Well, I now have 3 blogs so I'm not sure how often I will be updating this one. Be sure to check out the Higher Things Blogs at http://higherthings.org/discussion/blog.html
Now how about a Lenten Hymn!
1. Glory be to Jesus,
Who in bitter pains
Poured for me the life-blood
From His sacred veins!
2. Grace and life eternal
In that blood I find;
Blest be His compassion,
Infinitely kind!
3. Blest through endless ages
Be the precious stream
Which from endless torments
Did the world redeem!
4. Abel's blood for vengeance
Pleaded to the skies;
But the blood of Jesus
For our pardon cries.
5. Oft as earth exulting
Wafts its praise on high,
Angel hosts rejoicing
Make their glad reply.
6. Lift we, then, our voices,
Swell the mighty flood,
Louder still and louder
Praise the precious blood!
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #158
Monday, March 20, 2006
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Where in the World is God?
A crucial question plagues the world today: "Where in the world is God?" The skeptics put it this way: "Where in the world is God, anyway?" For them the tragedies and perplexities of life are just too overwhelming. They can't make any sense out of it-- how a God who is supposedly good and all powerful could allow such things to happen. In fact, they're not at all sure that there is a God.
But for us, its not a question of the existence of God--it's simply a matter of where we can get in touch with God. The problems of life and the nagging burden of sin make this question an urgent one. We all need to know: "Where in the world is God? How can we contact him?"
There's nothing we human beings would rather do than climb up into heaven and get the straight scoop from God. But this arrogant idea that we can get in touch with God through our own power ignores the fact that there is a great barrier between God and man: the wall of sin built by man himself. That wall is so high and so strong that no human effort can penetrate it. That's why i's so laughable that people would eventalk about coming to God on their own.
But, though we could not come to him, he has come to us. God, the creator of teh hole universe, came down to planet earth. he came in lowly weakness, clothed in human skin and bones. And even though it meant death--even a horrible death on the cross--he humbled himself so that he could take all our guilt on himself and remove forever the barrier of sin.
This is the God we have. He comes into this world to rescue us. He shoulders his cross and carries our sin in his own sinless body and then ultimately dies our death. Remarkable, isnt it? This God of ours will stop at nothing to give us his love.
Where in the world is God? We have a God who comes down to meet us in the word of his gospel. Even to touch and handle the living flesh of Jesus is not beyond our reach, for he condescends to attact his word of promise to the earthly elements of bread and wine. And in that Word made visible, we have athe sign and seal of our redemtion and the encouragement to faith and hope and love. "For you," he says to every weary soul weighed down by sin and plagued by trial, "for the forgiveness of your sin." The real presence of Jesus in his Holy Supper is not some dry doctrine, but liveing reality. We have his Word on it.
Where in the world is God? Not far away. In the precious gospel of Jesus, his Son, he is in your mouth and in your heart, throughout this Lenten season, and even into eternity.
Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy passion. With your Spirit me endow for such meditation. Grant the I in love and faith may the image cherish of your suffering, pain, and death that I may not perish. Amen.
-Taken from "Triumph at the Cross" by Rev. Dr. Harold L. Senkbeil-
But for us, its not a question of the existence of God--it's simply a matter of where we can get in touch with God. The problems of life and the nagging burden of sin make this question an urgent one. We all need to know: "Where in the world is God? How can we contact him?"
There's nothing we human beings would rather do than climb up into heaven and get the straight scoop from God. But this arrogant idea that we can get in touch with God through our own power ignores the fact that there is a great barrier between God and man: the wall of sin built by man himself. That wall is so high and so strong that no human effort can penetrate it. That's why i's so laughable that people would eventalk about coming to God on their own.
But, though we could not come to him, he has come to us. God, the creator of teh hole universe, came down to planet earth. he came in lowly weakness, clothed in human skin and bones. And even though it meant death--even a horrible death on the cross--he humbled himself so that he could take all our guilt on himself and remove forever the barrier of sin.
This is the God we have. He comes into this world to rescue us. He shoulders his cross and carries our sin in his own sinless body and then ultimately dies our death. Remarkable, isnt it? This God of ours will stop at nothing to give us his love.
Where in the world is God? We have a God who comes down to meet us in the word of his gospel. Even to touch and handle the living flesh of Jesus is not beyond our reach, for he condescends to attact his word of promise to the earthly elements of bread and wine. And in that Word made visible, we have athe sign and seal of our redemtion and the encouragement to faith and hope and love. "For you," he says to every weary soul weighed down by sin and plagued by trial, "for the forgiveness of your sin." The real presence of Jesus in his Holy Supper is not some dry doctrine, but liveing reality. We have his Word on it.
Where in the world is God? Not far away. In the precious gospel of Jesus, his Son, he is in your mouth and in your heart, throughout this Lenten season, and even into eternity.
Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy passion. With your Spirit me endow for such meditation. Grant the I in love and faith may the image cherish of your suffering, pain, and death that I may not perish. Amen.
-Taken from "Triumph at the Cross" by Rev. Dr. Harold L. Senkbeil-
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Fasting During Lent?
"The season of Lent lasts for 40 days, from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday. Sundays are not counted because every Lord's Day is a "little Easter" in the Church. Lent corresponds to the 40 days that our Lord Jesus fasted in the wilderness, in which He overcame the temptations of the devil. "
What do you all think of fasting or giving up something for Lent? I dont give up anything for Lent, but I know some reasons people do. So I ask, First, Do you give up anything for Lent. and second, what are your reasons for doing it?
Lord, Who throughout these forty days
For us didst fast and pray,
Teach us with Thee to mourn our sins
And close by Thee to stay.
As Thou with Satan didst contend,
And didst the victory win,
O give us strength in Thee to fight,
In Thee to conquer sin.
As Thou didst hunger bear, and thirst,
So teach us, gracious Lord,
To die to self, and chiefly live
By Thy most holy Word.
Abide with us, that so, this life
Of suffering over past,
An Easter of unending joy
We may attain at last.
What do you all think of fasting or giving up something for Lent? I dont give up anything for Lent, but I know some reasons people do. So I ask, First, Do you give up anything for Lent. and second, what are your reasons for doing it?
Lord, Who throughout these forty days
For us didst fast and pray,
Teach us with Thee to mourn our sins
And close by Thee to stay.
As Thou with Satan didst contend,
And didst the victory win,
O give us strength in Thee to fight,
In Thee to conquer sin.
As Thou didst hunger bear, and thirst,
So teach us, gracious Lord,
To die to self, and chiefly live
By Thy most holy Word.
Abide with us, that so, this life
Of suffering over past,
An Easter of unending joy
We may attain at last.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Ash Wednessday
“Almighty and everlasting God, our Father, because You hate nothing that You have made and You forgive the sins of all those who are penitent, create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain from You, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” (Collect for Ash Wednesday)
Monday, February 27, 2006
As Epiphany Comes to and End
How about one last hymn.
Hail, O Source of every blessing,
Father of all humankind!
Gentiles now, your grace possessing,
In your courts admission find.
Grateful now we fall before you,
In your Church obtain a place,
See your glory and adore you;
Praise your truth and laud your grace.
Once far off but now invited,
We approach your sacred throne;
In your covenant united,
Reconciled, redeemed, made one.
Now revealed to eastern sages,
See the Star of Mercy shine;
Mystery hid in former ages,
Mystery great of love divine.
Hail, O all inviting Savior!
Gentiles now their offerings bring;
In your temples seek your favor,
Jesus Christ, our Lord and King.
