thinking-out-loud

06 December 2008

The Voice of the Lord

Here is where and how the Gospel begins. This is how the Lord comes to you, to comfort you and give you life. And this is how you are prepared for His coming.

He sends a preacher to voice His Word, which alone endures forever. Everything else will wither and fade, or be destroyed, but His Word remains. Thus, He sends a preacher to speak that eternal Word of His to your heart, in order to turn your heart to Him.

What does your heart trust? What does your heart fear? What does your heart love? Whatever it is to which your heart clings, that is your god; that is what drives you and determines your thoughts, words and deeds.

Know this, then: everything in heaven and on earth, all the world's works and all the world's ways, all of it is passing away, dead and dying.

But the Lord, the Almighty, the true and only God, the Creator of all things, He is coming: He is, and He will.

How, then, shall you meet Him? Face to face, in faith? Or with your back to Him, in fear? Forgiven? Or condemned?

What sort of person ought you to be, therefore? How should you live? But who, or what, is your god?

Repent. Look to the One who is coming, and live. If your heart is proud, humble yourself before Him. If your heart is despairing, lift up your head in hope, because your Redeemer is drawing near. If your heart is greedy and selfish, give your possessions away to the one who has nothing. If you are consumed by some lust or addiction, let go of those idols and seek the Lord where He is found.

Repent. A broken and contrite heart, the Lord will not despise. Be baptized. Or, if you are baptized, return to your Baptism. Be crucified with Christ by contrition and repentance. Be raised to newness of life through faith in His forgiveness.

Go out to the preacher whom God the Lord has sent, to hear His voice in the wilderness proclaiming His forgiveness of your sins. Return to the waters of your Baptism and enter the good land that God has promised, by going out to the "Jordan River," confessing your sins.

That is what a contrite and penitent heart does, first of all: Confess your sins, and confess the Christ, in order to live by His Word of the Gospel.

Do not take lightly or for granted, and do not let go, the significance, the strength and salvation of His voice: the proclamation of His Word, the speaking of Christ that is heard. That is the beginning of the Gospel. It is by this means that you receive Christ and are saved by His grace.

Hear and receive this comfort that is spoken to your heart. The fierceness of God's Law is for the sake of bringing you to this sweet sound of Absolution. For every sin which would destroy you has been borne by Christ and borne away. Your painful repentance unites you to His Cross and His Resurrection.

The waters of your Baptism have therefore cleansed your conscience and given you peace in the presence of God, through the forgiveness of all your sins.

And the preaching of His Gospel does what His voice declares: You are forgiven, for Jesus' sake. His Spirit has opened His Way into your heart by faith. And His Way has been opened unto you in love, to enter through Him into the new creation, the home where righteousness dwells.

Indeed, it is the milk and honey of the new heavens and the new earth which already flow for you here, in the midst of the wilderness, from the Altar of Christ, from His Cross, from His own hand, with His own voice: for you, for the forgiveness of all your sins.

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

04 December 2008

Hymns for the Historic Gesimas

Septuagesima
Exodus 17:1–7
1 Corinthians 9:24—10:5
Matthew 20:1–16

Hymn of Invocation
Word of God, come down on earth (LSB 545)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
Now, my tongue, the myst’ry telling (LSB 630)
By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless (LSB 566)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)

Hymn of Departure
O Christ, our hope, our hearts’ desire (LSB 553)

Alternative Hymns
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
Christ is made the sure foundation (LSB 909)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling (LSB 827)
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Lord, dismiss us with Your blessing (LSB 924)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
New songs of celebration render (LSB 792)
O God of God, O Light of Light (LSB 810)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
O Word of God incarnate (LSB 523)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you (LSB 668)
Rock of ages, cleft for me (LSB 761)
Triune God, be Thou our stay (LSB 505)
Water, blood, and Spirit crying (LSB 597)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
With the Lord begin your task (LSB 869)

Sexagesima
Isaiah 55:10–13
2 Corinthians 11:19—12:9 (or Hebrews 4:9–13)
Luke 8:4–15

Hymn of Invocation
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
Preach you the Word, and plant it home (LSB 586)
Almighty God, Your Word is cast (LSB 577)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790)

