray for God’s “strength” through the “faith” we have in Christ. It may seem strange to sing about working for the Lord when we know God is unfair, but this weekend’s Gospel reading also says Jesus gives those who work for him “whatever is right.” To Christ, what is right is giving Himself for sinners! We pray to one who has lived the “labors” of this life as we must.
Stanza 3 // When work is done, we return home. Whether life dictates the work we do must end or earthly strength fails as we age, we rejoice in the “welcoming, embracing” arms of Christ, who speaks a word of love and hope at the eve of the day or the eve of life.
Stanza 4 // This is a [semi-rare] occasion where a hymn should conclude in a gentle, contemplative fashion, mirroring the text sung. After we live and work, we long to hear our Lord’s voice - where we know true peace.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 765 - Lord of All Hopefulness - ꜱʟᴀɴᴇ
- ELW 590 - Salvation unto Us Has Come - ᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴅᴀꜱ ʜᴇɪʟ
- ELW 589 - All Depends on Our Possessing - ᴀʟʟᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴀɴ ɢᴏᴛᴛᴇꜱ ꜱᴇɢᴇɴ
- ELW 669 - Rise Up, O Saints of God - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ
- ELW 688 - Lord of Light - ᴀʙʙᴏᴛ’ꜱ ʟᴇɪɢʜ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This hymn begins with a quotation from the Lord’s Prayer - and is itself a prayer! “Forgive our sins as we forgive” is a portion of the fifth petition. In the context of this weekend’s Gospel reading, it is also an honest assessment of our situation! Christ’s instruction to forgive to an outlandish extent - whether “seventy-seven times” or “seventy times seven” means even as we seek to forgive others, we need God’s forgiveness daily! Only in God’s grace - his constant forgiveness - can we begin to live these words.
Stanza 2 // The second stanza confronts us with the reality of those who “brood on wrongs and will not let old bitterness depart.” God’s pardon cannot reach those who
Stanza 3 // The “blazing light” of the cross reveals the mercy Christ has given to us, who owed a debt we could never repay! It also the many questions that arise from this parable. We forgive those who sin against us as many times as necessary - not out of fear of “torture” or eternal damnation, but because we recognize the difficulties we have with a brother or sister in the Church are “trifling.” If God has said he forgives all, who are we to withhold this gift from another?
Stanza 4 // It is the “Lord” who will “cleanse our souls,” drive away all “resentment,” and show “mercy” to all that God’s peace might be known in the world. This is the Church’s prayer - that God’s mercy might lead all people in the Church and the world to know the peace of Christ.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 605 - Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive - ᴅᴇᴛʀᴏɪᴛ
- ELW 587/588 - There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy - ꜱᴛ. ʜᴇʟᴇɴᴀ // ʟᴏʀᴅ, ʀᴇᴠɪᴠᴇ ᴜꜱ
- ELW 604 - O Christ, Our Hope - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ, ɪʜʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇɴ
- ELW 871 - Sing Praise to God, the Highest Good - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ɪʜʀ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // We are gathered together “by Christ’s love” - and in this love, we sing and are bound together. The love we know in Christ comes because two things are true: we are sinners in need of forgiveness, and God has shown us love “while we were still sinners!” Out of all the reasons we might think to gather together as Church, God’s love in Christ gives us purpose. In this, Jesus’ words of forgiveness and reconciliation begin to take shape.
Stanza 2 // “Grateful joy” and “holy fear” can sound like good theological talk, but these are the result of confession and forgiveness. We enter God’s presence in “holy fear” as sinners - unfit to stand before Almighty God. In “grateful joy” we hear God’s Word of forgiveness, and know God as He wants to be known - in Christ, our Savior.
Stanza 3 // The Church is made one body in Christ, because each member needs the forgiveness Christ brings.
Stanzas 4 and 5 // These final stanzas sound like suggestions from our hymn-writer, much like Jesus’ words in this weekend’s Gospel reading: “Let strife among us be unknown…let us forgive each other’s faults…” In St. Matthew’s Gospel [and in this hymn] Jesus does not make a simple request to apologize to another, but to reconcile and repair relationship, just as “in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself.” We gather in our Lord’s name knowing the glory and peace of Christ’s forgiveness is all we seek and need in life.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 359 - Where Charity and Love Prevail - ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ-ꜰᴏᴜʀᴛʜ
- ELW 452 - Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death - ᴀᴢᴍᴏɴ
- ELW 603 - God, When Human Bonds Are Broken - ᴍᴇʀᴛᴏɴ
- ELW 615 - In All Our Grief - ꜰʀᴇᴅᴇʀɪᴄᴋᴛᴏᴡɴ
- ELW 653 - Where True Charity and Love Abide - ᴜʙɪ ᴄᴀʀɪᴛᴀꜱ
- ELW 864/865 - Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven - ʟᴀᴜᴅᴀ ᴀɴɪᴍᴀ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Throughout the first three stanzas, Christ is speaking to us - we only sing [or preach] his words to one another. It may be helpful for another voice [solo or choir - apart from the congregation] to sing these words. If not, other ways of musically separating the first three stanzas from the fourth helps to sing this hymn with understanding and purpose. The first stanza can sound like a divine to-do list - much like this weekend’s passage: “No matter what comes in life, bear the cross.” It even suggests Christ is our example! In one sense, this is true - there is no other human being who has taken up the cross the way our Lord did! The key word in this stanza is “deny yourself” - this is not about candy, chocolate, or soda. It is about denial of self - knowing we do not belong to this world or ourselves - but that Christ’s cross is all we need for life.
Stanza 2 // The second stanza begins to show us what it means to live in the light of Christ’s cross. As the stanza says: “[Christ is the light” - we only follow. When it says our Lord “displays a godly life” it is easy to hear this in the context of self-denial. It is far more helpful to hear these words as God-in-the-flesh for us. Christ comes to show us how far God is willing to go to “keep our feet from straying” - to the cross! Because of this, we “sojourn here below” with difficulties and death surrounding us - but with a promise! Christ is “the way” - the truth, and the life, and our light in every challenge life brings.
Stanza 3 // Jesus’ words of losing our “life” [or soul] are given meaning here when Christ names Himself the “refuge of the soul” by which we are “led to heaven.” Christ says we “save our life/soul” when we “lose it.” The third stanza tells us how this happens. Jesus will teach us how to “shun and flee” all things harmful to salvation by giving “freedom from sin and temptation.” In Christ’s cross, our soul has refuge, and we are given the gift of heaven today!
Stanza 4 // The fourth stanza suggests we “follow Christ…and take the cross!” This does not mean inventing ways to suffer in life, but “clinging to [Jesus’] Word” when difficulties come in life. We “bear the battle’s strain” - what Christ won for us on the cross - in baptism. We are marked with the cross of Christ, and made members of His kingdom. The “crown of heavenly life” belongs to those who follow this Lord!
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 799 - Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ
- ELW 667 - Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said - ʙᴏᴜʀʙᴏɴ
- ELW 750 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - ʜᴇʀᴢʟɪᴄʜ ʟɪᴇʙ
- ELW 783 - Praise and Thanks and Adoration - ꜰʀᴇᴜ ᴅɪᴄʜ ꜱᴇʜʀ
- ELW 802 - Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus - ʟᴀꜱꜱᴇᴛ ᴜɴꜱ ᴍɪᴛ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ ᴢɪᴇʜᴇɴ
Stanza 1 // Christ’s Church is built on the rock of faith, calling all “distressed souls” to receive “life everlasting [and] rest” in our Lord. Even when buildings collapse, membership declines, or congregations close - these things do not make the Church!
Stanza 2 // It may sound strange to sing words telling us God does not dwell in “God’s house, but this is the crumbling, insufficient nature of the temples we build in this world. Instead, this hymn rejoices that God chooses to “abide with us in love” and “make our bodies his temples.” This is a great promise from God - wherever we are in life, God promises to make his home with us.
Stanza 3 // If we wonder what it means to be “temples of God” this stanza tells us God dwells in our hearts, and grants us “life and salvation.”
Stanza 4 // The start of this stanza can sound like God blesses adults and “the children.” But the Spirit’s work [to give faith to those dead in sin] assures us of the promise God gives: We are His beloved children - His Church - and belong to His kingdom, regardless of what we endure in this life.
Stanza 5 // As long as “Church bells are ringing” we ask God to bring others to “hear God’s Word” by which faith is given. This means we hear Jesus’ speak a promise of comfort, even as the world around us crumbles - we know the voice of Christ and will see His face.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 652 - Built on a Rock - ᴋɪʀᴋᴇɴ ᴅᴇɴ ᴇʀ ᴇᴛ ɢᴀᴍᴍᴇʟᴛ ʜᴜꜱ
- ELW 420 - By All Your Saints - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ʟʏɴɴ
- ELW 645 - Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - ᴡᴇꜱᴛᴍɪɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴀʙʙᴇʏ
- ELW 654 - The Church’s One Foundation - ᴀᴜʀᴇʟɪᴀ
- ELW 812 - Faith of Our Fathers - ꜱᴛ. ᴄᴀᴛʜᴇʀɪɴᴇ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Though we perceive God’s mercy as limiting [and it sometimes appears in Scripture Jesus sets a temporary limit to His mercy], this stanza tells us God’s mercy has no boundaries. Our sorrow and failings are met with mercy - undeserved forgiveness.
Stanza 2 // The mercy of God welcomes sinners [as Christ “welcomed sinners and ate with them]. We see this mercy in the blood of Christ, who died while we were “still sinners” as St. Paul says.
Stanza 3 // While this hymn has much to say about God’s mercy, we sing in this stanza of our reaction to the undeserved forgiveness Christ gives. Criticism of the Church’s “strictness”, unwillingenss to change, and manipulation of the mercy God gives may often be warranted, but the good news of this stanza is sung at the conclusion. God owns none of the limits we place on His mercy and love.
Stanza 4 // At first, this stanza can sound like we “owe” God something back for the great mercy bestowed on us as Christian people. But, it is helpful to hear and sing these words as the result of mercy - we can give [or repeat] to Christ [and others] only what He has first given us: “Greater good [and] larger mercy.” Because of evil [or sin] Christ gives us the goodness and mercy of God! Our lives are lived in thanksgiving when we take our Lord at His Word of mercy: “You are forgiven.”
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 587/588 - There’s a Wideness In God’s Mercy - ꜱᴛ. ʜᴇʟᴇɴᴀ // ʟᴏʀᴅ, ʀᴇᴠɪᴠᴇ ᴜꜱ
- LBW 303 - When in the Hour of Deepest Need - ᴡᴇɴɴ ᴡɪʀ ɪɴ ʜöᴄʜꜱᴛᴇɴ ɴöᴛᴇɴ ꜱᴇɪɴ
- LBW 310 - To You, Omniscient Lord of All - ᴠᴀᴛᴇʀ ᴜɴꜱᴇʀ
- ELW 434 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ
- ELW 517 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
ZACHARY'S NOTES
Stanza 1 // Across four stanzas, we see the Trinity at work to calm the sea. God, the Father “bound the restless wave” and set limits for the “mighty ocean.” Sometimes, a miracle like Christ’s walking on water seems like something only Jesus can accomplish. This stanza reminds us our “eternal Father” [or “Almighty Father”] has power to command the sea.
