Time of Christmas | Confident.Faith: Recent Episodes
Confident.Faith
Readings* Psalm 37 * Psalm 77 * Job 13:1–12 * John 6:1–21 * Smalcald Articles III:IX–XIII
Readings* Psalm 57 * Psalm 1 * Job 11:1–20 * John 5:19–29 * Smalcald Articles III:IV–VII CommemorationToday we commemorate Philemon and Onesimus. Onesimus was a slave, owned by Philemon, who ran away from his master. Somehow, Onesimus came into contact with Paul while Paul was in prison. At the urging of Paul, and with an accompanying letter, Onesimus returned to his master. In his letter, Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus as a beloved brother, instead of as a runaway slave, as one might expect; however, Paul also, notably, did not command or ask Philemon to free Onesimus.
Readings Psalm 119:153–160 * Psalm 35 * Job 10:1–22 * John 5:1–18 * Smalcald Articles III:III:29–45 CommemorationToday we commemorate Valentine, Martyr*. Executed under Emperor Claudius on account of his refusal to renounce the Christian faith, Valentine has long been remembered in the Western Church as an example for all Christians. Today, Valentine’s Day continues to celebrate Valentine, and the tradition of exchanging written expressions of love derives from a note with words of encouragement that Valentine wrote for one of the children of his jailer. Even the irregularity of the shape of the piece of paper on which Valentine wrote his note has carried forward, after a fashion, into modern commemorations on Valentine’s Day.
Readings* Psalm 95 * Psalm 70 * Job 9:1–35 * John 4:46–54 * Smalcald Articles III:III:20–28
Readings* Psalm 71 * Psalm 99 * Job 8:1–22 * John 4:27–45 * Smalcald Articles III:III:10–19
Readings* Psalm 38 * Job 6:14–30 * John 3:22—4:6 * Smalcald Articles III:I–II CommemorationToday we commemorate Silas, Fellow Worker of St. Peter and St. Paul. A leader in the Church at Jerusalem, Silas was chosen by Paul to accompany him on his second missionary journey. Imprisoned with Paul in Philippi, Silas also experienced the rioting in Thessalonica and Berea. Tradition holds that Silas was the first Bishop of Corinth.
Readings* Psalm 23 * Psalm 87 * Job 6:1–13 * John 3:1–21 * Smalcald Articles II:IV:10–16
Readings* Psalm 69 * Psalm 122 * Job 5:1–27 * John 2:13–25 * Smalcald Articles II:IV:1–9
Readings* Psalm 4 * Psalm 18 * Job 4:1–21 * John 2:1–12 * Smalcald Articles II:II:25–29, II:III
Readings* Psalm 77 * Psalm 74 * Job 3:11–26 * John 1:35–51 * Smalcald Articles II:II:11–24
Readings* Psalm 31 * Psalm 88 * Job 2:1—3:10 * John 1:19–34 * Smalcald Articles II:II:1–10 CommemorationToday we commemorate Jacob, Patriarch of OT Israel. Born the younger of Isaac and Rebekah’s twin sons, Jacob was the third of the patriarchs of OT Israel. After wrestling with the Angel of the Lord, Jacob (whose name means ‘deceiver’) was renamed to Israel (which means ‘he strives with God’). Jacob lived a life of strife and trouble, due in no small part to his own deceptions toward his brother and father. The deceptive nature of Jacob would carry on to his sons, who would sell their brother Joseph into slavery and lie to their father. By the grace of God, Joseph became prominent in Egypt and was reunited with Jacob, who then died in Egypt after blessing and prophesying about his sons.
Readings* Psalm 47 * Psalm 135 * Zechariah 14:1–21 * Titus 2:7—3:15 * Smalcald Articles, Preface: 8–15
Readings* Psalm 75 * Psalm 104 * Zechariah 12:1—13:9 * Titus 1:1—2:6 * Smalcald Articles, Preface:1–7 FeastToday we celebrate the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord. Thirty-two days after Jesus was circumcised, He comes to the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the OT law. In offering the alternative sacrifice (two turtledoves or two pigeons instead of a lamb), Joseph and Mary reveal their humble circumstances. In his Nunc Dimmitis, Simeon announces the inauguration of God’s consolation and redemption in and through Christ, and also prophesies concerning the destiny of Jesus.
Readings* Psalm 28 * Psalm 48 * Zechariah 11:4–17 * 2 Timothy 4:1–18 * Large Catechism V:75–87
Readings* Psalm 135 * Psalm 68 * Zechariah 10:1—11:3 * 2 Timothy 3:1–17 * Large Catechism V:58–74
Readings* Psalm 12 * Psalm 133 * Zechariah 6:1—7:14 * Romans 16:17–27 * Large Catechism V:15–30
Readings Psalm 1 * Psalm 109 * Zechariah 4:1—5:11 * Romans 15:14–33 * Large Catechism V:1–14 CommemorationToday we commemorate John Chrysostom, Preacher*. Born around AD 347, St. John was instructed in the Christian faith by his mother, Anthusa. After holding a number of lesser offices, John became patriarch of Constantinople in AD 398. John was given the added name “Chrysostom”, which means ‘golden-mouthed’ in Greek, for his simple, but direct, messages that were beloved by all who heard them. Eventually exiled from Constantinople, after coming into conflict with the local authorities due to his determination to reform the church, the court, and the city, John continued to preach and write right up until his death in AD 407. His reported last words were “Glory be to God for all things! Amen.”
Readings* Psalm 18 * Psalm 134 * Zechariah 2:1—3:10 * Romans 15:1–13 * Large Catechism IV:68–86 CommemorationToday we celebrate the Festival of St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor. Like Timothy, St. Titus was a friend and coworker of St. Paul. Whereas it is not known if Titus accompanied Paul on his first and second missionary journeys, it is known that Titus accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey, along with Barnabas, to Jerusalem to bring aid during a famine. Likely after the trip to Jerusalem, Paul and Titus parted ways, with Titus staying in Crete and eventually working in Dalmatia and then, according to tradition, serving as bishop in Crete until his death in about AD 96.
Readings* Psalm 6 * Psalm 67 * Zechariah 1:1–21 * Romans 14:1–23 * Large Catechism IV:56–67 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of the Conversion of St. Paul. Originally a zealous persecutor of the Church, St. Paul (then Saul of Tarsus) met Christ on the road to Damascus. Blinded by a bright light, Saul heard the words “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” to which Saul replied “Who are You, Lord?” to which Christ replied “I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.” Upon arriving in Damascus, Saul was sought by a disciple named Ananias, who had been sent by the Lord to heal Saul. Upon receiving his sight, Saul was baptized and went on to become the Apostle Paul, a man whom God called ‘a chosen instrument … to carry [Christ’s] name before the nations’.
Readings* Psalm 131 * Psalm 84 * Joel 3:1–21 * Romans 12:14—13:14 * Large Catechism IV:47–55 CommemorationToday we celebrate the Festival of St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor. Best remembered as a companion of St. Paul, St. Timothy grew up in a Christian household. After meeting Paul on his (Paul’s) second missionary journey, Timothy accompanied Paul on further missionary journeys and was with Paul in Rome. According to tradition, Timothy was martyred in Ephesus around AD 97, where he served as bishop after Paul’s martyrdom in Rome.
Readings* Psalm 139 * Psalm 81 * Joel 2:18–32 * Romans 11:25—12:13 * Large Catechism IV:32–46
Readings* Psalm 69 * Psalm 121 * Joel 2:1–17 * Romans 11:1–24 * Large Catechism IV:17–31
Readings* Psalm 117 * Psalm 97 * Ezekiel 47:1–23 * Romans 9:19–33 * Large Catechism III:112–124 CommemorationToday we commemorate Sarah. Wife (and half-sister) of the patriarch Abraham, Sarah followed Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans on his journey to Canaan. Childless until old age, Sarah was eventually blessed with a son — Isaac — who would become the second of the three major patriarchs of OT Israel, and carry on the line of the promised Messiah. Sarah is remembered for her faithfulness and her hospitality. She was buried in the Cave of Machpelah, the same cave where Abraham would also later be buried.
Readings* Psalm 15 * Psalm 126 * Ezekiel 44:1–29 * Romans 9:1–18 * Large Catechism III:99–111
Readings* Psalm 44 * Psalm 124 * Ezekiel 40:1–4; 41:1–12 * Romans 8:18–39 * Large Catechism III:85–98 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of The Confession of St. Peter. In response to Christ’s challenge: “But who do you say that I am?”, Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This — Peter’s confession — is the rock upon which the Church is built. As Christ makes clear, it is not “flesh and blood [that] [reveals]” this truth, but “[the] Father Who is in Heaven”.
Here in Matthew, and elsewhere in the NT, Christ makes clear that He gives the Keys to the entire Church, not to Peter alone, and with the Keys the power to bind and to loose: “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.” As the Smalcald Articles state:
The Keys are an office and power given by Christ to the Church for binding and loosing sin. This applies not only to gross and well-known sins, but also the subtle, hidden sins that are known only to God. As it is written, “Who can discern his errors?” (Psalm 19:12).
It is truly this confession of Peter — that Christ is the Son of the living God — upon which the Church is founded, with Christ as cornerstone.
Readings* Psalm 36 * Psalm 54 * Ezekiel 38:1–23 * Romans 7:1–20 * Large Catechism III:59–70
Readings* Psalm 104 * Psalm 79 * Ezekiel 36:33—37:14 * Romans 5:1–21 * Large Catechism III:35–48
Readings* Psalm 32 * Psalm 51 * Ezekiel 36:13–28 * Romans 4:1–25 * Large Catechism III:25–34
Readings* Psalm 63 * Psalm 59 * Ezekiel 34:1–24 * Romans 3:19–31 * Large Catechism III:14–24
Readings* Psalm 7 * Psalm 14 * Ezekiel 33:1–20 * Romans 3:1–18 * Large Catechism III:1–13 FestivalToday we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. As recounted in the third chapter of the Gospel of Matthew (and in parallel passages in Mark, Luke, and John), Christ was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Although John initially hesitated when asked to baptize Christ, because Christ was without sin and John knew he was in the presence of One greater than he, Christ spoke His first words in Matthew so that John would agree:
“Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
On Christ’s Baptism, Luther said:
“[Christ] accepted it from John for the reason that He was entering into our stead, indeed, our person, that is, becoming a sinner for us, taking upon Himself the sins which He had not committed, and wiping them out and drowning them in His Holy Baptism.”
This Baptism in the Jordan River marked the beginning of Christ’s ministry.
Readings Psalm 85 * Psalm 58 * Ezekiel 18:1–32 * Romans 2:17–29 * Large Catechism II:63–70 CommemorationToday we commemorate Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa, Pastors and Confessors*. Collectively known as the Cappadocian Fathers, Basil and the two Gregorys were leaders of the Christian Church in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) in the fourth century. Basil and Gregory of Nyssa were brothers, and Gregory of Nazianzus was their friend. All three men were influential in shaping the theology ratified by the Council of Constantinople, which would later be enshrined in the Nicene Creed.
Readings* Psalm 62 * Psalm 32 * Ezekiel 3:12–27 * Romans 2:1–16 * Large Catechism II:55–62
Readings* Psalm 19 * Psalm 100 * Ezekiel 2:1—3:11 * Romans 1:18–32 * Large Catechism II:47–54
Readings* Psalm 46 * Psalm 45 * Ezekiel 1:1–28 * Romans 1:1–17 * Large Catechism II:34–46
Readings* Psalm 45 * Psalm 72 * Isaiah 66:1–20 * Luke 3:21–38 * Large Catechism II:25–33 FestivalToday we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord. Although the feast of Epiphany commemorates no particular, concrete event, it is one of the most important days in the liturgical calendar — one of the principal feasts. On Epiphany, we remember that the God who became man in Bethlehem — that the Babe in the manger — needed present no proof that He was true man, but that He did indeed need to prove that He was true God. He did this superabundantly with the manifestations of the Trinity and the signs, wonders, and miracles that dot the pages of the New Testament record. In the Western Church tradition, Epiphany has become associated with the visit of the Magi, and this is fitting, for the Magi represent all the nations that were brought into the New Covenant through Christ — the true epiphany being the revelation of Christ as Lord, God, Savior, and King.
Readings* Psalm 40 * Psalm 65 * Isaiah 63:15—65:7 * Luke 2:41–52 * Large Catechism II:1–8
Readings* Psalm 108 * Psalm 110 * Isaiah 63:1–14 * Luke 2:21–40 * Large Catechism I:324–333
Readings Psalm 62 * Psalm 98 * Isaiah 62:1–12 * Luke 2:1–20 * Large Catechism I:311–323 CommemorationToday we commemorate J. K. Wilhelm Löhe, Pastor*. Johann Konrad Wilhelm Löhe served as the pastor of Neuendettelsau in the Bavarian Alps in the 1800s. Although he never left Germany, Löhe had a significant impact on Lutheranism in North America. Recognizing the need for Church workers, Löhe assisted in the training of missionary pastors to be sent to the New World and Australia. A number of the men sent by Löhe would become founders of what is today the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (the LCMS). It was also due in part to Löhe’s financial backing that a theological school in Fort Wayne, IN, and a teachers’ institute in Saginaw, MI, were established. Löhe is widely recognized and fondly remembered for his confessional integrity and his dedication to Christian charity.
Readings* Psalm 113 * Psalm 21 * Isaiah 61:1–11 * Luke 1:57–80 * Large Catechism I:303–310 FestivalToday we celebrate the Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus. Per tradition, Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day and given the name “Jesus” as the angel had proclaimed. Under the Old Covenant, circumcision brought the benefits of forgiveness of sins, justification, and incorporation into the people of God. Under the New Covenant, circumcision is no longer necessary or effective; it has been replaced by Baptism, which is called, by St. Paul, a “circumcision made without hands” and “the circumcision of Christ”.