Hymn of Departure
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)

Alternative Hymns
Almighty Father, bless the Word (LSB 923)
Blessed Jesus, at Your Word (LSB 904)
Faith and truth and life bestowing (LSB 584)
Father, we thank Thee who hast planted (LSB 652)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
God has spoken by His prophets (LSB 583)
God’s Word is our great heritage (LSB 582)
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling (LSB 827)
I know my faith is founded (LSB 587)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
Now thank we all our God (LSB 895)
O Word of God incarnate (LSB 523)
On what has now been sown (LSB 921)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens (LSB 589)
Spread the reign of God the Lord (LSB 830)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
What is the world to me (LSB 730)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)

Quinquagesima
1 Samuel 16:1–13 (or Isaiah 35:3–7)
1 Corinthians 13:1–13
Luke 18:31–43

Hymn of Invocation
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
Christ be my leader by night as by day (LSB 861)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (LSB 977e; TLH 25; LW 439)

Hymn of Departure
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)

Alternative Hymns
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
Jesus, I will ponder now (LSB 440)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Jesus, refuge of the weary (LSB 423)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
Lord, ‘tis not that I did choose Thee (LSB 573)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
O Son of God, in Galilee (LSB 841)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790)
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted (LSB 451)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
Word of God, come down on earth (LSB 545)

03 December 2008

A Little Leaven

"This entire Epistle gives ample evidence of how disappointed Paul was over the fall of the Galatians and of how often he pounded at them — now with reproof, now with appeals — about the very great and inestimable evils that would follow their fall unless they reconsidered. This care and admonition, so fatherly and truly apostolic, had no effect at all on some of them; for very many of them no longer acknowledged Paul as their teacher but vastly preferred the false apostles, from whom they imagined that they had derived true doctrine rather than from Paul.

"Finally the false apostles undoubtedly slandered Paul among the Galatians in this way: Paul, they said, was a stubborn and quarrelsome man, who was shattering the harmony among the churches on account of some trifle, for no other reason than because he alone wanted to be right and to be praised. With this false accusation they made Paul detestable in the eyes of many. Others, who had not yet fallen completely away from Paul’s teaching, imagined that there was no harm in disagreeing a little with him on the doctrines of justification and faith. Accordingly, when they heard Paul placing such great emphasis on what seemed to them a matter of such minor importance, they were amazed and thought: ‘Granted that we have diverged somewhat from Paul’s teaching and that there is some fault on our side, still it is a minor matter. Therefore he should overlook it or at least not place such great emphasis on it. Otherwise he could shatter the harmony among the churches with this unimportant issue.’

"Paul answers them with this excellent proverbial statement: ‘A little yeast leavens the whole lump’ (Galatians 5:9). This is a caution which Paul emphasizes. We, too, should emphasize it in our time. For the sectarians who deny the bodily presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper accuse us today of being quarrelsome, harsh, and intractable, because, as they say, we shatter love and harmony among the churches on account of the single doctrine about the Sacrament. They say that we should not make so much of this little doctrine, which is not a sure thing anyway and was not specified in sufficient detail by the Apostles, that solely on its account we refuse to pay attention to the sum total of Christian doctrine and to general harmony among all the churches. This is especially so because they agree with us on other articles of Christian doctrine. With this very plausible argument they not only make us unpopular among their own followers; but they even subvert many good men, who suppose that we disagree with them because of sheer stubbornness or some other personal feeling. But these are tricks of the devil, by which he is trying to overthrow not only this article of faith but all Christian doctrine.

"To this argument of theirs we reply with Paul: ‘A little yeast leavens the whole lump.’ In philosophy a tiny error in the beginning is very great at the end. Thus in theology a tiny error overthrows the whole teaching. Therefore doctrine and life should be distinguished as sharply as possible. Doctrine belongs to God, not to us; and we are called only as its ministers. Therefore we cannot give up or change even one dot of it (Matt. 5:18). Life belongs to us; therefore when it comes to this, there is nothing that the Sacramentarians can demand of us that we are not willing and obliged to undertake, condone, and tolerate, with the exception of doctrine and faith, about which we always say what Paul says: ‘A little yeast, etc.’ On this score we cannot yield even a hairbreadth. For doctrine is like a mathematical point. Therefore it cannot be divided; that is, it cannot stand either subtraction or addition. On the other hand, life is like a physical point. Therefore it can always be divided and can always yield something." (Luther’s Works, Volume 27, CPH 1963)