Stanza 2 // This stanza mixes this weekend’s Gospel reading with the account of Christ’s sleeping amidst and calming the storm. Our prayer to Christ: “O hear us when we cry to thee…” is not unlike Peter’s call to Jesus. We cry out to our Lord because we trust His “almighty Word” is able to still the “wind and waves” in our life.
Stanza 3 // The Holy Spirit’s entry into this hymn is also a reference to creation: “...And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” The peace the Spirit brings us today is peace in the midst of “chaos” and “wild confusion.” This peace is always in Christ’s Word: “Do not be afraid.”
Stanza 4 // The result of this prayer is not simply a calming of the sea, but trust in the God who protects us in all times of trial: “rock and tempest, fire and foe.” Though some of these sound like [and are] references to the difficulties of the disciples, we don’t have to live long to know these challenges. We can be stuck between a rock and a hard place, thrown into the tempest or fire of challenging family relationships, and deal with the doubt the devil brings. Yet, in these dangerous hours, we place our trust in God, our protection and hope. Because we have God’s protection, we are freed to sing “hymns of praise” whether on “land or sea.”
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 756 - Eternal Father, Strong to Save - ᴍᴇʟɪᴛᴀ
- ELW 468 - From God Can Nothing Move Me - ᴠᴏɴ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ɪᴄʜ ɴɪᴄʜᴛ ʟᴀꜱꜱᴇɴ
- ELW 755 - Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me - ᴘɪʟᴏᴛ ᴍᴇ
- ELW 766 - Lord of Our Life - ɪꜱᴛᴇ ᴄᴏɴꜰᴇꜱꜱᴏʀ
- ELW 769 - If You But Trust in God to Guide You - ᴡᴇʀ ɴᴜʀ ᴅᴇɴ ʟɪᴇʙᴇɴ ɢᴏᴛᴛ
- ELW 794 - Calm to the Waves - ᴄᴀʟᴍ ꜱᴇᴀꜱ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // We are guests at the Lord’s table because He extends an invitation - and even more - He gives a command. “Take and eat; take and drink.” We sing this song of thanks because of the “living bread” and “cup of healing” God gives. With this gift, we have God’s blessing in the midst of woe and strife.
Stanza 2 // The gift of the Sacrament depends completely on Christ. It is Christ who leads us in faith and feeds us with faith. The hymn draws an important distinction between those in today’s Gospel reading who were “filled” and the gift our Lord gives in the Sacrament. The crowds returned home, filled for the day. We leave the Lord’s Supper with death behind us, filled with a promise: “Now you shall not die.”
Stanza 3 // The third stanza shifts to the response of those who receive the Sacrament. To suggest we receive “all we want” in bread and wine is because of the result. It speaks not to our desire, but to God’s doing. Because “death is destroyed” and “endless joy” is given by God, we “want” for nothing - we have everything we need! Even the hymn-writer knows “we do not merit” or deserve what our Lord offers. We spend our lives “wanting” so many other things. The gift of life Jesus offers means we have everything needed in this life and the next.
Stanza 4 // The gift of life we receive from Christ is not simply for our benefit. Filled and nourished with this promise, this stanza says our “course on earth is lengthened to serve” our Lord. While we do this in many ways, such service is given purpose next to Jesus’ words in this weekend’s Gospel reading: “Give them something to eat…bring them here to me.” Service in God’s name is bringing others to Christ, that they might be fed with the “living bread of heaven” and be given a place in God’s house.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 542 - O Living Bread from Heaven - ᴀᴜʀᴇʟɪᴀ
- ELW 461 - All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly - ʜᴏʟʏ ᴍᴀɴɴᴀ
- ELW 515 - Break Now the Bread of Life - ʙʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴏꜰ ʟɪꜰᴇ
- ELW 658 - O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts - ᴡᴀʟᴛᴏɴ
- ELW 681 - We Plow the Fields and Scatter - ᴡɪʀ ᴘꜰʟüɢᴇɴ
- ELW 746/747 - Our Father, God in Heaven Above - ᴠᴀᴛᴇʀ ᴜɴꜱᴇʀ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
A German chorale first published in 1653 with six stanzas - Johann Franck was poet and lawyer. To go with the second stanza - in the world, but with a promise from Christ - Bach combined the words of the chorale with the first 10 verses of Romans 8, which read in part: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Stanza 1 // In a parable which tells us Christ comes to find us as his most important treasure, giving up his own life, we sing a hymn about Christ as our treasure. Though this may sound backwards, we refer to Christ as the treasure knowing our hopeless situation as those in need of Christ - who fashions us into His greatest treasure - His beloved Church. The original German chorale is stronger in its language - calling Christ “God’s Lamb” who is our “bridegroom.” As Scripture [and other hymns] often reference, it is Christ who comes that we might be his “holy bride” - the treasure Christ would make His own.
Stanza 2 // When we know Christ as our treasure, the foes we face in the world cannot reach us. This does not mean we will not experience hardship and difficulty - the hymn tells us the earth will shake, our hearts will quake [or tremble] in fear, and hell will assail us. Christ, our treasure, comes to calm all fear and give a promise: though we have our failings, Jesus Christ will never fail us.
Stanza 3 // The final stanza tells us not how we see God - our Savior, our Redeemer - but instead how God sees His people. “God, who dearly loves us, from all trial saves us, gives sweet peace within.” Though we may be of little or no value to the world - “scorned” - Christ treasures us above all things, and so is our dearest treasure.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 775 - Jesus, Priceless Treasure - ᴊᴇꜱᴜ, ᴍᴇɪɴᴇ ꜰʀᴇᴜᴅᴇ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // When God’s people are gathered for worship, we sing as His “thankful people” - this hymn gives us two reasons. God provides all we need in this life - the third phrase makes this clear. Even more, the song we sing is one of “harvest home.” Christ says the harvest is the “end of the age” - and so we raise our voices in thanks that God also provides a home where we know the our end as God’s people!
Stanza 2 // Like the parable, the second stanza helps us begin to make sense of this weekend’s parable: “All the world of God’s own field.” Because this world belongs to God, He uses those in the world to produce fruit - praise to God for his work in Christ. This does not remove us from the work of the devil - “wheat and tares” are sown together! Because the seed has nothing to say about the matter, we pray: “Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.”
Stanza 3 // The “song of harvest home” about which we sing in the first stanza is given further specificity in the opening words of stanza three. The Lord will take his harvest home - those who know the gracious work of God in Christ. When Jesus appears, all offenses - both those of wheat and weed - will be taken away.
Stanza 4 // The final stanza is a prayer, beginning with words from the book of Revelation. “E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come!” Where it is easy to hear the end of this parable and hymn as a text of judgement with “weeping and gnashing of teeth” we pray for Christ’s return because of what our Lord has promised: “[freedom] from sorrow, [freedom] from sin!” In contrast to the parable, where the angels are sent to “collect all causes of sin and evildoers” the hymn tells us we join with the angels in the song of heaven.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 693 - Come, Ye Thankful People, Come - ꜱᴛ. ɢᴇᴏʀɢᴇ’ꜱ, ᴡɪɴᴅꜱᴏʀ
- ELW 679 - For the Fruit of All Creation - ᴀʀ ʜʏᴅ ʏ ɴᴏꜱ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Dangerous couple weeks for church musicians - seeds, sun, the outdoors. We’re used to being stuck in practice rooms - but we get to sing a hymn about such matters. It’s a hymn and hymn-writer we know very little about. It was written by John Cawood, a priest living in England in 1819. Meant to go with the parable - marked “after the sermon.” Though a short, four stanza, two line hymn, it’s significant enough that many hymnals include this prayer based on Christ’s teaching.
We trust God’s promise to work even - and perhaps most especially - in those places and ways we cannot see. This - really - is living by faith! And so, in the first stanza of the hymn, we pray: “Almighty God, your Word is cast like seed into the ground; now let the dew of heaven descend and righteous fruits abound.” It’s a prayer that God’s Word might accomplish what God promises by God’s hand - and so we sing together in faith.
Stanza 1 // The first three stanzas are a paraphrase of the parable, with words of prayer interspersed. Jesus says: “A sower went out to sow...” // Stanza 1 of the hymn begins: “Almighty God, your Word is cast like seed into the ground...” The second half of this stanza are words of prayer and trust that God’s Word might accomplish what God promises by God’s hand. We sing these words together in faith.
Stanza 2 // Christ says: “[Those] on the path where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them.” // Stanza two begins: “Let not the sly satanic foe this holy seed remove…”
Stanza 3 // Later, Jesus says: “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing.” // Stanza three helps us pray: “Let not the world’s deceitful cares the rising plant destroy…” While this can sound like other-worldy concerns, we are reminded to place our trust in what God has promised rather than what we see.
Stanza 4 // Where the seed - God’s Word - takes root, notice what the hymn tells us. In place of “the sly satanic foe” and the “world’s deceitful cares” we are given the fruits of “love, peace, and joy” - the “life-giving grace” of our risen Lord.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 516 - Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast - ꜱᴛ. ꜰʟᴀᴠɪᴀɴ
- ELW 550 - On What Has Now Been Sown - ᴅᴀʀᴡᴀʟʟ’ꜱ 148ᴛʜ
- ELW 533 - Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty - ᴜɴꜱᴇʀ ʜᴇʀʀꜱᴄʜᴇʀ
- ELW 181-184 - Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful, Lord
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // For all those wondering, “what does the Bible have to say to me?” Christ’s invitation “come unto me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest” is lived out in this hymn. Christ’s words are no doubt comforting - but they are comfort because of the world and situations in which we live today! The hymn is not only a quotation of Jesus’ most comforting words and greatest hits, but an acknowledgement of our helpless condition: “I came to Jesus as I was, so weary, worn, and sad…” This is not unlike the words Christ speaks in the earlier portion of today’s text. Apart from hearing Christ’s words for us, we are left without hope.
Stanza 2 // In what might feel like something of a time machine, this stanza contains Jesus’ words from St. John’s Gospel we heard earlier this year during the season of Lent. In this case, we should remember the one to whom Christ addresses - the woman at the well - who is lost in sin. When sinners come to Christ and drink of the “life-giving stream” he offers, our “thirst is quenched, our soul revived, and now [we] live in him.” In each stanza, our life is heard in the “voice of Jesus” who has something to say to us today.