Readings* Psalm 111 * Psalm 8 * Isaiah 60:1–22 * Luke 1:39–56 * Large Catechism I:292–302
Readings* Psalm 89 * Psalm 132 * Isaiah 58:1—59:21 * Luke 1:26–38 * Large Catechism I:276–291
Readings* Psalm 78 * Psalm 93 * Isaiah 55:1–13 * Luke 1:1–25 * Large Catechism I:263–275 CommemorationToday we commemorate David. David was the greatest of the kings of OT Israel, and ruled from about 1010 to 970 BC. Although David’s private conduct showed a mixture of good and bad, it was his fierce loyalty to God that defined his life and his reign. Under David, God fulfilled many of the promises to OT Israel, notably uniting Israel into a single nation with its capital at Jerusalem. Of course, God’s greatest promise would be fulfilled through the promised King — Christ, our Lord.
Readings* Psalm 9 * Psalm 31 * Isaiah 52:13—54:10 * Matthew 2:13–23 * Large Catechism I:254–262 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of The Holy Innocents, Martyrs. Threatened by the prophecies concerning a “King of the Jews”, King Herod plotted to find and kill Jesus using the Wise Men, but was thwarted in that plan when the Wise Men went back to their lands by another route. Angered and still plotting to thwart the prophecy, Herod had all male children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or younger murdered. We commemorate these innocents as a reminder of the depravity, brutality, and evil that can take residence in the human heart and of the persecution Jesus suffered even before His earthly ministry had begun. By the hand of God, Jesus was spared from being numbered amongst the slain, for His path led to a different death — on a cross at Golgotha, to pay the price for our sins.
Readings* Psalm 72 * Psalm 92 * Isaiah 51:17—52:12 * Matthew 2:1–12 * Large Catechism I:245–253 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist. St. John, son of Zebedee and brother of James the Elder, was among the first disciples to be called by Jesus, and became known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. During Christ’s ministry, John witnessed many of Christ’s miracles, was present for the Transfiguration, went with Peter to reserve the upper room for the Last Supper, and, alone among the Disciples, did not forsake Christ during His Passion, remaining near Christ through the crucifixion. From the cross, Jesus made John guardian of Mary, His mother. John would go on to be a founding father of the Early Church. From John, we have the fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation, which was revealed to him while he was banished to Patmos by Emperor Domitian. John outlived all of the other Apostles, dying in Ephesus at around age one hundred.
Readings* Psalm 34 * Psalm 60 * Isaiah 49:22—51:16 * Matthew 1:18–25 * Large Catechism I:234–244 CommemorationToday we celebrate the Festival of St. Stephen, Martyr. St. Stephen was one of the first seven deacons of the Church, appointed to distribute food and other necessities to the poor of the growing Christian community. In addition to such duties, the deacons also taught and preached. When some of his colleagues became jealous, they brought him before the Sanhedrin on false charges of blasphemy. Before the Sanhedrin, Stephen confessed his faith in Christ and rebuked members of the Sanhedrin for rejecting the Christ. Infuriated, the Sanhedrin had Stephen dragged outside the city and stoned. Honored as the first martyr of the New Testament Church, Stephen is remembered for his dying words: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Readings* Psalm 96 * Psalm 150 * Isaiah 49:1–18 * Matthew 1:1–17 * Large Catechism I:222–233
Readings* Psalm 98 * Psalm 2 * Isaiah 44:21—45:25 * Revelation 12:1–17 * Large Catechism I:211–221
Readings* Psalm 39 * Psalm 144 * Isaiah 43:25—44:20 * Revelation 11:1–19 * Large Catechism I:199–210
Readings* Psalm 115 * Psalm 125 * Isaiah 43:1–24 * Revelation 9:13—10:11 * Large Catechism I:189–198
Readings* Psalm 119:25–32 * Psalm 141 * Isaiah 40:18—41:10 * Revelation 8:1–13 * Large Catechism I:167–178 CommemorationToday we commemorate Katharina Luther, née von Bora. Born in 1499, Katharina von Bora was placed into a convent when she was still a child and became a nun in 1515. In April of 1523, Katharina, along with eight other nuns, was rescued from the convent and brought to Wittenberg. In Wittenberg, Martin Luther helped the rescued nuns return to their families or start families of their own. Although initially hesitant to marry — as he feared assassination or execution by Rome — Luther believed that he must place his faith in God and practice what he preached. Katharina and Luther were married on 13 June 1525. God blessed the Luthers’ marriage with six children, and Katharina skillfully managed the Luther household. Although she suffered financial difficulties after Luther’s death in 1546, Katharina remained steadfast in her faith and her care for her children and others. Amongst her last recorded words, Katharina, on her deathbed, said that she would ‘stick to Christ as a burr to cloth.’
Readings* Psalm 103 * Psalm 19 * Isaiah 40:1–17 * Revelation 7:1–17 * Large Catechism I:158–166 CommemorationToday we commemorate Adam and Eve. Father and mother to us all, Adam and Eve were the first two human beings created by God’s own hands. Adam, formed from the dust, was created first and Eve, formed from one of Adam’s ribs to be his companion, was created second. Failing to obey God and listening to the Serpent’s temptation, Eve ate of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, which God had forbidden, and Adam, forsaking his role as head, joined her in rebellion. For their disobedience, they were driven from the Garden; by their disobedience, death entered the world. Nevertheless, in the midst of the tragedy of the Fall, God promised that the woman’s Seed — Christ, the Savior — would crush the Serpent’s head. In His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, Christ defeated sin, death, and the devil — fulfilling the promise of Genesis 3:15. As Luther commented: ‘God arranged to remove through Christ whatever the devil brought in through Adam.’
Readings* Psalm 119:81–88 * Psalm 145 * Isaiah 34:1—35:10 * Revelation 6:1–17 * Large Catechism I:150–157
Readings* Psalm 40 * Psalm 20 * Isaiah 33:1–24 * Revelation 5:1–14 * Large Catechism I:141–149
Readings* Psalm 149 * Psalm 61 * Isaiah 32:1–20 * Revelation 4:1–11 * Large Catechism I:129–140
Readings* Psalm 146 * Psalm 80 * Isaiah 30:27—31:9 * Revelation 3:1–22 * Large Catechism I:120–128
Readings* Psalm 27 * Psalm 24 * Isaiah 30:15–26 * Revelation 2:1–29 * Large Catechism I:112–119
Readings Psalm 89 * Psalm 143 * Isaiah 29:15—30:14 * Revelation 1:1–20 * Large Catechism I:103–111 CommemorationToday we commemorate Lucia, Martyr*. Born into a wealthy family, Lucia gave away her dowry to the poor. When this came to the attention of the Roman governor, he ordered Lucia to burn a sacrifice to the emperor. Upon her refusal, the governor commanded that she be condemned to a brothel; Lucia was martyred by the soldiers who came to execute the governor’s sentence. As the name “Lucia” means light, many European nations have long held festivals in her memory involving lanterns or lights; such festivals have been particularly popular in the Scandinavian countries, where this time of year is quite short on daylight.
Readings* Psalm 5 * Psalm 142 * Isaiah 28:14–29 * 1 John 5:1–21 * Large Catechism I:87–95
Readings* Psalm 86 * Psalm 130 * Isaiah 26:20—27:13 * 1 John 4:1–21 * Large Catechism I:78–86
Readings* Psalm 17 * Psalm 148 * Isaiah 26:1–19 * 1 John 3:1–24 * Large Catechism I:69–77
Readings* Psalm 11 * Psalm 142 * Isaiah 24:14—25:12 * 1 John 2:15–29 * Large Catechism I:59–68
Readings Psalm 25 * Psalm 73 * Isaiah 24:1–13 * 1 John 1:1—2:14 * Large Catechism I:49–58 CommemorationToday we commemorate Ambrose of Milan, Pastor and Hymnwriter*. Along with Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great, Ambrose of Milan is considered one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Church. Becoming Bishop of Milan in AD 374 — largely by acclamation — Ambrose would go on to be a prolific hymnwriter and defender of the faith. Ambrose played no small part in suppressing the Arian heresy through his interactions with Emperor Gratian and Emperor Theodosius. Many are undoubtedly familiar with Ambrose’s hymn, “Savior of the Nations, Come”.
Readings* Psalm 145 * Psalm 62 * Isaiah 10:12–34 * 2 Peter 1:1–21 * Large Catechism I:24–29
Readings* Psalm 119:105–112 * Psalm 82 * Isaiah 8:9—9:7 * 1 Peter 4:1–19 * Large Catechism I:1–12
Readings* Psalm 34 * Psalm 50 * Isaiah 7:10—8:8 * 1 Peter 3:1–22 * Large Catechism, Short Preface: 14–28
Readings* Psalm 123 * Psalm 7 * Isaiah 6:1—7:9 * 1 Peter 2:13–25 * Large Catechism, Short Preface: 1–13
Readings* Isaiah 2:1–5 * Psalm 122 * Romans 13:8–14 * Matthew 21:1–11 * Matthew 24:36–44
Readings* Psalm 2 * Psalm 83 * Job 36:1–21 * John 11:38–57 * Formula of Concord: Epitome VIII:19–39
Readings* Psalm 116 * Psalm 138 * Job 34:10–33 * John 11:17–37 * Formula of Concord: Epitome VIII:10–18
Readings* Psalm 116 * Psalm 119:49–56 * Job 33:19—34:9 * John 11:1–16 * Formula of Concord: Epitome VIII:1–9
Readings* Psalm 82 * Psalm 140 * Job 33:1–18 * John 10:22–42 * Formula of Concord: Epitome VII:1–20
Readings* Psalm 66 * Psalm 119:169–176 * Job 31:1–40 * John 9:24–41 * Formula of Concord: Epitome VI
Readings* Psalm 146 * Psalm 119:89–96 * Job 30:16–31 * John 9:1–23 * Formula of Concord: Epitome V
Readings* Psalm 3 * Psalm 119:73–80 * Job 21:1–21 * John 8:39–59 * Formula of Concord: Epitome IV:5–19
Readings* Psalm 112 * Psalm 119:57–64 * Job 20:1–29 * John 8:21–38 * Formula of Concord: Epitome III:12–23, IV:1–4
Readings* Psalm 30 * Psalm 22 * Job 19:1–27 * John 8:1–20 * Formula of Concord: Epitome III:1–11 FestivalToday we celebrate the festival of St. Matthias, Apostle. A lesser-known apostle, Matthias was one of the seventy-two sent out by Jesus and was selected by lot to replace Judas. Early Church tradition is split on Matthias, with some contending that he journeyed to Ethiopia and others contending he journeyed to Armenia. However, it is in Trier, Germany, at the Church of St. Matthias, that the body of the apostle is interred. He is the only apostle buried in Europe north of the Alps.
Readings Psalm 42 * Psalm 52 * Job 18:1–21 * John 7:32–53 * Formula of Concord: Epitome II:7–19 CommemorationToday we commemorate Polycarp of Smyrna, Pastor and Martyr. A disciple of John, Polycarp was bishop of Smyrna for many years before he was arrested, tried, and executed for his faith in approximately AD 155. The Martyrdom of Polycarp*, an eyewitness narrative, continues to encourage believers, particularly in times of persecution, even to this day.
Readings* Psalm 25 * Psalm 114 * Job 17:1–16 * John 7:14–31 * Formula of Concord: Epitome II:1–6
Readings* Psalm 84 * Psalm 64 * Job 16:1–22 * John 7:1–13 * Formula of Concord: Epitome I:11–25
Readings* Genesis 45:3–15 * Psalm 103:1–13 * 1 Corinthians 15:21–26, 30–42 * Luke 6:27–38
Readings* Psalm 16 * Psalm 90 * Job 15:1–35 * John 6:60–71 * Formula of Concord: Epitome I:1–10
Readings* Psalm 53 * Psalm 30 * Job 14:1–22 * John 6:41–59 * Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Summary Content, Rule, and Norm
Readings Psalm 105 * Job 13:13–28 * John 6:22–40 * Smalcald Articles, III, XIV–XV CommemorationToday we commemorate Martin Luther, Doctor and Confessor*. Born on 10 November 1483 in Eisleben, Germany, Martin Luther originally studied law. After a close brush with death during a storm, Luther switched to studying theology and entered an Augustinian monastery in 1505, when he was twenty-one years old. Luther received his doctorate in theology in 1512. Teaching at the newly established University of Wittenberg, Luther began to question some of the doctrines of Rome. Luther’s investigation of the Scriptures and of Roman doctrine led to the posting of the “Ninety-Five Theses” on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg — the spark that started the Reformation.
Readings* Psalm 37 * Psalm 77 * Job 13:1–12 * John 6:1–21 * Smalcald Articles, III, IX–XIII
Readings* Psalm 91 * Psalm 119:1–8 * Job 12:1–25 * John 5:30–47 * Smalcald Articles, III, VIII
Readings* Psalm 57 * Psalm 1 * Job 11:1–20 * John 5:19–29 * Smalcald Articles, III, IV–VII CommemorationToday we commemorate Philemon and Onesimus. Onesimus was a slave, owned by Philemon, who ran away from his master. Somehow, Onesimus came into contact with Paul while Paul was in prison. At the urging of Paul, and with an accompanying letter, Onesimus returned to his master. In his letter, Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus as a beloved brother, instead of as a runaway slave, as one might expect; however, Paul also, notably, did not command or ask Philemon to free Onesimus.
Readings Psalm 119:153–160 * Psalm 35 * Job 10:1–22 * John 5:1–18 * Smalcald Articles, III, III:29–45 CommemorationToday we commemorate Valentine, Martyr*. Executed under Emperor Claudius on account of his refusal to renounce the Christian faith, Valentine has long been remembered in the Western Church as an example for all Christians. Today, Valentine’s Day continues to celebrate Valentine, and the tradition of exchanging written expressions of love derives from a note with words of encouragement that Valentine wrote for one of the children of his jailer. Even the irregularity of the shape of the piece of paper on which Valentine wrote his note has carried forward, after a fashion, into modern commemorations on Valentine’s Day.