02 December 2008

Hymns for Epiphany Tide (5-9) Series B

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 40:21–31
1 Corinthians 9:16–27
Mark 1:29–39

Hymn of Invocation
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Isaiah, mighty seer in days of old (LSB 960)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)

Hymn of Departure
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)

Alternative Hymns
Awake, my soul, and with the sun (LSB 868)
Hope of the world, Thou Christ of great compassion (LSB 690)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (LSB 977; TLH 25; LW 439)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
Now that the daylight fills the sky (LSB 870)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790)
Rise, shine, you people (LSB 825)
Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you (LSB 668)
Voices raised to You we offer (LSB 795)
Your hand, O Lord, in days of old (LSB 846)

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
2 Kings 5:1–14
1 Corinthians 10:(19–30) 31—11:1
Mark 1:40–45

Hymn of Invocation
Come down, O Love divine (LSB 501)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)

Hymn of Departure
Thee will I love, my strength, my tower (LSB 694)

Alternative Hymns
Awake, my soul, and with the sun (LSB 868)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Hope of the world, Thou Christ of great compassion (LSB 690)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
O Christ, our hope, our hearts’ desire (LSB 553)
O God of mercy, God of might (LSB 852)
O Jesus, King most wonderful (LSB 554)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
Word of God, come down on earth (LSB 545)
Your hand, O Lord, in days of old (LSB 846)

Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 43:18–25
2 Corinthians 1:18–22
Mark 2:1–12

Hymn of Invocation
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
Rise, shine, you people (LSB 825)

Hymn of Departure
I will sing my Maker’s praises (LSB 977; TLH 25; LW 439)

Alternative Hymns
Arise and shine in splendor (LSB 396)
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing (LSB 686)
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
Hope of the world, Thou Christ of great compassion (LSB 690)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Just as I am, without one plea (LSB 570)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)
O splendor of God’s glory bright (LSB 874)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)

Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany
Hosea 2:14–20
2 Corinthians 2:12—3:6
Mark 2:(13–17) 18–22

Hymn of Invocation
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790)

Hymn of Departure
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)

Alternative Hymns
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Christ be my leader by night as by day (LSB 861)
"Come, follow Me," the Savior spake (LSB 688)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (LSB 977; TLH 25; LW 439)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven (LSB 793)
Rejoice, O pilgrim throng (LSB 813)
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)
Today Your mercy calls us (LSB 915)
What is the world to me (LSB 730)
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)

The Transfiguration of Our Lord
2 Kings 2:1–12 (or Exodus 34:29–35)
2 Corinthians 3:12–13 (14–18); 4:1–6
Mark 9:2–9

Processional Hymn
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)

Hymn of the Day
O wondrous type! O vision fair (LSB 413)

Offertory Hymn
Beautiful Savior, King of creation (LSB 537)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
‘Tis good, Lord, to be here (LSB 414)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)

Processional Out / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Alleluia, song of gladness (LSB 417)

Alternative Hymns
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (LSB 821)
God has spoken by His prophets (LSB 583)
Jesus on the mountain peak (LSB 415)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
O blessed Light, O Trinity (LSB 890)
O God of God, O Light of Light (LSB 810)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Praise be to Christ in whom we see (LSB 538)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
Thine the amen, Thine the praise (LSB 680)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)

Hymns for Epiphany Tide (1-4) Series B

30 November 2008

Hymns for Historic Epiphany Tide

The Epiphany of Our Lord
Isaiah 60:1–6
Ephesians 3:1–12
Matthew 2:1–12

Processional Hymn
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872)

Sequence Hymn
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)

Offertory Hymn
As with gladness men of old (LSB 397)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Wake, awake, for night is flying (LSB 516)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)

Processional Out
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)