Stanza 3 // Again, the Gospel of John is paraphrased in this final stanza. For those wandering in darkness without Christ’s voice, this stanza contrasts the darkness of sin with the “light, star, [and] sun” of our Lord. In this light, we walk through the most challenging circumstances the world gives today until Christ fulfills this invitation - “come to me” - and we rest in the comforting voice of Christ forever.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 332 // ELW 611 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ᴛʜɪʀᴅ ᴍᴏᴅᴇ ᴍᴇʟᴏᴅʏ // ᴋɪɴɢꜱꜰᴏʟᴅ
- ELW 607 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛᴏʀ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Blessings in Christ are not only an eternal reward, but given to God’s people today. When God’s Word is given, those speaking against Christ’s promise “fly confounded.” We sing these words with confidence because Christ is our “head and master” - the One who brings the favor of God to sinners.
Stanza 2 // The foundation on which the work of the Church is built is “Jesus and His blood” because Christ has promised “salvation and eternal good” - a reward beyond anything we can imagine! Those who receive the Word pastors, prophets, and those made righteous bring have this reward today.
Stanza 3 // In Christ, this stanza says we have “splendor, sun, and light.” Sometimes, we might think of this as the glory of heaven - something to be enjoyed when we’ve suffered through the difficulties of this life and have a final reward. Here, we are reminded there is no reason to wait for God’s favor and mercy - we have both in Christ. For pastors, musicians, and congregations wondering what the work or mission of the Church should be today, the hymn tells us to freely preach this good news.
Stanza 4 // The reason we sing this week [and every week] is heard in stanza four. Again, Christ is the “sun that cheers [our] spirits.” Our reward is in Christ and the heaven we inherit - all because we belong to Christ and know God our Lord is for us!
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 788 - If God My Lord Be for Me - ɪꜱᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ꜰüʀ ᴍɪᴄʜ
- ELW 526 - God Is Here! - ᴀʙʙᴏᴛ’ꜱ ʟᴇɪɢʜ
- ELW 665 - Rise, Shine, You People - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ
- LBW 788 - Who Trusts in God, a Strong Abode - ᴡᴀꜱ ᴍᴇɪɴ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This weekend’s Gospel reading is full of seemingly difficult words. We are told to fear the one who can “destroy body and soul in hell” and asked to forsake all things for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At first, it might seem like Jesus has lost his mind. Jesus’ words are certainly striking, but they also admit what we know about this world. Life is difficult. When this hymn was written, Phillip [the poet] wrote to his brother that this hymn “referred to the state of the Church [at the time] - a Church he described as “assailed from without, enfeebled and distracted within.” Christ reminds us the Church can become distracted by many things - including other gods or even the gift of family! In this context, we pray to the Lord of life: “receive our supplication” or “receive our earnest and faithful prayer, for we trust you are the Lord of life.” In this stanza, we know the One who can destroy and save body and soul - Jesus Christ.
Stanza 2 // When the world attacks the faith God has given, we place our trust in Christ, who alone can preserve us through all difficulty. Sometimes, such attacks come from outside the Church; at other times, from within. Yet, Christ promises to preserve us through all of these, for he knows more than our closest family members. Even the hairs on our head are numbered by Almighty God!
Stanza 3 // When Christ speaks of denying those who deny Him, He acknowledges the difficult reality of earthly life. The armor we build for ourselves - a storehouse of memorized Catechism passages, our good works, our knowledge - can and will fail us in times of temptation and trial. Through all of these failings, God promises He will not fail us! Because of Christ, we pray: “Grant us your peace, Lord.”
Stanza 4 // The final stanza tells us where peace is needed, and we sing a comprehensive list. We pray for peace “in our hearts, in [our Lord’s] Church, where kindred souls are raging, in the world, and in heaven.” It might seem strange to pray for peace where Christ promises to bring a sword [and equally odd to pray for peace in heavenly perfection], but this peace assuages [or lessens] our most troubling circumstances. It brings forgiveness to us - giving us new hearts, peace among those in our Lord’s Church - because this peace is the only thing we have to give, and forgiveness in broken family relationships. In such peace, we have comfort as war rages around us, and peace forever in heaven.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 766 - Lord of Our Life - ɪꜱᴛᴇ ᴄᴏɴꜰᴇꜱꜱᴏʀ
- ELW 781 - Children of the Heavenly Father - ᴛʀʏɢɢᴀʀᴇ ᴋᴀɴ ɪɴɢᴇɴ ᴋᴀʀᴀ
- ELW 806 - O God, My Faithful God - ᴡᴀꜱ ꜰʀᴀɢ ɪᴄʜ ɴᴀᴄʜ ᴅᴇʀ ᴡᴇʟᴛ
- ELW 769 - If You But Trust in God to Guide You - ᴡᴇʀ ɴᴜʀ ᴅᴇɴ ʟɪᴇʙᴇɴ ɢᴏᴛᴛ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // When we read this weekend’s Gospel text, it can sound like Jesus’ sending of the disciples belongs in a movie. We know each by name, and our Lord gives these disciples authority to do many things in His name. This hymn reminds us God has given us this same work! Our authority comes from Christ Himself, who gives the “great commission” - “heal the sick and preach the word.” If we still feel unqualified for such a mission, this stanza reminds us it is the work of Christ and those called by the Spirit into the Church - even such sinners and betrayers as Judas were sent in this way. To “witness with renewed integrity” means to hear again the purpose of the Church - that the Word of Christ might be given and sinners [or the sick] healed.
Stanza 2 // The remaining stanzas of this hymn give purpose to our work as congregations and Christians today. What can seem like a distant Bible story in Bible times is given purpose here and now. Here, the focus is baptism and teaching. The hymn reminds us we do not do these things because “Jesus said so” - like some parents might say - or even because the hymn tells us to do this, but because of the words we pray: “...that the world may trust your promise.” This promise gives “abundant life” to each/all who hear Christ’s Word. We might quibble with the concluding words of this stanza: “Give us all new fervor, draw us closer in community.” In baptism, we are made members of Christ’s Church, baptized into a fellowship that cannot be broken. We sing these words of community in light of the tremendous promise given to us in Holy Baptism. As one person has said: “Water is thicker than blood.”
Stanza 3 // The third stanza addresses the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Christ’s words to “go to the lost sheep” are connected in this stanza, as we recall the Lord’s Supper, given to betrayers. Christ’s words are meant for those who betray him - those who are lost. There is nothing more liberating than the good news of new life in Christ, and so we pray in this stanza that the world would know the freedom Christ gives, where betrayers are forgiven, and sinners are made saints of Almighty God.Stanza 4 // Words of Christ - words of love and forgiveness - are placed in our mouth to sing! At times, this can be dangerous as we confuse our words with God’s. In the context of this hymn, we are reminded Christians are sent into the world with nothing more than the love of God in Jesus Christ - the forgiveness of sin. The second half of this stanza is one of confession. We “hoard as private treasure all that [Christ] so freely gives.” In this stanza, to be empowered by God’s Spirit is to hear again the promise given to us in Baptism - “you are forgiven” - and to freely give this promise to others as God gives us opportunity.
Stanza 5 // Though we sing these words of encouragement together, they are a promise from Jesus Christ! Christ is with us to the end of life, and in the promise of baptism, to the end of all time! Because our Lord promises faith, gives us hope, and shows us unending love, we serve now “holding in mind eternity” - that is, knowing we belong to God today.
Refrain // As a refrain, these words are a prayer. They should be sung in the context of each stanza. The “Spirit’s gifts” are many, but in this hymn, we have in mind the Spirit’s giving of Christ to those lost and in need of a Shepherd. This is the ministry and mission of the Church in Jesus’ day and for all time.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 579 - Lord, You Give the Great Commission - ᴀʙʙᴏᴛ’ꜱ ʟᴇɪɢʜ
- ELW 843 - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness - ɴᴇᴛᴛʟᴇᴛᴏɴ
- ELW 799 - Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The first stanza is a call to praise the Lord. This might seem somewhat generic and appropriate for any Sunday in the Church Year, and to some extent, the hymnal even acknowledges this. But, we join in praise because Christ is “our health and salvation!” This echoes our Lord’s words to call “not the righteous, but sinners” - those in need of salvation and new life. Further, this stanza places our gathering in the context of what Christ promises. The second half of this stanza is a prayer - “let all who hear now to his temple draw near.” As St. Paul witnesses in Romans 10, faith comes through what is heard, and so we gather to hear God’s Word in Christ which “makes us well” [heals us] and gives us life [salvation].
Stanza 2 // In cases where we find someone irredeemable, our Lord reigns. In places where we find a situation hopeless, our Lord reigns. In both scenarios, we are sustained by His Almighty hand, which we trust to “uplift, sustain” and heal those “in need of a physician.” When we cannot see it, this hymn helps us confess: God gives all things needed for life in this world and the next.
Stanza 3 // This stanza begins with words of confidence. Christ’s mercy and goodness is with us daily. Drawing upon Christ’s words from today’s Gospel reading, our Lord desires “mercy” - and daily provides this in Christ! While this is no doubt good news, in one sense, this stanza leaves us with a question. To paraphrase the second portion of this text: “If God befriends us in love, think of what God can accomplish!” The translation here [and in most hymnals] is poor. The original text read: “Ponder anew what the Almighty can do who with his love befriends you.” We can speak of God as a friend because of what the final stanza tells us.
Stanza 4 // The final stanza begins: “Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him! All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him!” This works well as far as generic praise, but this is not what the poet had in mind! Instead, the original text read: “All that has breath praise with Abraham’s seed.” Abraham sticks out in this hymn because it breaks the general “Praise and Thanksgiving” - appropriate for any Sunday - assigned to this hymn. Yet, this connects us with the promise given to Abraham in Genesis: “...through your seed all nations will be blessed…” and later in Galatians, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.” Abraham’s offspring are the faithful - those with ears to hear - sinners made children of God. With such a promise, we sing these words of praise and adoration forever.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 858 - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty! - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ
- ELW 588 - There’s a Wideness In God’s Mercy - ꜱᴛ. ʜᴇʟᴇɴᴀ // ʟᴏʀᴅ, ʀᴇᴠɪᴠᴇ ᴜꜱ
- ELW 607 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛᴏʀ
- ELW 610 - O Christ the Healer, We Have Come - ᴅɪꜱᴛʀᴇꜱꜱ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The first stanza names the God we worship - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - blessed Trinity. For this reason, this hymn is most appropriately used as a Entrance/Processional Hymn on this festival day. More than a musical attempt to praise God, it is a quotation from the sixth chapter of Isaiah. When in God’s presence, our reaction is first terror and fear - God is holy and we are not! Because we know God as Father, Son, and Spirit, we know God is not only “mighty” and “holy” but also “merciful.” In this mercy, we not only know, but share God’s perfection in Christ.
Stanza 2 // The first half of this stanza can sound like worship is removed from Sunday morning, and belongs to saints and angels in heaven. But, this stanza also recalls the “cherubim and seraphim” to whose song we are joined each week in the liturgy of Holy Communion. Just as the saints who have gone before us rest in Christ sing around the throne, so this good news is for all people - those who have been, surround us today, and will follow us in the Church of Jesus Christ.