Readings* Psalm 95 * Psalm 70 * Job 9:1–35 * John 4:46–54 * Smalcald Articles, III, III:20–28
Readings* Psalm 95 * Psalm 70 * Job 9:1–35 * John 4:46–54 * Smalcald Articles, III, III:20–28
Readings* Psalm 38 * Job 6:14–30 * John 3:22—4:6 * Smalcald Articles, III, I–II CommemorationToday we commemorate Silas, Fellow Worker of St. Peter and St. Paul. A leader in the Church at Jerusalem, Silas was chosen by Paul to accompany him on his second missionary journey. Imprisoned with Paul in Philippi, Silas also experienced the rioting in Thessalonica and Berea. Tradition holds that Silas was the first Bishop of Corinth.
Readings* Psalm 23 * Psalm 87 * Job 6:1–13 * John 3:1–21 * Smalcald Articles, IV, II:10–16
Readings* Psalm 4 * Psalm 18 * Job 4:1–21 * John 2:1–12 * Smalcald Articles, II, II:25–29, III
Readings* Psalm 77 * Psalm 74 * Job 3:11–26 * John 1:35–51 * Smalcald Articles, II, II:11–24
Readings* Psalm 31 * Psalm 88 * Job 2:1—3:10 * John 1:19–34 * Smalcald Articles, II, II:1–10 CommemorationToday we commemorate Jacob, Patriarch of OT Israel. Born the younger of Isaac and Rebekah’s twin sons, Jacob was the third of the patriarchs of OT Israel. After wrestling with the Angel of the Lord, Jacob (whose name means ‘deceiver’) was renamed to Israel (which means ‘he strives with God’). Jacob lived a life of strife and trouble, due in no small part to his own deceptions toward his brother and father. The deceptive nature of Jacob would carry on to his sons, who would sell their brother Joseph into slavery and lie to their father. By the grace of God, Joseph became prominent in Egypt and was reunited with Jacob, who then died in Egypt after blessing and prophesying about his sons.
Readings* Psalm 47 * Psalm 135 * Zechariah 14:1–21 * Titus 2:7—3:15 * Smalcald Articles, Preface 8–15
Readings* Psalm 75 * Psalm 104 * Zechariah 12:1—13:9 * Titus 1:1—2:6 * Smalcald Articles, Preface 1–7 FestivalToday we celebrate the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord. Thirty-two days after Jesus was circumcised, He comes to the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the OT law. In offering the alternative sacrifice (two turtledoves or two pigeons instead of a lamb), Joseph and Mary reveal their humble circumstances. In his Nunc Dimmitis, Simeon announces the inauguration of God’s consolation and redemption in and through Christ, and also prophesies concerning the destiny of Jesus.
Readings* Psalm 28 * Psalm 48 * Zechariah 11:4–17 * 2 Timothy 4:1–18 * Large Catechism V:75–87
Readings* Psalm 135 * Psalm 68 * Zechariah 10:1—11:3 * 2 Timothy 3:1–17 * Large Catechism V:58–74
Readings* Psalm 12 * Psalm 133 * Zechariah 6:1—7:14 * Romans 16:17–27 * Large Catechism V:15–30
Readings Psalm 1 * Psalm 109 * Zechariah 4:1—5:11 * Romans 15:14–33 * Large Catechism V:1–14 CommemorationToday we commemorate John Chrysostom, Preacher*. Born around AD 347, St. John was instructed in the Christian faith by his mother, Anthusa. After holding a number of lesser offices, John became patriarch of Constantinople in AD 398. John was given the added name “Chrysostom”, which means ‘golden-mouthed’ in Greek, for his simple, but direct, messages that were beloved by all who heard them. Eventually exiled from Constantinople, after coming into conflict with the local authorities due to his determination to reform the church, the court, and the city, John continued to preach and write right up until his death in AD 407. His reported last words were “Glory be to God for all things! Amen.”
Readings* Psalm 18 * Psalm 134 * Zechariah 2:1—3:10 * Romans 15:1–13 * Large Catechism IV:68–86 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor. Like Timothy, St. Titus was a friend and coworker of St. Paul. Whereas it is not known if Titus accompanied Paul on his first and second missionary journeys, it is known that Titus accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey, along with Barnabas, to Jerusalem to bring aid during a famine. Likely after the trip to Jerusalem, Paul and Titus parted ways, with Titus staying in Crete and eventually working in Dalmatia and then, according to tradition, serving as bishop in Crete until his death in about AD 96.
Readings* Psalm 6 * Psalm 67 * Zechariah 1:1–21 * Romans 14:1–23 * Large Catechism IV:56–67 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of the Conversion of St. Paul. Originally a zealous persecutor of the Church, St. Paul (then Saul of Tarsus) met Christ on the road to Damascus. Blinded by a bright light, Saul heard the words “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” to which Saul replied “Who are You, Lord?” to which Christ replied “I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.” Upon arriving in Damascus, Saul was sought by a disciple named Ananias, who had been sent by the Lord to heal Saul. Upon receiving his sight, Saul was baptized and went on to become the Apostle Paul, a man whom God called ‘a chosen instrument … to carry [Christ’s] name before the nations’.
Readings* Nehemiah 8:1–3, 5–6, 8–10 * Psalm 19 * 1 Corinthians 12:12–31a * Luke 4:16–30
Readings* Psalm 131 * Psalm 84 * Joel 3:1–21 * Romans 12:14—13:14 * Large Catechism IV:47–55 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor. Best remembered as a companion of St. Paul, St. Timothy grew up in a Christian household. After meeting Paul on his (Paul’s) second missionary journey, Timothy accompanied Paul on further missionary journeys and was with Paul in Rome. According to tradition, Timothy was martyred in Ephesus around AD 97, where he served as bishop after Paul’s martyrdom in Rome.
Readings* Psalm 139 * Psalm 81 * Joel 2:18–32 * Romans 11:25—12:13 * Large Catechism IV:32–46
Readings* Psalm 69 * Psalm 121 * Joel 2:1–17 * Romans 11:1–24 * Large Catechism IV:17–31
Readings* Psalm 117 * Psalm 97 * Ezekiel 47:1–23 * Romans 9:19–33 * Large Catechism III:112–124
Readings* Psalm 15 * Psalm 126 * Ezekiel 44:1–29 * Romans 9:1–18 * Large Catechism III:99–111
Readings* Psalm 44 * Psalm 124 * Ezekiel 40:1–4; 41:1–12 * Romans 8:18–39 * Large Catechism III:85–98 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of The Confession of St. Peter. In response to Christ’s challenge: “But who do you say that I am?”, Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This — Peter’s confession — is the rock upon which the Church is built. As Christ makes clear, it is not “flesh and blood [that] [reveals]” this truth, but “[the] Father Who is in Heaven”.
Here in Matthew, and elsewhere in the NT, Christ makes clear that He gives the Keys to the entire Church, not to Peter alone, and with the Keys the power to bind and to loose: “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.” As the Smalcald Articles state:
The Keys are an office and power given by Christ to the Church for binding and loosing sin. This applies not only to gross and well-known sins, but also the subtle, hidden sins that are known only to God. As it is written, “Who can discern his errors?” (Psalm 19:12).
It is truly this confession of Peter — that Christ is the Son of the living God — upon which the Church is founded, with Christ as cornerstone.
Readings* Psalm 36 * Psalm 54 * Ezekiel 38:1–23 * Romans 7:1–20 * Large Catechism III:59–70
Readings* Psalm 76 * Psalm 137 * Ezekiel 39:1–29 * Romans 7:21—8:17 * Large Catechism III:71–84
Readings* Psalm 104 * Psalm 79 * Ezekiel 36:33—37:14 * Romans 5:1–21 * Large Catechism III:35–48
Readings* Psalm 32 * Psalm 51 * Ezekiel 36:13–28 * Romans 4:1–25 * Large Catechism III:25–34
Readings* Psalm 63 * Psalm 59 * Ezekiel 34:1–24 * Romans 3:19–31 * Large Catechism III:14–24
Readings* Psalm 7 * Psalm 14 * Ezekiel 33:1–20 * Romans 3:1–18 * Large Catechism III:1–13
Readings Psalm 85 * Psalm 58 * Ezekiel 18:1–32 * Romans 2:17–29 * Large Catechism II:63–70 CommemorationToday we commemorate Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa, Pastors and Confessors*. Collectively known as the Cappadocian Fathers, Basil and the two Gregorys were leaders of the Christian Church in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) in the fourth century. Basil and Gregory of Nyssa were brothers, and Gregory of Nazianzus was their friend. All three men were influential in shaping the theology ratified by the Council of Constantinople, which would later be enshrined in the Nicene Creed.
Readings* Psalm 62 * Psalm 32 * Ezekiel 3:12–27 * Romans 2:1–16 * Large Catechism II:55–62
Readings* Psalm 19 * Psalm 100 * Ezekiel 2:1—3:11 * Romans 1:18–32 * Large Catechism II:47–54
Readings* Psalm 46 * Psalm 45 * Ezekiel 1:1–28 * Romans 1:1–17 * Large Catechism II:34–46
Readings* Psalm 45 * Psalm 72 * Isaiah 66:1–20 * Luke 3:21–38 * Large Catechism II:25–33 FeastToday we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord. Although the feast of Epiphany commemorates no particular, concrete event, it is one of the most important days in the liturgical calendar — one of the principal feasts. On Epiphany, we remember that the God who became man in Bethlehem — that the Babe in the manger — needed present no proof that He was true man, but that He did indeed need to prove that He was true God. He did this superabundantly with the manifestations of the Trinity and the signs, wonders, and miracles that dot the pages of the New Testament record. In the Western Church tradition, Epiphany has become associated with the visit of the Magi, and this is fitting, for the Magi represent all the nations that were brought into the New Covenant through Christ — the true epiphany being the revelation of Christ as Lord, God, Savior, and King.
Readings* Psalm 40 * Psalm 65 * Isaiah 63:15—65:7 * Luke 2:41–52 * Large Catechism II:1–8
Readings* Psalm 108 * Psalm 110 * Isaiah 63:1–14 * Luke 2:21–40 * Large Catechism I:324–333
Readings Psalm 62 * Psalm 98 * Isaiah 62:1–12 * Luke 2:1–20 * Large Catechism I:311–323 CommemorationToday we commemorate J. K. Wilhelm Löhe, Pastor*. Johann Konrad Wilhelm Löhe served as the pastor of Neuendettelsau in the Bavarian Alps in the 1800s. Although he never left Germany, Löhe had a significant impact on Lutheranism in North America. Recognizing the need for Church workers, Löhe assisted in the training of missionary pastors to be sent to the New World and Australia. A number of the men sent by Löhe would become founders of what is today the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (the LCMS). It was also due in part to Löhe’s financial backing that a theological school in Fort Wayne, IN, and a teachers’ institute in Saginaw, MI, were established. Löhe is widely recognized and fondly remembered for his confessional integrity and his dedication to Christian charity.
Readings* Psalm 113 * Psalm 21 * Isaiah 61:1–11 * Luke 1:57–80 * Large Catechism I:303–310 FeastToday we celebrate the Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus. Per tradition, Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day and given the name “Jesus” as the angel had proclaimed. Under the Old Covenant, circumcision brought the benefits of forgiveness of sins, justification, and incorporation into the people of God. Under the New Covenant, circumcision is no longer necessary or effective; it has been replaced by Baptism, which is called, by St. Paul, a “circumcision made without hands” and “the circumcision of Christ”.
Readings* Psalm 111 * Psalm 8 * Isaiah 60:1–22 * Luke 1:39–56 * Large Catechism I:292–302
Readings* Psalm 89 * Psalm 132 * Isaiah 58:1—59:21 * Luke 1:26–38 * Large Catechism I:276–291
Readings* Psalm 78 * Psalm 93 * Isaiah 55:1–13 * Luke 1:1–25 * Large Catechism I:263–275 CommemorationToday we commemorate David. David was the greatest of the kings of OT Israel, and ruled from about 1010 to 970 BC. Although David’s private conduct showed a mixture of good and bad, it was his fierce loyalty to God that defined his life and his reign. Under David, God fulfilled many of the promises to OT Israel, notably uniting Israel into a single nation with its capital at Jerusalem. Of course, God’s greatest promise would be fulfilled through the promised King — Christ, our Lord.
Readings* Psalm 9 * Psalm 31 * Isaiah 52:13—54:10 * Matthew 2:13–23 * Large Catechism I:254–262 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of The Holy Innocents, Martyrs. Threatened by the prophecies concerning a “King of the Jews”, King Herod plotted to find and kill Jesus using the Wise Men, but was thwarted in that plan when the Wise Men went back to their lands by another route. Angered and still plotting to thwart the prophecy, Herod had all male children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or younger murdered. We commemorate these innocents as a reminder of the depravity, brutality, and evil that can take residence in the human heart and of the persecution Jesus suffered even before His earthly ministry had begun. By the hand of God, Jesus was spared from being numbered amongst the slain, for His path led to a different death — on a cross at Golgotha, to pay the price for our sins.
Readings* Psalm 72 * Psalm 92 * Isaiah 51:17—52:12 * Matthew 2:1–12 * Large Catechism I:245–253 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist. St. John, son of Zebedee and brother of James the Elder, was among the first disciples to be called by Jesus, and became known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. During Christ’s ministry, John witnessed many of Christ’s miracles, was present for the Transfiguration, went with Peter to reserve the upper room for the Last Supper, and, alone among the Disciples, did not forsake Christ during His Passion, remaining near Christ through the crucifixion. From the cross, Jesus made John guardian of Mary, His mother. John would go on to be a founding father of the Early Church. From John, we have the fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation, which was revealed to him while he was banished to Patmos by Emperor Domitian. John outlived all of the other Apostles, dying in Ephesus at around age one hundred.
