27 April 2009

To Be a Shepherd of the Sheep

This week is uniquely focused on the Good Shepherd, spanning, as it does, "Good Shepherd Sunday" in the historic lectionary (yesterday) and in the three-year lectionary (next Sunday). It is from the great Good Shepherd of us all that we pastors (shepherds) not only know how to care for His flock, but also are equipped and enabled to do so in His Name and stead, with His good gifts and blessings.

Although we follow the three-year lectionary at Emmaus, there was a nod to the historic "Good Shepherd" emphasis of this past Sunday in some of the hymnody. That included the hymn of invocation, "Send, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit" (LSB 681). Anyone who reads this blog knows that the hymns are selected well in advance, on the basis of multiple criteria and considerations. So I was all the more struck by how well this hymn coincided with discussions of the past few days.

It is a marvelous hymn, in any case. I am always both humbled and encouraged by such a prayer of the congregation for me as their pastor, their shepherd in Christ Jesus under Him. In particular, I am strengthened in my vocation as a minister of the Gospel to hear such a confession (for that, too, is what the hymns and prayers of the Church are), that I am chiefly given to teach and feed the little lambs and sheep, to catechize and care for them with the Word of Christ and with His life-giving Bread, which is Meat and Drink indeed for body and soul.

Here is how the hymn confesses it and prays for such good and gracious will of God to be done among us also:

Send, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit
On Your servant now, we pray;
Let him prove a faithful shepherd
That no lamb be led astray.
Your pure teaching to proclaim,
To extol Your holy name,
And to feed Your lambs, dear Savior,
Make his aim and sole endeavor.

You, O Lord, Yourself have called him
For Your precious lambs to care;
But to prosper in his calling,
He the Spirit's gifts must share.
Give him wisdom from above,
Fill his heart with holy love;
In his weakness, Lord, be near him,
In his prayers, Good Shepherd, hear him.

Help, Lord Jesus, help him nourish
All our children with Your Word
That in fervent love they serve You
Till in heaven their song is heard.
Boundless blessings, Lord, bestow
On his faithful toil below
Till by grace to him be given
His reward, the crown of heaven.

25 April 2009

A Simple Catechism for the Baptized Faithful

Christ our Lord summarizes the Ten Commandments and the whole Law of God in this way: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength," and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." St. Paul the Apostle says it in one word: Love.
 
The baptized faithful pray and confess, together with the whole Christian Church, the Apostles' Creed and the Our Father, which are the special heritage of the baptized. In these the Gospel and faith are summarized for the constant comfort and nurture of every Christian.
 
The baptized faithful invoke "the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," into which and with which they were baptized.
 
The baptized faithful return to the significance of their Holy Baptism by confessing their lack of love for God and their neighbor, and by hearing the Word of the Gospel, which is the Absolution of their Father in heaven, the forgiveness of all their sins, preached and spoken in the name and stead of Christ Jesus.
 
The baptized faithful hear and believe, cling to and confess, the Words of Christ the Lord: "Take, eat; this is My Body, which is given for you. Drink of it, all of you; this Cup is the New Testament in My Blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." And at His Word, they gladly receive what He gives.
 
The entire Christian faith and life of all the baptized is summarized in these six chief parts, which are prayed and confessed within the household and family of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. No Christian can do better than to be returned each day to these fundamentals of God's Word and faith. For these chief parts can never be exhausted, but in their simplicity they always admit an ever deeper and more profound knowledge and confession of the one true God and His salvation in Christ Jesus, the incarnate Son. Hence, they are expanded and explained in the Small Catechism; they are further explored and preached in the Large Catechism; and they are prayed and sung in the Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs of the Holy Scriptures and the whole Christian Church on earth. They are preached in every godly sermon; taught in every faithful seminary classroom; and confessed with eloquence in every faithful work of theology. Yet, they are already embraced and cherished, prayed and confessed by even the littlest children among the baptized faithful, who belong to and believe in Jesus Christ, their Savior and Good Shepherd. So are they also lived, by God's grace, in the Christian vocations of fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, masters, workers and students.

24 April 2009

Out of Curiosity: How Many?

So, how many Lutheran congregations require their communicant members, regularly and individually, to recite from memory the six chief parts of the Small Catechism before communing on any given occasion? (Or ever again beyond the rite of confirmation?)

And how many communicant members of Lutheran congregations, beyond the current confirmation class, would be able to recite from memory the six chief parts of the Small Catechism?

If a member (of any age) is unable to recite the six chief parts from memory, should he or she be excommunicated?

22 April 2009

Preaching Is Not an After Dinner Routine

When did it become normal for preachers to be funny, to tell jokes, and to solicit laughter and guffaws from the congregation? I have witnessed this several times over the past year or so, and I hear tell of it from others, too. It does not make me laugh, but saddens me deeply.

I know that we live in the joy of the Gospel, but our joy is precisely in the Gospel, not in some preacher's attempt at humor. I'm not sure whether it's worse if he's good at it or not. What a waste of time, in any case; and what a terrible distraction from the better things at hand in Christ Jesus.

Turning the pulpit into comedy central is offensive to the office of preaching, which is not the preacher's personal property but the holy office of Christ our Lord, the Word of God the Father.

If a preacher senses in himself an avocation for stand-up comedy or after-dinner speaking, perhaps he should present himself to the appropriate schools and apply for the appropriate jobs. When he ascends the Lord's pulpit, however, God grant that he would know nothing among us except Jesus Christ the Crucified; and that the preacher would be entirely bent upon the task of preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sins in Jesus' Name, unto faith and life in Him. Now that would bring a smile to my face.

18 April 2009

Whoever Believes and Is Baptized

Your Savior, Christ Jesus, has risen from the dead. He who bore your sins in His Body on the Cross, who was crucified for your transgressions, He has been raised for your justification. As He is alive and lives forevermore, so shall you not die but live. You are baptized into His death; believe also that you share His Resurrection and His Life.

Throughout this week, again and again, you have heard the testimony of those who saw Him crucified and risen. Dear Mary Magdalene has spoken, declaring what she saw and heard. So, too, those first disciples of Emmaus, who were catechized by Him on the way, and who recognized Him in the Breaking of the Bread.

The Holy Apostles, Peter and John, in the Name of Jesus and at His divine command, have testified to His Cross and Resurrection. Even the angels and archangels and all the host of heaven have declared that the Lamb, once slain, is living.

Why, then, do you weep and mourn as though there were no hope? Why do you harden your heart and refuse to believe what you have heard?

"No, no," you say; "it isn't like that at all." You believe and confess that Christ has been crucified and that He is risen indeed. And after all, you have been gathered in His Name to worship Him in faith and love. Praise God, all of that is true. It is so because it is the work of Christ in you.

But where will you go from here, and what will you do and say? What doubt and fear or sadness lurks within your heart and eats away at you? If not consciously so, then manifested in your words and actions.

Why do you not deal with your neighbor as though Christ were risen? For His Cross and Resurrection have made all the difference in the world, for you and for your neighbor. But how, then, do you demonstrate that difference, the redemption of Christ Jesus, in your life and conversation?

Where is your patience and generosity for those who frustrate you and nag at you? Where is your compassion and charity for those who need you, though they may even take advantage of you? Where is your forgiveness for those who trespass against you?

Where is the joy and gladness of Christ's Resurrection as you perform your duties and go about your place in life? Children, how do you confess His Resurrection in the way you honor and obey, love and cherish your father and mother? Parents, how do you discipline your children in the peace and hope of the Resurrection?

Repent, dear child of God, disciple of the Lord Jesus. He has been raised, and so shall you be raised. As He was patient with those first disciples of Emmaus; as He was all mercy and compassion for Mary Magdalene; as He dealt with His Apostles, with Peter and Thomas and Saul of Tarsus, so does He deal with you in love. Believe it, and live.

His Words of love to you are not empty promises. His Holy Baptism is not powerless. He has not died and risen for nothing or in vain. And He has not come to condemn you, but to save you and to give you life.