Stanza 3 // This stanza speaks to the proper fear of the Lord we experience as sinful people. Not only is God holy and perfect, but apart from Christ, His glory is set apart from our knowledge. The “human eye” and our sin leaves us separated from God. This is why the promise we receive in baptism - in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is celebrated this day. Christ is not giving us a divine to-do list - baptize and teach - but again giving us the promise of life we have in Christ.
Stanza 4 // The final stanza largely repeats the text of the first stanza. The additional text says “all thy works shall praise thy name.” Sometimes, we hear these words as a commentary on creation, and the hymn - “earth, sky, and sea” - even suggests this. Rather than confining God to creation, the stanza also says God’s work is the reason for our praise. Where God is at work - in the waters of baptism and the Word - we have reason to praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 413 - Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty! - ɴɪᴄᴀᴇᴀ
- ELW 410 - All Glory Be to God on High - ᴀʟʟᴇɪɴ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ɪɴ ᴅᴇʀ ʜöʜ
- ELW 414 - Holy God, We Praise Your Name - ɢʀᴏꜱꜱᴇʀ ɢᴏᴛᴛ
- ELW 579 - Lord, You Give the Commission - ᴀʙʙᴏᴛ’ꜱ ʟᴇɪɢʜ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // For all of the many images we conjure up about the Holy Spirit, the first stanza of the hymn is direct. We pray to the Holy Spirit that faith in Christ might be given. This is the Spirit’s work! The poet tells us it is the gift “most needed” in life because this gift will guide us now, and defend us when life comes to an end.
Stanza 2 // The peace Christ offers the disciples in this week’s Scripture reading is expressed here that “every stranger, sister, and brother” might know the love of God in Christ. This love is known in the work Christ gives his disciples in the gift of the Spirit - the forgiveness of sins.
Stanza 3 // If the gift the Spirit brings is that of faith and “knowing Jesus Christ aright” - then our courage and hope does not falter when the “foe taunts and assails” the promise our Lord gives. Instead, the peace of Christ transcends the attacks of the devil with one Word: “In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven.”
Stanza 4 // Because the Spirit comes to give faith, we know Jesus Christ “aright.” This means, we know his work for us - his suffering, death, and resurrection. Through all circumstances, we cling to Christ, whose promise carries us from the struggles and difficulties of this world to our “true homeland” - where the peace of Christ and forgiveness of sin is known forever.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 743 - Now to the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray - ɴᴜɴ ʙɪᴛᴛᴇɴ ᴡɪʀ
- ELW 381 - Peace to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - ꜰʀᴇᴅ ᴛɪʟ ʙᴏᴅ
- ELW 400 - God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ
- ELW 577/578 - Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove - ᴋᴏᴍᴍ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ꜱᴄʜöᴘꜰᴇʀ // ᴠᴇɴɪ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴏʀ ꜱᴘɪʀɪᴛᴜꜱ
- ELW 579 - Lord, You Give the Great Commission - ᴀʙʙᴏᴛ’ꜱ ʟᴇɪɢʜ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This hymn helps us sing of the life we know in God and His Son. The first stanza expresses the overwhelming joy of the promise Christ gives: “Oh love, how deep, how broad, how high, beyond all thought and fantasy…” The gift of Christ to sinners for the sake of sinners is beyond anything we could imagine, yet in this gift, we have eternal life today. The unimaginable, unfathomable gift of God’s love is made real for us in Christ.
Stanza 2 // If the gift of God’s love in Christ is “beyond all thought” it is often difficult for us to grasp who this One - sent from God - really is. In some cases, we turn Christ into Superman - beyond anything or anyone we know, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. In other scenarios, we might think of the Savior as the One who “humbled himself” in a way no human can understand. As the Creeds of the Church state over and over, this stanza answers our question in the middle of these two extremes. Christ came to this world as a human. In human form, we have and know God - and know eternal life in this One!
Stanza 3 // At first, this stanza sounds like a retelling of Lenten themes, but there is good news here as well! As with stanza two, we might think of the life of Christ - his temptation, his hunger, his pain - as the ultimate, humble act of God in the flesh. Unlike those who deny their needs to be glorified in the eyes of the world, Christ does these things “for us” - that the tempter might be overthrown, and we might be raised from death to life. Connecting directly with this week’s Scripture reading, Jesus says He is “glorified in [those who belong to the Father].” When sinners are made saints of Almighty God, we see God’s glory!
Stanza 4 // The fourth stanza begins with a brief acknowledgement of the words we hear this week: “For us he prayed…” Yet, this small point is the purpose of Jesus’ words! Christ prays for us, just as his teaching, work, and signs were offered that sinners might be found.
Stanza 5 // When Christ says His hour has come to be glorified, he offers these words of prayer knowing he faces the “shameful cross and death.” Yet, even this cross and his “dying breath” are for those our Lord would make His own - those who betray Him in wickedness, mockingly place on His head a crown of thorns, and crucify God’s Son. In this act, we know our own sin and God’s forgiveness.
Stanza 6 // More than a reference to Easter morning or a Bible narrative, this stanza proclaims God’s mighty acts “for us” in the resurrection, ascension, and giving of the Holy Spirit, that we might have a guide, be strengthened, and have cheer/joy in the midst of all difficulty.
Stanza 7 // Having sung six stanzas of God at work for us, the final stanza is again an outburst of joy at God’s work in the Trinity. Those who know the Son know the Father. Given ears to hear the promise of Christ by the Holy Spirit, we know the love of God - and have eternal life now! In this good news, we sing “forever and forevermore.”
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 322 - O Love, How Deep - ᴅᴇᴏ ɢʀᴀᴄɪᴀꜱ
- ELW 657 - Rise, O Sun of Righteousness - ꜱᴏɴɴᴇ ᴅᴇʀ ɢᴇʀᴇᴄʜᴛɪɢᴋᴇɪᴛ
- ELW 745 - Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright - ꜱᴏɴɢ 46
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This hymn is a prayer the Holy Spirit might come to us, as Christ has promised. When we ask that the Spirit “make our hearts His dwelling” it is repeating to God what Jesus says in this week’s Scripture reading: that the Spirit will be sent and be with God’s people forever! This dwelling is permanent - that we might be strengthened by the light the Holy Spirit brings - life from heaven - new life in Christ.
Stanza 2 // While the gift of the Holy Spirit may be appreciated as we consider this week’s Scripture passage, the second stanza of this hymn highlights our need for God’s work in this way. Apart from this promise, we “surely stray” - there is no doubt! This echoes Jesus words in St. John’s Gospel - “the world neither sees [the Spirit] nor knows Him.” This is why the hymn calls this the “narrow way” with “wise counsel.” There is a second dose of reality in this stanza. Those who are given the Spirit will be “derided” by the world. For this reason, the poet prays for “steadfast” or immovable freedom in the promise of Jesus Christ. Finally, we pray for those who ridicule the gift of the Spirit - that hearts might be healed, and all might come to know the gift of God in Christ, who is the light which cheers our broken hearts.
Stanza 3 // If we wonder why we spend three minutes singing to and praying for the gift of the Holy Spirit, this stanza has an answer! In “doubt and strife” we ask that the promise of God - given in His Word - would keep us faithful unto death and through death. In the power of the Spirit, we confess Christ, whose gives us His blessing: “Because I live, you also shall live!” In this Word, we are cherished by God, and so cherish this promise above all things.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 786 - O Holy Spirit, Enter In - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
- ELW 402 - Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ - ᴀᴅᴏʀᴏ ᴛᴇ ᴅᴇᴠᴏᴛᴇ
- ELW 449 - We Know That Christ Is Raised - ᴇɴɢᴇʟʙᴇʀɢ
- ELW 594 - Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice - ɴᴜɴ ꜰʀᴇᴜᴛ ᴇᴜᴄʜ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Each stanza helps us sing about what it means to know Christ - the way, the truth, and the life. This might seem like an obvious path to choose around this text, but it actually begins to answer the question Thomas asks. Rather than simply quoting Christ or placing the words of God in our mouth, this hymn asks [or forces!] us to confess Jesus Christ as the “way, truth, and life.” When Christ says he is “the way” in this passage, it is linked with Christ’s promise to “prepare a place” for the disciples. Rather than dwell on this aspect, the hymn instead points to Christ as the way to “flee sin and death and know freedom.” The second half of this stanza can sound problematic - “all those who search for God you find…” It is obvious from the rest of this stanza [and the rest of this hymn] the poet understands the second half of this thought to be most important - Christ finds us! Further, this week’s Scripture passage is clear: all people, even Christ’s first disciples are left “searching” for God [and somewhat clueless] without this way being given to them. This is the reason Christ’s words are given back to us in song.
Stanza 2 // It is almost obvious what Christ means when he refers to Himself as “the way” or “the life.” When Christ calls Himself the “truth” commentary can be helpful. This stanza tells us the truth of which our Lord speaks comes through his Word. When we sing or hear this stanza, we might limit God’s Word to the Bible. But, this stanza is clear - God’s Word is a living and active thing - informing the mind and purifying the heart. In these words, we hear our need for this Word to be preached/given to us, putting to death all the lies we hear and tell ourselves. Further, this Word “purifies the heart” - putting to death the best thing we believe we bring to God, and giving us a new heart, forgiven and free.
Stanza 3 // Christ as the “life” is related back to the event of Easter - the “rending” tomb, in which Christ destroys the power of death. As we continue to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, the life Christ promises belongs to us now! Christ’s victory - “conquering” - is proclaimed today. Because we know this life, death and hell have no power over us. In this promise, we place our trust.
Stanza 4 // The fourth stanza is a prayer. While it might appear the poet has run out of words to unpack, this final stanza places our prayer alongside the longings of the disciples in this week’s Scripture reading. When we know the way, the truth, and the life, the joys of heaven - “eternal joy” - flows from this promise Christ gives. We no longer hear Christ’s words as harsh and exclusive: “Nobody comes to the Father except through me…” but know Christ prepares a place for us!
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 758 - You are the Way - ᴅᴜɴᴅᴇᴇ
- ELW 367 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - ʟᴀꜱꜱᴛ ᴜɴꜱ ᴇʀꜰʀᴇᴜᴇɴ
- ELW 380 - Hallelujah! Jesus Lives! - ꜰʀᴇᴅ ᴛɪʟ ʙᴏᴅ
- ELW 426 - Sing with All the Saints in Glory - ᴍɪꜱꜱɪꜱꜱɪᴘᴘɪ
- ELW 619 - I Know That My Redeemer Lives! - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ [Stanza 7]
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The first stanza is a call to sing and give voice to the glory of God. God’s glory is in the cross and empty tomb, through which we know God’s victory for us. In thanksgiving [and as St. Paul suggests in 1 Corinthians], we proclaim or “declare” the Lord’s death until he returns in glory.
Stanza 2 // Knowing Christ has victory over sin, death, and the devil, we hear only the voice of Christ - no longer of those who would seek to steal or destroy. When we listen to Christ - our shepherd - we hear only God’s Word. Through body and blood, Christ has something to say: We belong to Christ, our Lord!