Readings* Psalm 34 * Psalm 60 * Isaiah 49:22—51:16 * Matthew 1:18–25 * Large Catechism I:234–244 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of St. Stephen, Martyr. St. Stephen was one of the first seven deacons of the Church, appointed to distribute food and other necessities to the poor of the growing Christian community. In addition to such duties, the deacons also taught and preached. When some of his colleagues became jealous, they brought him before the Sanhedrin on false charges of blasphemy. Before the Sanhedrin, Stephen confessed his faith in Christ and rebuked members of the Sanhedrin for rejecting the Messiah. Infuriated, the Sanhedrin had Stephen dragged outside the city and stoned. Honored as the first martyr of the Church, Stephen is remembered for his dying words: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Readings* Psalm 96 * Psalm 150 * Isaiah 49:1–18 * Matthew 1:1–17 * Large Catechism I:222–233 FeastToday we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord. During the Season of Advent, we prepared for the coming of Christ, and, now, on the 25th of December, Christmas Day, we celebrate the birth of our Lord, God, Savior, and King. Christ’s birth was the fulfillment of part of the prophecy back in Genesis 3:15, and the promise would be completely fulfilled in Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension. In His birth, Christ humbled Himself and took on human flesh — true God became true Man. In order to save you from your sins, God did not send a mere prophet; rather, He sent His only begotten Son to take your place on the cross and die for your sins. His death is our life — what Luther called a ‘wonderful exchange’.
Readings* Psalm 98 * Psalm 2 * Isaiah 44:21—45:25 * Revelation 12:1–17 * Large Catechism I:211–221
Readings* Psalm 39 * Psalm 144 * Isaiah 43:25—44:20 * Revelation 11:1–19 * Large Catechism I:199–210
Readings* Psalm 115 * Psalm 125 * Isaiah 43:1–24 * Revelation 9:13—10:11 * Large Catechism I:189–198
Readings* Psalm 102 * Isaiah 42:1–25 * Revelation 9:1–12 * Large Catechism I:179–188 CommemorationToday we celebrate the festival of St. Thomas, Apostle. Remembered, perhaps unfairly, as ‘doubting Thomas’, it was Thomas who said: “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.” When Jesus appeared again to the disciples with Thomas present, Thomas, displaying his faith, declared: “My Lord and my God!” According to tradition, Thomas traveled eastward after Pentecost and eventually reached India (where a group who call themselves the “Christians of St. Thomas” still exists). Thomas was martyred for the faith by being speared to death.
Readings* Psalm 119:25–32 * Psalm 141 * Isaiah 40:18—41:10 * Revelation 8:1–13 * Large Catechism I:167–178 CommemorationToday we commemorate Katharina Luther, née von Bora. Born in 1499, Katharina von Bora was placed into a convent when she was still a child and became a nun in 1515. In April of 1523, Katharina, along with eight other nuns, was rescued from the convent and brought to Wittenberg. In Wittenberg, Martin Luther helped the rescued nuns return to their families or start families of their own. Although initially hesitant to marry — as he feared assassination or execution by Rome — Luther believed that he must place his faith in God and practice what he preached. Katharina and Luther were married on 13 June 1525. God blessed the Luthers’ marriage with six children, and Katharina skillfully managed the Luther household. Although she suffered financial difficulties after Luther’s death in 1546, Katharina remained steadfast in her faith and her care for her children and others. Amongst her last recorded words, Katharina, on her deathbed, said that she would ‘stick to Christ as a burr to cloth.’
Readings* Psalm 103 * Psalm 19 * Isaiah 40:1–17 * Revelation 7:1–17 * Large Catechism I:158–166 CommemorationToday we commemorate Adam and Eve. Father and mother to us all, Adam and Eve were the first two human beings created by God’s own hands. Adam, formed from the dust, was created first and Eve, formed from one of Adam’s ribs to be his companion, was created second. Failing to obey God and listening to the Serpent’s temptation, Eve ate of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, which God had forbidden, and Adam, forsaking his role as head, joined her in rebellion. For their disobedience, they were driven from the Garden; by their disobedience, death entered the world. Nevertheless, in the midst of the tragedy of the Fall, God promised that the woman’s Seed — Christ, the Savior — would crush the Serpent’s head. In His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, Christ defeated sin, death, and the devil — fulfilling the promise of Genesis 3:15. As Luther commented: ‘God arranged to remove through Christ whatever the devil brought in through Adam.’
Readings* Psalm 119:81–88 * Psalm 145 * Isaiah 34:1—35:10 * Revelation 6:1–17 * Large Catechism I:150–157
Readings* Psalm 40 * Psalm 20 * Isaiah 33:1–24 * Revelation 5:1–14 * Large Catechism I:141–149 CommemorationToday we commemorate Daniel the Prophet and the Three Young Men. Daniel the Prophet and the three young men — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — were among those taken from Judah into captivity in Babylon. For remaining faithful to the Lord God, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were denounced to the king of Babylon and thrown into a fiery furnace, but they were miraculously saved by God’s direct intervention. Similarly, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den for refusing to worship any god save the Lord, but was also miraculously saved by God’s intervention. Blessed with wisdom and understanding, Daniel and the three men were promoted to positions of authority in Babylon. Daniel, as a prophet, was given visions of the End Times.
Readings* Psalm 149 * Psalm 61 * Isaiah 32:1–20 * Revelation 4:1–11 * Large Catechism I:129–140
Readings* Psalm 146 * Psalm 80 * Isaiah 30:27—31:9 * Revelation 3:1–22 * Large Catechism I:120–128
Readings* Psalm 27 * Psalm 24 * Isaiah 30:15–26 * Revelation 2:1–29 * Large Catechism I:112–119
Readings Psalm 89 * Psalm 143 * Isaiah 29:15—30:14 * Revelation 1:1–20 * Large Catechism I:103–111 CommemorationToday we commemorate Lucia, Martyr*. Born into a wealthy family, Lucia gave away her dowry to the poor. When this came to the attention of the Roman governor, he ordered Lucia to burn a sacrifice to the emperor. Upon her refusal, the governor commanded that she be condemned to a brothel; Lucia was martyred by the soldiers who came to execute the governor’s sentence. As the name “Lucia” means light, many European nations have long held festivals in her memory involving lanterns or lights; such festivals have been particularly popular in the Scandinavian countries, where this time of year is quite short on daylight.
Readings* Psalm 5 * Psalm 142 * Isaiah 28:14–29 * 1 John 5:1–21 * Large Catechism I:87–95
Readings* Psalm 86 * Psalm 130 * Isaiah 26:20—27:13 * 1 John 4:1–21 * Large Catechism I:78–86
Readings* Psalm 17 * Psalm 148 * Isaiah 26:1–19 * 1 John 3:1–24 * Large Catechism I:69–77
Readings* Psalm 11 * Psalm 142 * Isaiah 24:14—25:12 * 1 John 2:15–29 * Large Catechism I:59–68
Readings Psalm 25 * Psalm 73 * Isaiah 24:1–13 * 1 John 1:1—2:14 * Large Catechism I:49–58 CommemorationToday we commemorate Ambrose of Milan, Pastor and Hymnwriter*. Along with Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great, Ambrose of Milan is considered one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Church. Becoming Bishop of Milan in AD 374 — largely by acclamation — Ambrose would go on to be a prolific hymnwriter and defender of the faith. Ambrose played no small part in suppressing the Arian heresy through his interactions with Emperor Gratian and Emperor Theodosius. Many are undoubtedly familiar with Ambrose’s hymn, “Savior of the Nations, Come”.
Readings Psalm 56 * Isaiah 14:1–23 * 2 Peter 3:1–18 * Large Catechism I:41–48 CommemorationToday we commemorate Nicholas of Myra, Pastor*. One of the best known saints on the calendar, Nicholas of Myra — better known as Saint Nicholas — has long been associated with charitable giving. Many European nations still maintain December 6th as a day for giving and receiving gifts. Beyond the fact that there was a Church of Saint Nicholas in Constantinople as early as the sixth century and that there was a Bishop Nicholas of Myra in the fourth century, little is known historically about St. Nicholas.
Readings* Psalm 145 * Psalm 62 * Isaiah 10:12–34 * 2 Peter 1:1–21 * Large Catechism I:24–29
Readings* Psalm 119:105–112 * Psalm 82 * Isaiah 8:9—9:7 * 1 Peter 4:1–19 * Large Catechism I:1–12
Readings* Psalm 34 * Psalm 50 * Isaiah 7:10—8:8 * 1 Peter 3:1–22 * Large Catechism, Short Preface, 14–28
Readings* Jeremiah 33:14–16 * Psalm 25:1–10 * 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13 * Luke 19:28–40 * Luke 21:25–36
Readings* Psalm 95 * Psalm 70 * Job 9:1–35 * John 4:46–54 * Smalcald Articles, III, III, 20–28 CommemorationToday we commemorate Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos. Remembered as missionaries, Aquila, and his wife, Priscilla, met Paul in Corinth, where he joined them in their trade — tent-making. Later traveling with Paul from Corinth to Ephesus, they established a home in the city which served as a sort of headquarters for new converts to Christianity. One such convert was Apollos, who would become known for his preaching and teaching of the Christian faith. He would later travel to Achaia to continue his efforts to spread the Gospel.
Readings* Psalm 71 * Psalm 99 * Job 8:1–22 * John 4:27–45 * Smalcald Articles, III, III, 10–19
Readings* Psalm 23 * Psalm 87 * Job 6:1–13 * John 3:1–21 * Smalcald Articles, II, IV, 10–16
Readings* 2 Kings 2:1–12 * Exodus 34:29–35 * Psalm 50:1–6 * 2 Corinthians 3:12—4:6 * Mark 9:2–9
Readings* Psalm 69 * Psalm 122 * Job 5:1–27 * John 2:13–25 * Smalcald Articles, II, IV, 1–9
Readings* Psalm 4 * Psalm 18 * Job 4:1–21 * John 2:1–12 * Smalcald Articles, II, 25–29, III
Readings* Psalm 77 * Psalm 74 * Job 3:11–26 * John 1:35–51 * Smalcald Articles, II, II, 11–24
Readings* Psalm 31 * Psalm 88 * Job 2:1—3:10 * John 1:19–34 * Smalcald Articles, II, II, 1–10 CommemorationToday we commemorate Jacob, Patriarch of OT Israel. Born the younger of Isaac and Rebekah’s twin sons, Jacob was the third of the patriarchs of OT Israel. After wrestling with the Angel of the Lord, Jacob (whose name means ‘deceiver’) was renamed to Israel (which means ‘he strives with God’). Jacob lived a life of strife and trouble, due in no small part to his own deceptions toward his brother and father. The deceptive nature of Jacob would carry on to his sons, who would sell their brother Joseph into slavery and lie to their father. By the grace of God, Joseph became prominent in Egypt and was reunited with Jacob, who then died in Egypt after blessing and prophesying about his sons.
Readings* Psalm 127 * Psalm 128 * Job 1:1–22 * John 1:1–18 * Smalcald Articles, I & II, Art. II
Readings* Psalm 47 * Psalm 135 * Zechariah 14:1–21 * Titus 2:7—3:15 * Smalcald Articles, Preface, 8–15
Readings* Psalm 75 * Psalm 104 * Zechariah 12:1—13:9 * Titus 1:1—2:6 * Smalcald Articles, Preface, 1–7
Readings* Psalm 28 * Psalm 48 * Zechariah 11:4–17 * 2 Timothy 4:1–18 * Large Catechism, V, 75–87
Readings* Psalm 135 * Psalm 68 * Zechariah 10:1—11:3 * 2 Timothy 3:1–17 * Large Catechism, V, 58–74
Readings* Psalm 12 * Psalm 133 * Zechariah 6:1—7:14 * Romans 16:17–27 * Large Catechism, V, 15–30
Readings Psalm 1 * Psalm 109 * Zechariah 4:1—5:11 * Romans 15:14–33 * Large Catechism, V, 1–14 CommemorationToday we commemorate John Chrysostom, Preacher*. Born around AD 347, St. John was instructed in the Christian faith by his mother, Anthusa. After holding a number of lesser offices, John became patriarch of Constantinople in AD 398. John was given the added name “Chrysostom”, which means ‘golden-mouthed’ in Greek, for his simple, but direct, messages that were beloved by all who heard them. Eventually exiled from Constantinople, after coming into conflict with the local authorities due to his determination to reform the church, the court, and the city, John continued to preach and write right up until his death in AD 407. His reported last words were “Glory be to God for all things! Amen.”
Readings* Psalm 18 * Psalm 134 * Zechariah 2:1—3:10 * Romans 15:1–13 * Large Catechism, IV, 68–86
Readings* Psalm 6 * Psalm 67 * Zechariah 1:1–21 * Romans 14:1–23 * Large Catechism, IV, 56–67 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of the Conversion of St. Paul. Originally a zealous persecutor of the Church, St. Paul (then Saul of Tarsus) met Christ on the road to Damascus. Blinded by a bright light, Saul heard the words “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” to which Saul replied “Who are You, Lord?” to which Christ replied “I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.” Upon arriving in Damascus, Saul was sought by a disciple named Ananias, who had been sent by the Lord to heal Saul. Upon receiving his sight, Saul was baptized and went on to become the Apostle Paul, a man whom God called ‘a chosen instrument … to carry [Christ’s] name before the nations’.
Readings* Psalm 131 * Psalm 84 * Joel 3:1–21 * Romans 12:14—13:14 * Large Catechism, IV, 47–55 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor. Best remembered as a companion of St. Paul, St. Timothy grew up in a Christian household. After meeting Paul on his (Paul’s) second missionary journey, Timothy accompanied Paul on further missionary journeys and was with Paul in Rome. According to tradition, Timothy was martyred in Ephesus around AD 97, where he served as bishop after Paul’s martyrdom in Rome.