May we, body, soul, and spirit,
Live devoted to your praise,
Glorious realms of bliss inherit,
Grateful anthems ever raise!
LW 84
Hail, O Source of every blessing,
Father of all humankind!
Gentiles now, your grace possessing,
In your courts admission find.
Grateful now we fall before you,
In your Church obtain a place,
See your glory and adore you;
Praise your truth and laud your grace.
Once far off but now invited,
We approach your sacred throne;
In your covenant united,
Reconciled, redeemed, made one.
Now revealed to eastern sages,
See the Star of Mercy shine;
Mystery hid in former ages,
Mystery great of love divine.
Hail, O all inviting Savior!
Gentiles now their offerings bring;
In your temples seek your favor,
Jesus Christ, our Lord and King.
May we, body, soul, and spirit,
Live devoted to your praise,
Glorious realms of bliss inherit,
Grateful anthems ever raise!
LW 84
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Yay South Dakota
Feb 22, 7:48 PM (ET)
SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (Reuters) - South Dakota's
state senate voted on Wednesday for an abortion ban
aimed at giving the conservative-tilting Supreme Court
an opening to overturn rulings granting women the
right to the procedure.
Only an unlikely veto by Republican Gov. Michael
Rounds could prevent the legislation from becoming
law, people on both sides of the issue said.
"We hope (Rounds) recognizes this for what it is: a
political tool and not about the health and safety of
the women of South Dakota," said Kate Looby of Planned
Parenthood, which operates the sole clinic providing
abortions in South Dakota.
"If he chooses to sign it, we will be filing a lawsuit
in short order to block it," she said after attending
the afternoon debate at the state capitol in Pierre.
Proponents have said the law was designed for just
such a court challenge.
The timing is right, supporters say, given the recent
appointments of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice
Samuel Alito to the high court. The two conservatives
could pave the way to a decision overturning Roe v.
Wade, the 1973 ruling said women have a constitutional
right to abortion.
The high court said on Tuesday it will rule on whether
the federal government can ban some abortion
procedures, a case that could reveal whether the court
reshaped by President George W. Bush will restrict
abortion rights.
Five states have proposed similar bans, but South
Dakota's legislature was the first to pass a law,
which threatens to punish doctors who perform
abortions with a five-year prison term and $5,000
fine.
Proposed amendments to the law to create exceptions to
specifically protect the health of the mother, or in
cases of rape or incest, were voted down. Also
defeated was an amendment to put the proposal in the
hands of voters.
The bill as written does make an exception if the
fetus dies during a doctor's attempt to save the
mother's life.
Two years ago, Rounds vetoed a similar bill, saying it
would wipe out existing restrictions on abortion while
it was fought in the courts. A rewritten bill lost
narrowly.
Some legislators opposed to abortion rights questioned
whether it was premature to challenge Roe v. Wade, and
said litigation would prove expensive for the sparsely
populated state. An anonymous donor has offered $1
million to the state to defray the costs of
litigation.
SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (Reuters) - South Dakota's
state senate voted on Wednesday for an abortion ban
aimed at giving the conservative-tilting Supreme Court
an opening to overturn rulings granting women the
right to the procedure.
Only an unlikely veto by Republican Gov. Michael
Rounds could prevent the legislation from becoming
law, people on both sides of the issue said.
"We hope (Rounds) recognizes this for what it is: a
political tool and not about the health and safety of
the women of South Dakota," said Kate Looby of Planned
Parenthood, which operates the sole clinic providing
abortions in South Dakota.
"If he chooses to sign it, we will be filing a lawsuit
in short order to block it," she said after attending
the afternoon debate at the state capitol in Pierre.
Proponents have said the law was designed for just
such a court challenge.
The timing is right, supporters say, given the recent
appointments of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice
Samuel Alito to the high court. The two conservatives
could pave the way to a decision overturning Roe v.
Wade, the 1973 ruling said women have a constitutional
right to abortion.
The high court said on Tuesday it will rule on whether
the federal government can ban some abortion
procedures, a case that could reveal whether the court
reshaped by President George W. Bush will restrict
abortion rights.
Five states have proposed similar bans, but South
Dakota's legislature was the first to pass a law,
which threatens to punish doctors who perform
abortions with a five-year prison term and $5,000
fine.
Proposed amendments to the law to create exceptions to
specifically protect the health of the mother, or in
cases of rape or incest, were voted down. Also
defeated was an amendment to put the proposal in the
hands of voters.
The bill as written does make an exception if the
fetus dies during a doctor's attempt to save the
mother's life.
Two years ago, Rounds vetoed a similar bill, saying it
would wipe out existing restrictions on abortion while
it was fought in the courts. A rewritten bill lost
narrowly.
Some legislators opposed to abortion rights questioned
whether it was premature to challenge Roe v. Wade, and
said litigation would prove expensive for the sparsely
populated state. An anonymous donor has offered $1
million to the state to defray the costs of
litigation.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Ahhh... Rant on synods
I begin this rant with something that has recently happened in the ELS. Rev. Rolf Preus was suspended by the ELS synodical president. The synod later told his congregation that they had the choice between their pastor or the synod. Ultimatly they chose the synod. But, what really makes this worse is that before the congregation voted him out of ministry there, they had another vote. In that ballet they UNANIMOUSLY voted that he was preaching the Word of God in its truth and purity and rightly administering the sacraments. Yet they voted him out because they didnt want to be kicked out of the synod. Why has the synod become more important then scripture. This can be seen in the ELS, ELCA, and the LCMS to name a few. Luke 10:16 says "He who listens to you listens to me, he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." So what does that say about that congregation? Here ends the Rant on the ELS.
Now to my synod the LCMS. Basically, what this is about is how the LCMS is full of people who want to please everyone. They will try to please everyone whether it holds to scripture or not. This whole ABLAZE thing its just trying to get more and more members. What do they do with these people once they are members. Absolutly nothing! They dont try to catechize them. Or teach them anything. The Methodists had something like this a couple years ago called Ignite. They are now basically unitarians. To end this part I leave you with some quotes from Klemet Preus' book: The Fire and the Staff...
"An effective church is one in which the Spirit works through the Word and Sacraments. We cannot become more "effective" then the Spirit already is. But we can "efect" faith by the Gospel and teh Sacraments. An effective church, a successful church, is one where the Word is taught and the Sacraments administerd. Our success as minsisters or as churches ismeasured only by whether we consistently and purely teach this Word and rightly administer Baptism and the Lord's Supper."
No where does that say anything about being successful by the number of members. To those of you who are in the ministry or studying to enter it, I pray you will stay strong in the Word. Those of you who do will most likely face persecution. Major cuts in pay if you arent suspended or voted out. Stay strong in the Word and do not break from it. The Lord be with you.
Now to my synod the LCMS. Basically, what this is about is how the LCMS is full of people who want to please everyone. They will try to please everyone whether it holds to scripture or not. This whole ABLAZE thing its just trying to get more and more members. What do they do with these people once they are members. Absolutly nothing! They dont try to catechize them. Or teach them anything. The Methodists had something like this a couple years ago called Ignite. They are now basically unitarians. To end this part I leave you with some quotes from Klemet Preus' book: The Fire and the Staff...
"An effective church is one in which the Spirit works through the Word and Sacraments. We cannot become more "effective" then the Spirit already is. But we can "efect" faith by the Gospel and teh Sacraments. An effective church, a successful church, is one where the Word is taught and the Sacraments administerd. Our success as minsisters or as churches ismeasured only by whether we consistently and purely teach this Word and rightly administer Baptism and the Lord's Supper."
No where does that say anything about being successful by the number of members. To those of you who are in the ministry or studying to enter it, I pray you will stay strong in the Word. Those of you who do will most likely face persecution. Major cuts in pay if you arent suspended or voted out. Stay strong in the Word and do not break from it. The Lord be with you.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
The Liturgy
I love the Liturgy! Now some of you might be saying, "Why, its so boring?" Others may be saying, "Yeah thats just what youve known your whole life." Still others may be saying, "you just really dont like contemporary ways of worship so the liturgy is the only thing left."
So why do I love the Liturgy so much? What makes it so special? Its Biblical! The entire thing a biblical way of worshiping. Now, lets break down the liturgy. Because it is what I have been using most recently I'm going to use Divine Service I (DSI)
The liturgy is broken up into three parts: The Preperation, The Service of the Word and The Service of the Sacrament.
The Preperation
The Preperation begins with the Prelude. The Prelude is a musical peice that helps draw us into an atitude of prayer and praise.
Ringing of the bells - The ringing of the bells calls God's people "to enter the lord's gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4).
A hymn of invocation is sung - This hymn is one of praise, prayer, or reflection on the season of the church year. We are a "singing church" so here we follow the advice Paul gives us in Colossians 3:16 "..As you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.."
The Invocation - During the Invocation we call upon God to be with us. It shows our worship of the Triune God and helps us to remember our Baptism in His name. (Matthew 18:20, 28:19)
The Confession of Sins - We examine ourselves and publicly confess our sins. Confession at the beginning of the service creates a climate of acceptance. In spite of our sins, we are accepted by God.
I John 1:8-10 "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins adn purify us from all unrighteousness."
Absolution - Jesus said to his disciples, "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven" (John 20:23). The pastor speaks for God and announces God's cleansing forgiveness to those who made confession. Again here the Trinity is mentioned as forgiving us.
The Service of the Word
The Introit- Introit in Latin means "he enters into." The Introit is a part of a psalm or a hymn that announces the theme of the day and begins the Service of the Word. The Introit traditionally consists of an Antiphon(refrain), a psalm, the Gloria Patri, and the Antiphon is repeated.
Romans 16:27 "To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen."
The Kyrie - Kyrie in Greek means "O Lord." It is a cry to the Lord for help and strength. In ancient times, the crowds would shout "Lord, have mercy" as the King entered their town. The church has taken over his prayer to greet its King Jesus Christ in the church service. As the people so long ago expected help from their King, so we Christians expect help from our Savior.
Matthew 20:31 "..Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
The Hymn of Praise - The hymn of Praise give the congregation the opportunity to praise God and express joy because Jesus is our victorious Savior. During Advent and Lent, the hymn of praise is omitted. ('This is the feast' would fall under the Hymn of Praise also)
Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
The Salutaion - In the Salutation, the pastor and the congregation great each other in the Lord's name.
Ruth 2:4 "The Lord be with you, The Lord bless you they called back"
Luke 1:28 "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
The Collect - The main thoughts of the day are collected, or summarized in this short prayer.
The First Lesson - The first reading is from the Old Testament, except during the Easter season when it is from the Book of Acts. This reading usually relates to the Gospel of the day.
The Gradual - Gradual means "step" in latin. It is a scripture passage for each season of the church year. It is a response to the First Lesson and a bridge to the Second Lesson. Sometimes a psalm is sung or spoken.
The Second Lesson -The second reading is from one of the epistles (letters) in the New Testament.
The Verse - A verse from the holy scriptures is usually sung in preparation for the reading of the Gospel. There are general verses as well as specific verses for the seasons of the church year. (In DS I it is just Alleluia, Alleluia. But the one in DS II comes from John 6:68 "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.")
The Holy Gospel -The Gospel Lesson is a selection from the accounts of the life of our Lord recorded by the four evangelists, St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John. Because Christ is with us in the Gospel reading, we stand to honor his presence. We also sing versicles (short verses) before and after the reading of the Gospel. On certain festival days the minister may read the Gospel while standing among the people (in the center). He may be accompanied by torches who proclaim Jesus and his word as the "light of the world" and a processional cross.
The Creed - After hearing the word of God read and proclaimed, the worshiper responds with his confession of faith in the words of the Nicene Creed. It is customary for the Nicene Creed to be spoken when Holy Communion is celebrated and on major festivals. The Apostles' Creed is used at other times.
1 Corinthians 15:1 "Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand."
The Hymn of the Day - This hymn follows the theme of the readings and set the stage for the sermon.
The Sermon - The Pastor proclaims God's Word. He stresses both what God demands of us (the Law) and what God does for us through Jesus Christ (the Gospel).
The Offering - The gifts of God's people are a response to God's blessings "as God has prospered them" (1 Corinthians 16:2). Our offerings are for the support of the church. They enable the church to provide the written and spoken word of God, Christian education, and pastoral care, food, clothing, shelter, and a helping hand to those in need.
The Offertory - As the offerings are brought to the Lord's table, the worshipers sing the offertory to express gratitude for all God's blessings, dedicate themselves to God, and request His continued blessings.
Pslam 51:10-12 "Create in me a pure heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation adn grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
The Prayers - This prayer in the service follows the directive of the Apostle Paul to young Timothy, a pastor: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for Kings and all those in authority, that we may live in peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." I Tim 2:1-2
The Service of Holy Communion
The Preface - Preface means "introduction." The pastor and people get ready to celebrate the Holy Meal by greeting each other and with an exhortation as how to celebrate the meal.
Lamentations 3:41 "Let us lift up our heartsand our hands to God in heaven"
The Common Preface - These words state why we should give thanks using words and ideas appropriate for the season of the church year.
The Sanctus - Sanctus is Latin meaning "Holy." The Sanctus contains words from Isaiah's vision of God (Isaiah 6:3) and the crowd's response on Palm Sunday when Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). We join them in spirit by singing their words as we anticipate Christ’s coming in the sacrament.
The Lord's Prayer - We pray to God as our Father using the prayer he taught us. (Matthew 6:9ff)
The Words of Institution - The pastor speak/chants the words which Jesus spoke when He instituted the Supper with His disciples in the Upper Room. With these words the bread and wine are consecrated, that is, set apart for God's use in the special meal. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20.)
The Peace - The greetings of peace which Jesus spoke on the first Easter is shared before we approach the altar to receive Him. In the Lord's Supper, the body and blood of Christ are truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine. ( John 14:27; John 20:19-21.)
The Agnus Dei - Agnus Dei is a Latin phrase meaning "Lamb of God." John the Baptist spoke these words as he pointed to Jesus coming toward him (John 1:29). As Christ comes to us in the Holy Supper, we recognize him as the Lamb of God sacrificed for us to free us from the bondage of sin and death.
The Administration of the Supper - As we kneel at the Lord's Table, the pastor invites us, "Take, eat; this is the true body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, given into death for your sins. Take, drink, this is the true blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, shed for the forgiveness of your sins." After we receive the Sacrament we hear the comforting words spoken by the pastor, "The body and blood of our Lord strengthen and preserve you in the true faith to life everlasting." We respond, "Amen," for this is our sincere desire. Its is a good practice to offer a silent prayer of thanks when we return to our pews. While the meal is being distributed, the congregation and/or the choir sing hymns.
The Post-Communion Canticle - "Lord, now let Your servant go in peace," or an appropriate hymn is sung. The purpose is to offer our thanks and express our faith in what God has done for us and promised to do for us in the future.
Luke 2:29- 32 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for the revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Isreal."
Post-Communion Collect - Once again we express our appreciation to our gracious God for giving us this Holy Meal through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Psalms 107:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good his love endures forever"
The Benidiction - The benediction spoken by the pastor is the Aaronic benediction, the blessing God first gave to Aaron and the other priests to speak to thew people of Israel. Jesus Christ, our High Priest, has come to us in a special way through this Holy Meal. The blessing is God's promise that Christ will go with us as we leave the church and return to the world to serve Him. We sing "Amen" to affirm the blessing; "So be it -- it is true!" (Numbers 6:23-27)
So there you have it the Liturgy, the biblical way to worship. I would add a hymn but I doubt that many of you have even made it this far.
So why do I love the Liturgy so much? What makes it so special? Its Biblical! The entire thing a biblical way of worshiping. Now, lets break down the liturgy. Because it is what I have been using most recently I'm going to use Divine Service I (DSI)
The liturgy is broken up into three parts: The Preperation, The Service of the Word and The Service of the Sacrament.
The Preperation
The Preperation begins with the Prelude. The Prelude is a musical peice that helps draw us into an atitude of prayer and praise.
Ringing of the bells - The ringing of the bells calls God's people "to enter the lord's gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4).
A hymn of invocation is sung - This hymn is one of praise, prayer, or reflection on the season of the church year. We are a "singing church" so here we follow the advice Paul gives us in Colossians 3:16 "..As you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.."
The Invocation - During the Invocation we call upon God to be with us. It shows our worship of the Triune God and helps us to remember our Baptism in His name. (Matthew 18:20, 28:19)
The Confession of Sins - We examine ourselves and publicly confess our sins. Confession at the beginning of the service creates a climate of acceptance. In spite of our sins, we are accepted by God.
I John 1:8-10 "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins adn purify us from all unrighteousness."
Absolution - Jesus said to his disciples, "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven" (John 20:23). The pastor speaks for God and announces God's cleansing forgiveness to those who made confession. Again here the Trinity is mentioned as forgiving us.
The Service of the Word
The Introit- Introit in Latin means "he enters into." The Introit is a part of a psalm or a hymn that announces the theme of the day and begins the Service of the Word. The Introit traditionally consists of an Antiphon(refrain), a psalm, the Gloria Patri, and the Antiphon is repeated.
Romans 16:27 "To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen."
The Kyrie - Kyrie in Greek means "O Lord." It is a cry to the Lord for help and strength. In ancient times, the crowds would shout "Lord, have mercy" as the King entered their town. The church has taken over his prayer to greet its King Jesus Christ in the church service. As the people so long ago expected help from their King, so we Christians expect help from our Savior.
Matthew 20:31 "..Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
The Hymn of Praise - The hymn of Praise give the congregation the opportunity to praise God and express joy because Jesus is our victorious Savior. During Advent and Lent, the hymn of praise is omitted. ('This is the feast' would fall under the Hymn of Praise also)
Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
The Salutaion - In the Salutation, the pastor and the congregation great each other in the Lord's name.
Ruth 2:4 "The Lord be with you, The Lord bless you they called back"
Luke 1:28 "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
The Collect - The main thoughts of the day are collected, or summarized in this short prayer.
The First Lesson - The first reading is from the Old Testament, except during the Easter season when it is from the Book of Acts. This reading usually relates to the Gospel of the day.
The Gradual - Gradual means "step" in latin. It is a scripture passage for each season of the church year. It is a response to the First Lesson and a bridge to the Second Lesson. Sometimes a psalm is sung or spoken.
The Second Lesson -The second reading is from one of the epistles (letters) in the New Testament.
The Verse - A verse from the holy scriptures is usually sung in preparation for the reading of the Gospel. There are general verses as well as specific verses for the seasons of the church year. (In DS I it is just Alleluia, Alleluia. But the one in DS II comes from John 6:68 "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.")
The Holy Gospel -The Gospel Lesson is a selection from the accounts of the life of our Lord recorded by the four evangelists, St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John. Because Christ is with us in the Gospel reading, we stand to honor his presence. We also sing versicles (short verses) before and after the reading of the Gospel. On certain festival days the minister may read the Gospel while standing among the people (in the center). He may be accompanied by torches who proclaim Jesus and his word as the "light of the world" and a processional cross.
The Creed - After hearing the word of God read and proclaimed, the worshiper responds with his confession of faith in the words of the Nicene Creed. It is customary for the Nicene Creed to be spoken when Holy Communion is celebrated and on major festivals. The Apostles' Creed is used at other times.
1 Corinthians 15:1 "Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand."
The Hymn of the Day - This hymn follows the theme of the readings and set the stage for the sermon.
The Sermon - The Pastor proclaims God's Word. He stresses both what God demands of us (the Law) and what God does for us through Jesus Christ (the Gospel).
The Offering - The gifts of God's people are a response to God's blessings "as God has prospered them" (1 Corinthians 16:2). Our offerings are for the support of the church. They enable the church to provide the written and spoken word of God, Christian education, and pastoral care, food, clothing, shelter, and a helping hand to those in need.
The Offertory - As the offerings are brought to the Lord's table, the worshipers sing the offertory to express gratitude for all God's blessings, dedicate themselves to God, and request His continued blessings.
Pslam 51:10-12 "Create in me a pure heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation adn grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
The Prayers - This prayer in the service follows the directive of the Apostle Paul to young Timothy, a pastor: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for Kings and all those in authority, that we may live in peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." I Tim 2:1-2
The Service of Holy Communion
The Preface - Preface means "introduction." The pastor and people get ready to celebrate the Holy Meal by greeting each other and with an exhortation as how to celebrate the meal.
Lamentations 3:41 "Let us lift up our heartsand our hands to God in heaven"
The Common Preface - These words state why we should give thanks using words and ideas appropriate for the season of the church year.
The Sanctus - Sanctus is Latin meaning "Holy." The Sanctus contains words from Isaiah's vision of God (Isaiah 6:3) and the crowd's response on Palm Sunday when Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). We join them in spirit by singing their words as we anticipate Christ’s coming in the sacrament.
The Lord's Prayer - We pray to God as our Father using the prayer he taught us. (Matthew 6:9ff)
The Words of Institution - The pastor speak/chants the words which Jesus spoke when He instituted the Supper with His disciples in the Upper Room. With these words the bread and wine are consecrated, that is, set apart for God's use in the special meal. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20.)
The Peace - The greetings of peace which Jesus spoke on the first Easter is shared before we approach the altar to receive Him. In the Lord's Supper, the body and blood of Christ are truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine. ( John 14:27; John 20:19-21.)
The Agnus Dei - Agnus Dei is a Latin phrase meaning "Lamb of God." John the Baptist spoke these words as he pointed to Jesus coming toward him (John 1:29). As Christ comes to us in the Holy Supper, we recognize him as the Lamb of God sacrificed for us to free us from the bondage of sin and death.
The Administration of the Supper - As we kneel at the Lord's Table, the pastor invites us, "Take, eat; this is the true body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, given into death for your sins. Take, drink, this is the true blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, shed for the forgiveness of your sins." After we receive the Sacrament we hear the comforting words spoken by the pastor, "The body and blood of our Lord strengthen and preserve you in the true faith to life everlasting." We respond, "Amen," for this is our sincere desire. Its is a good practice to offer a silent prayer of thanks when we return to our pews. While the meal is being distributed, the congregation and/or the choir sing hymns.
The Post-Communion Canticle - "Lord, now let Your servant go in peace," or an appropriate hymn is sung. The purpose is to offer our thanks and express our faith in what God has done for us and promised to do for us in the future.
Luke 2:29- 32 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for the revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Isreal."
Post-Communion Collect - Once again we express our appreciation to our gracious God for giving us this Holy Meal through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Psalms 107:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good his love endures forever"
The Benidiction - The benediction spoken by the pastor is the Aaronic benediction, the blessing God first gave to Aaron and the other priests to speak to thew people of Israel. Jesus Christ, our High Priest, has come to us in a special way through this Holy Meal. The blessing is God's promise that Christ will go with us as we leave the church and return to the world to serve Him. We sing "Amen" to affirm the blessing; "So be it -- it is true!" (Numbers 6:23-27)
So there you have it the Liturgy, the biblical way to worship. I would add a hymn but I doubt that many of you have even made it this far.
Monday, January 16, 2006
To Anonymous Commenters
If you wish to comment, please do. I just ask that you put your name to it. If you dont have a blog, or use the other option, I dont remember what it is exactly, I think you can have your name and web site/email, If you comment 'anonymously' please at least put your name at the end of the comment. You will not be ridiculed (no matter who it is) so long as your comment remains in good taste and is respectful to me and my readers. Feel free to disagree! It brings discussion and helps me to expand my thoughts. Matthew 18 may also be something good to read.
Thank you and Goodnight.
Thank you and Goodnight.
Early Monday Hymn
Well im very bored. So I was looking through they hymnal and I thought I would post this hymn.
Our Father, Thou in Heaven Above
1. Our Father, Thou in heaven above,
Who biddest us to dwell in love,
As brethren of one family,
To cry in every need to Thee,
Teach us no thoughtless word to say,
But from our inmost heart to pray.
2. Thy name be hallowed. Help us, Lord,
In purity to keep Thy Word,
That to the glory of thy name
We walk before Thee free from blame.
Let no false doctrine us pervert;
All poor, deluded souls convert.
3. Thy kingdom come. Thine let it be
In time and in eternity.
Let Thy good Spirit e'er be nigh
Our hearts with graces to supply.
Break Satan's power, defeat his rage;
Preserve Thy Church from age to age.
4. Thy gracious will on earth be done
As 'tis in heaven before Thy throne;
Obedience in our weal and woe
And patience in all grief bestow.
Curb flesh and blood and every ill
That sets itself against Thy will.
5. Give us this day our daily bread
And let us all be clothed and fed.
From war and strife be our Defense,
From famine and from pestilence,
That we may live in godly peace,
Free from all care and avarice.
6. Forgive our sins, Lord, we implore,
Remove from us their burden sore,
As we their trespasses forgive
Who by offenses us do grieve.
Thus let us dwell in charity
And serve our brother willingly.
7. Into temptation lead us not.
When evil foes against us plot
And vex our souls on every hand,
Oh, give us strength that we may stand
Firm in the faith, a well-armed host,
Through comfort of the Holy Ghost!
8. From evil, Lord, deliver us;
The times and days are perilous.
Redeem us from eternal death,
And when we yield our dying breath,
Console us, grant us calm release,
And take our souls to Thee in peace.
9. Amen, that is, So shall it be.
Confirm our faith and hope in Thee
That we may doubt not, but believe
What here we ask we shall receive.
Thus in Thy name and at Thy word
We say: Amen. Oh, hear us, Lord! Amen.
Our Father, Thou in Heaven Above
1. Our Father, Thou in heaven above,
Who biddest us to dwell in love,
As brethren of one family,
To cry in every need to Thee,
Teach us no thoughtless word to say,
But from our inmost heart to pray.
2. Thy name be hallowed. Help us, Lord,
In purity to keep Thy Word,
That to the glory of thy name
We walk before Thee free from blame.
Let no false doctrine us pervert;
All poor, deluded souls convert.
3. Thy kingdom come. Thine let it be
In time and in eternity.
Let Thy good Spirit e'er be nigh
Our hearts with graces to supply.
Break Satan's power, defeat his rage;
Preserve Thy Church from age to age.
4. Thy gracious will on earth be done
As 'tis in heaven before Thy throne;
Obedience in our weal and woe
And patience in all grief bestow.
Curb flesh and blood and every ill
That sets itself against Thy will.
5. Give us this day our daily bread
And let us all be clothed and fed.
From war and strife be our Defense,
From famine and from pestilence,
That we may live in godly peace,
Free from all care and avarice.
6. Forgive our sins, Lord, we implore,
Remove from us their burden sore,
As we their trespasses forgive
Who by offenses us do grieve.
Thus let us dwell in charity
And serve our brother willingly.
7. Into temptation lead us not.
When evil foes against us plot
And vex our souls on every hand,
Oh, give us strength that we may stand
Firm in the faith, a well-armed host,
Through comfort of the Holy Ghost!
8. From evil, Lord, deliver us;
The times and days are perilous.
Redeem us from eternal death,
And when we yield our dying breath,
Console us, grant us calm release,
And take our souls to Thee in peace.
9. Amen, that is, So shall it be.
Confirm our faith and hope in Thee
That we may doubt not, but believe
What here we ask we shall receive.
Thus in Thy name and at Thy word
We say: Amen. Oh, hear us, Lord! Amen.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Translations
Well, a translation of the bible has been brought to my attention. "The Message" is overall a pretty liberal translation of the bible. A couple verses in John were shared with me from this translation.
John 4:23-24 (The Message)
"23 But the time is coming--it has, in fact, come--when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.
"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. 24 God is sheer being itself--Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."
Hm.... "when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. 'It's who you are and the way you live that count before God.'" Interesting isnt it.
How about the same verses from the ESV and NIV
John 4:23-24 (NIV)
"23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
John 4:23-24 (ESV)
"23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
I put both of those in there even though they are basically the same, because the ESV most people would say is one of the closest translations to the Greek, and the NIV is probably what many of you are most familiar with. Either way I think you can see that there are some things that have been added to "The Message" translation. I just found that interesting.
Revelation 22:18-19 (ESV)
"18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book."
LW 344
1. Lord Jeus Christ, will you not stay?
It is now toward the end of day.
Oh, let your Word, that saving light,
Shine forth undimmed into the night.
2. Rekindle for this endtime stress
Faith's ancient strength and steadfastness
That we keep pure till life is spent
Your holy Word and Sacrament.
3. To hoope grown dim, To hearts turned cold
Speak tongues of fire and make us bold
To shine your Word of Saving grace
Into each dark and loveless place.
4. May glorious truths that we have heard,
The bright lance of your mighty Word,
Spurn Satan that your Church be strang.
Bold, unified in act and song.
5. Restrain, O Lord, the human pride
That seeks to thrust your truth aside
Or with some man-made thoughts or things
Would dim the words your Spirit sings.
6. The cause is yours, the glory too,
Then hear us, Lord, and keep us true,
Your Word alone our heart's defense,
The Church's glorious confidence.
John 4:23-24 (The Message)
"23 But the time is coming--it has, in fact, come--when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.
"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. 24 God is sheer being itself--Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."
Hm.... "when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. 'It's who you are and the way you live that count before God.'" Interesting isnt it.
How about the same verses from the ESV and NIV
John 4:23-24 (NIV)
"23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
John 4:23-24 (ESV)
"23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
I put both of those in there even though they are basically the same, because the ESV most people would say is one of the closest translations to the Greek, and the NIV is probably what many of you are most familiar with. Either way I think you can see that there are some things that have been added to "The Message" translation. I just found that interesting.
Revelation 22:18-19 (ESV)
"18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book."
LW 344
1. Lord Jeus Christ, will you not stay?
It is now toward the end of day.
Oh, let your Word, that saving light,
Shine forth undimmed into the night.
2. Rekindle for this endtime stress
Faith's ancient strength and steadfastness
That we keep pure till life is spent
Your holy Word and Sacrament.
3. To hoope grown dim, To hearts turned cold
Speak tongues of fire and make us bold
To shine your Word of Saving grace
Into each dark and loveless place.
4. May glorious truths that we have heard,
The bright lance of your mighty Word,
Spurn Satan that your Church be strang.
Bold, unified in act and song.
5. Restrain, O Lord, the human pride
That seeks to thrust your truth aside
Or with some man-made thoughts or things
Would dim the words your Spirit sings.
6. The cause is yours, the glory too,
Then hear us, Lord, and keep us true,
Your Word alone our heart's defense,
The Church's glorious confidence.
Friday, January 06, 2006
The Feast of the Epiphany
The riddles of the soothsayers
And the diviner Balaam are now fulfilled.
For a star has dawned from Jacob,
Leading the Magi, Persian kings bringing gifts,
To the Sun of Glory.
The error of Persia has ceased,
For stargazers, kings of the East,
Bring gifts to Christ the King of all at His birth:
God, frankincense, and myrhh.
Bless Him, O children, and praise Him, O priests,
Exalt Him, O people, throughout the ages.
Hymn for Compline at the prefeast of the Nativity from Thomas Hopko, The Winter Pascha (St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1997), p. 127
1. O God of God, O Light of Light,
Thou Prince of Peace, Thou King of kings!
To Thee where angels know no night
The song of praise forever rings.
To Him who sits upon the throne,
The Lamb once slain for sinful men,
Be honor, might, all by Him won,
Glory and praise! Amen, Amen.
2. Deep in the prophets' sacred page,
Grand in the poets' winged word,
Slowly in type, from age to age,
Nations beheld their coming Lord,
Till through the deep Judean night
Rang out the song Good will to men!
Hymned by the first-born sons of light,
Reechoed now, Good will! Amen.
3. That life of truth, those deeds of love,
That death of pain, mid hate and scorn,
These all are past, and now above
He reigns our King, once crowned with thorn.
Lift up your heads, ye heavenly gates;
So sang His hosts, unheard by men;
Lift up your heads, for you He waits.
We lift them up. Amen, Amen.
4. Nations afar, in ignorance deep,
Isles of the sea, where darkness lay,
These hear His voice, they wake from sleep,
And throng with joy the upward way.
They cry with us, Send forth Thy light,
O Lamb, once slain for sinful men;
Burst Satan's bonds, O God of might;
Set all men free! Amen, Amen.
5. Sing to the Lord a glorious song,
Sing to His name, His love forthtell;
Sing on, heaven's host, His praise prolong;
Sing, ye who now on earth do dwell:
Worthy the Lamb for sinners slain;
From angels praise and thanks from men;
Worthy the Lamb, enthroned to reign,
Glory and power! Amen, Amen.
TLH 132
Monday, January 02, 2006
New Year, Christmas, and the Kantorei
First of all, I hope your New Year is off to a great start. My has been relaxing so far but exams are just around the corner. Im not a big New years resolution maker so i dont have any to post for you.
Christmas, its been a relaxing one havent really done much. Christmas is still going on for the next 3 days. Until Epiphany (The Gentile Christmas) Probably will post something on the 6th or 7th on Epiphany. So a continuing Blessed Christmas to you all. Which kind of brings me to my next topic.
The Kantorei! I was priveliged enough to go listen to the Concordia Theological Seminary, of Fort Wayne, Kantorei at St. Stevens, tonight. If I said they were amazing that would be an understatement. It started off with my favorite hymn, "Of the Father's Love Begotten" First verse wasa solo which was amazing then slowly more and more was added. 2nd verse oo's from the rest of the choir. 3 first was in 4 part harmony. then the congregation came in on the fifth and sixth verse. This was the processional hymn. So the Kantorei processed in with Handbells. The Crucifix stopped in the middle of the church for about a verse so the Kantorei was surrounding the congregation. We went through the Evening prayer liturgy. Then there were 4 bible lessons seperated by hymns. Jesus Has Come and the Nunc Dimittis being some of the best. Overall I think that will be a definate high-point of my year.
Now its time to make sure I have things together for tomorrow because I have to wake up at an ungodly hour again. But how bout a christmas hymn to make this post a long one?
A Great and Mighty wonder
Our Christmas festal brings:
On earth a lowly infant,
Behold the King of kings!
The Word is made incarnate,
Descending from on high;
And cherubim sing anthems
To shepherds from the sky.
While thus they sing your Monarch,
Those bright angelic bands,
Rejoice, ye vales and mountains!
Ye oceans, clap your hands!
Since all He comes to ransom,
By all be He adored;
The Infant born in Bethlehem,
The Savior and the Lord!
And idol forms shall perish,
And error shall decay,
And Christ shall wield His scepter,
Our Lord and God for aye.
Christmas, its been a relaxing one havent really done much. Christmas is still going on for the next 3 days. Until Epiphany (The Gentile Christmas) Probably will post something on the 6th or 7th on Epiphany. So a continuing Blessed Christmas to you all. Which kind of brings me to my next topic.
The Kantorei! I was priveliged enough to go listen to the Concordia Theological Seminary, of Fort Wayne, Kantorei at St. Stevens, tonight. If I said they were amazing that would be an understatement. It started off with my favorite hymn, "Of the Father's Love Begotten" First verse wasa solo which was amazing then slowly more and more was added. 2nd verse oo's from the rest of the choir. 3 first was in 4 part harmony. then the congregation came in on the fifth and sixth verse. This was the processional hymn. So the Kantorei processed in with Handbells. The Crucifix stopped in the middle of the church for about a verse so the Kantorei was surrounding the congregation. We went through the Evening prayer liturgy. Then there were 4 bible lessons seperated by hymns. Jesus Has Come and the Nunc Dimittis being some of the best. Overall I think that will be a definate high-point of my year.
Now its time to make sure I have things together for tomorrow because I have to wake up at an ungodly hour again. But how bout a christmas hymn to make this post a long one?
A Great and Mighty wonder
Our Christmas festal brings:
On earth a lowly infant,
Behold the King of kings!
The Word is made incarnate,
Descending from on high;
And cherubim sing anthems
To shepherds from the sky.
While thus they sing your Monarch,
Those bright angelic bands,
Rejoice, ye vales and mountains!
Ye oceans, clap your hands!
Since all He comes to ransom,
By all be He adored;
The Infant born in Bethlehem,
The Savior and the Lord!
And idol forms shall perish,
And error shall decay,
And Christ shall wield His scepter,
Our Lord and God for aye.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Putting the Mass Back in Christmas
By Rev. George Borghardt III
You’ve heard the expression,“Keep Christ in Christmas,”
haven’t you? That couldn’t be more true! The world has
no problem talking about “God”at Christmastime, but
wants to find God somewhere else other than on earth,
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying and sleeping in a
manger. For us, the big deal about Christmas is that Jesus
has come into the flesh.We most definitely should keep
Christ in Christmas!
But no one ever says not to take the “mass” out of Christmas, do they? What does the “mass”
mean? Did your Lutheran alarm go off when you first read the word “mass”? Did you think,“That’s Roman Catholic”? That’s not a bad thing to think for we have many disagreements with the doctrines of the Roman Mass. But we Lutherans do celebrate mass every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper.The Divine Service in our hymnal flows from Luther’s Deustche Messe, his German Mass. When the “mass” is celebrated byLutherans, this means simply that
the Lord Jesus gives us what He won on the cross by grace alone at His Supper.
So we are gathered together by our Lord Jesus on December 25 to celebrate the Mass of Christ. What’s the connection between Jesus being born in the manger and the Lord giving us His Body and Blood in the Sacrament?
Answer: everything! Christmas is the church feast where we remember that the Babe of Bethlehem is born not to stay in the manger, but to go to Jerusalem.Mary’s Boy is born to die, born to be sacrificed for your sins and mine on the cross. He reconciles God and sinners by giving His life for the sin of the world. But we can’t go back to the manger that first Christmas Day no matter how hard we try. Nor can we go back to the cross when grown-up Jesus died on
Good Friday. Nor will we find Jesus there! So what does Jesus do? Christmas is the day when the Babe of Bethlehem comes to us not in the manger but in His Body and Blood at the Sacrament.
Jesus came that first Christmas not in heavenly splendor, but wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in the manger. He was born so down-to-earth, so one of us, so ordinary.He came to
earth not with thunder and lightning, but humble, meek, and lowly. Jesus is God with us,God one of us,God for us. Jesus comes to you at Christmas not in heavenly splendor. He comes to you
in ordinary, down-to-earth bread and wine. He comes not with thunder and lighting, but with the forgiveness of sins put into your mouth. Dr. Luther said it this way, “If now I seek the forgiveness of sins, I do not run to the cross, for I will not find it given there… But I will find in the sacrament or Gospel the word which distributes, presents, offers, and gives to me that forgiveness which was won on the Cross” (AE 40, 214).We don’t go to the manger to find God on Christmas; we go to the Sacrament where God delivers Himself to us, into our mouths, in, with, and under the bread and wine. But don’t we have the Lord’s Supper often and not just on
Christmas? Yes! The good Lutheran question is,“What does that mean?” It means that every celebration of the Lord’s Supper is a Christmas celebration! Our Lord Jesus loves us that much that He gives us His Body and Blood not just on Christmas,but every Divine Service. Don’t let anyone take Christ out of Christmas. And don’t let anyone take the Lord’s Supper out of
Christmas either! Jesus desires to come to you in His Supper.This Christmas, He breaks into your world, not wrapped in swaddling clothes, but bearing His salvation in His Body and Blood given and shed for you for the remission of all your sins.Take Eat, His Body.Take Drink, His Blood. A blessed and merry Christ’s Mass to you!
"From Heaven above to earth I come to bring Good News to everyone! Glad tidings of great joy I bring. To all the world and Gladly sing" vs 1 LW37
You’ve heard the expression,“Keep Christ in Christmas,”
haven’t you? That couldn’t be more true! The world has
no problem talking about “God”at Christmastime, but
wants to find God somewhere else other than on earth,
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying and sleeping in a
manger. For us, the big deal about Christmas is that Jesus
has come into the flesh.We most definitely should keep
Christ in Christmas!
But no one ever says not to take the “mass” out of Christmas, do they? What does the “mass”
mean? Did your Lutheran alarm go off when you first read the word “mass”? Did you think,“That’s Roman Catholic”? That’s not a bad thing to think for we have many disagreements with the doctrines of the Roman Mass. But we Lutherans do celebrate mass every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper.The Divine Service in our hymnal flows from Luther’s Deustche Messe, his German Mass. When the “mass” is celebrated byLutherans, this means simply that
the Lord Jesus gives us what He won on the cross by grace alone at His Supper.
So we are gathered together by our Lord Jesus on December 25 to celebrate the Mass of Christ. What’s the connection between Jesus being born in the manger and the Lord giving us His Body and Blood in the Sacrament?
Answer: everything! Christmas is the church feast where we remember that the Babe of Bethlehem is born not to stay in the manger, but to go to Jerusalem.Mary’s Boy is born to die, born to be sacrificed for your sins and mine on the cross. He reconciles God and sinners by giving His life for the sin of the world. But we can’t go back to the manger that first Christmas Day no matter how hard we try. Nor can we go back to the cross when grown-up Jesus died on
Good Friday. Nor will we find Jesus there! So what does Jesus do? Christmas is the day when the Babe of Bethlehem comes to us not in the manger but in His Body and Blood at the Sacrament.
Jesus came that first Christmas not in heavenly splendor, but wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in the manger. He was born so down-to-earth, so one of us, so ordinary.He came to
earth not with thunder and lightning, but humble, meek, and lowly. Jesus is God with us,God one of us,God for us. Jesus comes to you at Christmas not in heavenly splendor. He comes to you
in ordinary, down-to-earth bread and wine. He comes not with thunder and lighting, but with the forgiveness of sins put into your mouth. Dr. Luther said it this way, “If now I seek the forgiveness of sins, I do not run to the cross, for I will not find it given there… But I will find in the sacrament or Gospel the word which distributes, presents, offers, and gives to me that forgiveness which was won on the Cross” (AE 40, 214).We don’t go to the manger to find God on Christmas; we go to the Sacrament where God delivers Himself to us, into our mouths, in, with, and under the bread and wine. But don’t we have the Lord’s Supper often and not just on
Christmas? Yes! The good Lutheran question is,“What does that mean?” It means that every celebration of the Lord’s Supper is a Christmas celebration! Our Lord Jesus loves us that much that He gives us His Body and Blood not just on Christmas,but every Divine Service. Don’t let anyone take Christ out of Christmas. And don’t let anyone take the Lord’s Supper out of
Christmas either! Jesus desires to come to you in His Supper.This Christmas, He breaks into your world, not wrapped in swaddling clothes, but bearing His salvation in His Body and Blood given and shed for you for the remission of all your sins.Take Eat, His Body.Take Drink, His Blood. A blessed and merry Christ’s Mass to you!
"From Heaven above to earth I come to bring Good News to everyone! Glad tidings of great joy I bring. To all the world and Gladly sing" vs 1 LW37
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is here! I hope you all enjoy the things that I post throughout the Christmas Season. As you all go through your festivites today and tomorrow, Remember why Jesus came to earth. He came to earth to go to the cross. The cross a humiliating death for us, to save you from your sins. As you celebrate and enjoy food, presents, and time with family; take the time to thank God for sending His Son in human form to become one of us, yet without sin.
Christ is born! I hope you all have a very Blessed Christmas.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. Alleluia. Luke 2:11
Of the Father's Love Begotten LW 36
Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see, evermore and evermore!
O that birth forever blessèd, when the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving, bare the Savior of our race;
And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face, evermore and evermore!
This is He Whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord;
Whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word;
Now He shines, the long expected,
Let creation praise its Lord, evermore and evermore!
O ye heights of heaven adore Him; angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him, and extol our God and King!
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert sing, evermore and evermore!
Christ, to Thee with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving, and unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory, evermore and evermore!
Christ is born! I hope you all have a very Blessed Christmas.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. Alleluia. Luke 2:11
Of the Father's Love Begotten LW 36
Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see, evermore and evermore!
O that birth forever blessèd, when the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving, bare the Savior of our race;
And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face, evermore and evermore!
This is He Whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord;
Whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word;
Now He shines, the long expected,
Let creation praise its Lord, evermore and evermore!
O ye heights of heaven adore Him; angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him, and extol our God and King!
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert sing, evermore and evermore!
Christ, to Thee with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving, and unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory, evermore and evermore!
Collect:
O God, because you once caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light, grant that we who have known the mystery of that Light here on earth may come to the full measure of its joys in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
"To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. " Is. 9:6
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Advent IV
Lift up your heads, you mighty gates! Behold, the King of glory waits.
The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.
He brings salvation down to earth. Greet him with shouts of holy mirth.
Our highest praise we bring, our God, Creator, King.
The righteous King is bringing peace; he comes the pris’ners to release.
His royal crown, self-sacrifice, its jewel, mercy without price.
He brings our sorrows to an end. Shout out your joy to God, our friend.
Our highest praise we bring, our God, Redeemer, King.
O happy town, O blessed land that keeps our gracious King’s command,
And blest the heart when he comes in his holy reign there to begin.
His entrance is the dawn of bliss; he fills our lives and makes them his.
Our highest praise we bring, God, Comforter and King.
Unbar the gate, fling wide the door, your heart to God’s design restore.
Adorn its walls with all things right, with peace and love and joy and light.
Your King will then be glad to come and live within you as his home.
Our highest praise we bring to God, our Lord and King.
Christ Jesus, Lord and Savior, come, I open wide my heart, your home.
Oh, Enter with your radiant grace, n my lifes pattern shine your face,
And let your Holy Spirit guide To gracious vistas rich and wide.
Our God, we praise your name, Forevermore the same.
Collect:
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come among us with great might; and because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives a reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and foreever. Amen.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Advent III
O come, O come Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Chorus:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
2. Oh, come, oh, come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In Ancient times once gave the law
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Chorus:
3. Oh, come, strong branch of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satans tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save
And give them vict'ry o'er the grave.
Chorus:
4. Oh, come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heavenly home:
Make safe the way that leads on high
And close the path to misery.
Chorus:
5. O Come Thou Dayspring, from on high
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Chorus:
6. O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
And order all things, far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And cause us in her ways to go.
Chorus:
7. O come desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease;
Fill the whole world with heaven's peace.
Chorus:
Collect:
Almighty God, through John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, you once proclaimed salvation; now grant that we may know this salvation adn serve you in holinessand righteousness all the days of our lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Narnia
This past weekend I went to see The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I was actually really scared to go see it. I thought for sure that Disney would screw it up. To my surprise it was exellent. All the Christ parallels were there. There is one scene(probably my favorite) where Peter was fighting the White Witch. There was a long struggle between the two. Then Aslan, who everyone thought was dead, jumps in and crushes the witches head right as she was about to kill Peter. Aslan was done really well. The children were also perfectly cast. Everyone should go see it, and read all the chronicles if you havent already.
Now I leave you with a part from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, that really shows that Aslan is Christ.
But between them and the foot of the sky there was something so white on the green grass that...they could hardly look at it. They came on and saw that it was a Lamb...
"Please, Lamb," said Lucy, "is this the way to Aslan's country?"
"Not for you," said the Lamb. "For you the door into Aslan's country is from your own world."
"What!" said Edmund. "Is there a way into Aslan's country from our world too?"
"There is a way into my country from all the worlds," said the Lamb; but as he spoke, his snowywhite flushed into tawny gold and his size changed and he was Aslan himself, towering above them and scattering light from his mane.
"Oh, Aslan," said Lucy. "Will you tell us how to get into your country from our world?"
"I shall be telling you all the time," said Aslan. "But I will not tell you how long or short the way will be; only that it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the great Bridge Builder. And now come; I will open the door in the sky and send you to your own land."
"Please, Aslan," said Lucy. "Before we go, will you tell us when we can come back to Narnia again? Please. And oh, do, do, do make it soon."
"Dearest," said Aslan very gently, "you and your brother will never come back to Narnia."
"Oh, Aslan!!" said Edmund and Lucy both together in despairing voices."
"You are too old, children," said Aslan, "and you must begin to come close to your own world now."
"It isn't Narnia, you know," sobbed Lucy. "It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?"
"But you shall meet me, dear one," said Aslan.
"Are-are you there too, Sir?" said Edmund.
"I am," said Aslan. "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."
Now I leave you with a part from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, that really shows that Aslan is Christ.
But between them and the foot of the sky there was something so white on the green grass that...they could hardly look at it. They came on and saw that it was a Lamb...
"Please, Lamb," said Lucy, "is this the way to Aslan's country?"
"Not for you," said the Lamb. "For you the door into Aslan's country is from your own world."
"What!" said Edmund. "Is there a way into Aslan's country from our world too?"
"There is a way into my country from all the worlds," said the Lamb; but as he spoke, his snowywhite flushed into tawny gold and his size changed and he was Aslan himself, towering above them and scattering light from his mane.
"Oh, Aslan," said Lucy. "Will you tell us how to get into your country from our world?"
"I shall be telling you all the time," said Aslan. "But I will not tell you how long or short the way will be; only that it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the great Bridge Builder. And now come; I will open the door in the sky and send you to your own land."
"Please, Aslan," said Lucy. "Before we go, will you tell us when we can come back to Narnia again? Please. And oh, do, do, do make it soon."
"Dearest," said Aslan very gently, "you and your brother will never come back to Narnia."
"Oh, Aslan!!" said Edmund and Lucy both together in despairing voices."
"You are too old, children," said Aslan, "and you must begin to come close to your own world now."
"It isn't Narnia, you know," sobbed Lucy. "It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?"
"But you shall meet me, dear one," said Aslan.
"Are-are you there too, Sir?" said Edmund.
"I am," said Aslan. "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Advent II
"Hark, a Thrilling Voice is Sounding"
by unknown author, c. 900
Translated by Edward Caswall, 1814-1878
1. Hark, a thrilling voice is sounding!
"Christ is nigh!" we hear it say;
"Cast away the works of darkness,
O ye children of the day!"
2. Startled at the solemn warning,
Let the earth-bound soul arise;
Christ, her Sun, all sloth dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies.
3. Lo, the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from heaven.
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
One and all, to be forgiven,
4. That, when next He comes with glory
And the world is wrapped in fear,
He may shield us with His mercy
And with words of love draw near.
5. Honor, glory, might, dominion,
To the Father and the Son,
With the everlasting Spirit,
While eternal ages run!
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #60
Oh...and I got "The Fire and the Staff" from "St. Nick" Havent read much of it yet but so far its awesome. Now for some quotes.
"Doctrine affects practice and practice affects doctrin. The two are so intimately woven together that when you change one, you will inevitably change the other, sometimes without realizing what has happened."
"Justification is often questioned today, especially by those who think that we are saved by Jesus in our heart rather then on the cross."
by unknown author, c. 900
Translated by Edward Caswall, 1814-1878
1. Hark, a thrilling voice is sounding!
"Christ is nigh!" we hear it say;
"Cast away the works of darkness,
O ye children of the day!"
2. Startled at the solemn warning,
Let the earth-bound soul arise;
Christ, her Sun, all sloth dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies.
3. Lo, the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from heaven.
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
One and all, to be forgiven,
4. That, when next He comes with glory
And the world is wrapped in fear,
He may shield us with His mercy
And with words of love draw near.
5. Honor, glory, might, dominion,
To the Father and the Son,
With the everlasting Spirit,
While eternal ages run!
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #60
Oh...and I got "The Fire and the Staff" from "St. Nick" Havent read much of it yet but so far its awesome. Now for some quotes.
"Doctrine affects practice and practice affects doctrin. The two are so intimately woven together that when you change one, you will inevitably change the other, sometimes without realizing what has happened."
"Justification is often questioned today, especially by those who think that we are saved by Jesus in our heart rather then on the cross."
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