Stanza 3 // Whether sung at the conclusion of worship or elsewhere, the good news of Christ’s forgiveness sends us with the Spirit in freedom. “Partners in your new creation” might sound problematic when we’ve heard of Christ as the gate, but the final phrase of the hymn is of help. We pray that we might be “faithful followers.”
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 544 - Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing - ᴀʟʟᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴀɴ ɢᴏᴛᴛᴇꜱ ꜱᴇɢᴇɴ
- ELW 369 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - ʟʟᴀɴꜰᴀɪʀ
- ELW 502 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ꜱᴛ. ᴄᴏʟᴜᴍʙᴀ
- ELW 778 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴊᴀᴍᴇꜱ’ ᴀɪʀ
- ELW 782 - My Shepherd, You Supply My Need - ʀᴇꜱɪɢɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
- ELW 883 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - ᴏʟᴅ ʜᴜɴᴅʀᴇᴅᴛʜ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The news of Jesus’ resurrection results in a prayer: “Stay with us.” This hymn is also a prayer - but even more - this hymn tells us what it means for the Risen Lord to abide among us. When God’s grace [or favor] is heard, Satan has no power over us, and sin has no place at the table. Instead, God’s favor is given continuously and without end.
Stanza 2 // The power of God’s Word is not only for disciples’ on the walk to Emmaus, where the hidden meaning of Scripture is revealed. For those who wonder what it may have meant to hear Jesus Himself unpack the meaning of Scripture, look at the resulting testimony of the disciples. They testify to the resurrection. The Word Christ gives us is the same - one of peace and joy - that we might know God’s promise now and forever in heaven.
Stanza 3 // Christ as our “precious light” is contrasted here with the state of the disciples before the announcement of resurrection. They are lost in “error’s gloomy night” unable to see the Risen Christ, even as he walks among them - even knowing the tomb is empty! The light of Christ opens our eyes to see and ears to hear the truth of Scripture. The Messiah suffered, was crucified, and raised to new life for our sake.
Stanza 4 // For those who wonder what it means to “grow in faith” or receive a “blessing” from God, this stanza is clear. We know more of God’s grace and wisdom through the Word Christ speaks. Like the first disciples, this Word is given in bread and wine, water, and the opening of Scripture to reveal Christ - our Messiah - crucified and risen.
Stanza 5 // In this stanza, we extol Christ not only as Savior, but faithful. This means Christ is faithful to the promise He makes. When our Lord’s resurrection is announced, this means our Lord abides with us through all the difficulties this life brings, that we might reach our heavenly home, where we abide with Christ forever.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 539 - Abide, O Dearest Jesus - ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴜꜱ, ᴅᴇʀ ɪꜱᴛ ᴍᴇɪɴ ʟᴇʙᴇɴ
- ELW 374 - Day of Arising - ʀᴀᴀʙᴇ
- ELW 383 - Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! - ᴛᴜʀɴʙᴜʟʟ
- ELW 384 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - ᴘᴜᴇʀ ɴᴏʙɪꜱ
- ELW 501 - Come with Us, O Blessed Jesus - ᴡᴇʀᴅᴇ ᴍᴜɴᴛᴇʀ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Death is overcome and the grave is defeated wherever the good news of Christ is heard, whether in speech or in song. It is for all people - sons and daughters - who, knowing this good news, sing today with the hosts of heaven. The resurrection is our reason for singing.
Stanza 2 // The second stanza begins a two-stanza retelling of St. Matthew’s account of Easter morning. Even in seemingly mundane details [seeking Christ’s tomb at the break of day] the refrain interrupts our singing of the story and bursts forth with a shout of praise: “Alleluia!”
Stanza 3 // The appearance of an angel in white is first fear [and death] to those guarding the tomb. But, the angel’s message to the women is one of life. Christ has been raised, and goes ahead of his disciples to Galilee. Curiously, this stanza leaves out the angel’s announcement of resurrection and instead leaves us singing: “Your Lord will go to Galilee.” Even now, Christ always ‘goes ahead of us’ - whether in procession as we enter with singing, or especially in this season, ahead of us through the grave that we might know eternal life. Our response is the same as the women - one of joy! “Alleluia!”
Stanza 4 // Stanzas four through eight are specifically related to this weekend’s Gospel reading. The contrast is stanza four is between the apostles’ fear and the promise Christ walks through doors to bring: “Peace be with you.” No matter the fears we have locked away or keep us locked away from Christ, our Lord comes to bring His forgiveness.
Stanza 5 // At first, it might seem strange to rejoice in Thomas, who doubted the disciples’ news of resurrection. But, stanza five is in direct contrast to the stanza which follows. We do not place our hope simply in the testimony of another, but in the promise Christ offers.
Stanza 6 // Christ’s desire is that all people might believe in His name. Jesus’ offering bodily proof to the disciple gives way to rejoicing not because it is required for faith, but because of the result. Doubt is removed, and faith in Christ takes its place.
Stanza 7 // In the place of doubt, a confession of faith is given: “You are my Lord and God!” We rejoice today not simply that Thomas believed in the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, but that this same confession is made today - Christ is our Lord - that we might live under his mercy, and trust his promise in this life and through death.
Stanza 8 // As this stanza tells us, we are “blest” [or “blessed”] when we name Christ as Lord and God, not having seen all Thomas was given. The latter half of this stanza can sound like “constant” or unwavering, free-of-doubt faith, is necessary for salvation. But, the faith Christ gives is not measurable and God’s promise of life is stronger than all the questions and doubts we might encounter. This is what makes us blessed - that the life which once belonged only to God is now ours in Christ - and cannot be taken away.
Stanza 9 // Though we might see April 16 as a random Sunday, the hymn calls this day the “most holy day of days.” This day is set apart that fearful, doubting sinners might hear Christ’s promise of peace. Out of the many holy days celebrated - Sabbath, Passover, Feast of First Fruits, Day of Atonement, Feast of Booths - the news of Jesus’ resurrection is our reason for celebration as God’s people.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 386 - O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing - ᴏ ꜰɪʟɪɪ ᴇᴛ ꜰɪʟɪᴀᴇ
- ELW 363 - Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain - ɢᴀᴜᴅᴇᴀᴍᴜꜱ ᴘᴀʀɪᴛᴇʀ
- ELW 381 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - ꜰʀᴇᴅ ᴛɪʟ ʙᴏᴅ
- ELW 635 - We Walk by Faith - ꜱʜᴀɴᴛɪ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Knowing Christ is our Redeemer brings comfort. As this stanza reminds us, we have the comfort and promise of resurrection in one, short sentence! Where we often feel the need to make Easter something more than the rest of the year, this first stanza teaches us how to give the comfort of the Gospel.
Stanza 2 // The second stanza begins what appears to be a long list. But, these are the benefits God’s people enjoy as those who have been redeemed! Christ lives that we might know victory over the grave; he lives that we might be saved from the sting of death. Though Christ rules from a heavenly throne, God’s love reaches us now, that we might know victory over death. This is what it means to be a member of Christ’s Church.
Stanza 3 // The blessings of the resurrection are not kept in heaven or found only in the announcement of life beyond death. Though this is the message of Easter, the hymn tells us what the resurrection means in the life we live today. Because Christ lives, we have “rich supply.” This does not mean abundance of possessions, but all we need for life! Christ lives to guide, comfort, and even hear our “soul’s complaint.” This is grace! The crucified Christ, who suffered for us, will listen to our complaints, our challenges, and our difficulties.
Stanza 4 // Resurrection and redemption do mean the end of difficulty in life. Knowing this, the hymn tells us Christ lives to silence our fears, wipe away our tears, and bring comfort in the midst of trouble. When we are fearful about what is to come, Jesus’ resurrection promises a certain future. When we weep over the loss of a loved one, the resurrection is our comfort beyond death. When we are troubled over our decisions or the actions of another, our Redeemer promises forgiveness. In all of this, Christ lives to bring the blessings of heaven to a troubled world!
Stanza 5 // Because of the resurrection, we know the blessings of God’s love. We know how far God’s love is willing to go - to death and through death that we might be redeemed! When the hymn says Christ lives to “plead for us above” it might sound like the resurrection isn’t enough, or that Christ continues to plead our case before God. When we confess the risen and ascended Christ sits at God’s right hand, it means he has power over all things. This means the one who pleads for us is also our judge. Because of the resurrection, all the accusations of this world are silenced, and Christ sits at God’s right hand as the one who can help us in all times of need.
Stanza 6 // The resurrection makes us so bold to call Christ - the Son of God - our friend! Because we know God’s love, we are given reason to sing. And, when we join in singing as God’s people, we sing only of our Redeemer. Finally, this stanza tells us Christ lives as our prophet [one who speaks for God; in this case, a word of forgiveness!], our priest [who, unlike the priests of Old Testament, gives us God’s favor], and our King [who reigns in mercy over all things.]
Stanza 7 // Christ’s victory over death assures us of the same. Where we often reserve Christ’s preparing a place for us at the time of death, this hymn tells us such a promise is connected to Christ’s resurrection. We do not have to wait to enjoy the blessings of this good news. Christ lives for us today, and prepares a place for us to hear this promise for all eternity.
Stanza 8 // The final stanza concludes in the way the hymn began: “I know that my Redemeer lives!” In this announcement, there is not simply hope - but assurance and joy! Because Christ lives, we shall live also.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 619 - I Know That My Redeemer Lives - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ
- ELW 365 - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - ᴇᴀꜱᴛᴇʀ ʜʏᴍɴ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // In a stanza full of honest and difficult imagery, the wounded head of Christ is our joy on this day, because our Lord goes to the cross that we might be “his own.” Where even Jesus’ own disciples looked at the cross as Christ’s end, we claim a despised and gory Savior as the One we crucified, and by whose crucifixion we belong to God forever.
Stanza 2 // The second stanza appears to add anguish to the first, but here, the purpose of Christ’s suffering and death is clear. Jesus dies for our transgression. Christ bears the pain of the cross we as sinners deserve, that we might hear and know God’s forgiveness, and be given life.
Stanza 3 // When the good news of Christ is given, our response is at first an honest question. “What language can I borrow to thank God?” Finally, there is only one thing the poet [and we] can say: “Make me thine forever.” These words are a prayer, that God will do what He promises - speaking a Word of forgiveness to sinners who betrayed him.
Stanza 4 // The final stanza is a prayer. Here, we enjoy the benefits of the forgiveness Christ promises on this Good Friday. We face death “safely” - becuase we know God’s love! The second stanza spoke of “gain” for sinners in the “pain” of Christ. This final stanza tells us what we gain - faith! Knowing Christ died for our gain brings faith in the promises of God. In death, we receive “new faith” - where our eyes are fixed forever on the crucified One, and cry with the faithful: “My Lord and my God!”