Readings* Psalm 139 * Psalm 81 * Joel 2:18–32 * Romans 11:25—12:13 * Large Catechism, IV, 32–46
Readings* Psalm 69 * Psalm 121 * Joel 2:1–17 * Romans 11:1–24 * Large Catechism, IV, 17–31
Readings* Psalm 20 * Psalm 13 * Joel 1:1–20 * Romans 10:1–21 * Large Catechism, IV, 1–16
Readings* Psalm 117 * Psalm 97 * Ezekiel 47:1–23 * Romans 9:19–33 * Large Catechism, III, 112–124 CommemorationToday we commemorate Sarah. Wife (and half-sister) of the patriarch Abraham, Sarah followed Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans on his journey to Canaan. Childless until old age, Sarah was eventually blessed with a son — Isaac — who would become the second of the three major patriarchs of OT Israel, and carry on the line of the promised Messiah. Sarah is remembered for her faithfulness and her hospitality. She was buried in the Cave of Machpelah, the same cave where Abraham would also later be buried.
Readings* Psalm 15 * Psalm 126 * Ezekiel 44:1–29 * Romans 9:1–18 * Large Catechism, III, 99–111
Readings* Psalm 44 * Psalm 124 * Ezekiel 40:1–4; 41:1–12 * Romans 8:18–39 * Large Catechism, III, 85–98 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of The Confession of St. Peter. In response to Christ’s challenge: “But who do you say that I am?”, Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This — Peter’s confession — is the rock upon which the Church is built. As Christ makes clear, it is not “flesh and blood [that] [reveals]” this truth, but “[the] Father Who is in Heaven”.
Here in Matthew, and elsewhere in the NT, Christ makes clear that He gives the Keys to the entire Church, not to Peter alone, and with the Keys the power to bind and to loose: “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.” As the Smalcald Articles state:
The Keys are an office and power given by Christ to the Church for binding and loosing sin. This applies not only to gross and well-known sins, but also the subtle, hidden sins that are known only to God. As it is written, “Who can discern his errors?” (Psalm 19:12).
It is truly this confession of Peter — that Christ is the Son of the living God — upon which the Church is founded, with Christ as cornerstone.
Readings* Psalm 76 * Psalm 137 * Ezekiel 39:1–29 * Romans 7:21—8:17 * Large Catechism, III, 71–84
Readings* Psalm 36 * Psalm 54 * Ezekiel 38:1–23 * Romans 7:1–20 * Large Catechism, III, 59–70
Readings* Psalm 104 * Psalm 79 * Ezekiel 36:33—37:14 * Romans 5:1–21 * Large Catechism, III, 35–48
Readings* Psalm 32 * Psalm 51 * Ezekiel 36:13–28 * Romans 4:1–25 * Large Catechism, III, 25-34
Readings* Psalm 63 * Psalm 59 * Ezekiel 34:1–24 * Romans 3:19–31 * Large Catechism, III, 14–24
Readings* Psalm 7 * Psalm 14 * Ezekiel 33:1–20 * Romans 3:1–18 * Large Catechism, III, 1–13
Readings Psalm 85 * Psalm 58 * Ezekiel 18:1–32 * Romans 2:17–29 * Large Catechism, II, 63–70 CommemorationToday we commemorate Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa, Pastors and Confessors*. Collectively known as the Cappadocian Fathers, Basil and the two Gregorys were leaders of the Christian Church in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) in the fourth century. Basil and Gregory of Nyssa were brothers, and Gregory of Nazianzus was their friend. All three men were influential in shaping the theology ratified by the Council of Constantinople, which would later be enshrined in the Nicene Creed. All three men are commemorated for their contributions to the Church — particularly to the liturgy of the Eastern Church and to the theology of the Church universal.
Readings* Psalm 62 * Psalm 32 * Ezekiel 3:12–27 * Romans 2:1–16 * Large Catechism, II, 55–62
Readings* Psalm 19 * Psalm 100 * Ezekiel 2:1—3:11 * Romans 1:18–32 * Large Catechism, II, 47–54
Readings* Psalm 46 * Psalm 45 * Ezekiel 1:1–28 * Romans 1:1–17 * Large Catechism, II, 34–46 FeastToday we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. As recounted in the third chapter of the Gospel of Matthew (and in parallel passages in Mark, Luke, and John), Christ was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Although John initially hesitated when asked to baptize Christ, because Christ was without sin and John knew he was in the presence of one greater than he, Christ spoke His first words in Matthew so that John would agree:
“Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
On Christ’s Baptism, Luther said that:
“[Christ] accepted it from John for the reason that He was entering into our stead, indeed, our person, that is, becoming a sinner for us, taking upon Himself the sins which He had not committed, and wiping them out and drowning them in His Holy Baptism.”
This Baptism in the River Jordan marked the beginning of Christ’s ministry.
Readings* Psalm 45 * Psalm 72 * Isaiah 66:1–20 * Luke 3:21–38 * Large Catechism, II, 25–33 FeastToday we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord. Although the feast of Epiphany commemorates no particular, concrete event, it is one of the most important days in the liturgical calendar — one of the principal feasts. On Epiphany, we remember that the God who became man in Bethlehem — that the Babe in the manger — needed present no proof that He was true man, but that He did indeed need to prove that He was true God. He did this superabundantly with the manifestations of the Trinity and the signs, wonders, and miracles that dot the pages of the New Testament record. In the Western Church tradition, Epiphany has become associated with the visit of the Magi, and this is fitting, for the Magi represent all the nations that were brought into the New Covenant through Christ — the true epiphany being the revelation of Christ as Lord, God, Savior, and King.
Readings* Psalm 37 * Psalm 10 * Isaiah 65:8–25 * Luke 3:1–20 * Large Catechism, II, 9–24
Readings* Psalm 40 * Psalm 65 * Isaiah 63:15—65:7 * Luke 2:41–52 * Large Catechism, II, 1–8
Readings* Psalm 108 * Psalm 110 * Isaiah 63:1–14 * Luke 2:21–40 * Large Catechism, I, 324–333
Readings Psalm 62 * Psalm 98 * Isaiah 62:1–12 * Luke 2:1–20 * Large Catechism, I, 311–323 CommemorationToday we commemorate J. K. Wilhelm Löhe, Pastor*. Johann Konrad Wilhelm Löhe served as the pastor of Neuendettelsau in the Bavarian Alps in the 1800s. Although he never left Germany, Löhe had a significant impact on Lutheranism in North America. Recognizing the need for Church workers, Löhe assisted in the training of missionary pastors to be sent to the New World and Australia. A number of the men sent by Löhe would become founders of what is today the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (the LCMS). It was also due in part to Löhe’s financial backing that a theological school in Fort Wayne, IN, and a teachers’ institute in Saginaw, MI, were established. Löhe is widely recognized and fondly remembered for his confessional integrity and his dedication to Christian charity.
Readings* Psalm 113 * Psalm 21 * Isaiah 61:1–11 * Luke 1:57–80 * Large Catechism, I, 303–310 FeastToday we celebrate the Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus. Per tradition, Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day and given the name “Jesus” as the angel had proclaimed. Under the Old Covenant, circumcision brought the benefits of forgiveness of sins, justification, and incorporation into the people of God. Under the New Covenant, circumcision is no longer necessary or effective; it has been replaced by Baptism, which is called, by St. Paul, a “circumcision made without hands” and “the circumcision of Christ”.
- Numbers 6:22–27
- Psalm 8
- Galatians 3:23–29
- Luke 2:21 We will ignore the Gospel today — the Gospel reading anyway, and, even then, only until the end of this homily. Instead, let us, somewhat appropriately, begin with the first reading:
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, / and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, / and her salvation as a burning torch.— Isaiah 62:1 (ESV)
Before we turn to the Christian understanding of this verse, let us look at how a Dispensationalist or a so-called American ‘Evangelical’ might interpret it. First, they will typically conflate Zion and Jerusalem — this is sometimes permissible and so of only minor concern. Second, they will interpret both terms as referring to physical locations: the city of Jerusalem and the hill on which David built his city. This is the heart of their error, but they go further. Third, they will restrict both of these terms by making them refer explicitly to the Jews. This, of course, gives away the game even more obviously than the second point: They are simply rank Judaizers.
From a little earlier in Isaiah:
It shall come to pass in the latter days / that the mountain of the house of the LORD
shall be established as the highest of the mountains
— Isaiah 2:2 (ESV)
The Judaizers would have us believe this is a literal, physical mountain. Well, we have survey data and satellite imagery. How tall is ‘Mount’ Zion? It is a hill outside Jerusalem and it is approximately twenty-five hundred feet above sea level. There is a peak nearby, under which the Appalachian Trail passes; that peak, Clingman’s Dome, is the tallest peak in Tennessee, and it is six thousand, six hundred, and forty-three feet tall. It is more than two and a half times the height of Mount Zion, which the Judaizers would tell us is literally the tallest literal mountain. I have included in the written (which is to say online) version of this homily a picture of my dog from one of my camping trips with him; the picture was taken on a rock outcropping just north of Big Baldy, which is the same height in meters as Mount Zion is in feet, which is to say that Big Baldy is more than eight thousand feet tall. The claim of the Judaizers is laughable, but is is even more pernicious. If the Old Testament is meant merely for the Israelites — the ‘Jews’ —, then it is not actually good news at all. But the Old Testament is good news and it is not the ‘book of the Jews’ or any other such nonsense. Was Adam a Jew? Was Noah a Jew? Was Japheth a Jew? Was Job a Jew? Was Abraham a Jew? The answer for all of these is, of course: No. The Gospel was first delivered to Adam and Eve (and Satan, but it is not good news for him, or for his children); neither Adam nor Eve was a Jew.
When Scripture speaks in terms of promises and ultimate things, ‘Jerusalem’ is the true city of God — the heavenly Jerusalem, the new Earth. Similarly, ‘Zion’ is the gathering of all believers into the presence of God; where God is, there Zion is. These terms are, thus, somewhat interchangeable, even if there is a difference in nuance. As a Christian, you should find comfort and truth in the Old Testament; and you should read the Old Testament with the sure, certain, and firm faith that the promises therein contained apply to you as an adopted son of God. We, the Church, are the true Israel of God, the promises have always been ours and will always be ours.
Thus, let us turn to the twin issues of adoption and inheritance. A central part of the Christian religion is the adoption of Christians as sons of God. Now, there are some very important differences between Roman adoption (the context of Scripture) and modern adoption (a false lens), but I will write more on that in the near future. For our purposes, it suffices for us to recognize that what is in view is inheritance. To be an adopted son of God in Christ is to inherit eternal life. This, of course, is the heart of the Gospel. Christ’s work, His life, His death, and His resurrection are good news because they enable us to become adopted sons of God and inheritors of eternal life in Paradise — in Zion, in the new Jerusalem.
But what do we say to those who would draw some distinction between Israel and the Church? On the one hand, we should not forget that mockery is a Christian option, but, on the other hand, we should also give a substantive answer, if not to the Judaizers, then at least for our Christian brothers. One of God’s names in Scripture is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For now and here, I will not focus on why this is one of God’s names; rather, I will focus on what it means, in the context of Scripture, to be a ‘son of Abraham’. Hear the words of Christ as recorded by St. John:
“If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are doing the works your father did.
….
“If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
John 8:39b–41a, 42b–47 (ESV)
He calls those Jews sons of Satan instead of sons of Abraham, and He says that true sons of Abraham would follow in his works. Now, we must remember that the works for which Abraham is praised were undertaken in faith — only those works undertaken by the faithful have any value. But let us turn to the great Epistle to the Galatians to see what Scripture says about the ‘sons of Abraham’:
Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written,
“Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; / break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!
For the children of the desolate one will be more / than those of the one who has a husband.”Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.
— Galatians 4:21–31 (ESV)
It is not those who are born “according to the flesh”, sondern those who are “born through promise” who are these true sons of Abraham. How is one born through promise? Look no further than the baptismal font. To be born through promise to be born again — it is to have faith. It is those who believe whom Scripture calls sons of Abraham. But what of the physical, blood descendants of Abraham who have no faith in Christ? Christ Himself calls them ‘children of their father, the devil’. For Christians, then, the matter is closed. Christians (i.e., those who believe in Christ) are children of Abraham according to the promise, and the Jews are children of Satan.
But let us look at another aspect of this. Naturally, adoption and inheritance are matters of headship and to be children of Abraham means to be inheritors of the promised Seed (i.e., Christ), but the promise did not come first to Abraham. The promise traces to the Garden:
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel.”
— Genesis 3:15 (LXX)
It is to Adam — the father of us all — that the Gospel is first delivered — from the very mouth of Christ, no less. We speak often of ‘the old Adam’, but we would do well to remember that there is also ‘the new Adam’, which is often used to refer to Christ, but is also true of Father Adam. Adam was no dullard — he heard and believed the promise of God spoken in the Garden. Adam believed; Adam was and is a Christian. With regard to this new, reborn Adam, you and I and all Christians are sons of Adam — both literally by blood descent and according to promise, for Christ is His head as well as ours. Adam in his day was prophet, priest, and king and he taught the faith to his sons; not all were faithful, but the one true faith was preserved down the line to faithful Noah, who taught his sons: faithful Japheth, faithful Shem, and faithless Ham. (We could draw, here, an interesting parallel: Satan took one-third of the angels with him and one-third of man found damnation in Ham’s wickedness, but let us leave that aside for now.)
We — and I mean my European brothers and sisters — are true sons and daughters of Japheth, for we share his faith. It is no less correct to call ourselves sons of Japheth than to call ourselves sons of Abraham, for the promise was for Urvater Japheth no less than for Shem, the father of Abraham.
When we are brought to faith, we are restored into the godly line that descends from Adam through Noah to his sons and then into all the world where believers may be found. The believing Shemite may look to Shem as a true father of his great race. The believing Hamite may not be able to look to wicked, faithless Ham, but he may look to Grandfather Noah. And we, sons and daughters of Japheth and Europa, may look both to our many faithful ancestors before the fall into paganism and after the restoration of Christianity. None has a spotless genealogy; even Christ must count the pagan, the unbeliever, the apostate, and the prostitute among His ancestors. We do not honor our ancestors — a demand of the Fourth Commandment — by following in their unfaithfulness, but by faithfulness to the one true ancestral faith — Christianity.
When we are adopted as sons of God, we do not cease to be lineal, blood descendants of our forefathers — the African remains a Hamite and the European remains a Japhethite; rather, we return to the faith of our godly forefathers. The Christian is no rootless cosmopolitan, sondern one who honors both God and his forefathers. God does not play with dice and God does not make mistakes; He Who formed you in the womb and knew the number of your days even before you drew your first breath is also He Who set the times and the boundaries of the nations. What God does, He does not do idly or without purpose. Scripture tells us that the kings of the nations will bring the glory of the nations into the new Jerusalem. You were born into a body, a time, a place, a nation, a people. Your blood is neither accident nor incident, but essential and immutable. If you were born a man, then you will be a man in and for eternity; if you were born a woman, then you will be a woman in and for eternity; and the same holds for German, French, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, and American. Faithful sons and daughters do not deny or denigrate their ancestry or their ancestors, and Christians are true and faithful sons and daughters, for this is commanded by God:
Thou shalt honor thy father and thy mother [that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long upon the earth].
Let us end, then, as promised, with the Gospel reading, or, more accurately, a (very close) paraphrase of a portion of it:
Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy Word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the nations and the glory of Thy people Israel.
We end our Service of the Sacrament with these words, for they express the hope of all Christians: To depart in peace and grace, having seen and believed the promises of the Lord. We see these promises every Sunday in the Sacrament and we confess our belief every Sunday in the Creeds. It is the Gottesdienst, the Divine Service, that prepares each and every one of us for death. God knows the number of our days, but we do not; the Christian takes from this comfort instead of fear or anxiety. I am Christ’s and He is mine. And the Good Shepherd has never yet — and never will — lose one of his sheep. He is the Light to lighten the nations and we are His people — the true Israel. Whenever — and however — death may come — and it will certainly come for each of us —, we know that Christians depart in peace, for our eyes have seen the salvation of the Lord, and will behold His face when they open on the other side of the veil of death, for our God has defeated death and the grave.
Amen.
Readings* Psalm 111 * Psalm 8 * Isaiah 60:1–22 * Luke 1:39–56 * Large Catechism, I, 292–302
Readings* Psalm 89 * Psalm 132 * Isaiah 58:1—59:21 * Luke 1:26–38 * Large Catechism, I, 276–291
Readings* Psalm 78 * Psalm 93 * Isaiah 55:1–13 * Luke 1:1–25 * Large Catechism, I, 263–275 CommemorationToday we commemorate David. David was the greatest of the kings of OT Israel, and ruled from about 1010 to 970 BC. Although David’s private conduct showed a mixture of good and bad, it was his fierce loyalty to God that defined his life and his reign. Under David, God fulfilled many of the promises to OT Israel, notably uniting Israel into a single nation with its capital at Jerusalem. Of course, God’s greatest promise would be fulfilled through the promised King — Christ, our Lord.
Readings* Psalm 9 * Psalm 31 * Isaiah 52:13—54:10 * Matthew 2:13–23 * Large Catechism, I, 254–262 CommemorationToday we celebrate the Festival of The Holy Innocents, Martyrs. Threatened by the prophecies concerning a “King of the Jews”, King Herod plotted to find and kill Jesus using the Wise Men, but was thwarted in that plan when the Wise Men went back to their lands by another route. Angered and still plotting to thwart the prophecy, Herod had all male children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or younger murdered. We commemorate these innocents as a reminder of the depravity, brutality, and evil that can take residence in the human heart and of the persecution Jesus suffered even before His earthly ministry had begun. By the hand of God, Jesus was spared from being numbered amongst the slain, for His path led to a different death — on a cross at Golgotha, to pay the price for our sins.
Readings* Psalm 72 * Psalm 92 * Isaiah 51:17—52:12 * Matthew 2:1–12 * Large Catechism, I, 245–253 CommemorationToday we celebrate the Festival of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist. St. John, son of Zebedee and brother of James the Elder, was among the first disciples to be called by Jesus, and became known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. During Christ’s ministry, John witnessed many of Christ’s miracles, was present for the Transfiguration, went with Peter to reserve the upper room for the Last Supper, and, alone among the Disciples, did not forsake Christ during His Passion, remaining near Christ through the crucifixion. From the cross, Jesus made John guardian of Mary, His mother. John would go on to be a founding father of the Early Church. From John, we have the fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation, which was revealed to him while he was banished to Patmos by Emperor Domitian. John outlived all of the other Apostles, dying in Ephesus at around age one hundred.
Readings* Psalm 34 * Psalm 60 * Isaiah 49:22—51:16 * Matthew 1:18–25 * Large Catechism, I, 234–244 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of St. Stephen, Martyr. St. Stephen was one of the first seven deacons of the Church, appointed to distribute food and other necessities to the poor of the growing Christian community. In addition to such duties, the deacons also taught and preached. When some of his colleagues became jealous, they brought him before the Sanhedrin on false charges of blasphemy. Before the Sanhedrin, Stephen confessed his faith in Christ and rebuked members of the Sanhedrin for rejecting the Messiah. Infuriated, the Sanhedrin had Stephen dragged outside the city and stoned. Honored as the first martyr of the Church, Stephen is remembered for his dying words: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Readings* Psalm 96 * Psalm 150 * Isaiah 49:1–18 * Matthew 1:1–17 * Large Catechism, I, 222–233 CommemorationToday we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord. During the Season of Advent, we prepared for the coming of Christ, and, now, on the 25th of December, Christmas Day, we celebrate the birth of our Lord, God, Savior, and King. Christ’s birth was the fulfillment of part of the prophecy back in Genesis 3:15, and the promise would be completely fulfilled in Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension. In His birth, Christ humbled Himself and took on human flesh — true God became true Man. In order to save you from your sins, God did not send a mere prophet; rather, He sent His only begotten Son to take your place on the cross and die for your sins. His death is our life — what Luther called a ‘wonderful exchange’.
Readings* Psalm 98 * Psalm 2 * Isaiah 44:21—45:25 * Revelation 12:1–17 * Large Catechism, I, 211–221
Readings* Psalm 39 * Psalm 144 * Isaiah 43:25—44:20 * Revelation 11:1–19 * Large Catechism, I, 199–210
Readings* Psalm 115 * Psalm 125 * Isaiah 43:1–24 * Revelation 9:13—10:11 * Large Catechism, I, 189–198
Readings* Psalm 102 * Isaiah 42:1–25 * Revelation 9:1–12 * Large Catechism, I, 179–188 CommemorationToday we celebrate the festival of St. Thomas, Apostle. Remembered, perhaps unfairly, as ‘doubting Thomas’, it was Thomas who said: “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.” When Jesus appeared again to the disciples with Thomas present, Thomas, displaying his faith, declared: “My Lord and my God!” According to tradition, Thomas traveled eastward after Pentecost and eventually reached India (where a group who call themselves the “Christians of St. Thomas” still exists). Thomas was martyred for the faith by being speared to death.
Readings* Psalm 119:25–32 * Psalm 141 * Isaiah 40:18—41:10 * Revelation 8:1–13 * Large Catechism, I, 167–178 CommemorationToday we commemorate Katharina Luther, née von Bora. Born in 1499, Katharina von Bora was placed into a convent when she was still a child and became a nun in 1515. In April of 1523, Katharina, along with eight other nuns, was rescued from the convent and brought to Wittenberg. In Wittenberg, Martin Luther helped the rescued nuns return to their families or start families of their own. Although initially hesitant to marry — as he feared assassination or execution by Rome — Luther believed that he must place his faith in God and practice what he preached. Katharina and Luther were married on 13 June 1525. God blessed the Luthers’ marriage with six children, and Katharina skillfully managed the Luther household. Although she suffered financial difficulties after Luther’s death in 1546, Katharina remained steadfast in her faith and her care for her children and others. Amongst her last recorded words, Katharina, on her deathbed, said that she would ‘stick to Christ as a burr to cloth.’
Readings* Psalm 103 * Psalm 19 * Isaiah 40:1–17 * Revelation 7:1–17 * Large Catechism, I, 158–166
Readings* Psalm 119:81–88 * Psalm 145 * Isaiah 34:1—35:10 * Revelation 6:1–17 * Large Catechism, I, 150–157
Readings* Psalm 40 * Psalm 20 * Isaiah 33:1–24 * Revelation 5:1–14 * Large Catechism, I, 141–149 CommemorationToday we commemorate Daniel the Prophet and the Three Young Men. Daniel the Prophet and the three young men — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — were among those taken from Judah into captivity in Babylon. For remaining faithful to the Lord God, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were denounced to the king of Babylon and thrown into a fiery furnace, but they were miraculously saved by God’s direct intervention. Similarly, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den for refusing to worship any god save the Lord, but was also miraculously saved by God’s intervention. Blessed with wisdom and understanding, Daniel and the three men were promoted to positions of authority in Babylon. Daniel, as a prophet, was given visions of the End Times.
Readings* Psalm 149 * Psalm 61 * Isaiah 32:1–20 * Revelation 4:1–11 * Large Catechism, I, 129–140
Readings* Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11 * Psalm 126 * 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 * John 1:6–8, 19–28
Readings* Psalm 146 * Psalm 80 * Isaiah 30:27—31:9 * Revelation 3:1–22 * Large Catechism, I, 120–128
Readings* Psalm 27 * Psalm 24 * Isaiah 30:15–26 * Revelation 2:1–29 * Large Catechism, I, 112–119
Readings Psalm 89 * Psalm 143 * Isaiah 29:15—30:14 * Revelation 1:1–20 * Large Catechism, I, 103–111 CommemorationToday we commemorate Lucia, Martyr*. Born into a wealthy family, Lucia gave away her dowry to the poor. When this came to the attention of the Roman governor, he ordered Lucia to burn a sacrifice to the emperor. Upon her refusal, the governor commanded that she be condemned to a brothel; Lucia was martyred by the soldiers who came to execute the governor’s sentence. As the name “Lucia” means light, many European nations have long held festivals in her memory involving lanterns or lights; such festivals have been particularly popular in the Scandinavian countries, where this time of year is quite short on daylight.
Readings* Psalm 5 * Psalm 142 * Isaiah 28:14–29 * 1 John 5:1–21 * Large Catechism, I, 87–95
Readings* Psalm 86 * Psalm 130 * Isaiah 26:20—27:13 * 1 John 4:1–21 * Large Catechism, I, 78–86
Readings* Psalm 17 * Psalm 148 * Isaiah 26:1–19 * 1 John 3:1–24 * Large Catechism, I, 69–77
Readings* Psalm 11 * Psalm 142 * Isaiah 24:14—25:12 * 1 John 2:15–29 * Large Catechism, I, 59–68
Readings Psalm 25 * Psalm 73 * Isaiah 24:1–13 * 1 John 1:1—2:14 * Large Catechism, I, 49–58 CommemorationToday we commemorate Ambrose of Milan, Pastor and Hymnwriter*. Along with Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great, Ambrose of Milan is considered one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Church. Becoming Bishop of Milan in AD 374 — largely by acclamation — Ambrose would go on to be a prolific hymnwriter and defender of the faith. Ambrose played no small part in suppressing the Arian heresy through his interactions with Emperor Gratian and Emperor Theodosius. Many are undoubtedly familiar with Ambrose’s hymn, “Savior of the Nations, Come”.
Readings* Psalm 145 * Psalm 62 * Isaiah 10:12–34 * 2 Peter 1:1–21 * Large Catechism, I, 24–29
Readings* Isaiah 64:1–9 * Psalm 80:1–7 * 1 Corinthians 1:3–9 * Mark 11:1–10 * Mark 13:24–37
Readings* Psalm 25 * Psalm 114 * Job 17:1–16 * John 7:14–31 * Formula of Concord: Epitome, II, 1–6 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 84 * Psalm 64 * Job 16:1–22 * John 7:1–13 * Formula of Concord: Epitome, I, 11–25 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 16 * Psalm 90 * Job 15:1–35 * John 6:60–71 * Formula of Concord: Epitome, I, 1–10 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 53 * Psalm 30 * Job 14:1–22 * John 6:41–59 * Formula of Concord: Epitome, Summary Content, Rule, and Norm PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings Psalm 105 * Job 13:13–28 * John 6:22–40 * Smalcald Articles, III:XIV–XV CommemorationToday we commemorate Martin Luther, Doctor and Confessor*. Born on 10 November 1483 in Eisleben, Germany, Martin Luther originally studied law. After a close brush with death during a storm, Luther switched to studying theology and entered an Augustinian monastery in 1505, when he was twenty-one years old. Luther received his doctorate in theology in 1512. Teaching at the newly established University of Wittenberg, Luther began to question some of the doctrines of Rome. Luther’s investigation of the Scriptures and of Roman doctrine led to the posting of the "Ninety-Five Theses" on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg — the spark that started the Reformation.
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Readings* Psalm 37 * Psalm 77 * Job 13:1–12 * John 6:1–21 * Smalcald Articles, III:IX–XIII PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Exodus 24:8–18 * Psalm 2:6–12 * 2 Peter 1:16–21 * Matthew 17:1–9 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings Psalm 91 * Psalm 119:1–8 * Job 12:1–25 * John 5:30–47 * Smalcald Articles, III:VIII CommemorationToday we commemorate the Birth of Philipp Melanchthon, Confessor*. Philipp Melanchthon, an academic by nature, became one of the leading proponents of Lutheranism when he took up the task of drafting the Augsburg Confession that was presented to the Emperor on 25 June 1530. Earlier, Melanchthon had been encouraged by Martin Luther (who was under papal excommunication and an imperial ban, and so could not attend Augsburg) to take up teaching theology and Scripture. A fellow professor at Wittenberg, Melanchthon’s writings and reforms would have far-reaching and long-lasting impact.
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Readings* Psalm 57 * Psalm 1 * Job 11:1–20 * John 5:19–29 * Smalcald Articles, III:IV–VIII CommemorationToday we commemorate Philemon and Onesimus. Onesimus was a slave, owned by Philemon, who ran away from his master. Somehow, Onesimus came into contact with Paul while Paul was in prison. At the urging of Paul, and with an accompanying letter, Onesimus returned to his master. In his letter, Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus as a beloved brother, instead of as a runaway slave, as one might expect; however, Paul also, notably, did not command or ask Philemon to free Onesimus.
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Readings Psalm 119:153–160 * Psalm 35 * Job 10:1–22 * John 5:1–18 * Smalcald Articles, III:III, 29–45 CommemorationToday we commemorate Valentine, Martyr*. Executed under Emperor Claudius on account of his refusal to renounce the Christian faith, Valentine has long been remembered in the Western Church as an example for all Christians. Today, Valentine’s Day continues to celebrate Valentine, and the tradition of exchanging written expressions of love derives from a note with words of encouragement that Valentine wrote for one of the children of his jailer. Even the irregularity of the shape of the piece of paper on which Valentine wrote his note has carried forward, after a fashion, into modern commemorations on Valentine’s Day.
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Readings* Psalm 95 * Psalm 70 * Job 9:1–35 * John 4:46–54 * Smalcald Articles, III:III, 20–28 CommemorationToday we commemorate Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos. Remembered as missionaries, Aquila, and his wife, Priscilla, met Paul in Corinth, where he joined them in their trade — tent-making. Later traveling with Paul from Corinth to Ephesus, they established a home in the city which served as a sort of headquarters for new converts to Christianity. One such convert was Apollos, who would become known for his preaching and teaching of the Christian faith. He would later travel to Achaia to continue his efforts to spread the Gospel.
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Readings* Psalm 71 * Psalm 99 * Job 8:1–22 * John 4:27–45 * Smalcald Articles, III:III, 10–19 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 147 * Job 7:1–21 * John 4:7–26 * Smalcald Articles, III:III, 1–9 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Deuteronomy 30:15–20 * Psalm 119:1–8 * 1 Corinthians 3:1–9 * Matthew 5:21–37 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 38 * Job 6:14–30 * John 3:22—4:6 * Smalcald Articles, III:I–II CommemorationToday we commemorate Silas, Fellow Worker of St. Peter and St. Paul. A leader in the Church at Jerusalem, Silas was chosen by Paul to accompany him on his second missionary journey. Imprisoned with Paul in Philippi, Silas also experienced the rioting in Thessalonica and Berea. Tradition holds that Silas was the first Bishop of Corinth.
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Readings* Psalm 23 * Psalm 87 * Job 6:1–13 * John 3:1–21 * Smalcald Articles, II:IV, 10–16 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 69 * Psalm 122 * Job 5:1–27 * John 2:13–25 * Smalcald Articles, II:IV, 1–9 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 4 * Psalm 18 * Job 4:1–21 * John 2:1–12 * Smalcald Articles, II:II, 25–29, :III PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 77 * Psalm 74 * Job 3:11–26 * John 1:35–51 * Smalcald Articles, II:II, 11–24 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 31 * Psalm 88 * Job 2:1—3:10 * John 1:19–34 * Smalcald Articles, II:II, 1–10 CommemorationToday we commemorate Jacob, Patriarch of OT Israel. Born the younger of Isaac and Rebekah’s twin sons, Jacob was the third of the patriarchs of OT Israel. After wrestling with the Angel of the Lord, Jacob (whose name means ‘deceiver’) was renamed to Israel (which means ‘he strives with God’). Jacob lived a life of strife and trouble, due in no small part to his own deceptions toward his brother and father. The deceptive nature of Jacob would carry on to his sons, who would sell their brother Joseph into slavery and lie to their father. By the grace of God, Joseph became prominent in Egypt and was reunited with Jacob, who then died in Egypt after blessing and prophesying about his sons.
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Readings* Psalm 127 * Psalm 128 * Job 1:1–22 * John 1:1–18 * Smalcald Articles, I, II:I PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 47 * Psalm 135 * Zechariah 14:1–21 * Titus 2:7—3:15 * Smalcald Articles, Preface, 8–15 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Isaiah 58:3–9a * Psalm 112:1–9 * 1 Corinthians 2:1–16 * Matthew 5:13–20 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 75 * Psalm 104 * Zechariah 12:1—13:9 * Titus 1:1—2:6 * Smalcald Articles, Preface, 1–7 CommemorationToday we celebrate the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord. Thirty-two days after Jesus was circumcised, He comes to the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the Torah. In offering the alternative sacrifice (two turtledoves or two pigeons instead of a lamb), Joseph and Mary reveal their humble circumstances. In his Nunc Dimmitis, Simeon announces the inauguration of God’s consolation and redemption in and through Christ, and also prophesies concerning the destiny of Jesus.
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Readings* Psalm 28 * Psalm 48 * Zechariah 11:4–17 * 2 Timothy 4:1–18 * Large Catechism, V, 75–87 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 135 * Psalm 68 * Zechariah 10:1—11:3 * 2 Timothy 3:1–17 * Large Catechism, V, 58–74 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 33 * Zechariah 9:1–17 * 2 Timothy 2:1–26 * Large Catechism, V, 42–57 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 107 * Zechariah 8:1–23 * 2 Timothy 1:1–18 * Large Catechism, V, 31–41 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 12 * Psalm 133 * Zechariah 6:1—7:14 * Romans 16:17–27 * Large Catechism, V, 15–30 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings Psalm 1 * Psalm 109 * Zechariah 4:1—5:11 * Romans 15:14–33 * Large Catechism, V, 1–14 CommemorationToday we commemorate John Chrysostom, Preacher*. Born around AD 347, St. John was instructed in the Christian faith by his mother, Anthusa. After holding a number of lesser offices, John became patriarch of Constantinople in AD 398. John was given the added name “Chrysostom”, which means ‘golden-mouthed’ in Greek, for his simple, but direct, messages that were beloved by all who heard them. Eventually exiled from Constantinople, after coming into conflict with the local authorities due to his determination to reform the church, the court, and the city, John continued to preach and write right up until his death in AD 407. His reported last words were “Glory be to God for all things! Amen.”
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Readings* Micah 6:1–8 * Psalm 15 * 1 Corinthians 1:18–31 * Matthew 5:1–12 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 18 * Psalm 134 * Zechariah 2:1—3:10 * Romans 15:1–13 * Large Catechism, IV, 68–86 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor. Like Timothy, St. Titus was a friend and coworker of St. Paul. Whereas it is not known if Titus accompanied Paul on his first and second missionary journeys, it is known that Titus accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey, along with Barnabas, to Jerusalem to bring aid during a famine. Likely after the trip to Jerusalem, Paul and Titus parted ways, with Titus staying in Crete and eventually working in Dalmatia and then, according to tradition, serving as bishop in Crete until his death in about AD 96.
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Readings* Psalm 6 * Psalm 67 * Zechariah 1:1–21 * Romans 14:1–23 * Large Catechism, IV, 56–67 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of the Conversion of St. Paul. Originally a zealous persecutor of the Church, St. Paul (then Saul of Tarsus) met Christ on the road to Damascus. Blinded by a bright light, Saul heard the words “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” to which Saul replied “Who are You, Lord?” to which Christ replied “I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.” Upon arriving in Damascus, Saul was sought by a disciple named Ananias, who had been sent by the Lord to heal Saul. Upon receiving his sight, Saul was baptized and went on to become the Apostle Paul, a man whom God called ‘a chosen instrument … to carry [Christ’s] name before the nations’.
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Readings* Psalm 131 * Psalm 84 * Joel 3:1–21 * Romans 12:14—13:14 * Large Catechism, IV, 47–55 FestivalToday we celebrate the Festival of St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor. Best remembered as a companion of St. Paul, St. Timothy grew up in a Christian household. After meeting Paul on his (Paul’s) second missionary journey, Timothy accompanied Paul on further missionary journeys and was with Paul in Rome. According to tradition, Timothy was martyred in Ephesus around AD 97, where he served as bishop after Paul’s martyrdom in Rome.
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Readings* Psalm 139 * Psalm 81 * Joel 2:18–32 * Romans 11:25—12:13 * Large Catechism, IV, 32–46 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 69 * Psalm 121 * Joel 2:1–17 * Romans 11:1–24 * Large Catechism, IV, 17-31 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 20 * Psalm 13 * Joel 1:1–20 * Romans 10:1–21 * Large Catechism, IV, 1–16 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 117 * Psalm 97 * Ezekiel 47:1–23 * Romans 9:19–33 * Large Catechism, III, 112–124 CommemorationToday we commemorate Sarah. Wife (and half-sister) of the patriarch Abraham, Sarah followed Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans on his journey to Canaan. Childless until old age, Sarah was eventually blessed with a son — Isaac — who would become the second of the three major patriarchs of OT Israel, and carry on the line of the promised Messiah. Sarah is remembered for her faithfulness and her hospitality. She was buried in the Cave of Machpelah, the same cave where Abraham would also later be buried.
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Readings* Isaiah 9:1–4 * Psalm 27:1–14 * 1 Corinthians 1:10–18 * Matthew 4:12–25 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 15 * Psalm 126 * Ezekiel 44:1–29 * Romans 9:1–18 * Large Catechism, III, 99–111 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 44 * Psalm 124 * Ezekiel 40:1–4—41:1–12 * Romans 8:18–39 * Large Catechism, III, 85–98 FestivalToday we celebrate the festival of The Confession of St. Peter. In response to Christ’s challenge: “But who do you say that I am?”, Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This — Peter’s confession — is the rock upon which the Church is built. As Christ makes clear, it is not “flesh and blood [that] [reveals]” this truth, but “[the] Father Who is in Heaven”.
Here in Matthew, and elsewhere in the NT, Christ makes clear that He gives the Keys to the entire Church, not to Peter alone, and with the Keys the power to bind and to loose: “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.” As the Smalcald Articles state:
The Keys are an office and power given by Christ to the Church for binding and loosing sin. This applies not only to gross and well-known sins, but also the subtle, hidden sins that are known only to God. As it is written, “Who can discern his errors?” (Psalm 19:12).
It is truly this confession of Peter — that Christ is the Son of the living God — upon which the Church is founded, with Christ as cornerstone.
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Readings* Psalm 76 * Psalm 137 * Ezekiel 39:1–29 * Romans 7:21—8:17 * Large Catechism, III, 71–84 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 36 * Psalm 54 * Ezekiel 38:1–23 * Romans 7:1–20 * Large Catechism, III, 59–70 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 29 * Ezekiel 37:15–28 * Romans 6:1–23 * Large Catechism, III, 49–58 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 104 * Psalm 79 * Ezekiel 36:33—37:14 * Romans 5:1–21 * Large Catechism, III, 35–48 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Isaiah 9:1–4 * Psalm 27 * 1 Corinthians 1:10–18 * Matthew 4:12–25 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 32 * Psalm 51 * Ezekiel 36:13–28 * Romans 4:1–25 * Large Catechism, III, 25–34 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 63 * Psalm 59 * Ezekiel 34:1–24 * Romans 3:19–31 * Large Catechism, III, 14–24 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 7 * Psalm 14 * Ezekiel 33:1–20 * Romans 3:1–18 * Large Catechism, III, 1–13 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings Psalm 85 * Psalm 58 * Ezekiel 18:1–32 * Romans 2:17–29 * Large Catechism, II, 63–70 CommemorationToday we commemorate Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa, Pastors and Confessors*. Collectively known as the Cappadocian Fathers, Basil and the two Gregorys were leaders of the Christian Church in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) in the fourth century. Basil and Gregory of Nyssa were brothers, and Gregory of Nazianzus was their friend. All three men were influential in shaping the theology ratified by the Council of Constantinople, which would later be enshrined in the Nicene Creed. All three men are commemorated for their contributions to the Church — particularly to the liturgy of the Eastern Church and to the theology of the Church universal.
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Readings* Psalm 62 * Psalm 32 * Ezekiel 3:12–27 * Romans 2:1–16 * Large Catechism, II, 55–62 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 19 * Psalm 100 * Ezekiel 2:1—3:11 * Romans 1:18–32 * Large Catechism, II, 47–54 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 46 * Psalm 45 * Ezekiel 1:1–28 * Romans 1:1–17 * Large Catechism, II, 34–46 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 45 * Psalm 72 * Isaiah 66:1–20 * Luke 3:21–38 * Large Catechism, II, 25–33 FeastToday we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord. Although the feast of Epiphany commemorates no particular, concrete event, it is one of the most important days in the liturgical calendar — one of the principal feasts. On Epiphany, we remember that the God who became man in Bethlehem — that the Babe in the manger — needed present no proof that He was true man, but that He did indeed need to prove that He was true God. He did this superabundantly with the manifestations of the Trinity and the signs, wonders, and miracles that dot the pages of the New Testament record. In the Western Church tradition, Epiphany has become associated with the visit of the Magi, and this is fitting, for the Magi represent all the Gentile nations that were brought into the New Covenant through Christ — the true epiphany being the revelation of Christ as Lord, God, Savior, and King.
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Readings* Isaiah 42:1–9 * Psalm 29 * Romans 6:1–11 * Matthew 3:13–17 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 37 * Psalm 10 * Isaiah 65:8–25 * Luke 3:1–20 * Large Catechism, II, 9–24 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 40 * Psalm 65 * Isaiah 63:15—65:7 * Luke 2:41–52 * Large Catechism, II, 1–8 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Isaiah 60:1-6 * Psalm 72:1–15 * Ephesians 3:1-12 * Matthew 2:1–12 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 108 * Psalm 110 * Isaiah 63:1–14 * Luke 2:21–40 * Large Catechism, I, 324–333 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings Psalm 62 * Psalm 98 * Isaiah 62:1–12 * Luke 2:1–20 * Large Catechism, I, 311–323 CommemorationToday we commemorate J. K. Wilhelm Löhe, Pastor*. Johann Konrad Wilhelm Löhe served as the pastor of Neuendettelsau in the Bavarian Alps in the 1800s. Although he never left Germany, Löhe had a significant impact on Lutheranism in North America. Recognizing the need for Church workers, Löhe assisted in the training of missionary pastors to be sent to the New World and Australia. A number of the men sent by Löhe would become founders of what is today the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (the LCMS). It was also due in part to Löhe’s financial backing that a theological school in Fort Wayne, IN, and a teachers’ institute in Saginaw, MI, were established. Löhe is widely recognized and fondly remembered for his confessional integrity and his dedication to Christian charity.
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Readings* Psalm 113 * Psalm 21 * Isaiah 61:1–11 * Luke 1:57–80 * Large Catechism, I, 303–310 FeastToday we celebrate the feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus. Per tradition, Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day and given the name “Jesus” as the angel had proclaimed. Under the Old Covenant, circumcision brought the benefits of forgiveness of sins, justification, and incorporation into the people of God. Under the New Covenant, circumcision is no longer necessary or effective; it has been replaced by Baptism, which is called, by St. Paul, a “circumcision made without hands” and “the circumcision of Christ”.
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Readings* Psalm 111 * Psalm 8 * Isaiah 60:1–22 * Luke 1:39–56 * Large Catechism, I, 292–302 FeastToday we celebrate the feast of the Eve of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus.
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Readings* Psalm 89 * Psalm 132 * Isaiah 58:1—59:21 * Luke 1:26–38 * Large Catechism, I, 276–291 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Numbers 6:22–27 * Psalm 8 * Galatians 3:23-29 * Luke 2:21 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Isaiah 30:8–17 * Psalm 90:1–12 * Romans 8:31b–39 * Luke 12:35–40 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 78 * Psalm 93 * Isaiah 55:1–13 * Luke 1:1–25 * Large Catechism, I, 263–275 CommemorationToday we commemorate David. David was the greatest of the kings of OT Israel, and ruled from about 1010 to 970 BC. Although David’s private conduct showed a mixture of good and bad, it was his fierce loyalty to God that defined his life and his reign. Under David, God fulfilled many of the promises to OT Israel, notably uniting Israel into a single nation with its capital at Jerusalem. Of course, God’s greatest promise would be fulfilled through the promised King — Christ, our Lord.
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Readings* Psalm 9 * Psalm 31 * Isaiah 52:13—54:10 * Matthew 2:13–23 * Large Catechism. I, 254–262 CommemorationToday we celebrate the festival of The Holy Innocents, Martyrs. Threatened by the prophecies concerning a “King of the Jews”, King Herod plotted to find and kill Jesus using the Wise Men, but was thwarted in that plan when the Wise Men went back to their lands by another route. Angered and still plotting to thwart the prophecy, Herod had all male children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or younger murdered. We commemorate these innocents as a reminder of the depravity, brutality, and evil that can take residence in the human heart and of the persecution Jesus suffered even before His earthly ministry had begun. By the hand of God, Jesus was spared from being numbered amongst the slain, for His path led to a different death — on a cross at Golgotha, to pay the price for our sins.
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Readings* Psalm 72 * Psalm 92 * Isaiah 51:17—52:12 * Matthew 2:1–12 * Large Catechism, I, 245–253 FestivalToday we celebrate the festival of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist. St. John, son of Zebedee and brother of James the Elder, was among the first disciples to be called by Jesus, and became known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. During Christ’s ministry, John witnessed many of Christ’s miracles, was present for the Transfiguration, went with Peter to reserve the upper room for the Last Supper, and, alone among the Disciples, did not forsake Christ during His Passion, remaining near Christ through the crucifixion. From the cross, Jesus made John guardian of Mary, His mother. John would go on to be a founding father of the Early Church. From John, we have the fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation, which was revealed to him while he was banished to Patmos by Emperor Domitian. John outlived all of the other Apostles, dying in Ephesus at around age one hundred.
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Readings* Psalm 34 * Psalm 60 * Isaiah 49:22—51:16 * Matthew 1:18–25 * Large Catechism, I, 234–244 CommemorationToday we celebrate the festival of St. Stephen, Martyr. St. Stephen was one of the first seven deacons of the Church, appointed to distribute food and other necessities to the poor of the growing Christian community. In addition to such duties, the deacons also taught and preached. When some of his colleagues became jealous, they brought him before the Sanhedrin on false charges of blasphemy. Before the Sanhedrin, Stephen confessed his faith in Christ and rebuked members of the Sanhedrin for rejecting the Messiah. Infuriated, the Sanhedrin had Stephen dragged outside the city and stoned. Honored as the first martyr of the Church, Stephen is remembered for his dying words: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
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Readings* Psalm 96 * Psalm 150 * Isaiah 49:1–18 * Matthew 1:1–17 * Large Catechism, I, 222–233 FeastToday we celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord. During the Season of Advent, we prepared for the coming of Christ, and, now, on the 25th of December, Christmas Day, we celebrate the birth of our Lord, God, Savior, and King. Christ’s birth was the fulfillment of part of the prophecy back in Genesis 3:15, and the promise would be completely fulfilled in Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension. In His birth, Christ humbled Himself and took on human flesh — true God became true Man. In order to save you from your sins, God did not send a mere prophet; rather, He sent His only begotten Son to take your place on the cross and die for your sins. His death is our life — what Luther called a ‘wonderful exchange’.
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Readings* Psalm 98 * Psalm 2 * Isaiah 44:21—45:25 * Revelation 12:1–17 * Large Catechism, I, 211–221 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Isaiah 52:7–10 * Psalm 2 * Hebrews 1:1–12 * John 1:1–18 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 39 * Psalm 144 * Isaiah 43:25—44:20 * Revelation 11:1–19 * Large Catechism, I, 199–210 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Isaiah 62:10–12 * Psalm 98 * Titus 3:4–7 * Luke 2:1–20 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Isaiah 9:2–7 * Psalm 96 * Titus 2:11–14 * Luke 2:1–20 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 115 * Psalm 125 * Isaiah 43:1–24 * Revelation 9:13—10:11 * Large Catechism, I, 189–198 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Isaiah 7:10–14 * Psalm 110:1–4 * 1 John 4:7–16 * Matthew 1:18–25 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 102 * Isaiah 42:1–25 * Revelation 9:1–12 * Large Catechism, I, 179–188 CommemorationToday we celebrate the festival of St. Thomas, Apostle. Remembered, perhaps unfairly, as ‘doubting Thomas’, it was Thomas who said: “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.” When Jesus appeared again to the disciples with Thomas present, Thomas, displaying his faith, declared: “My Lord and my God!” According to tradition, Thomas traveled eastward after Pentecost and eventually reached India (where a group who call themselves the “Christians of St. Thomas” still exists). Thomas was martyred for the faith by being speared to death.
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Readings* Psalm 119:25–32 * Psalm 141 * Isaiah 40:18—41:10 * Revelation 8:1–13 * Large Catechism, I, 167–178 CommemorationToday we commemorate Katharina Luther, née von Bora. Born in 1499, Katharina von Bora was placed into a convent when she was still a child and became a nun in 1515. In April of 1523, Katharina, along with eight other nuns, was rescued from the convent and brought to Wittenberg. In Wittenberg, Martin Luther helped the rescued nuns return to their families or start families of their own. Although initially hesitant to marry — as he feared assassination or execution by Rome — Luther believed that he must place his faith in God and practice what he preached. Katharina and Luther were married on 13 June 1525. God blessed the Luthers’ marriage with six children, and Katharina skillfully managed the Luther household. Although she suffered financial difficulties after Luther’s death in 1546, Katharina remained steadfast in her faith and her care for her children and others. Amongst her last recorded words, Katharina, on her deathbed, said that she would ‘stick to Christ as a burr to cloth.’
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Readings* Psalm 103 * Psalm 19 * Isaiah 40:1–17 * Revelation 7:1–17 * Large Catechism, I, 158–166 CommemorationToday we commemorate Adam and Eve. Father and mother to us all, Adam and Eve were the first two human beings created by God’s own hands. Adam, formed from the dust, was created first and Eve, formed from one of Adam’s ribs to be his companion, was created second. Failing to obey God and listening to the Serpent’s temptation, Eve ate of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, which God had forbidden, and Adam, forsaking his role as head, joined her in rebellion. For their disobedience, they were driven from the Garden; by their disobedience, death entered the world. Nevertheless, in the midst of the tragedy of the Fall, God promised that the woman’s Seed — Christ, the Savior — would crush the Serpent’s head. In His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, Christ defeated sin, death, and the devil — fulfilling the promise of Genesis 3:15. As Luther commented: ‘God arranged to remove through Christ whatever the devil brought in through Adam.’
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Readings* Psalm 119:81–88 * Psalm 145 * Isaiah 34:1—35:10 * Revelation 6:1–17 * Large Catechism, I, 150–157 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 40 * Psalm 20 * Isaiah 33:1–24 * Revelation 5:1–14 * Large Catechism, I, 141–149 CommemorationToday we commemorate Daniel the Prophet and the Three Young Men. Daniel the Prophet and the three young men — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — were among those taken from Judah into captivity in Babylon. For remaining faithful to the Lord God, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were denounced to the king of Babylon and thrown into a fiery furnace, but they were miraculously saved by God’s direct intervention. Similarly, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den for refusing to worship any God save the Lord, but was also miraculously saved by God’s intervention. Blessed with wisdom and understanding, Daniel and the three men were promoted to positions of authority in Babylon. Daniel, as a prophet, was given visions of the End Times.
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Readings* Isaiah 7:10–17 * Psalm 24 * Romans 1:1–7 * Matthew 1:18–25 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 149 * Psalm 61 * Isaiah 32:1–20 * Revelation 4:1–11 * Large Catechism, I, 129–140 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 146 * Psalm 80 * Isaiah 30:27—31:9 * Revelation 3:1–22 * Large Catechism, I, 120–128 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 27 * Psalm 24 * Isaiah 30:15–26 * Revelation 2:1–29 * Large Catechism, I, 112–119 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings Psalm 89 * Psalm 143 * Isaiah 29:15—30:14 * Revelation 1:1–20 * Large Catechism, I, 103–111 CommemorationToday we commemorate Lucia, Martyr*. Born into a wealthy family, Lucia gave away her dowry to the poor. When this came to the attention of the Roman governor, he ordered Lucia to burn a sacrifice to the emperor. Upon her refusal, the governor commanded that she be condemned to a brothel; Lucia was martyred by the soldiers who came to execute the governor’s sentence. As the name “Lucia” means light, many European nations have long held festivals in her memory involving lanterns or lights; such festivals have been particularly popular in the Scandinavian countries, where this time of year is quite short on daylight.
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Readings* Psalm 106 * Isaiah 29:1–14 * Jude 1:1–26 * Large Catechism, I, 96–102 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 5 * Psalm 142 * Isaiah 28:14–29 * 1 John 5:1–21 * Large Catechism, I, 87–95 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 86 * Psalm 130 * Isaiah 26:20—27:13 * 1 John 4:1–21 * Large Catechism, I, 78–86 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 17 * Psalm 148 * Isaiah 26:1–19 * 1 John 3:1–24 * Large Catechism, I, 69–77 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Isaiah 35:1–10 * Psalm 146 * James 5:7–11 * Matthew 11:2–15 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 11 * Psalm 142 * Isaiah 24:14—25:12 * 1 John 2:15–29 * Large Catechism, I, 59–68 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings Psalm 25 * Psalm 73 * Isaiah 24:1–13 * 1 John 1:1—2:14 * Large Catechism, I, 49–58 CommemorationToday we commemorate Ambrose of Milan, Pastor and Hymnwriter*. Along with Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great, Ambrose of Milan is considered one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Church. Becoming Bishop of Milan in AD 374 — largely by acclamation — Ambrose would go on to be a prolific hymnwriter and defender of the faith. Ambrose played no small part in suppressing the Arian heresy through his interactions with Emperor Gratian and Emperor Theodosius. Many are undoubtedly familiar with Ambrose’s hymn, “Savior of the Nations, Come”.
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Readings Psalm 56 * Isaiah 14:1–23 * 2 Peter 3:1–18 * Large Catechism, I, 41–48 CommemorationToday we commemorate Nicholas of Myra, Pastor*. One of the best known saints on the calendar, Nicholas of Myra — better known as Saint Nicholas — has long been associated with charitable giving. Many European nations still maintain December 6th as a day for giving and receiving gifts. Beyond the fact that there was a Church of Saint Nicholas in Constantinople as early as the sixth century and that there was a Bishop Nicholas of Myra in the fourth century, little is known historically about St. Nicholas.
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Readings* Psalm 49 * Isaiah 11:1—12:6 * 2 Peter 2:1–22 * Large Catechism, I, 30–40 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings Psalm 145 * Psalm 62 * Isaiah 10:12–34 * 2 Peter 1:1–21 * Large Catechism, I, 24–29 CommemorationToday we commemorate John of Damascus, Theologian and Hymnwriter. John of Damascus, was a Greek theologian and priest. Giving up an influential position in the Islamic court, John devoted himself to Christianity and entered a monastery outside Jerusalem. Commemorated for his lasting contributions to the orthodox Christian faith, John enriched both Eastern and Western Christianity; his greatest work was the Fount of Wisdom*, a collection of writings from earlier Christian theologians.
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Readings* Psalm 55 * Isaiah 9:8—10:11 * 1 Peter 5:1–14 * Large Catechism, I, 13–23 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Isaiah 11:1–10 * Psalm 72:1–7 * Romans 15:4–13 * Matthew 3:1–12 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
Readings* Psalm 119:105–112 * Psalm 82 * Isaiah 8:9—9:7 * 1 Peter 4:1–19 * Large Catechism, I, 1–12 PodcastOvercastApple PodcastsSpotify
- Psalm 48
- Daniel 5:1–30
- Revelation 21:9–27
- Apology of the Augsburg Confession, XXVIII, 15–19