Indeed, your life and salvation are already achieved and accomplished, whole and complete, in Him. And here He meets you at His Table to lay that life and salvation upon your heart, to press it into your hand, and even to feed you with it, that is, with Himself.

Seven times, or seventy, or seventy times seven, with grace, mercy and peace, He lays His hand upon you and removes all your doubts and fears. He forgives you all your sins. He casts out all your demons. He heals all your diseases of both body and soul; if not in your body now, then hereafter in the resurrection of your body.

There is no poison in the cup that Jesus gives you, but free and full salvation for you. As He lives, and death no longer has mastery over Him, so shall you not die but live forever.

In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

17 April 2009

Hymns for Easter 3-7 Series B

Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 3:11–21
1 John 3:1–7
Luke 24:36–49
 
Hymn of Invocation
Send, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit (LSB 681)
 
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
 
Hymn of Departure
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
 
Alternative Hymns
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
Hail, Thou once despised Jesus (LSB 531)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
Thee we adore, O hidden Savior (LSB 640)
This joyful Eastertide (LSB 482)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
Ye watchers and ye holy ones (LSB 670)
 
 
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:1–12
1 John 3:16–24
John 10:11–18
 
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
O little flock, fear not the foe (LSB 666)
 
Hymn of the Day
The King of love my shepherd is (LSB 709)
 
Offertory Hymn
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
Shepherd of tender youth (LSB 864)
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
 
Hymn of Departure
I am Jesus’ little lamb (LSB 740)
 
Alternative Hymns
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name (LSB 549)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Christ is our cornerstone (LSB 912)
Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing (LSB 686)
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)
Hail, Thou once despised Jesus (LSB 531)
Have no fear, little flock (LSB 735)
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds (LSB 524)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Lord, enthroned in heav’nly splendor (LSB 534)
Lord Jesus Christ, life-giving bread (LSB 625)
Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free (LSB 473)
Savior, like a shepherd lead us (LSB 711)
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want (LSB 710)
 
 
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 8:26–40
1 John 4:1–11 (12–21)
John 15:1–8
 
Hymn of Invocation
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
 
Hymn of the Day
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest (LSB 498)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693) (Catechetical)
Oh, how blest are they whose toils are ended (LSB 679)
 
Hymn of Departure
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
 
Alternative Hymns
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Alleluia! Let praises ring (LSB 822)
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Christ, the Word of God incarnate (LSB 540)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
Lord, help us ever to retain (LSB 865)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
O Jesus, blessed Lord, to Thee (LSB 632)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free (LSB 473)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
 
 
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 10:34–48
1 John 5:1–8
John 15:9–17
 
Hymn of Invocation
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
 
Hymn of the Day
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Now, my tongue, the myst’ry telling (LSB 630)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663) (Catechetical)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
 
Hymn of Departure
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
 
Alternative Hymns
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest (LSB 498/499)
Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing (LSB 686)
Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (LSB 769)
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Kyrie! God, Father in heav’n above (LSB 942)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
Now thank we all our God (LSB 895)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you (LSB 668)
Water, blood, and Spirit crying (LSB 597)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
 
 
The Ascension of Our Lord
Acts 1:1–11
Ephesians 1:15–23
Luke 24:44–53
 
Processional Hymn
Hail thee, festival day (LSB 489)
 
Hymn of the Day
Up through endless ranks of angels (LSB 491)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
A hymn of glory let us sing (LSB 493) (Catechetical)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
 
Processional Out
See, the Lord ascends in triumph (LSB 494)
 
Alternative Hymns
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (LSB 821)
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
At the name of Jesus (LSB 512)
Beautiful Savior, King of creation (LSB 537)
Christ is the world’s Redeemer (LSB 539)
Draw us to Thee (LSB 701)
Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious (LSB 495)
Lord, enthroned in heav’nly splendor (LSB 534)
O Christ, our hope, our hearts’ desire (LSB 553)
On Christ’s ascension I now build (LSB 492)
Praise be to Christ in whom we see (LSB 538)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
The Head that once was crowned with thorns (LSB 532)
Thine the amen, Thine the praise (LSB 680)
We are called to stand together (LSB 828)
 
 
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:12–26
1 John 5:9–15
John 17:11b–19
 
Hymn of Invocation
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
 
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Christ is the world’s Redeemer (LSB 539)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
 
Hymn of Departure
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
 
Alternative Hymns
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (LSB 821)
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
Christ is made the sure foundation (LSB 909)
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest (LSB 498/499)
Draw us to Thee (LSB 701)
Have no fear, little flock (LSB 735)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
Holy Spirit, ever dwelling (LSB 650)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
O Christ, our hope, our hearts’ desire (LSB 553)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
Up through endless ranks of angels (LSB 491)

Christmas and Easter Christians

I don't offer this as any kind of criticism, but simply as an observation of something that has struck me this week, and which I find interesting. To make things clear up front, as Christ was crucified for our transgressions and raised for our justification, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Anyway, it is interesting to me that Lutherans seem to have a more Advent and Lenten piety than they do a Christmas and Easter piety. Clichés concerning "Christmas and Easter Christians" notwithstanding. Many Lutherans who normally do not attend services during the week make a point of doing so during Advent and Lent. Holy Week, too, so far as I can tell, is generally well attended, even if only on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Lutherans appear to have endless supplies of penitential piety, even if their penitence may vary rather a lot in its manner and intensity; and even if Advent typically becomes a proleptic celebration of Christmas (as I often gripe during the dark days of December).

By contrast, most Lutherans (and maybe this is true of others, too) evidently expend and exhaust their share of Christmas and Easter piety in short bursts of single twenty-four-hour days. "Christmas" and "Easter," in other words, for most or many Lutherans, are a day here and a day there, the 25th of December and some particular Sunday between the 22nd of March and the 22nd of April. To speak of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" (as there simply are) causes people to think of a song they heard throughout most of Advent, and not so much of the Church Year from the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord until the Feast of His Epiphany. "Pentecost" is not much understood as the great Fifty Days of Easter, but as yet another one particular Sunday in the roundabouts of Memorial Day and close to the end of the school year.

Yes, I understand that people have vocations in the world that require them to be at work or in school, and, no, I'm laying no indictment on those who do not observe the ongoing days of the Christmas and Easter Tides. All things are free, and, not only that, but the pious faithful engage their vocations and stations in life as their daily prayer and their sacrifice of thanksgiving. But all those things are true, as well, during Advent and Lent; yet, provisions are then made for an intensification of piety and prayer, for devotion to Christ and meditation on His Word. That's all good. So how or why is it that Lutherans, by and large, and perhaps many other Christians, too, fall off the ledge once the feasts have begun for which their fasts have prepared them?

The theology of the cross is meet, right and salutary, and a theology of glory is to be marked and avoided. So perhaps this is what lends a special gravitas to the piety of Advent and Lent, and a certain shyness to Lutheran celebrations of the Incarnation and the Resurrection of Our Lord. But there is also that false theology of glory which makes more of our penitence than of the Lord's gracious free gift of salvation; whereas the genuine theology of the cross rejoices in the Incarnation of God and the Resurrection of His Body, even while these are yet hidden in the Mystery of the Means of Grace. Besides, the Resurrection is the Lord's own proclamation of the victory of His Cross, and not the denial or undoing of His Cross. Thus, I would suggest, celebrating Christmas and reveling in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ are better antidotes to the theology of glory than slinking back too quickly and quietly to our work-a-day routines, as though we were afraid to make too much of it all. Let us rather work in the joyful confidence that the Incarnation of the Word has sanctified our life in the flesh, and that His Resurrection from the dead has set us free to go about our duties in faith and love, with glad hearts and peaceful consciences.

Hymns for Historic Easter 3-7

Third Sunday of Easter (Misericordias Domini)
Ezekiel 34:11–16
1 Peter 2:21–25
John 10:11–16
 
Hymn of Invocation
O little flock, fear not the foe (LSB 666)
 
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
The King of love my shepherd is (LSB 709)
 
Offertory Hymn
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
Shepherd of tender youth (LSB 864)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
 
Hymn of Departure
I am Jesus’ little lamb (LSB 740)
 
Alternative Hymns
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)
Hail, Thou once despised Jesus (LSB 531)
Have no fear, little flock (LSB 735)
I leave all things to God’s direction (LSB 719)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lord, enthroned in heav’nly splendor (LSB 534)
Lord Jesus Christ, life-giving bread (LSB 625)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
O living Bread from heaven (LSB 642)
Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free (LSB 473)
Praise to You and adoration (LSB 692)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
Savior, like a shepherd lead us (LSB 711)
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want (LSB 710)
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
This joyful Eastertide (LSB 482)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
 
Fourth Sunday of Easter (Jubilate)
Isaiah 40:25–31 (or Lamentations 3:22–33)
1 Peter 2:11–20 (or 1 John 3:1–3)
John 16:16–22
 
Hymn of Invocation
Ye watchers and ye holy ones (LSB 670)
 
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
 
Hymn of Departure
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
 
Alternative Hymns
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Children of the heav’nly Father (LSB 725)
Church of God, elect and glorious (LSB 646)
"Come, follow Me," the Savior spake (LSB 688)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father (LSB 809)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
O God, our help in ages past (LSB 733)
Oh, how blest are they whose toils are ended (LSB 679)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven (LSB 793)
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
Voices raised to You we offer (LSB 795)
Water, blood, and Spirit crying (LSB 597)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
 
 
Fifth Sunday of Easter (Cantate)
Isaiah 12:1–6
James 1:16–21
John 16:5–15
 
Hymn of Invocation
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
 
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
Alleluia! Let praises ring (LSB 822)
O Jesus, blessed Lord, to Thee (LSB 632)
 
Hymn of Departure
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
 
Alternative Hymns
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest (LSB 498/499)
Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (LSB 769)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father (LSB 809)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
New songs of celebration render (LSB 792)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O splendor of God’s glory bright (LSB 874)
O Word of God incarnate (LSB 523)
Oh, that I had a thousand voices (LSB 811)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The day of resurrection (LSB 478)
Voices raised to You we offer (LSB 795)
 
 
Sixth Sunday of Easter (Rogate)
Numbers 21:4–9
1 Timothy 2:1–6 (or James 1:22–27)
John 16:23–30 (31–33)
 
Hymn of Invocation
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
 
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
 
Hymn of Departure
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
 
Alternative Hymns
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name (LSB 549)
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest (LSB 498/499)
Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing (LSB 686)
Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (LSB 769)
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
Kyrie! God, Father in heav’n above (LSB 942)
Lift high the cross (LSB 837)
My faith looks up to Thee (LSB 702)
Now thank we all our God (LSB 895)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you (LSB 668)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Thee will I love, my strength, my tower (LSB 694)
You are the way; through You alone (LSB 526)
 
 
The Ascension of Our Lord
2 Kings 2:5–15
Acts 1:1–11
Mark 16:14–20 (or Luke 24:44–53)
 
Processional Hymn
Hail thee, festival day (LSB 489)
 
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Up through endless ranks of angels (LSB 491)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
A hymn of glory let us sing (LSB 493)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)
 
Processional Out
See, the Lord ascends in triumph (LSB 494)
 
Alternative Hymns
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (LSB 821)
Beautiful Savior, King of creation (LSB 537)
Christ is the world’s Redeemer (LSB 539)
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
Draw us to Thee (LSB 701)
For all the saints who from their labors rest (LSB 677)
God of the prophets, bless the prophets’ sons (LSB 682)
Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious (LSB 495)
Lord, enthroned in heav’nly splendor (LSB 534)
O Christ, our hope, our hearts’ desire (LSB 553)
On Christ’s ascension I now build (LSB 492)
Praise be to Christ in whom we see (LSB 538)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The Head that once was crowned with thorns (LSB 532)
Thine the amen, Thine the praise (LSB 680)
We are called to stand together (LSB 828)
 
 
Seventh Sunday of Easter (Exaudi)
Ezekiel 36:22–28
1 Peter 4:7–11 (12–14)
John 15:26—16:4
 
Hymn of Invocation
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest (LSB 498/499)
 
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Christ is the world’s Redeemer (LSB 539)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
 
Hymn of Departure
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
 
Alternative Hymns
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
Come down, O Love divine (LSB 501)
Draw us to Thee (LSB 701)
Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (LSB 769)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Let me be Thine forever (LSB 689)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
O Christ, our hope, our hearts’ desire (LSB 553)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O Holy Spirit, enter in (LSB 913)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Take my life and let it be (LSB 783)
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
Up through endless ranks of angels (LSB 491)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
You are the way; through You alone (LSB 526)

16 April 2009

Evangelical and Catholic

The freedom of the Gospel is not a freedom from the life of the Church, but a freedom to live with Christ, as a member of His Body, in faith and love. This freedom derives from the fact that life is not obtained by works of self-righteousness, but is received by grace through faith in Christ. That very life which is so freely received, is freely lived in gracious love toward others, and especially toward those who are fellow members of the Body of Christ. In this faith and love there is no compulsion or coercion, but simply living.

From the vantage point of both faith and love, the traditions of the Church are received and respected, not as absolute or inviolate, but as good gifts.

Faith strides freely forward in the Gospel, abiding with Christ in God; and as the Gospel does not bind, but bestows everything, so faith is not bound by anything, but is free to bestow what it freely receives. Faith is therefore free and clear to receive the traditions of the Church without fear — excepting those traditions which are not truly of the Church because they obscure or contradict the very Gospel by which alone the Church and all her members live. In truth, faith rejoices and delights in the Church's evangelical traditions, especially because they are not fabricated but received; they are not self-invented but inherited as gifts, as treasures of the family and household of God. Faith is not bound by tradition, but generally prefers to receive what is handed over, in harmony with the receiving of that uniquely sacred Tradition which is Christ and His Gospel. Faith lives by receiving.

Love does not hide in the freedom of this faith, but looks outward to the neighbor. Love does not insist upon its own way, but willingly defers to the neighbor. Above all else, love is chiefly concerned with the free course and confession of the Gospel, that the neighbor may also receive Christ and all His benefits. So love may sometimes choose to let the traditions of the Church go by the wayside, where they would otherwise impede or becloud the Gospel. But love will more often embrace the Church's traditions, both to honor the confession of the Gospel on the part of faithful fathers and mothers in Christ, and for the sake of those who are better served by the wisdom of the Church than by the cleverness of the local moment. Love not only gravitates toward the whole of the Body of Christ, but desires to gather lonely and isolated individuals into the embrace of that whole Body. That catholic communion of the Church is found only in the Gospel, but the catholicity of the Gospel is confessed in the common traditions of the Church.

To be truly evangelical is to be truly catholic, and to be truly catholic is to be truly evangelical. Not only in abstract ideology, but, like the Church herself and her members, this evangelical catholicity is lived in the body on earth, in the speaking of faithful words according to sound patterns of doctrine, and in the handing over of practices that serve and support the administration of the Gospel. Wherever those traditional patterns and practices can be received in harmony with the Gospel, there both faith and love rejoice to receive them, to use them, and to hand them over to the present and future generations of the Church on earth, to children, and to children's children, even to a people yet unborn.

Faith does not say, "Do I have to?" but simply offers thanks for gifts received. And love, in turn, does not insist, "You must," but graciously invites: "Be my guest; what's mine is yours."

Several Impressions from the Easter Octave

Every year I am struck by several things in the course of the first Octave of Easter:

Giving attention to each of the accounts of our Lord's Resurrection appearances, from each of the four holy Evangelists, makes a rather remarkable impression. It is comparable to the impact of hearing the four accounts of our Lord's Passion in the course of Holy Week. Prior to marking each of these first eight days of Easter with the Divine Service, I cannot recall ever hearing all of the Resurrection accounts in any close succession or proximity, but it really makes for a strong overall effect. Among other things, it reminds me that Thomas was hardly unique in his doubts; all of the disciples were incredulous, repeatedly.

The twenty-first chapter of St. John's Gospel is an amazing literary work and absolutely profound. The way in which the fourth Evangelist is able to weave the entirety of the Gospel into the narrative of that concluding chapter is not only inspired, but really cool. I remember Dr. Wenthe often comparing the Holy Scriptures to a tapestry, woven from numerous threads, but nowhere have I gotten that impression as dramatically as I do from St. John 21.

The several sermons of St. Peter recorded in the Acts of the Apostles make for excellent readings at the Divine Service. Wow, talk about preaching Law and Gospel, and Christ crucified and risen, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins in His Name! Not only St. Peter's brilliant sermon on Pentecost Day, but I refer especially to his preaching in the subsequent chapters of Acts. It is a shame that more attention does not seem to be given to those sermons; leastwise not that I am aware of. But what we are given to hear in this first Octave of Easter is marvelous.

15 April 2009

Hymns for Historic Easter Octave

The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Vigil

 
Genesis 1:1—2:3 (The Creation)
Genesis 7:1–5, 11–18; 8:6–18; 9:8–13 (The Flood)
Genesis 22:1–18 (The Testing of Abraham)
Exodus 14:10—15:1 (Israel’s Deliverance at the Red Sea)
 
Canticle: Song of Moses and Israel (LSB 925)
 
Isaiah 55:1–11 (Salvation Offered Freely to All)
Ezekiel 36:24–28 (A New Heart and a New Spirit)
Ezekiel 37:1–14 (The Valley of Dry Bones)
Jonah 3:1–10 (Jonah Preaches to Nineveh)
Daniel 3:1–30 (The Fiery Furnace)
 
Canticle: All You Works of the Lord (LSB 931)
 
Romans 6:1–11 (Remembrance and Affirmation of Holy Baptism)
 
Hymn of Praise: Gloria in Excelsis Deo (LSB 154; 170; or 187)
 
Mark 16:1–8
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free (LSB 473)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
 
Processional Out
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
 
Alternative Hymns
Christ is arisen (LSB 459)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
He is arisen! Glorious Word (LSB 488)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
The day of resurrection (LSB 478)
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Sunrise

Isaiah 25:6–9 (or Exodus 14:10—15:1)
1 Corinthians 15:1–11 (or 1 Corinthians 15:12–25)
John 20:1–18
 
Divine Service, Setting Five (LSB 213–218)
 
Entrance Hymn
Christ the Lord is risen today; Alleluia (LSB 463)
 
Kyrie Hymn
Kyrie! God, Father in heav’n above (LSB 942)
 
Gloria Hymn
All glory be to God on high (LSB 947)
 
Gradual Hymn
He is arisen! Glorious Word (LSB 488)
 
Hymn of the Day
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
 
Creedal Hymn
We all believe in one true God (LSB 954)
 
Offertory Hymn
The day of resurrection (LSB 478)
 
Sanctus Hymn
Isaiah, mighty seer in days of old (LSB 960)
 
Agnus Dei
O Christ, Thou Lamb of God (LSB 198)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
This joyful Eastertide (LSB 482)
 
Post-Communion Hymn
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
 
Processional Out
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
 
Alternative Hymns
Alleluia, alleluia! Hearts to heaven (LSB 477)
Alleluia! Jesus is risen (LSB 474)
Christ is arisen (LSB 459)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
Good Christian friends, rejoice and sing (LSB 475)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
Hail, Thou once despised Jesus (LSB 531)
I know that my Redeemer lives (LSB 461)
If Christ had not been raised from death (LSB 486)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus Christ is ris’n today (LSB 457)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
O day of rest and gladness (LSB 906)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Scatter the darkness, break the gloom (LSB 481)
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Day

Job 19:23–27
1 Corinthians 5:6–8 (or 1 Corinthians 15:51–57)
Mark 16:1–8
 
Processional Hymn
Hail thee, festival day (LSB 489)
 
Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim (LSB 460)
 
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
I know that my Redeemer lives (LSB 461)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Christ has arisen, Alleluia (LSB 466)
 
Processional Out
Jesus Christ is ris’n today (LSB 457)
 
Alternative Hymns
Christ is arisen (LSB 459)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Christ the Lord is ris’n today (LSB 469)
Christ the Lord is risen today; Alleluia (LSB 463)
Good Christian friends, rejoice and sing (LSB 475)
He is arisen! Glorious Word (LSB 488)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
If Christ had not been raised from death (LSB 486)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
Lord, enthroned in heav’nly splendor (LSB 534)
Make songs of joy to Christ, our head (LSB 484)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free (LSB 473)
Scatter the darkness, break the gloom (LSB 481)
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The day of resurrection (LSB 478)
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
Thee we adore, O hidden Savior (LSB 640)
This joyful Eastertide (LSB 482)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Evening / Easter Monday

Exodus 15:1–18
Acts 10:34–43
Luke 24:13–35
 
Processional Hymn
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
 
Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim (LSB 460)
 
Hymn of the Day
Christ the Lord is risen today; Alleluia (LSB 463)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Who are you who walk in sorrow (LSB 476)
Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free (LSB 473)
The day of resurrection (LSB 478)
 
Processional Out
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
 
Alternative Hymns
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide (LSB 878)
All people that on earth do dwell (LSB 791)
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
Alleluia! Jesus is risen (LSB 474)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
Christ, mighty Savior, Light of all creation (LSB 881)
Good Christian friends, rejoice and sing (LSB 475)
Now rest beneath night’s shadow (LSB 880)
O Christ, who art the Light and Day (LSB 882)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Tuesday

Daniel 3:8–28
Acts 13:26–33
Luke 24:36–48 (49)
 
Processional Hymn
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
 
Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim (LSB 460)
 
Hymn of the Day
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
All you works of God, bless the Lord (LSB 930)
 
Processional Out
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
Alternative Hymns
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Good Christian friends, rejoice and sing (LSB 475)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
The day of resurrection (LSB 478)
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
This joyful Eastertide (LSB 482)
We are called to stand together (LSB 828)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Wednesday

Acts 3:13–15, 17–19 (or Acts 3:1–10)
Colossians 3:1–7 (or 1 Corinthians 11:23–26)
John 21:1–14
 
Processional Hymn
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
 
Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim (LSB 460)
 
Hymn of the Day
Long before the world is waking (LSB 485)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Now, my tongue, the myst’ry telling (LSB 630)
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
 
Processional Out
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
 
Alternative Hymns
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
Your table I approach (LSB 628)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Thursday

Psalm 8:1–8 (antiphon: v. 9)
Acts 3:11–26
John 21:15–19
 
Hymn of the Day
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
 
Alternative Hymns
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Shepherd of tender youth (LSB 864)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Friday

Psalm 118:22–29 (antiphon: vv. 1–2)
Acts 4:1–12
Matthew 28:1–15
 
Hymn of the Day
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
 
Alternative Hymns
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name (LSB 549)
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Christ has arisen, Alleluia (LSB 466)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
Hail, Thou once despised Jesus (LSB 531)
Jesus Christ is ris’n today (LSB 457)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
This joyful Eastertide (LSB 482)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Saturday

Psalm 118:14–21 (antiphon: vv. 1, 5)
Acts 4:13–21
Mark 16:9–18
 
Hymn of the Day
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
 
Alternative Hymns
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
Rise, shine, you people (LSB 825)
We are called to stand together (LSB 828)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
 
Second Sunday of Easter (Quasimodo Geniti)
Ezekiel 37:1–14
1 John 5:4–10
John 20:19–31
 
Processional Hymn
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
 
Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim (LSB 460)
 
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
O sons and daughters of the King (LSB 470)
 
Offertory Hymn
Water, blood, and Spirit crying (LSB 597)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
These things did Thomas count as real (LSB 472)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
 
Processional Out
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
 
Alternative Hymns
Alleluia! Jesus is risen (LSB 474)
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Christ is arisen (LSB 459)
Christ is made the sure foundation (LSB 909)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Lo! He comes with clouds descending (LSB 336)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free (LSB 473)
Savior, again to Thy dear name we raise (LSB 917)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
Thee we adore, O hidden Savior (LSB 640)
This joyful Eastertide (LSB 482)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)

In the Resurrection

Everything leading to death has been overturned and undone, and everything belonging to life has been opened to us and poured out upon us generously, in the Resurrection of Christ Jesus.

Therefore, all those things that we fear have been emptied of any power over us; they cannot defeat or destroy us. For that which we truly need and desire, namely, life with God and peace and rest, is given to us, now and for ever, in the crucified and risen Body of Christ.

Every foe is trampled under His feet, and every heartfelt prayer of faith is answered, "Yes, and Amen!" in His Resurrection. When God the Father raises His Son from death, who bore our sins upon the Cross and suffered His death in our place, He restores His fallen creation, absolves the world of sin, reconciles the whole world to Himself, and announces His good-pleasure with us.

In the face of the Resurrection — in the face of the risen Christ, which is the face of God — there is simply nothing to fear; nothing at all to be afraid of. For He has brought life and immortality to light through this Gospel, the preaching of peace and forgiveness of sins in His Name. Alleluia!

14 April 2009

Discussing Adiaphora

It is possible, or ought to be, by the very nature of the case, to discuss adiaphora (those things which are free, because God has neither commanded nor forbidden them) without implying any condemnation against those who practice such things differently. It is also possible, in such cases, to discuss and debate the relative merits and demerits of various practices, which, while free, are not all as profitable to the catechesis of the Word and the confession of the Gospel.

But I have noticed, at least in my limited experience, that those who tend to be the least free and most legalistic about adiaphora are usually not those who have received and use traditional rites and ceremonies, but are often those who refuse and reject such traditions in the name of "freedom." Of course that is not universally true, but it is a trend I have noticed. That is to say, the legalism seems to run more often in the direction of forbidding what God has not forbidden, rather than commanding what God has not commanded.

13 April 2009

The Body of the Crucified and Risen Jesus in the Breaking of the Bread

You’re making your way — but where are you going?

You’ve got your home and your job — but what are your hopes and dreams? What are you working for? What life do you live? How and why do you live it?

Maybe a home and a job are the very things that you long for.

But whatever the case may be, whatever your particular circumstances, are you spinning your wheels and getting nowhere? Or, are you spending your life, your time and energy, even your self, on that which will not last and cannot save you?

What is it that you would give to your children? What will you teach them? What is it that you want them know and believe and pass on to your grandchildren?

The most important things, the most essential, the things that neither you nor your children can live without, are the things concerning Jesus of Nazareth: His Cross and Passion, and His Resurrection from the dead; the preaching of the Gospel and the Breaking of the Bread; and not only that, but the stories of the Old Testament, too, which really are all about Jesus.

Your children need to hear these things from you, and you need to hear and discuss these things for yourself.

Not that you will save yourself by your knowledge. You can know all the stories and know all the facts, and still not get "it," but miss the point entirely. You can know it all forwards and backwards, but still walk along dejected and despairing, or stopped dead in your tracks with your countenance fallen down around your ankles.

Thus, although you know and confess that Christ has died and risen in the flesh for you, how often do you live and work as though it were not so? As though none of it had ever happened or made any difference or even mattered to you and your life.

Christians do have this strong advantage in knowing the stories of the Scriptures and continuing to discuss and share them, even when they do not comprehend or rejoice in them. Because the Word of Christ and the stories of Him, which the Scriptures tell, are far from impotent or empty.

The Holy Scriptures are full to overflowing with Jesus and the Glory of His Cross. Thus, in the discussing and sharing of these things, Christ Jesus Himself and His Spirit accompany you, even when your eyes may be prevented from seeing Him.

For that reason, too, disciple of Christ Jesus, for your own sake and that of your family, and for the benefit of your friends (whether Christian or otherwise), don’t ever stop talking about Jesus! Day and night, in the morning and at bedtime, at work and play, at home or in the car, and ever on the way to and fro. Don’t stop.

For the Word of Christ Jesus is the foremost antidote for sadness, depression and despair, for hopelessness, melancholy and fear. Therefore, keep on talking about Jesus, and listen to His Word; even and especially when you are sad. And if your family or friends are sad, then, above all else, speak Christ’s Gospel to them.

Because, again, it is Christ and His Spirit who accompany His Word and are actively present and at work in and through the speaking of His Word.

The Gospel is not only what Jesus has done (once upon a time), but what He continues to do, by His grace: preaching peace through the forgiveness of sins. That is the authority and the judgment of righteousness that He has received from His Father by His Cross, and now manifests in His Resurrection from the dead.

Everything has been accomplished by His death, and that everything is worked out for you, and for all, by and through the preaching of His Cross and Passion.

Thus, in and through and with His Word, Christ Jesus accompanies you on your journey. So, too, even before you have recognized Him and His salvation, He is graciously at work to raise you up with Himself; to raise your heart and mind, your countenance, and finally your body, also, in the Resurrection.

He is an excellent Teacher, and He brings you along from foolish unbelief and sadness to heartfelt faith and hope and joy. He does it by the way of repentance and the forgiveness of your sins. Thus, He chides your slowness of heart to believe, but even this He does with gentleness and ready assistance. He does not leave you in despair, but forgives you, and with His forgiveness He opens your ears, heart and mind to His Word.

He may sometimes hide Himself from you, or act as though He were going on without you; not that He would tease you or toy with you, but that you would cling to Him by faith and call upon His Name in fervent prayer. Not that you should have to twist His arm, but precisely because He would be your Guest and come and make His dwelling with you.

It is not by sight, not yet; but to say it is by faith in His Word (which it is) is not to say that it is unreal, impersonal or intangible. Not so. But that which has been missing is revealed to you by His Word and given to you at the Lord’s Table in His Breaking of the Bread for you; that is to say, in the Holy Communion.

Not the empty tomb, nor simply the great good news and information of the Resurrection, but Him, and His crucified and risen Body, and His holy, precious Blood, poured out for you, which is the Redemption of His Israel and the New Testament of God.

That is where He would have you "see" Him and find Him and receive Him, because that is where He reveals and gives Himself to you. It is to His Table that His Word leads you, in faith and hope and confidence, in joy and peace.

He has come into the house of His disciples, but here He is the Host, the Waiter and the Meal; that serving you here with His own Body, your body shall be raised from the dust of the earth, as He is raised, to live with God in heaven forever.

In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

12 April 2009

O Sacred Head Now Wounded

I never got to see the finished product, but I've been curious to know how the "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" Lenten resource from CPH turned out, and how it worked out for any pastors and congregations who may have used it this year.

11 April 2009

Christ Is Risen Indeed

Christ has died, and Christ is risen; He is risen indeed, Alleluia!

Of course you know and believe this, and confess it. That is why you are here.

Christ has made your death and grave His own, so that His Resurrection may be yours. So it is, and so shall it be, by your Holy Baptism. His Resurrection is God’s "Yes, and Amen!" to your every prayer, and the surety of your life and salvation.

So this morning and this day are full of joy and gladness. And the whole Christian life is buoyed by that same joy. Even our fasting is not without joyful hope in Christ, and our feasting is an exuberant feasting indeed. Alleluia!

Yet, even this very morning, your joy may be tinged with sadness; some sorrow in your heart or in the back of your mind; some bittersweet memory or aching regret, or the encroaching threats of life in the world that do not seem to be at all addressed by such things as the Gospel even on Easter Sunday. And there may be other days and nights when joy is an elusive stranger and sadness reigns over you like a dark cloud ready to burst and drown you in its torrents.

How easily, it seems, your Jesus and your joy in Him appear to be taken away and hidden from you — and you do not know where or how to find Him.

You may be fully convinced of His death, His Cross and Passion, but you cannot understand what it means, nor can you comprehend His Resurrection. Not when you keep looking for Him in your empty tomb, and you do not hear His voice. Then you perceive only suffering and death; not only His, but your own — and you see no Resurrection.

Like Israel, backed up against the Red Sea, hounded by Pharaoh, and scared to death; even though your Passover Lamb has been sacrificed, and the angel of death has passed over you.

Dear Christian, it is not in the tomb that you will find Jesus (nor in the garden), but in His voice, calling you by name. Where He is now laid is upon your heart by the Holy Spirit with the Word of the Gospel, that you may believe in Him, and that, believing, you may have life in His name.

But why are you weeping? Whether on the insider or outside, why? What troubles you? And why are you so sad?

When you consider your life, what do you see and perceive? If it is not Christ Jesus and His joy, where and how are you looking? What do you seek, if not Him, who is both crucified and risen?

Do you not know, and have you not heard? Have you not yet understood the Scriptures, that Christ must rise from the dead? Not only in Himself, but for you, and in you by His grace.

Let Him be your Teacher, your Rabboni: Hear and heed His voice, which calls you by name. For you are His own sheep, and He is your Good Shepherd.

Do not attempt to grasp or cling to Jesus in this world that you know in your life on earth. Your worldly knowledge and experience will never find or comprehend Him. But no, let go the yeast and leaven of this earthly life; not by hibernation or suicide, but by the cleansing Word of Christ.

Repent of your sorrow and despair, that you may feast upon Christ, your Passover, who has been sacrificed for you.

How shall you find Him, that you may feast upon Him?

Hear His Word to you, and receive what His voice gives you: Himself, His Father, His life and health and every good, His Body and His Blood. For with His Word, He reveals Himself to you, gives Himself to you, and brings you through the Red Sea unto His Father in heaven, who is now also your God and your Father.

Cling to your Savior and Good Shepherd, then, by hearing His Word and treasuring it in heart and life. For with His Word, indeed, He places Himself into your hand. He pours out His Blood for you, which shields you from death. He feeds you with His crucified and risen Body.

Do you hear? His Body is not lost or taken away, but it is given to you here; so that your body, too, shall be raised from death to life; and that your heart may find true peace and joy in Him.

He is your strength and your song; and He has become your salvation!

Christ has died. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

10 April 2009

Behold the Man

Sons and daughters of God, your Father loves you. He is not mad at you; He never has been. And He is not mean. You have known meanness, and you have been mean yourself, but your God and Father is not mean. He is not cruel, as the devil would have you believe, neither toward you nor toward Christ Jesus, His beloved Son.

Everything your God and Father does proceeds in love; and in His love for you, He desires to give you only good things, and that you would live with Him in love.

So your Father in heaven gives you good gifts here on earth, and He gives you the freedom to receive and enjoy them. He gives you the freedom to love Him, or to leave Him. He takes that risk, because He desires to have a real relationship with you; that you should be His dear child, His friend, and the beloved bride of Christ, rather than a slave.

He desires you to love Him above all else; not because He is insecure or prideful, but because He is your Life and your greatest good. He is jealous for you; not as though He were petty, as you are sometimes petty, but for your sake. He is jealous for you, the way a husband is jealous for his wife, a mother for her child. So, too, He is angry with your sin, and He punishes it, because it cuts you off from Him and kills you, whereas He would have you live and not die.

You fathers and mothers, if your child was running out into the road, into harm's way, you would holler and perhaps even become angry; not because you sought your child's hurt, but precisely because you seek to protect your child from harm and danger. God your Father likewise seeks to preserve your life with Him, in love more pure than that of any father or mother on earth. He disciplines you in love, and He calls you to repentance, to faith in Him; again, that you would live.

To live by such faith in God is a high and holy calling. It is to live as true Man in the Image of God. To live by such faith in God is to live the truly human life that God intends. It is to trust His Word in every circumstance, even if everything is screaming in contradiction of His Word. It is yet to wait upon Him in steady hope and quiet confidence. To give thanks, not only at all times and in all places, but also in both prosperity and poverty.

To live by faith in God is to be patient in affliction; to be patient with your family, as your God and Father is patient with you; and to be patient with your neighbor. It is to be kind, to do good, and gladly to forgive your enemies and those who sin against you. To suffer all manner of wrong and hurt and sorrow, rather than strike back and avenge yourself.

To live by such faith is to have your heart so fixed upon the Lord, your God, that even in death you fear no evil; that all things may be utterly stripped away from you, all to no avail, because you live with God.

To such a life you are called, and the One who calls you is faithful. He is not taunting you or teasing you, but He calls you to that genuine Life which is in and with Him, both now and forever. He is faithful in granting you that life to which He calls you, not only because He is God and keeps His promises, but because from His own heart He loves you.

His love for you is unmatched and unsurpassed. But it is not uncontested. His love is resisted and rejected on all sides, within and without. Your sinful heart is covetous; you desire what God has not given, and what is not God. The whole world, too, is idolatrous, lusting after the creation while despising the Creator, and seeking to entice you into its perversity. And the devil is furious with you, hateful and murderous; he will stop at nothing to destroy you and drag you down with himself. These three enemies, the devil, the world and your own sinful flesh, conspire against you, and against the Life and Love of God, to separate you from Him.

"Skin for skin," the devil says, and too easily, too often, you fall for that trap. Thus, when God commands you to love Him, you consider the command to be burdensome; and when He commands you to love your neighbor, you consider that unfair and unreasonable. When He punishes your sin, you perceive not His love for you, but anger. When He disciplines you in love, as a father disciplines his son or daughter, and when He calls you to repentance, you flee from Him instead, to the false "freedom" of idoltary: to be your own god and make your own life.

Your sinful heart is frightened of death and desperate to avoid it; yet, your sinful heart knows nothing except the pursuit of death. You fear not God, but you are afraid of Him. You run away and hide at His approach, terrified that He will rob you of life and bring you to death. But in running away from Him, you run directly into death.

Your fear is false; not only because it is sinful and wrong, but because it is quite mistaken and misplaced.

Fear God, not in terror of death, but in faith and love. The Life to which He calls you is the Truth, and it is not so elusive as it seems; because it is lived for you in the flesh and blood of Christ.

It is not God, but your sin that brings you to grief and sorrow and death. But here now is what He does: His Love has brought Him to the same, to grief and sorrow and death, for you and your salvation.

Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Behold the Man. For here in Christ the Crucified, you behold God as He truly is, perfect in love; and in the same Christ Jesus, you behold Man as He is to be, perfect in faith and love.

In Him, all that has been broken, including your relationship with God, is repaired, healed and made new. Here in Christ Jesus, in His flesh and blood upon the Cross, God completes and fulfills His good creation. And behold, it is very good.

Here in Christ the Crucified, true Man lives with God, by faith and in His gracious love, while everything else is entirely stripped away. Here, sin and death and all that separates you from God, all of it is dealt with and removed. The brokenness is broken, and death is put to death. And in all the depths of suffering, grief and sorrow, Christ Jesus remains faithful — to His Father, and to you.

He lives by faith entirely in and with God — and this He does for you, in your skin — so that sin and all its curse and consequence are not allowed to prevail over man.

Everything is achieved and accomplished in Christ, and established for you in Christ, in His flesh. He is a faithful and merciful High Priest for you in things pertaining to God, and He brings you to the Father in Himself.

God and man, faith and love, righteousness and peace, all are perfectly reconciled and united in Him. His faithfulness, His freedom and His right use of it, His patience and steadfastness, His victory over death and the grave, and His life with God, all are yours. Not only in a book or in your memory, but given into your hand and mouth, into your body with all its frailities and weaknesses. Your body, therefore, though it suffers and dies, shall yet live with God in Christ.

Here is not only God's pledge to you, but God Himself given to you. Not simply His good example, but Him. Here your Father's heart is fully open to you in love, and He delights to give you every good thing in Christ Jesus. Whatever else may happen to you; whatever may be done to you or said about you; whatever may be given to you, or taken away from you, in this flesh and blood of Christ Jesus you are alive with God, your Father, who loves you.

In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

08 April 2009

The Remembrance of Jesus

"These things His disciples did not understand at the time, but after Jesus was glorified they remembered that these things had been written of Him."

When the Lord God remembers His people, He does not simply think of them, but He moves to act in mercy toward them; not only with heart and mind, but with the flesh and blood of Christ, His Son.

So, too, when the disciples of Christ Jesus are brought to the remembrance of Him, they do not simply think of Him, but they are moved to act in mercy, as He is merciful; not only with heart and mind, but with ear and eye, hand and mouth, body and soul.

To remember Jesus is first of all to hear and receive what He says and gives, and then also to do as He does, to love as He loves. To remember Jesus is to forgive those who trespass against us, to do good to those who hate and hurt us, and to pray for those who persecute and curse us. For so does our Father remember us in Christ, in grace, mercy and peace.

07 April 2009

Apart from the Sacrament

If the Word of Christ is approached apart from His Holy Supper, then it can only be regarded as information to be agreed upon, accepted and assented to. But if the Word of Christ is heard as leading to His Altar and culminating in His Body and Blood, then it is received as the speaking of the Word-made-Flesh, as the giving of His person and His work in the present-tense; then it is embraced, not only with the mind, but with the heart, soul and body; it is not simply agreed upon as true, but trusted and loved as the Truth Himself.

06 April 2009

A Snippet from a Fun New Book

Having finally finished the last book in the Peter and the Starcatchers series, the children and I have really been enjoying a new book that we've only just begun: Framed, by Frank Cottrell Boyce (okay, so it's copyright 2005, but it's new to us). It really is quite a fun read.

Anyway, the following little snippet hit me just right this evening, as I was reading aloud to the youngins. It seemed not only cute but on the verge of profound, in a pop-philosophy sort of fashion. If nothing else, it made all of us laugh, and that's almost always a good thing.

Written from the first-person narrative perspective of Dylan, who's father owns a struggling gas station in a very small town:

"Tom's mam came to collect him in her little Copen. Tom wanted to say good night to Dad, but Minnie told him not to bother as he was in a bad mood.

"'Why's that then?' said Tom.

"Minnie said, 'You know you're not supposed to count your chickens before they've hatched? Well, imagine if you waited till they hatched, and then you fed the chicks and made sure they had water and antifreeze and oil checks, and then they grew up and flew away.'

"Tom said, 'I'm not sure you're supposed to give chickens antifreeze anyway.'

"'No, but . . .' said Minnie. 'Nothing. Good night." (Framed, 21)

Come Up to Worship at the Feast

If you wish to see Jesus, come up to worship at the Feast. For the Hour has come in which the Son of Man is glorified. It is for this purpose that He has come into His holy city: to be lifted up and glorified in death, and thereby to call the whole world to Himself, both Jews and Greeks, slave and free, male and female, young and old, even the living and "the dead."

Thus will He be handed over to the chief priests, scribes and pharisees, crucified under Pontius Pilate, put to death and buried in a tomb. None of this comes upon Him by surprise; nor do suffering and death thwart His purpose, but fulfill and accomplish it.

In all of this, He does not become discouraged or despair. He does not wail and complain. He does not revile or strike back against those who betray, revile and hurt Him. But entrusting Himself to His God and Father, He enters the city as it has been written of Him, and He proceeds in faith and love to His voluntary suffering and death.

So does He become the Passover Lamb, who is sacrificed for all the sons of man and all the daughters of Jerusalem. And as He has thus given Himself and died for all, which is His divine glory, so His victory is for all: His forgiveness of sins, His resurrection from the dead, His place with the Father, and His life everlasting.

All of this is yours, as you are His. For by His voice of the Gospel, He has called you by name from death to life, from your darkness into His marvelous light.

In your Holy Baptism, you have been crucified, dead and buried, and raised with Him. And those whom Christ Jesus has raised from the dead, are also given to recline at His Supper Table with Him, here in His House.

Now, the fragrance that fills this house has the stink of death about it, which the world hates and sinful man abhors. But the sacrificial death of Christ is a sweet-smelling aroma in the nostrils of God, with which He also delights in you and gladly receives your worship.

Your presence, then, at the Table with Jesus, is a testimony to His Cross and Resurrection, by which some will be called to faith and life, and for which others will hate you and seek to kill you.

But either way, do not be afraid.

If you would see Jesus — and live — come up to His Feast and worship. Worship Him by receiving His gifts with thanksgiving. Worship Him, also, by serving within His Church, and by serving your neighbor in the world as you can. Worship Him in the confidence that you have been raised with Him to recline at His Table forever. There with Him, though you die, yet shall you live. In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

04 April 2009

Dear One, Do Not Fear

Dear one, do not fear. Behold, your King is coming. Do not be afraid of Him, who comes to save you. And do not fear anything else.

King Jesus comes in the Name of the Lord into His holy city, Jerusalem. He comes, then, to die for your salvation. He comes, now, to forgive you with His own blood.

This new and greater David comes into a new and greater city of Jersualem, His Church. And the donkey that He rides into His Church is the bread and wine with which He gives you His holy body and precious blood. The donkey brought Him to the Cross, then, as this Sacrament bears Him to you from that Cross, now, in this new and better Feast of our Passover.

What this means for you is life. Indeed, it is your life with God in Christ, in His Kingdom.

But how shall you "remember" these things, and how shall you "understand" this Word? How shall you contemplate the Cross and recognize the glory of Christ Jesus in it? How shall you receive this Cross of Christ and its fruits, and rejoice in these gifts, not as a scandal, but as your salvation?

Here is how:

Hearken to His Word of forgiveness, and give attention to the Sign He has performed. For not only has He raised Lazarus from the dead, as by His voice He shall raise you; but He Himself has risen from the dead, having obtained redemption by His blood.

His Resurrection is the proclamation of His victory, and His risen Body is the first fruits of your salvation. And here, precisely here, He is coming to you. Do not fear. Kneel in homage at His Name, but do not cower in fear.

Come to meet Him at His Altar, and so enter with Him into His holy city, into His Temple; not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, yet here on earth as it is in heaven!

Here is the life-giving fruit of His Cross and the power of His Resurrection. Follow Him in this way of the Cross, which is the way of life, through His Blood of the eternal Covenant. The Life of God is in His Blood, and His Blood is poured out for you here.

It is with this Blood of His that your King, Christ Jesus, has entered into His holy city — and what is more, into the Most Holy Place — for you; that you may be with Him where He is, with God forever.

It is by and with this same Blood of the Covenant that He gives Himself to you (here and now) and binds you to Himself (forever and ever).

By this Blood, you live: tangibly in this Sacrament, and bodily in your own flesh, unto the life everlasting.

Do not fear, dear one.

Behold, your King is coming to you.

Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest!

Preserving Lutheranism is not the point

I'm as weary as anyone else of colleagues renouncing the Augsburg Confession in favor of various alternatives. But perhaps one of the reasons that such things seem to be happening with increasing frequency is that we Lutherans have focused too much on preserving "Lutheranism," protecting it, defending it, redefining it, attempting to save it, and whatever else, as though "Lutheranism" were the point and purpose and center of the Christian faith and life. It's not.

If the self-preservation of "Lutheranism" is what the Church of the Augsburg Confession has come to be about, then it is simply engaged in idolatry on a grand scale, beholden to another version of the same works righteousness it is ostensibly so opposed to. Ditto concerning the self-preservation of the LCMS, Inc., though that is surely of less consequence.

The point and purpose of "Lutheranism" is rather to confess, in and with the Augsburg Confession, the faith of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church, the faith once delivered to the saints, the faith of Christ Jesus, His Word of the Gospel, His free and full forgiveness of sins, His flesh and blood given and poured out for us, and His gracious gift of life for both body and soul. Where that is confessed in preaching and practice, there won't be any need for either self-preservation or quests for the Church. There, instead, will simply be the Church, the Body of Christ, living in His flesh and breathing His Spirit.

Kyrie Eleison.

03 April 2009

The Pastor of the Lamb

I suppose the pastoral office is one of the loneliest vocations on earth, and rightly so in the service of the Lamb who went alone, uncomplaining forth, to drink the Cup of God's wrath to the dregs and to die in utter dereliction. But, just so, the pastor is never alone in the office to which he has been called; for it is and remains the Office of Christ, the great Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. And as the very God who crushed Him and put Him to grief was still the Lord, His God and Father, who vindicted Him and raised Him from the dead, so does Christ bring both His own sheep and their shepherds under Him through death into the life everlasting. Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come.

This Lamb is Christ, the soul's great friend, the Lamb of God, our Savior,
Whom God the Father chose to send to gain for us His favor.

"Go forth, My Son," the Father said,
"And free My children from their dread of guilt and condemnation. The wrath and stripes are hard to bear, but by Your passion they will share the fruit of Your salvation."

"Yes, Father, yes, most willingly I'll bear what You command Me. My will conforms to Your decree, I'll do what You have asked Me."

O wondrous Love, what have you done!
The Father offers up His Son, desiring our salvation.

O Love, how strong You are to save!
You lay the One into the grave who built the earth's foundation.

Lord, when Your glory I shall see and taste Your kingdom's pleasure,
Your blood my royal robe shall be, my joy beyond all measure!
When I appear before Your throne, Your righteousness shall be my crown;
with these I need not hide me.

And there, in garments richly wrought, as Your own bride shall we be brought to stand in joy beside You. (Paul Gerhardt; LSB 438)

01 April 2009

Hymns for the First Octave of Easter Series B

The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Vigil

 
Genesis 1:1—2:3 (The Creation)
Genesis 7:1–5, 11–18; 8:6–18; 9:8–13 (The Flood)
Genesis 22:1–18 (The Testing of Abraham)
Exodus 14:10—15:1 (Israel’s Deliverance at the Red Sea)
 
Canticle: Song of Moses and Israel (LSB 925)
 
Ezekiel 36:24–28 (A New Heart and a New Spirit)
Ezekiel 37:1–14 (The Valley of Dry Bones)
Job 19:20–27 (Job Confesses the Redeemer)
Jonah 3:1–10 (Jonah Preaches to Nineveh)
Daniel 3:1–30 (The Fiery Furnace)
 
Canticle: All You Works of the Lord (LSB 931)
 
Romans 6:1–11 (Remembrance and Affirmation of Holy Baptism)
 
Hymn of Praise: Gloria in Excelsis Deo (LSB 154; 170; or 187)
 
Mark 16:1–8
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free (LSB 473)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
 
Processional Out
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
 
Alternative Hymns
Christ is arisen (LSB 459)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
He is arisen! Glorious Word (LSB 488)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
The day of resurrection (LSB 478)
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Sunrise

Exodus 15:1–11
1 Corinthians 5:6b–8
John 20:1–18
 
Divine Service, Setting Five (LSB 213–218)
 
Entrance Hymn
Christ the Lord is risen today; Alleluia (LSB 463)
 
Kyrie Hymn
Kyrie! God, Father in heav’n above (LSB 942)
 
Gloria Hymn
All glory be to God on high (LSB 947)
 
Gradual Hymn
He is arisen! Glorious Word (LSB 488)
 
Hymn of the Day
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
 
Creedal Hymn
We all believe in one true God (LSB 954)
 
Offertory Hymn
Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free (LSB 473)
 
Sanctus Hymn
Isaiah, mighty seer in days of old (LSB 960)
 
Agnus Dei
O Christ, Thou Lamb of God (LSB 198)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
I know that my Redeemer lives (LSB 461)
The day of resurrection (LSB 478)
 
Post-Communion Hymn
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
 
Processional Out
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
 
Alternative Hymns
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Christ is arisen (LSB 459)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
Christians, to the Paschal Victim (LSB 460)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
Jesus Christ is ris’n today (LSB 457)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
Lord, enthroned in heav’nly splendor (LSB 534)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
This joyful Eastertide (LSB 482)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Day

Isaiah 25:6–9
1 Corinthians 15:1–11
Mark 16:1–8
 
Processional Hymn
Hail thee, festival day (LSB 489)
 
Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim (LSB 460)
 
Hymn of the Day
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741) (Catechetical)
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
I know that my Redeemer lives (LSB 461)
Christ has arisen, Alleluia (LSB 466)
 
Processional Out
Jesus Christ is ris’n today (LSB 457)
 
Alternative Hymns
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
Alleluia! Jesus is risen (LSB 474)
Christ is arisen (LSB 459)
Christ the Lord is risen today; Alleluia (LSB 463)
Hail, Thou once despised Jesus (LSB 531)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
This joyful Eastertide (LSB 482)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Monday

Daniel 12:1c–3
Acts 10:34–43
Luke 24:13–35
 
Processional Hymn / Hymn of Invocation
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
 
Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim (LSB 460)
 
Hymn of the Day
Christ the Lord is risen today; Alleluia (LSB 463)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Who are you who walk in sorrow (LSB 476)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
 
Processional Out / Hymn of Departure
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
 
Alternative Hymns
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Oh, what their joy and their glory must be (LSB 675)
Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free (LSB 473)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
The day of resurrection (LSB 478)
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Tuesday

Daniel 3:8–28
Acts 13:26–33
Luke 24:36–49
 
Processional Hymn / Hymn of Invocation
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
 
Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim (LSB 460)
 
Hymn of the Day
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
All you works of God, bless the Lord (LSB 930)
 
Processional Out / Hymn of Departure
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
Alternative Hymns
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
This joyful Eastertide (LSB 482)
We are called to stand together (LSB 828)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Wednesday

Acts 3:1–10
Colossians 3:1–7
John 21:1–14
 
Processional Hymn / Hymn of Invocation
Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands (LSB 458)
 
Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim (LSB 460)
 
Hymn of the Day
Long before the world is waking (LSB 485)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Now, my tongue, the myst’ry telling (LSB 630)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
 
Processional Out / Hymn of Departure
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
 
Alternative Hymns
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Thursday

Psalm 8:1–8 (antiphon: v. 9)
Acts 3:11–26
John 21:15–19
 
Hymn of the Day
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
 
Alternative Hymns
Feed Thy children, God most holy (LSB 774)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Shepherd of tender youth (LSB 864)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Friday

Psalm 118:22–29 (antiphon: vv. 1–2)
Acts 4:1–12
Matthew 28:1–15
 
Hymn of the Day
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
 
Alternative Hymns
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name (LSB 549)
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Christ has arisen, Alleluia (LSB 466)
Hail, Thou once despised Jesus (LSB 531)
Jesus Christ is ris’n today (LSB 457)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Now all the vault of heav’n resounds (LSB 465)
This joyful Eastertide (LSB 482)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
 
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Saturday

Psalm 118:14–21 (antiphon: vv. 1, 5)
Acts 4:13–21
Mark 16:9–18
 
Hymn of the Day
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
 
Alternative Hymns
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
Rise, shine, you people (LSB 825)
We are called to stand together (LSB 828)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
 
 
Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:32–35
1 John 1:1—2:2
John 20:19–31
 
Processional Hymn
Awake, my heart, with gladness (LSB 467)
 
Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim (LSB 460)
 
Hymn of the Day
O sons and daughters of the King (LSB 470)
 
Offertory Hymn
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
 
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
These things did Thomas count as real (LSB 472)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421) (Catechetical)
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
 
Processional Out
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)
 
Alternative Hymns
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
I know that my Redeemer lives (LSB 461)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Lo! He comes with clouds descending (LSB 336)
Lord of glory, You have bought us (LSB 851)
O blessed Light, O Trinity (LSB 890)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free (LSB 473)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
The strife is o’er, the battle done (LSB 464)
Thee we adore, O hidden Savior (LSB 640)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)