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 351 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - ʜᴇʀᴢʟɪᴄʜ ᴛᴜᴛ ᴍɪᴄʜ ᴠᴇʀʟᴀɴɢᴇɴ
- ELW 340 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - ᴀɴ ᴡᴀꜱꜱᴇʀꜰʟüꜱꜱᴇɴ ʙᴀʙʏʟᴏɴ
- ELW 342 - There In God’s Garden - ꜱʜᴀᴅᴇꜱ ᴍᴏᴜɴᴛᴀɪɴ
- ELW 349 - Ah, Holy Jesus - ʜᴇʀᴢʟɪᴇʙꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ
- ELW 355/356 - Sing My Tongue the Glorious Battle - ᴘᴀɴɢᴇ ʟɪɴɢᴜᴀ // ꜰᴏʀᴛᴜɴᴀᴛᴜꜱ ɴᴇᴡ
- ELW 750 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - ʜᴇʀᴢʟɪᴄʜ ʟɪᴇʙ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // For those who think it is our job to invite others to see Christ or be part of our Lord’s Church, we join in celebration at Christ’s command and invitation. The joy and wonder of the Sacrament is found in the presence of Almighty God, who feeds us not only with bread and wine, but with the promise of new life.
Stanza 2 // When God invites His people to this feast, we are united not simply because we each subscribe to the same teaching [as some Christians might suggest], but because in this Holy Supper we possess Christ - crucified and risen. Our Lord is present that we might have a foretaste of the feast to come - where we are gathered with Christians of every time and place around the gracious forgiveness of Christ.
Stanza 3 // Those who receive the Sacrament have forgiveness and new life. We are “one family of God’s children” becuase of the reconcilation our Lord brings to sinners. In this forgiveness, we know what real love looks like - grace and mercy extended to all - “both friends and strangers” - until our Lord returns in glory.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 347 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - ɢᴇᴛʜꜱᴇᴍᴀɴᴇ
- ELW 462 - Now We Join in Celebration - ꜱᴄʜᴍüᴄᴋᴇ ᴅɪᴄʜ
- ELW 468 - Around You, O Lord Jesus
- ELW 476 - Thee We Adore, O Savior
- ELW 488 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Refrain // The refrain we repeat ascribes glory, laud, and honor to the Redeemer. This is the One who is crucified and raised to life for us! The “sweet hosannas” from the mouths of children were sweet to Christ because they “called forth praise” of Almighty God. What the religious people of Jesus’ day could not see [and what so many often miss] is what the children sang - “Hosanna!” - meaning “Save us, we beg!” Christ rides to Jerusalem to face death, that we might know him as Savior and King.
Stanza 1 // The second half of this stanza recalls words of the Sanctus. Christ is the “blessed One, who comes in the name of the Lord.” He comes with power and might, to conquer death for us, that we might know the glory of God.
Stanza 2 // Our singing and praise is not a nostalgic memory of Palm Sunday. Instead, we join our singing with the “company of angels…in reply.” In a way, this is better than singing with the company of heaven. Instead, hearing the song of heaven - “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” - we reply with confidence that this One has come in Christ to save.
Stanza 3 // Just as people spread palms before Christ on this day, we present Christ with those things the Church offers each time we gather - “praise…prayer and anthems.” Such offerings are presented as a testament to the work of Christ - our redeemer and King.
Stanza 4 // The rousing refrain and festive nature of this day cannot obfuscate the truth of this celebration. Christ rode in triumph to his Passion - his suffering and death, and so we sing today to the one who suffered for our sake, and now reigns over all things.
Stanza 5 // The final stanza is a prayer. The hymn says Christ “accepted” the prayers of those present on Palm Sunday. What does the poet know about the heart of Christ? First, we know Christ voiced approval to the children’s singing of “hosanna” in the temple courts. But, more than this, the prayer offered by the crowd that Palm Sunday was a specific one. “Hosanna!” is a one-word prayer meaning: “Save us, we beg!” Christ accepted their prayers - and even more - he answered them, going to the cross, taking their sin, and forgiving the same crowd who would later crucify him. Today, Christ hears this same prayer, and promises to save and forgive all who call upon his name.
SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 344 - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - ᴠᴀʟᴇᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ɪᴄʜ ᴅɪʀ ɢᴇʙᴇɴ
- ELW 342 - There In God’s Garden - ꜱʜᴀᴅᴇꜱ ᴍᴏᴜɴᴛᴀɪɴ
- ELW 343 - My Song Is Love Unknown - ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴜɴᴋɴᴏᴡɴ
- ELW 346 - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty - ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ᴍᴀᴊᴇꜱᴛʏ
- ELW 347 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - ɢᴇᴛʜꜱᴇᴍᴀɴᴇ
- ELW 637 - Holy God, Holy and Glorious - ɴᴇʟꜱᴏɴ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Because Christ lives, we have a defense against death, and a Savior from all that troubles us. This does not mean anxiety and trouble will not come. God knows they will, and he weeps with us in such times. More than this, he arrives to give us a hope that will not waver, even in the face of death.
Stanzas 2 and 3 // The promise the “resurrection and the life” speaks in today’s Gospel reading is for us today! Stanza two acknowledges the questions which come around death: “Shall I fear? Would Christ leave members of His body dead?” Stanza three answers these in bold confidence: No! In faith, we are bound to Christ forever. Nothing will separate us from God’s love in Christ.
Stanza 4 // The fourth stanza acknowledges the reality we each face in the world - we are flesh, and will return to dust. Because we know Christ - the resurrection and the life - his death is our death to sin. His resurrection assures our resurrection.
Stanza 5 // As God’s people, we are cherished because Christ has promised “we will hear his voice.” This promise stirs the grave, and gives comfort in the midst of death, leading us to rejoice in the Word Christ speaks. We we will die, we will never perish.
Stanza 6 // On earth, we follow in Christ footsteps and seek what he imparts. This means we follow with him through death and into resurrection and eternal life. We no longer set our hearts on the vain, hollow, empty matters of life, but instead on the promise that lasts beyond the fleeting things of this world.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 621 - Jesus Lives, My Sure Defense // ᴊᴇꜱᴜꜱ, ᴍᴇɪɴᴇ ᴢᴜᴠᴇʀꜱɪᴄʜᴛ
- ELW 321 - Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church - ᴏʟᴅ 124ᴛʜ
- ELW 339 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - ᴊᴇꜱᴜ, ᴍᴇɪɴᴇꜱ ʟᴇʙᴇɴꜱ ʟᴇʙᴇɴ
- ELW 452 - Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death - ᴀᴢᴍᴏɴ
- ELW 621 - Jesus Lives, My Sure Defense - ᴊᴇꜱᴜꜱ, ᴍᴇɪɴᴇ ᴢᴜᴠᴇʀꜱɪᴄʜᴛ
- ELW 629 - Abide with Me - ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛɪᴅᴇELW 750 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - ʜᴇʀᴢʟɪᴄʜ ʟɪᴇʙ
ELW 673 - God, Whose Almighty Word // ɪᴛᴀʟɪᴀɴ ʜʏᴍɴ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This hymn is a prayer to the Trinity, that the light of Christ might be made known to all people. The first stanza recalls God speaking at creation, where chaos and darkness “took their flight.”
Stanza 2 // Referencing this weekend’s Gospel text, Christ came to “redeem, bringing healing and sight.” This is not simply a reference to the blind man, but - later in the same stanza - also to those bound by the “illusions” of the Law, who see their salvation in their own work.
Stanza 3 // This prayer to the Spirit asks that God’s favor might be seen in the darkest places of the earth, where Christ’s Word is not heard, and where questions and doubt dominate.
Stanza 4 // The light for which we pray repeatedly in this hymn is given context in the “glory” of the Trinity - creating, redeeming, sustaining all things with God’s Word of light. In contrast to the light of creation, God’s Word brings boundless, full light to all the world.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 520 - Dearest Jesus, at Your Word - ʟɪᴇʙꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ, ᴡɪʀ ꜱɪɴᴅ ʜɪᴇʀ
- ELW 673 - God, Whose Almighty Word - ɪᴛᴀʟɪᴀɴ ʜʏᴍɴ
- ELW 776 - What God Ordains Is Good Indeed - ᴡᴀꜱ ɢᴏᴛᴛ ᴛᴜᴛ
- ELW 779 - Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound - ɴᴇᴡ ʙʀɪᴛᴀɪɴ
- ELW 793 - Be Thou My Vision - ꜱʟᴀɴᴇ
ELW 777 - Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty - ʙᴇᴀᴄʜ ꜱᴘʀɪɴɢ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // Stanzas are written to be sung by a voice other than the congregation, or at the very least, shared between voices in the congregation, so that the refrain is heard as a response to Christ’s naming us “thirsty, weary, burdened, and sinners.” The first stanza quotes Jesus’ words in this weekend’s Gospel text, placing Christ’s words in the present for those in worship.
Stanza 2 // Just as Christ was weary [and the woman clearly tired from her own need to hide her sin] so this second stanza addresses those singing as “weary trav’lers” in need of rest Christ offers. Specifically, this stanza points to communion and the “cup of life” at our Lord’s table.
Stanza 3 // The living water Christ offers is also for “burdened believers” - those who have heard God’s Word, and yet those who the world nevertheless questions.
Stanza 4 // Christ’s compassion is not for those who arrive without sin, but for those whose sin has been named - that Jesus might forgive! Divine compassion is for God to know everything about us, call out our sin in broad daylight, and yet offer forgiveness and living water to quench our thirst.
Stanza 5 // The gift Jesus offers is for the distressed and needy - those who recognize their own efforts leave them without hope. The woman arrives at the well in need of water - Christ knows she is in need of forgiveness and water that will never run out. This living water is the gift Jesus offers in the promise of Baptism.
Stanza 6 // The woman in this weekend’s Gospel text has no home - no husband, no place in society - and yet Christ offers her living water apart from all the expectations of the world. Those the world abandons are those whom Jesus seeks.
Refrain // The refrain is a prayer, both asking for the water to quench our thirst, while also acknowledging the joy Christ offers - the gift of new life in the Savior of the world.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 328 - Restore in Us, O God - ʙᴀʏʟᴏʀ
- ELW 332 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ᴛʜɪʀᴅ ᴍᴏᴅᴇ ᴍᴇʟᴏᴅʏ
- ELW 419 - For All the Faithful Women - ᴋᴜᴏʀᴛᴀɴᴇ [Stanzas 1, 2, 8, and Last]
- ELW 607 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛᴏʀ
- ELW 609 - Chief of Sinners Though I Be - ɢᴇᴛʜꜱᴇᴍᴀɴᴇ
- ELW 611 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ᴋɪɴɢꜱꜰᴏʟᴅ
- ELW 658 - O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts - ᴡᴀʟᴛᴏɴ
- ELW 663 - Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word - ɢᴏᴛᴛ ꜱᴇɪ ᴅᴀɴᴋ
ELW 323 - God Loved the World // ʀᴏᴄᴋɪɴɢʜᴀᴍ ᴏʟᴅ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This is John 3:16, but with a twist! God loved the world - so that he gave! We have no part in God’s decision. God’s love leads to divine action in Jesus Christ, that the lost might be found and have eternal life.