Alternative Hymns
Angels from the realms of glory (LSB 367)
Arise and shine in splendor (LSB 396)
Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light (LSB 378)
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning (LSB 400)
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)
Hail, O source of ev’ry blessing (LSB 409)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates (LSB 340)
O Christ, our true and only light (LSB 839)
O God of God, O Light of Light (LSB 810)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
O light whose splendor thrills and gladdens (LSB 891)
O splendor of God’s glory bright (LSB 874)
Rise, shine, you people (LSB 825)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
The people that in darkness sat (LSB 412)
The star proclaims the King is here (LSB 399)
What child is this, who, laid to rest (LSB 370)

First Sunday after the Epiphany
1 Kings 8:6–13
Romans 12:1–5
Luke 2:41–52

Hymn of Invocation
O Word of God incarnate (LSB 523)

Sequence Hymn
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Within the Father’s house (LSB 410)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
From east to west (LSB 385)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
Our Father, by whose name (LSB 863)

Hymn of Departure
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)

Alternative Hymns
Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light (LSB 378)
Children of the heav’nly Father (LSB 725)
Christ be my leader by night as by day (LSB 861)
Church of God, elect and glorious (LSB 646)
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)
God loves me dearly (LSB 392)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lord Jesus Christ, the children’s friend (LSB 866)
Lord of all hopefulness (LSB 738)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O Christ, our true and only light (LSB 839)
Of the Father’s love begotten (LSB 384)
Oh, blest the house whate’er befall (LSB 862)
Once in royal David’s city (LSB 376)
Shepherd of tender youth (LSB 864)
Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens (LSB 589)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
What is the world to me (LSB 730)

The Baptism of Our Lord
Joshua 3:1–3, 7–8, 13–17 (or Isaiah 42:1–7)
1 Corinthians 1:26–31
Matthew 3:13–17

Processional Hymn
I bind unto myself today (LSB 604)

Sequence Hymn
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
To Jordan came the Christ, our Lord (LSB 406)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Jesus, once with sinners numbered (LSB 404)
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)

Processional Out
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)

Alternative Hymns
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Baptized into Your name most holy (LSB 590)
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest (LSB 498/499)
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
If Your beloved Son, O God (LSB 568)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Lift high the cross (LSB 837)
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
The royal banners forward go (LSB 455)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
To Jordan’s river came our Lord (LSB 405)
When all the world was cursed (LSB 346)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)

Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Exodus 33:12–23 (or Amos 9:11–15)
Ephesians 5:22–33 (or Romans 12:6–16)
John 2:1–11

Hymn of Invocation
The star proclaims the King is here (LSB 399)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The Bridegroom soon will call us (LSB 514)
All glory be to God alone (LSB 948)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
Christ, the Word of God incarnate (LSB 540)

Hymn of Departure
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)

Alternative Hymns
Alleluia! Let praises ring (LSB 822)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Come, join in Cana’s feast (LSB 408)
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty (LSB 507)
Holy God, we praise Thy name (LSB 940)
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
The people that in darkness sat (LSB 412)
Wake, awake, for night is flying (LSB 516)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)

Third Sunday after the Epiphany
2 Kings 5:1–15a
Romans 1:8–17 (or Romans 12:16–21)
Matthew 8:1–13

Hymn of Invocation
O Christ, our true and only light (LSB 839)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
O God of God, O Light of Light (LSB 810)
Arise and shine in splendor (LSB 396)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Rise, shine, you people (LSB 825)

Hymn of Departure
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)

Alternative Hymns
All Christians who have been baptized (LSB 596)
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning (LSB 400)
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Hail, O source of ev’ry blessing (LSB 409)
I know my faith is founded (LSB 587)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Jonah 1:1–17
Romans 8:18–23 (or Romans 13:8–10)
Matthew 8:23–27

Hymn of Invocation
Blessed Jesus, at Your Word (LSB 904)

Hymn of the Day
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)

Offertory Hymn
Evening and morning (LSB 726)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533) (Catechetical)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)

Hymn of Departure
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)

Alternative Hymns
As with gladness men of old (LSB 397)
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Eternal Father, strong to save (LSB 717)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Jesus, Savior, pilot me (LSB 715)
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
Now thank we all our God (LSB 895)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O God, our help in ages past (LSB 733)
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
The King of love my shepherd is (LSB 709)
What is the world to me (LSB 730)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Genesis 18:20–33
Colossians 3:12–17
Matthew 13:24–30 (36–43)

Hymn of Invocation
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)

Hymn of Departure
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)

Alternative Hymns
Almighty God, Your Word is cast (LSB 577)
Come, my soul, with ev’ry care (LSB 779)
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (LSB 769)
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
My faith looks up to Thee (LSB 702)
O God of mercy, God of might (LSB 852)
O light whose splendor thrills and gladdens (LSB 891)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Voices raised to You we offer (LSB 795)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
With the Lord begin your task (LSB 869)

The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Exodus 34:29–35 (or Exodus 3:1–14)
2 Peter 1:16–21
Matthew 17:1–9

Processional Hymn
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
O wondrous type! O vision fair (LSB 413)

Offertory Hymn
Praise be to Christ in whom we see (LSB 538)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
‘Tis good, Lord, to be here (LSB 414)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)

Processional Out
Alleluia, song of gladness (LSB 417)

Alternative Hymns
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (LSB 821)
Arise and shine in splendor (LSB 396)
Beautiful Savior, King of creation (LSB 537)
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning (LSB 400)
Father, we praise Thee (LSB 875)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (LSB 977; TLH 25; LW 439)
Isaiah, mighty seer in days of old (LSB 960)
Jesus on the mountain peak (LSB 415)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
O God of God, O Light of Light (LSB 810)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)
O Word of God incarnate (LSB 523)
Swiftly pass the clouds of glory (LSB 416)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
Thine the amen, Thine the praise (LSB 680)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)

29 November 2008

Hymns for Christmas Tide Series B

The Nativity of Our Lord
Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols

Office Hymn
Silent night, holy night (LSB 363)

First Lesson
Genesis 3:8–15 (The promised Seed shall bruise the serpent’s head)

First Carol
Savior of the nations, come (LSB 332)

Second Lesson
Genesis 22:15–18 (The Lord’s gracious promise to Abraham)

Second Carol
Creator of the stars of night (LSB 351)

Third Lesson
Isaiah 7:10–15 (The Virgin shall conceive and bear Emmanuel)

Third Carol
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)

Fourth Lesson
St. Luke 1:26–38 (The Annunciation unto the Virgin St. Mary)

Fourth Carol
The angel Gabriel from heaven came (LSB 356)

Fifth Lesson
Isaiah 60:1–6 (The Glory of the Lord has risen upon you)

Fifth Carol / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)

Sixth Lesson
Isaiah 62:10–12 (The Lord comes with salvation for you)

Sixth Carol
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)

Seventh Lesson
St. Matthew 1:18–25 (The Birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior)

Seventh Carol
Away in a manger (LSB 364/365)

Eighth Lesson
1 John 4:7–16 (Let us love one another, for love is from God)

Eighth Carol
Once in royal David's city (LSB 376)

Ninth Lesson
St. John 1:1–14 (The Word became Flesh and dwells among us)

Ninth Carol
Hark! The herald angels sing (LSB 380)

Processional Out / Hymn of Departure
Joy to the world (LSB 387)

Alternative Hymns and Carols
A great and mighty wonder (LSB 383)
Angels from the realms of glory (LSB 367)
Angels we have heard on high (LSB 368)
From heav’n above to earth I come (LSB 358)
Gentle Mary laid her child (LSB 374)
Infant holy, infant lowly (LSB 393)
It came upon the midnight clear (LSB 366)
Let our gladness have no end (LSB 381)
Let the earth now praise the Lord (LSB 352)
Now sing we, now rejoice (LSB 386)
O come, all ye faithful (LSB 379)
O come, O come, Emmanuel (LSB 357)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
O little town of Bethlehem (LSB 361)
O sing of Christ, whose birth made known (LSB 362)
Of the Father’s love begotten (LSB 384)
On Christmas night all Christians sing (LSB 377)
The people that in darkness sat (LSB 412)
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)
What child is this, who, laid to rest (LSB 370)

The Nativity of Our Lord
Midnight ChristMass
Isaiah 9:2–7
Titus 2:11–14
Luke 2:1–14 (15–20)

Processional Hymn
Of the Father's love begotten (LSB 384)

Sequence Hymn
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)

Hymn of the Day
From heav’n above to earth I come (LSB 358)

Offertory Hymn
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375) (Catechetical)
A great and mighty wonder (LSB 383)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)

Processional Out
Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light (LSB 378)

Alternative Hymns
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)
Away in a manger (LSB 364/365)
From east to west (LSB 385)
Hark! The herald angels sing (LSB 380)
Infant holy, infant lowly (LSB 393)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)
O gladsome Light, O grace (LSB 888)
On Christmas night all Christians sing (LSB 377)
Silent night, holy night (LSB 363)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)

The Nativity of Our Lord
Christmas Dawn
Isaiah 62:10–12
Titus 3:4–7
Luke 2: (1–14) 15–20

Processional Hymn
Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light (LSB 378)

Sequence Hymn
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)

Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
O sing of Christ, whose birth made known (LSB 362)
From heav’n above to earth I come (LSB 358)
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)

Processional Out
Hark! The herald angels sing (LSB 380)

Alternative Hymns
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
From east to west (LSB 385)
Infant holy, infant lowly (LSB 393)
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)
Rejoice, rejoice this happy morn (LSB 391)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)

The Nativity of Our Lord
Christmas Day
Isaiah 52:7–10
Hebrews 1:1–6 (7–12)
John 1:1–14 (15–18)

Divine Service, Setting Five (LSB 213–218)

Entrance Hymn / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)

Kyrie Hymn
Kyrie! God, Father in heav’n above (LSB 942)

Gloria Hymn
All glory be to God alone (LSB 948)

Gradual Hymn
Rejoice, rejoice this happy morn (LSB 391)

Hymn of the Day / Sequence Hymn
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)

Creedal Hymn
We all believe in one true God (LSB 954)

Offertory Hymn
Hark! The herald angels sing (LSB 380)

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
Of the Father’s love begotten (LSB 384)
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)
Savior of the nations, come (LSB 332)

Post-Communion Hymn
In peace and joy I now depart (LSB 938)

Processional Out
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)

Alternative Hymns
A great and mighty wonder (LSB 383)
From heav'n above to earth I come (LSB 358)
Infant holy, infant lowly (LSB 393)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)

First Sunday after Christmas
Isaiah 61:10—62:3
Galatians 4:4–7
Luke 2:22–40

Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Of the Father’s love begotten (LSB 384)

Sequence Hymn
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)

Hymn of the Day
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
Angels from the realms of glory (LSB 367)

Hymn of Departure
In peace and joy I now depart (LSB 938)

Alternative Hymns
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)
From heav’n above to earth I come (LSB 358)
In His temple now behold Him (LSB 519)
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness (LSB 563)
Joy to the world (LSB 387)
Let our gladness have no end (LSB 381)
Let the earth now praise the Lord (LSB 352)
Lord, dismiss us with Your blessing (LSB 924)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)
O rejoice, ye Christians, loudly (LSB 897)
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)
O sing of Christ, whose birth made known (LSB 362)
Oh, what their joy and their glory must be (LSB 675)
Once He came in blessing (LSB 333)
Savior of the nations, come (LSB 332)
Sing with all the saints in glory (LSB 671)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
The people that in darkness sat (LSB 412)
Ye watchers and ye holy ones (LSB 670)

Second Sunday after Christmas
1 Kings 3:4–15
Ephesians 1:3–14
Luke 2:40–52

Hymn of Invocation
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)

Sequence Hymn
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)

Hymn of the Day
Within the Father’s house (LSB 410)

Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
From east to west (LSB 385) (Catechetical Hymn)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
Oh, blest the house whate’er befall (LSB 862)

Hymn of Departure
Our Father, by whose name (LSB 863)

Alternative Hymns
Angels from the realms of glory (LSB 367)
Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light (LSB 378)
Children of the heav’nly Father (LSB 725)
Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing (LSB 686)
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Joy to the world (LSB 387)
Lord of all hopefulness (LSB 738)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
O Word of God incarnate (LSB 523)
Of the Father’s love begotten (LSB 384)
Once in royal David’s city (LSB 376)
Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens (LSB 589)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
The people that in darkness sat (LSB 412)