Stanza 2 // This stanza tells more about God’s “only Son.” Christ was given [made flesh] to suffer death. Those who confide - that is, trust - in Christ alone, build on what His death and resurrection have accomplished: everlasting life.
Stanza 3 // Here, we are told how and where to use this well-known passage of Scripture. When we “are ill, when death draws near” the truth of Christ’s suffering/God’s giving of His Son rescues us from death. Faith in Christ is not something to simply quote - we cling to Christ for life in the midst of death.
Stanza 4 // Baptism appears to recieve a random shoutout in this stanza, but it links directly with the first portion of this weekend’s Gospel text. The everlasting life of Christ we sing about in stanza one is given in the waters of Baptism, where we are born again of water and the Holy Spirit, forgiven and justified in God’s sight.
Stanza 5 // Though this might appear a somewhat generic Trinitarian stanza, it is an acknowledgement of the Trinity at work in this portion of Scripture. “God” [the Father] loved the world; the “Son” [Christ Jesus] was given, and the “Spirit” [in baptism] brings us the life our Lord promises. John 3:16 is God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - at work for you! Such goodness means we sing forever - eternally - around the throne of the Lamb.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
- ELW 321 - Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church - ᴏʟᴅ 124ᴛʜ
- ELW 442 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴅᴀꜱ ʜᴇɪʟ
- ELW 451 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - ᴏᴜɪᴍᴇᴛᴛᴇ
- ELW 456 - Baptized in Water - ʙᴜɴᴇꜱꜱᴀɴ
- ELW 660 - Lift High the Cross - ᴄʀᴜᴄɪꜰᴇʀ
ELW 769 - If You But Trust in God to Guide You - ᴡᴇʀ ɴᴜʀ ᴅᴇɴ ʟɪᴇʙᴇɴ ɢᴏᴛᴛ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The first stanza can sound like the devil! “If you but trust in God…” But, the stanza is not making a suggestion. Instead, it tells us what God promises regardless of our own doubt or inacation. God stands beside us with an unchanging promise. When crosses come in trying days, God suffers with us and gives us hope beyond death.
Stanza 2 // God’s favor is known in his promise, not our lack of anxiety, trouble, or sorrow. When temptation and trials come, we turn to the cross, where - because of the promise Christ speaks - an instrument of death is for us the means of salvation.
Stanza 3 // When we are restless, God holds our hearts in the promise He has given. As God’s chosen people, we are not removed from the temptations of this world, but have a promise to trust in the midst of fear.
Stanza 4 // As we sing and pray together, and “perform our duties faithfully” - in such mundane, less tempting, moments of life - we trust the Word heaven has given. God’s Word is our hope, because it will not fail. When Christ speaks, the devil and powers of this world flee, and we are left only with angels - those who carry the good news of resurrection.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 319 - O Lord, throughout These Forty Days - ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
- ELW 321 - Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church - ᴏʟᴅ 124ᴛʜ
- ELW 503/504 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ
- ELW 517 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ
- ELW 618 - Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ
- ELW 624 - Jesus, Still Lead On - ꜱᴇᴇʟᴇɴʙʀäᴜᴛɪɢᴀᴍ
- ELW 629 - Abide with Me - ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛɪᴅᴇ
- ELW 705 - God of Grace and God of Glory - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ
- ELW 796 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
ELW 838 - Beautiful Savior // ꜱᴄʜöɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ʜᴇʀʀ, ᴊᴇꜱᴜ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 //
Stanza 2 // As Peter looked to the glory of the Transfiguration, so we often look to the splendor of nature - the “meadows, woodlands, flow’rs” made by our Creator - but Christ is better than all. In the midst of sorrow [sometimes brought on by the nature we praise] Jesus gives us reason to sing.
Stanza 3 // If the woodlands and meadows cannot compare to Christ, this stanza gives “sunshine and sparkling stars” an opportunity. Again, Jesus is better than all the beauty of nature because He is our Savior. Where angels of heaven are messengers of God, Christ is God in the flesh - the “Son of God and Son of Man.”
Stanza 4 // Originally, this fourth stanza was an entirely different text, and addressed Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Communion: “...
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 308 - How Morning Star, How Fair and Bright - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
- ELW 315 - How Good, Lord, to Be Here! - ᴘᴏᴛꜱᴅᴀᴍ
- ELW 316 - O Wondrous Image, Vision Fair - ᴅᴇᴏ ɢʀᴀᴄɪᴀꜱ
- ELW 317 - Jesus on the Mountain Peak - ʙᴇᴛʜᴏʟᴅ
- ELW 318 - Alleluia! Song of Gladness - ᴘʀᴀɪꜱᴇ, ᴍʏ ꜱᴏᴜʟ
- ELW 867 - In Thee Is Gladness - ɪɴ ᴅɪʀ ɪꜱᴛ ꜰʀᴇᴜᴅᴇ
ELW 596/597 - My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less - ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴏʟɪᴅ ʀᴏᴄᴋ // ᴍᴇʟɪᴛᴀ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The only hope for lost and confused sinners [Christians and all people] is “Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Resting on our own merit, we are hopeless. We lean on Jesus’ name because he is the “One who save.” He came not because we showed great hope or promise, but because our situation was hopeless.
Stanza 2 // In this weekend’s Gospel reading, our Lord describes some of life’s most difficult situations - cases of murder, adultery, divorce. In such times, it can appear the “darkness” of this world has “veiled the face” of Christ. In such circumstances, we turn to the “unchanging grace” and forgiveness of our Savior. Jesus has torn the veil between heaven and earth, and is our anchor in the midst of the storm.
Stanza 3 // Christ’s promise outside the Law is the “oath” or “covenant” that sustains us in the difficult [or seemingly impossible] situations of life - what the hymn calls a “raging flood.” The “washing away of all supports” is the reality of which this week’s text speaks - our supposed storehouse of good works are futile in the eyes of God, and we are driven to Christ as our only hope.
Stanza 4 // The final stanza is a prayer, directing our attention to the benefits Christ promises. Jesus’ promise is outside the laws, rules, and regulations of this world - and speaks a Word to those caught dead in sin who turn to our Lord in faith. When the “trumpet sounds,” we ask that we might be found “clothed in [Christ’s] righteousness” - for all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.
Refrain // Throughout, Christ is the “solid rock” on which all people stand. Jesus as solid ground stands in contrast to the support we fashion on our own - that which is washed away by one word of accusation.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 599 - Lord Jesus, Think On Me - ꜱᴏᴜᴛʜᴡᴇʟʟ
- ELW 600 - Out of the Depths I Cry to You - ᴀᴜꜱ ᴛɪᴇꜰᴇʀ ɴᴏᴛ
- ELW 604 - O Christ, Our Hope - ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ, ɪʜʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇɴ
- ELW 609 - Chief of Sinners Though I Be - ɢᴇᴛʜꜱᴇᴍᴀɴᴇ
- ELW 615 - In All Our Grief - ꜰʀᴇᴅᴇʀɪᴄᴋᴛᴏᴡɴ
- ELW 772 - Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways - ᴇᴠᴀɴ
- ELW 811 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - ᴅᴇʀ ᴀᴍ ᴋʀᴇᴜᴢ
ELW 675 - O Christ, Our Light, O Radiance True // ᴏ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇ, ᴡᴀʜʀᴇꜱ ʟɪᴄʜᴛ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // This hymn is a prayer to Christ, our light. In this first stanza [and throughout] it may sound like we pray for those outside of the Church. While is this true, these words are also a confession, that sinners “estranged from [Jesus]” might be brought to a place where their delight rests only in Christ - a place this hymn calls our “home.”
Stanza 2 // Here is a petition for all people obsessed with following God’s Law to perfection. This stanza calls such work a “deep delusion.” To be in a “maze of error” is to be lost and yet constantly wandering and searching for the righteous path, where we are continually haunted and bound by our own inability to “be the salt and light” of the world.
Stanza 3 // Those lost, wandering, and in delusion rely on God to speak a Word of hope into a hopeless situation. This is a prayer to Christ, but specifically in this stanza, to God the Holy Spirit, that our ears might be opened to hear God speaking today. The second half of this stanza can sound like we would be faithful if given the opportunity, but “trembling” to “express” or confess the Gospel is the reality of all who hear this good news, and know the world crucified Christ in the flesh.
Stanza 4 // The light of Christ is His mercy. It shines “gently” on those who have “strayed” from the promises God has given. When God gives His mercy, it shines a light on the open door of heaven, where all wounded by the sting of death are offered a door opened by the Word of forgiveness Jesus gives.
Stanza 5 // In the final stanza, we pray that the first four stanzas of prayer would have a specific result. With Christ as our light, “all people” would be brought to know the “boundless grace” of God - a grace in which we are made righteous and rejoice forever.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 511 - Thy Strong Word - ᴇʙᴇɴᴇᴢᴇʀELW 663 - Spread, Oh Spread, Almighty Word - ɢᴏᴛᴛ ꜱᴇɪ ᴅᴀɴᴋ
- ELW 665 - Rise, Shine, You People - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ
- ELW 669 - Rise Up, O Saints of God! - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ
- ELW 673 - God, Whose Almighty World - ɪᴛᴀʟɪᴀɴ ʜʏᴍɴ
- ELW 675 - O Christ Our Light, O Radiance True - ᴏ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇ, ᴡᴀʜʀᴇꜱ ʟɪᴄʜᴛ
- ELW 677 - This Little Light of Mine - ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴊᴏʏ
- ELW 688 - Lord of Light - ᴀʙʙᴏᴛ’ꜱ ʟᴇɪɢʜ
ELW 867 - In Thee Is Gladness // ɪɴ ᴅɪʀ ɪꜱᴛ ꜰʀᴇᴜᴅᴇ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // In Christ, we have “gladness” - or more accurately, joy - in the midst of difficulty. Our Lord comes not to remove sadness, but give us blessing in the midst of mourning. This is nothing less than the “gift of heaven” itself, and God’s promise - becuase we know Christ, the “true redeemer” we stand forever - in life and death.
Stanza 2 // Because we know Christ, Christians do not fear powers of this world - “earth, sin, and death.” We face these daily, but Jesus promises we have a reward in heaven beyond all of these troubles. When the hymn says Christ “blesses in worst distresses” we point particularly to the cross, where an instrument of death is made for us the means of forgiveness and new life. It is there Christ changes everything “with a breath” - that is, with a Word! Because of this blessing of forgiveness, we glory in the cross, and join with heaven in “rejoicing forever” at the “triumph” Christ has won.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- LBW 17 - How Blest Are Those Who Know Their Need of God
- ELW 428 - Give Thanks for Saints - ʀᴇᴘᴛᴏɴ
- ELW 607 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛᴏʀELW 637 - Holy God, Holy and Glorious - ɴᴇʟꜱᴏɴ
- ELW 728 - Blest Are They - ʙʟᴇꜱᴛ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇʏ
- ELW 754 - Jesus, the Very Thought of You - ꜱᴛ. ᴀɢɴᴇꜱELW 786 - O Holy Spirit, Enter In - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
- ELW 840 - Now Thank We All Our God - ɴᴜɴ ᴅᴀɴᴋᴇᴛ ᴀʟʟᴇ ɢᴏᴛᴛ
- ELW 873 - Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart! - ᴍᴀʀɪᴏɴ
- ELW 884 - Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow - ᴏʟᴅ ʜᴜɴᴅʀᴇᴅᴛʜ
ELW 309 - The Only Son from Heaven // ʜᴇʀʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛ, ᴅᴇʀ ᴇɪɴɪɢ ɢᴏᴛᴛꜱ ꜱᴏʜɴ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // We are gathered by the Holy Spirit to hear from God. Our “hearts [or souls] are stirred” and faith is made when the promises of God are given, and we are “drawn to heaven” - that is, sinners below are numbered with the saints above.
Stanza 2 // Just as those in Scripture sat “in darkness” until Christ, so we “lie in deepest darkness” until God’s Spirit breaks in to deliver the unclouded light of the Gospel. We know this light is Christ himself, and so the hymn addresses Jesus directly. When the hymn credits all “good thoughts” and “good living” as a gift from God, it simply means truly “good” works are only possible from a Christian - one who lives constantly in the forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
Stanza 3 // When Christ arrives and the light dawns, it is because he is the radiance of God, the Father. Echoes of the Nicene Creed - “light of light” - “proceeding from God” - give way to a prayer. To ask that Christ would help and be pleased with our “hearing, speaking, heeding” is to acknowledge what God promises - nothing would please God more than to give us eternal life in His Son.
Stanza 4 // Out of all our prayers - stir our hearts, draw us to heaven, break the darkness, send your blessed light - we recognize the thing “most needed” is the consolation of the Gospel. That which Christ preached in the synagogue is still the message for which the Church exists today, whether anticipating Christ’s return on earth or rejoicing in heaven around the throne.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- ELW 308 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ
- ELW 314 - Arise, Your Light Has Come - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ
- ELW 507 - O God of Light - ᴀᴛᴋɪɴꜱᴏɴ
- ELW 511 - Thy Strong Word - ᴇʙᴇɴᴇᴢᴇʀELW 553 - Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies - ʀᴀᴛɪꜱʙᴏɴ
- ELW 665 - Rise, Shine, You People - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ
- ELW 675 - O Christ Our Light, O Radiance True - ᴏ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇ, ᴡᴀʜʀᴇꜱ ʟɪᴄʜᴛ
- ELW 688 - Lord of Light - ᴀʙʙᴏᴛ’ꜱ ʟᴇɪɢʜ
- ELW 696 - Jesus Calls Us; o'er the Tumult - ɢᴀʟɪʟᴇᴇ
- ELW 799 - Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ
- ELW 843 - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness - ɴᴇᴛᴛʟᴇᴛᴏɴ
ELW 309 - The Only Son from Heaven // ʜᴇʀʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛ, ᴅᴇʀ ᴇɪɴɪɢ ɢᴏᴛᴛꜱ ꜱᴏʜɴ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // In this hymn, Jesus Christ appears not as a teacher, but as “the only Son from heaven” promised by the prophets and given by God the Father. The original text actually says Christ “sprung from the Father’s heart.” Like the disciples in this week’s reading, we look toward the many ‘bright lights’ of our time - but Christ - the “Morning Star” outshines them all.
Stanza 2 // As God’s Son, Christ arrives as the Lamb of God, who takes away our sin. This stanza refers to Christ as the “anointed” King, echoing Jesus title as “Messiah.” We name Christ in this way because he arrives on earth to “vanquish grim death” and “open heaven” before us. The remarkable picture we sing here is that Christ arrives as a child, and yet, even in this helpless form, He is here to help and save all people.
Stanza 3 // This stanza is a prayer. To ask that we would “know and love God more” might sound like measuring faith, but a literal translation is “to stay within faith’s limits, to do the Spirit’s will.” The Holy Spirit [like John the Baptist in this weekend’s text] points to Christ, so to love God more is to know more of Christ, to whom the Spirit guides.
Stanza 4 // To know Christ as Messiah is to be given faith by the Spirit. Through Christ, we know God the Father, and join with those in heaven and earth who sing the unending hymn: “Holy, holy, holy…”
Stanza 5 // The fifth stanza we sing replaced the original text with a doxological stanza. The poet’s original fifth stanza is not printed in the hymnal, perhaps because of its [at first] seemingly strange or even offensive language. It begins this way: “O kill us [or slay us] with your goodness and raise us with your grace…” God’s goodness is to take away everything we cling to in this life - teachers, time, family, friends - and leave us with nothing other than His grace. The stanza concludes with the result: “So here we may adore you with all our being praise you, and sing our thanks to you.”
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- LBW 83 - From God the Father, Virgin-Born - ᴅᴇᴜꜱ ᴛᴜᴏʀᴜᴍ ᴍɪʟɪᴛᴜᴍ
- LBW 177 - By All Your Saints in Warfare - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ʟʏɴɴ [See stanza 5 marked for St. Andrew, apostle]
- ELW 309 - The Only Son from Heaven - ʜᴇʀʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛ, ᴅᴇʀ ᴇɪɴɪɢ ɢᴏᴛᴛꜱ ꜱᴏʜɴ
- ELW 310 - Songs of Thankfulness and Praise - ꜱᴀʟᴢʙᴜʀɢ
- ELW 340 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - ᴀɴ ᴡᴀꜱꜱᴇʀꜰʟüꜱꜱᴇɴ ʙᴀʙʏʟᴏɴ
- ELW 357 - Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless - ᴏ ʟᴀᴍᴍ ɢᴏᴛᴛᴇꜱ
- LSB 401 - From God the Father, Virgin-Born - ᴅᴇᴜꜱ ᴛᴜᴏʀᴜᴍ ᴍɪʟɪᴛᴜᴍ
- LSB 402 - The Only Son from Heaven - ʜᴇʀʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛ, ᴅᴇʀ ᴇɪɴɪɢ ɢᴏᴛᴛꜱ ꜱᴏʜɴ
- LSB 409 - Hail, O Source of Every Blessing - ᴏ ᴅᴜʀᴄʜʙʀᴇᴄʜᴇʀ
- ELW 420 - By All Your Saints - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ʟʏɴɴ [See stanza 3 marked for Andrew, apostle]
- ELW 501 - Come with Us, O Blessed Jesus - ᴡᴇʀᴅᴇ ᴍᴜɴᴛᴇʀ
- ELW 507 - O God of Light - ᴀᴛᴋɪɴꜱᴏɴ
- ELW 510 - Word of God, Come Down on Earth - ʟɪᴇʙꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ, ᴡɪʀ ꜱɪɴᴅ ʜɪᴇʀ
- ELW 514 - O Word of God Incarnate - ᴍᴜɴɪᴄʜ
- LSB 533 - Jesus Has Come and Brings Pleasure - ᴊᴇꜱᴜꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴋᴏᴍᴍᴇɴ, ɢʀᴜɴᴅ ᴇᴡɪɢᴇʀ ꜰʀᴇᴜᴅᴇ
- LBW 536 - O God of God, O Light of Light - ᴏ ɢʀᴏꜱꜱᴇʀ ɢᴏᴛᴛ
- ELW 737 - He Comes to Us as One Unknown - ʀᴇᴘᴛᴏɴ
- ELW 783 - Praise and Thanks and Adoration - ꜰʀᴇᴜ ᴅɪᴄʜ ꜱᴇʜʀ
ELW 304 - Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized // ʟᴏʙᴛ ɢᴏᴛᴛ, ɪʜʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇɴ
ZACHARY'S NOTES:
Stanza 1 // The dove appears as “peaceful” and “urgent” as a flame. These are both images of the Spirit in Scripture, but in this context, the Spirit is “peaceful” because of the promise spoken - “you are my beloved Son” - yet “urgent” because of the work of ministry to save and redeem the world.
Stanza 2 // Christ comes to do “God’s holy will” - that is, to fulfill what we, as sinners, cannot. He is sent to “proclaim the reign/kingdom of heaven” - to give mercy wherever sinners are found.
Stanza 3 // From baptism, a seemingly picturesque moment, Jesus moves “straightway and steadfast unto death.” This is what it means to be a servant - to die in this world, and be clothed in the righteousness given/fulfilled by our Lord. The hymnal 1982 originally reads “...obeyed [his] call” - meaning the call of God, the Father. Christ is “well-pleased” with the Son as the one who is obedient or “steadfast” to death.
Stanza 4 // The fourth stanza is a prayer. Finding “perfect freedom in God’s service” can sound like the Law, but to be a servant in the kingdom of Christ is to be named as a sinner, and forgiven as one of God’s own children - as stanza two says - to hear the “reign of heaven proclaimed.” The cross is signed on us with the promise God gives - “you are my beloved child.” The “perfect freedom” we find in the cross is God’s righteousness given to sinners.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- LBW 79 - To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord - ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛ, ᴜɴꜱᴇʀ ʜᴇʀʀ
- LBW 192 - Baptized into Your Name Most Holy - ᴏ ᴅᴀꜱꜱ ɪᴄʜ ᴛᴀᴜꜱᴇɴᴅ ᴢᴜɴɢᴇɴ ʜÄᴛᴛᴇ
- ELW 305 - When Jesus Came to Jordan - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ʟʏɴɴ
- LSB 404 - Jesus, Once with Sinners Numbered - ᴍɪꜱꜱɪꜱꜱɪᴘᴘɪ
- LSB 405 - To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord - ᴡɪɴᴄʜᴇꜱᴛᴇʀ ɴᴇᴡ
- ELW 442 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ᴇꜱ ɪꜱᴛ ᴅᴀꜱ ʜᴇɪʟ
- ELW 447 - O Blessed Spring - ʙᴇʀɢʟᴜɴᴅ
- ELW 448 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - ʟᴀɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ʀᴇꜱᴛ
- ELW 449 - We Know That Christ Is Raised - ᴇɴɢᴇʟʙᴇʀɢ
- ELW 450 - I Bind unto Myself Today - ꜱᴛ. ᴘᴀᴛʀɪᴄᴋ’ꜱ ʙʀᴇᴀꜱᴛᴘʟᴀᴛᴇ
- ELW 454 - Remember and Rejoice - ꜱᴛ. ᴛʜᴏᴍᴀꜱ
- ELW 456 - Baptized in Water - ʙᴜɴᴇꜱꜱᴀɴ
- ELW 458 - Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God - ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴇ ꜱᴀɴᴄᴛᴏʀᴜᴍ
- LSB 594 - God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It - ʙᴀᴄʜᴏꜰᴇɴ
- LSB 600 - Mark How the Lamb of God’s Self-Offering - ʀᴇɴᴅᴇᴢ À ᴅɪᴇᴜ
"Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." -Martin Luther.
Luther House of Study's Mason Van Essen and Lars Olson sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to introduce Sing to the Lord—LHOS' podcast to understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church.
Each week, Zachary, Lars, and Mason will discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel.