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)
30 November 2008
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)
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)
28 November 2008
Hymns for Historic Christmas Tide
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
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 / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
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
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
A great and mighty wonder (LSB 383)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
Processional Out
Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light (LSB 378)
Alternative Hymns
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)
Angels we have heard on high (LSB 368)
Away in a manger (LSB 364/365)
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus (LSB 338)
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
From east to west (LSB 385)
Hark! The herald angels sing (LSB 380)
Infant holy, infant lowly (LSB 393)
It came upon the midnight clear (LSB 366)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)
O come, all ye faithful (LSB 379)
O gladsome Light, O grace (LSB 888)
On Christmas night all Christians sing (LSB 377)
Silent night, holy night (LSB 363)
The Nativity of Our Lord
Christmas Dawn
Micah 5:2–5a
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
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
From heav’n above to earth I come (LSB 358) (Catechetical)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
From east to west (LSB 385)
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)
Infant holy, infant lowly (LSB 393)
Joy to the world (LSB 387)
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)
Now sing we, now rejoice (LSB 386)
O come, all ye faithful (LSB 379)
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)
O little town of Bethlehem (LSB 361)
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)
O sing of Christ, whose birth made known (LSB 362)
Once in royal David’s city (LSB 376)
Rejoice, rejoice this happy morn (LSB 391)
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
The Nativity of Our Lord
Christmas Day
Exodus 40:17–21, 34–38
Titus 3:4–7
John 1:1–14 (15–18)
Divine Service, Setting Five (LSB 213–218)
Entrance Hymn
Of the Father’s love begotten (LSB 384)
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
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
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
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)
From heav'n above to earth I come (LSB 358) (Catechetical)
Savior of the nations, come (LSB 332)
Post-Communion Hymn
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
Processional Out
Hark! The herald angels sing (LSB 380)
Alternative Hymns
A great and mighty wonder (LSB 383)
Angels from the realms of glory (LSB 367)
Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light (LSB 378)
Infant holy, infant lowly (LSB 393)
Joy to the world (LSB 387)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
Let our gladness have no end (LSB 381)
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)
What child is this, who, laid to rest (LSB 370)
First Sunday after Christmas
Isaiah 11:1–5 (or 2 Samuel 7:1–16)
Galatians 4:1–7
Luke 2:(22–32) 33–40
Hymn of Invocation
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
Sequence Hymn
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Of the Father’s love begotten (LSB 384)
Angels from the realms of glory (LSB 367)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O rejoice, ye Christians, loudly (LSB 897)
Hymn of Departure
In peace and joy I now depart (LSB 938)
Alternative Hymns
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name (LSB 549)
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360
Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light (LSB 378)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
From east to west (LSB 385)
From heav’n above to earth I come (LSB 358)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
In His temple now behold Him (LSB 519)
Let our gladness have no end (LSB 381)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)
O come, O come, Emmanuel (LSB 357)
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)
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)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
The people that in darkness sat (LSB 412)
Second Sunday after Christmas
Genesis 46:1–7
1 Peter 4:12–19
Matthew 2:13–23
Hymn of Invocation
O Word of God incarnate (LSB 523)
Sequence Hymn
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
From east to west (LSB 385)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
O sing of Christ, whose birth made known (LSB 362)
Children of the heav’nly Father (LSB 725)
Hymn of Departure
Let us all with gladsome voice (LSB 390)
Alternative Hymns
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
In peace and joy I now depart (LSB 938)
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)
Now sing we, now rejoice (LSB 386)
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)
O little flock, fear not the foe (LSB 666)
Of the Father’s love begotten (LSB 384)
The star proclaims the King is here (LSB 399)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
What child is this, who, laid to rest (LSB 370)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
When aimless violence takes those we love (LSB 764)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
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
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 / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
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
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
A great and mighty wonder (LSB 383)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
Processional Out
Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light (LSB 378)
Alternative Hymns
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)
Angels we have heard on high (LSB 368)
Away in a manger (LSB 364/365)
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus (LSB 338)
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
From east to west (LSB 385)
Hark! The herald angels sing (LSB 380)
Infant holy, infant lowly (LSB 393)
It came upon the midnight clear (LSB 366)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)
O come, all ye faithful (LSB 379)
O gladsome Light, O grace (LSB 888)
On Christmas night all Christians sing (LSB 377)
Silent night, holy night (LSB 363)
The Nativity of Our Lord
Christmas Dawn
Micah 5:2–5a
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
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
From heav’n above to earth I come (LSB 358) (Catechetical)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
From east to west (LSB 385)
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)
Infant holy, infant lowly (LSB 393)
Joy to the world (LSB 387)
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)
Now sing we, now rejoice (LSB 386)
O come, all ye faithful (LSB 379)
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)
O little town of Bethlehem (LSB 361)
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)
O sing of Christ, whose birth made known (LSB 362)
Once in royal David’s city (LSB 376)
Rejoice, rejoice this happy morn (LSB 391)
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
The Nativity of Our Lord
Christmas Day
Exodus 40:17–21, 34–38
Titus 3:4–7
John 1:1–14 (15–18)
Divine Service, Setting Five (LSB 213–218)
Entrance Hymn
Of the Father’s love begotten (LSB 384)
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
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
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
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)
From heav'n above to earth I come (LSB 358) (Catechetical)
Savior of the nations, come (LSB 332)
Post-Communion Hymn
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
Processional Out
Hark! The herald angels sing (LSB 380)
Alternative Hymns
A great and mighty wonder (LSB 383)
Angels from the realms of glory (LSB 367)
Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light (LSB 378)
Infant holy, infant lowly (LSB 393)
Joy to the world (LSB 387)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
Let our gladness have no end (LSB 381)
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)
What child is this, who, laid to rest (LSB 370)
First Sunday after Christmas
Isaiah 11:1–5 (or 2 Samuel 7:1–16)
Galatians 4:1–7
Luke 2:(22–32) 33–40
Hymn of Invocation
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
Sequence Hymn
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Of the Father’s love begotten (LSB 384)
Angels from the realms of glory (LSB 367)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O rejoice, ye Christians, loudly (LSB 897)
Hymn of Departure
In peace and joy I now depart (LSB 938)
Alternative Hymns
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name (LSB 549)
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360
Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light (LSB 378)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
From east to west (LSB 385)
From heav’n above to earth I come (LSB 358)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
In His temple now behold Him (LSB 519)
Let our gladness have no end (LSB 381)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)
O come, O come, Emmanuel (LSB 357)
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)
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)
The infant priest was holy born (LSB 624)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
The people that in darkness sat (LSB 412)
Second Sunday after Christmas
Genesis 46:1–7
1 Peter 4:12–19
Matthew 2:13–23
Hymn of Invocation
O Word of God incarnate (LSB 523)
Sequence Hymn
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
From east to west (LSB 385)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
O sing of Christ, whose birth made known (LSB 362)
Children of the heav’nly Father (LSB 725)
Hymn of Departure
Let us all with gladsome voice (LSB 390)
Alternative Hymns
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
In peace and joy I now depart (LSB 938)
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (LSB 359)
Now sing we, now rejoice (LSB 386)
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild (LSB 546)
O little flock, fear not the foe (LSB 666)
Of the Father’s love begotten (LSB 384)
The star proclaims the King is here (LSB 399)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
What child is this, who, laid to rest (LSB 370)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
When aimless violence takes those we love (LSB 764)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
27 November 2008
Twenty Slices of Daily Bread
God gives daily bread even without our prayer, but we pray that He would lead us to realize this, and that He would open our hands and mouths and hearts to receive His gifts of daily bread with thanksgiving. Here are twenty slices of that good loaf for which I am giving thanks this year:
1. Our own house and home, and the many people, good friends, faithful neighbors and the like, who have helped us to make it so.
2. Zach & Bekah's visit at Epiphany 2008, shortly after their engagement; and the wonderful chance I had to visit them in Texas a few weeks after that; also, that I was on hand when Zach fell after giving blood, and that he was spared any lasting hurt.
3. The precious gift of life that God graciously bestowed upon our Job, so briefly here in time, but now and hereafter eternally in the nearer presence of Christ; and, because our dear little Job has surpassed us all in going ahead of us to heaven, the life that God has now granted to our unborn daughter, Katharina. In this, our Job has shown himself a gentleman, indeed, giving way his place to a young lady.
4. Emmaus, for numerous reasons, including: that the congregation expects and encourages me to be and do those things that a pastor is actually called to be and do, instead of asking me to be a pop psychologist, an entertainer, a fundraiser and marketing exec; that we are blessed with an excellent assistant pastor; that we have such great music at Emmaus, including the regular singing of the richest and most robust hymns in the history of the Church; that our life together as a congregation is defined liturgically and catechetically, rather than socially, emotionally, programmatically or artificially; that our youth are faithful and pious, good-humored and friendly, and actively involved in the life of the congregation; and that little children comprise such a large percentage of our church family. (And thanks to Karin for her recent blog posts on our Emmaus congregation, which were such an encouragement.)
5. The opportunities I have been given to teach at the Lutheran seminary in Novosibirsk, and the very dear friends that I have met there each time.
6. The Church Fathers and the ready availability of their writings and information about them.
7. DoRena and Sam; their marvelous wedding; and their unborn daughter, Sarena.
8. Zach and Rebekah; their marvelous wedding; their good jobs in this difficult economy, and Zach's good grades and great scholarships at Sam Houston State University.
9. The good and faithful pastors that Christ has provided for DoRena and Sam in Fort Wayne, and for Zach and Rebekah in Texas.
10. Higher Things, and the privilege of serving as a conference chaplain.
11. The Concordia Catechetical Academy, despite the fact that I've not been able to attend the annual CCA symposium for the past two summers (with earnest hopes for the summer of 2009).
12. The Four-and-Twenty Blackbirds, both individually and collectively, even though our blog has lately been a little slow.
13. The hymns of Paul Gerhardt, and the steady progress of the Gerhardt Hymn Project.
14. Fresh vegetables from the garden, especially the broccoli, which was particularly tasty.
15. Our most recent goddaughter, Ingrid (and our several other godchildren, Penelope, Egon, Chase and Alexandria).
16. Our United States Constitution and remarkable form of government, and the freedom to study and learn about these things.
17. The opportunity I was given to research and write my dissertation, and the privilege I now have to work on writing a book on the basis of my dissertation research.
18. The Treasury of Daily Prayer, which is itself an answer to prayer.
19. Panera Bread, unlimited refills on ice tea, and free wireless internet, apart from which I would be significantly less productive and at a loss as to my regular routine.
20. Amazon.com, even if it does entice me to buy too many books.
Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good,
and His mercy endures forever.
1. Our own house and home, and the many people, good friends, faithful neighbors and the like, who have helped us to make it so.
2. Zach & Bekah's visit at Epiphany 2008, shortly after their engagement; and the wonderful chance I had to visit them in Texas a few weeks after that; also, that I was on hand when Zach fell after giving blood, and that he was spared any lasting hurt.
3. The precious gift of life that God graciously bestowed upon our Job, so briefly here in time, but now and hereafter eternally in the nearer presence of Christ; and, because our dear little Job has surpassed us all in going ahead of us to heaven, the life that God has now granted to our unborn daughter, Katharina. In this, our Job has shown himself a gentleman, indeed, giving way his place to a young lady.
4. Emmaus, for numerous reasons, including: that the congregation expects and encourages me to be and do those things that a pastor is actually called to be and do, instead of asking me to be a pop psychologist, an entertainer, a fundraiser and marketing exec; that we are blessed with an excellent assistant pastor; that we have such great music at Emmaus, including the regular singing of the richest and most robust hymns in the history of the Church; that our life together as a congregation is defined liturgically and catechetically, rather than socially, emotionally, programmatically or artificially; that our youth are faithful and pious, good-humored and friendly, and actively involved in the life of the congregation; and that little children comprise such a large percentage of our church family. (And thanks to Karin for her recent blog posts on our Emmaus congregation, which were such an encouragement.)
5. The opportunities I have been given to teach at the Lutheran seminary in Novosibirsk, and the very dear friends that I have met there each time.
6. The Church Fathers and the ready availability of their writings and information about them.
7. DoRena and Sam; their marvelous wedding; and their unborn daughter, Sarena.
8. Zach and Rebekah; their marvelous wedding; their good jobs in this difficult economy, and Zach's good grades and great scholarships at Sam Houston State University.
9. The good and faithful pastors that Christ has provided for DoRena and Sam in Fort Wayne, and for Zach and Rebekah in Texas.
10. Higher Things, and the privilege of serving as a conference chaplain.
11. The Concordia Catechetical Academy, despite the fact that I've not been able to attend the annual CCA symposium for the past two summers (with earnest hopes for the summer of 2009).
12. The Four-and-Twenty Blackbirds, both individually and collectively, even though our blog has lately been a little slow.
13. The hymns of Paul Gerhardt, and the steady progress of the Gerhardt Hymn Project.
14. Fresh vegetables from the garden, especially the broccoli, which was particularly tasty.
15. Our most recent goddaughter, Ingrid (and our several other godchildren, Penelope, Egon, Chase and Alexandria).
16. Our United States Constitution and remarkable form of government, and the freedom to study and learn about these things.
17. The opportunity I was given to research and write my dissertation, and the privilege I now have to work on writing a book on the basis of my dissertation research.
18. The Treasury of Daily Prayer, which is itself an answer to prayer.
19. Panera Bread, unlimited refills on ice tea, and free wireless internet, apart from which I would be significantly less productive and at a loss as to my regular routine.
20. Amazon.com, even if it does entice me to buy too many books.
Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good,
and His mercy endures forever.
Seven Random Weird Facts About Me
I've been tagged to identify "seven random weird facts about me." Hmmm.
1. I was born on the day of the great East Coast Blackout, 9 November 1965. My parents always teased me that I was the cause of that rather traumatic event; on occasion, they would suggest that I had been delivered by aliens, and that the blackout was brought about by the spaceship. Uh, huh. As I understand it, the blackout began with a problem in the grid serving Niagara Falls, New York, which is where I was born. So, who knows, maybe it was my fault. Sorry.
2. My Mom and Dad were unaware that I share my birthdate with Martin Chemnitz. I also share my birthday with our good friend, Jane, who was also tagged to identify "seven random weird facts" about herself. How weird is that? Had I been born a day later, on the 10th of November, I would have been named "Martin," since my parents were aware of Martin Luther's birthdate.
3. When I was just a wee little lad, perhaps six or seven years of age, a babysitter had the bright idea of having me mow the lawn while my parents were out. We didn't own a power mower, but one of those old-fashioned push-mower things. Surely a very safe tool for a seven-year-old to use. The thing is, though, that the whirling exposed blades keep spinning even when you stop pushing, and they do an amazing job of cutting into seven-year-old fingers, if such appendages are so foolish as to find their way into the proximity of said blades. I still have a scar on the ring finger of my right hand from that interesting encounter.
4. The summer after I graduated from high school, I had major surgery to correct a massive underbite. This was following several years of prior orthodontia; such fun. I was under the knife for eight hours altogether, involving a bone graft from my hip, which was then molded behind my upper jaw to bring it forward into alignment with my lower jaw. I spent four days in intensive care, and then another week or more in a regular hospital room. My jaw was wired shut for a month, and I lost thirty-plus pounds. All of this just before heading off to my freshman year of college. We lived in McCook, Nebraska, at the time, but the surgery was done at the hospital in North Platte, a little more than an hour from home. My Mom and LaRena made the drive to see me every day, which was a great help once I was conscious and aware of their being there.
5. Backing up a bit, I was actually an athlete and a musician during high school. I wasn't a cool athlete, because I didn't play football and I sat the bench during basketball, but I did letter more than once in both cross country and track. I competed in various track and field events, but my first love and best event was the long jump; my personal best (I peaked in my junior year) was over twenty-two feet. That was fun. I also played the trombone in the band, but I didn't apply myself as conscientiously as I should have done. Too bad. There was one marching band trip to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City that I remember well; some of my bandmates were pretty wild. Oi. That was eye-opening. It was also on that trip that I first discovered how much I love roller-coasters.
6. It was during my senior year of college that I embarked upon my long-haired, freaky-person rock-n-roll phase. I wrote a mess of semi-Christian-rock songs, and I began learning how to play the bass guitar (sort of). My hair was down to my shoulders and even curly for a while. It was around that time that my friend, Joel, introduced me to Led Zeppelin and Judas Priest and Black Sabbath and that whole gamut of classic rock, which I still enjoy from time to time but don't listen to much anymore. Joel and I were an erstwhile band, "Jillian Switch," not that we ever performed anywhere, but we recorded a couple dozen songs that we wrote and worked up from scratch. I played the bass (basically), programmed the little drum machine, and did most of the singing (such as it was). It was great fun and quite a learning experience, but probably not the best stewardship of my time, treasures and talents at that point in my life, with a wife and new baby.
7. Then there's bowling and learning to drink beer. One of my fondest early childhood memories is going bowling with the youth group from church (or maybe it was my Dad's upper grade students at the Lutheran school where he was teaching). No, there wasn't any beer involved at that point; that comes later; just wait. I enjoyed that early experience and so have always had a special affection for bowling. I even bowled on the college team during my freshman year at Seward, which was great fun. On my vicarage at St. John Lutheran Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota, I participated in the congregation's bowling league and thoroughly enjoyed that experience, too. My Christmas present from LaRena that year was a bowling ball, engraved with "Vicar." I still have that ball and have been glad for the chance to use it again recently with our Emmaus Youth. Anyway, when I got back to Fort Wayne for my fourth year at the seminary, I joined several of my classmates in a local bowling league, and it was then and there that I first learned to drink beer. The other guys would buy a pitcher and pour me a glass, which I would manage to drink over the course of the evening. Ah, memories.
There you have it. Them's the facts. Not sure how random or weird they may be, but it's all true. I didn't even change any of the names.
1. I was born on the day of the great East Coast Blackout, 9 November 1965. My parents always teased me that I was the cause of that rather traumatic event; on occasion, they would suggest that I had been delivered by aliens, and that the blackout was brought about by the spaceship. Uh, huh. As I understand it, the blackout began with a problem in the grid serving Niagara Falls, New York, which is where I was born. So, who knows, maybe it was my fault. Sorry.
2. My Mom and Dad were unaware that I share my birthdate with Martin Chemnitz. I also share my birthday with our good friend, Jane, who was also tagged to identify "seven random weird facts" about herself. How weird is that? Had I been born a day later, on the 10th of November, I would have been named "Martin," since my parents were aware of Martin Luther's birthdate.
3. When I was just a wee little lad, perhaps six or seven years of age, a babysitter had the bright idea of having me mow the lawn while my parents were out. We didn't own a power mower, but one of those old-fashioned push-mower things. Surely a very safe tool for a seven-year-old to use. The thing is, though, that the whirling exposed blades keep spinning even when you stop pushing, and they do an amazing job of cutting into seven-year-old fingers, if such appendages are so foolish as to find their way into the proximity of said blades. I still have a scar on the ring finger of my right hand from that interesting encounter.
4. The summer after I graduated from high school, I had major surgery to correct a massive underbite. This was following several years of prior orthodontia; such fun. I was under the knife for eight hours altogether, involving a bone graft from my hip, which was then molded behind my upper jaw to bring it forward into alignment with my lower jaw. I spent four days in intensive care, and then another week or more in a regular hospital room. My jaw was wired shut for a month, and I lost thirty-plus pounds. All of this just before heading off to my freshman year of college. We lived in McCook, Nebraska, at the time, but the surgery was done at the hospital in North Platte, a little more than an hour from home. My Mom and LaRena made the drive to see me every day, which was a great help once I was conscious and aware of their being there.
5. Backing up a bit, I was actually an athlete and a musician during high school. I wasn't a cool athlete, because I didn't play football and I sat the bench during basketball, but I did letter more than once in both cross country and track. I competed in various track and field events, but my first love and best event was the long jump; my personal best (I peaked in my junior year) was over twenty-two feet. That was fun. I also played the trombone in the band, but I didn't apply myself as conscientiously as I should have done. Too bad. There was one marching band trip to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City that I remember well; some of my bandmates were pretty wild. Oi. That was eye-opening. It was also on that trip that I first discovered how much I love roller-coasters.
6. It was during my senior year of college that I embarked upon my long-haired, freaky-person rock-n-roll phase. I wrote a mess of semi-Christian-rock songs, and I began learning how to play the bass guitar (sort of). My hair was down to my shoulders and even curly for a while. It was around that time that my friend, Joel, introduced me to Led Zeppelin and Judas Priest and Black Sabbath and that whole gamut of classic rock, which I still enjoy from time to time but don't listen to much anymore. Joel and I were an erstwhile band, "Jillian Switch," not that we ever performed anywhere, but we recorded a couple dozen songs that we wrote and worked up from scratch. I played the bass (basically), programmed the little drum machine, and did most of the singing (such as it was). It was great fun and quite a learning experience, but probably not the best stewardship of my time, treasures and talents at that point in my life, with a wife and new baby.
7. Then there's bowling and learning to drink beer. One of my fondest early childhood memories is going bowling with the youth group from church (or maybe it was my Dad's upper grade students at the Lutheran school where he was teaching). No, there wasn't any beer involved at that point; that comes later; just wait. I enjoyed that early experience and so have always had a special affection for bowling. I even bowled on the college team during my freshman year at Seward, which was great fun. On my vicarage at St. John Lutheran Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota, I participated in the congregation's bowling league and thoroughly enjoyed that experience, too. My Christmas present from LaRena that year was a bowling ball, engraved with "Vicar." I still have that ball and have been glad for the chance to use it again recently with our Emmaus Youth. Anyway, when I got back to Fort Wayne for my fourth year at the seminary, I joined several of my classmates in a local bowling league, and it was then and there that I first learned to drink beer. The other guys would buy a pitcher and pour me a glass, which I would manage to drink over the course of the evening. Ah, memories.
There you have it. Them's the facts. Not sure how random or weird they may be, but it's all true. I didn't even change any of the names.
26 November 2008
A Simple Way to Pray
As several of my good friends and colleagues have pointed out, one of the most wonderful things about the new Treasury of Daily Prayer is its flexible adaptability to a variety of contexts and circumstances. An individual can easily use it, whether a pastor or a layperson, whether in the closet or the chancel, at the desk or in the den. Couples can use it together, as can parents with their children, or small groups within a congregation, as part of the discipline of daily prayer, or as an opening devotion at a meeting. It can supply and support the orders of Matins and Vespers, Morning and Evening Prayer, Suffrages, or any other form of Christian prayer. This is a tremendous benefit of the book, for which its editor and CPH are greatly to be commended.
For all of that, I am personally most grateful for the way that Treasury of Daily Prayer so readily serves the practice of daily prayer in the home and family. It truly does, and I give sincere thanks to God for that. To the extent that I was privileged to have a hand in the early developments of a Lutheran prayer book (now published as the TDP), I was always driven by a single-minded sense of purpose and desire that such a book would invite and facilitate the prayer and catechesis of fathers and mothers with their children. My own faith and piety were early formed by the daily devotions that my parents shared with me and my siblings, and it has always been my goal (though not always my success) to lead my own wife and children into the Word of God and prayer. Various resources have been helpful over the years, most notably the four-volume set, For All the Saints (ALPB), but there were difficulties and disappointments with each and all of them. Thus, I was pleased to be given the opportunity, as one aspect of my service on the Lectionary Committee of the Lutheran Hymnal Project, to work toward a prayer book that would encourage and assist the head of the household in teaching his family to pray.
One cannot understand the design of the LSB daily lectionary apart from this fact, that it was developed and assembled with a view toward what is now the Treasury of Daily Prayer; and that was done, specifically, with this goal of serving the laity in their prayer life, especially fathers with their families. I don't believe that detracts from the versatility of the book, but lends to it. The single biggest challenge was how to coordinate the entire lectionary with the contours of the Church Year, including the moveable Time of Easter (from Ash Wednesday through Holy Trinity) and the annual sanctoral cycle of festivals and commemorations, without complicating the connection and harmony of the daily readings with the other propers for each day. What we really aimed at was a way of keeping the readings and everything else, the Psalm, the writing, the hymnody, the prayer of the day, and any commemoration that might occur, all together in the same easily-determined location within the envisioned prayer book. I was personally hoping that such a book would be one that any Christian father could readily open up to the day at hand, and that he would there find everything laid out in such a way that he could easily proceed to pray and confess the Word of God with his family. The Treasury of Daily Prayer has indeed made that possible, in such a beautifully elegant and flexible manner.
For those fathers and mothers who desire to use the Treasury of Daily Prayer with their children, perhaps around the family table following a meal, here is a simple approach that I and my wife have found useful in praying with our children. It enables the participation of the whole family, even the littler children, without difficulty.
Those members of the family who are able to read will typically have their own copies of the Lutheran Service Book in hand. For their benefit, I indicate ahead of time the Psalm that we'll be praying together, as well as the hymn of the day, both of which they bookmark.
We begin with the familiar opening versicles and responses, and the Gloria Patri, as in Matins and Vespers: "O Lord, open my lips," etc. Everyone can do this from memory.
Then we pray together the Psalm of the day, either speaking in unison or responsively, verse-by-verse; or chanting the Psalm by the same tone we are using for the season at Emmaus.
I read the appointed Readings of the day, from the Old Testament and the New Testament, each followed by the familiar versicle and response, again as in Matins and Vespers: "O Lord, have mercy upon us," etc.
After the Readings of Holy Scripture, I then read the "Writing" provided for the day, which usually comments on one or the other of the Readings. Note that I am simply following the propers as provided and laid out for each day in the Treasury for Daily Prayer.
We sing together the Hymnody appointed for the day. Here is where the LSB comes in handy, since we usually sing more of the hymn than the single stanza indicated in the Treasury; plus, it helps to have the musical notation in front of us. The children love to sing hymns together, so that is always a high point of our daily prayer and catechesis.
Following the hymn, we pray in this manner: Invocation, Apostles' Creed, a three-fold Kyrie, the Our Father, then the Prayer of the Day as provided in the Treasury of Daily Prayer. At that point, I turn to the "Daily Prayer for the Christian" (TDP, pages 1306-09) for the general prayer prescribed for the pertinent day of the week. Those weekly prayers are one of the best and most beautiful provisions of the book.
If there are special intercessions to be made for our family, friends or congregation, I lead the family in those. We conclude with the Morning or Evening Prayer, then the Benedicamus and Benediction, again as in Matins and Vespers. We know these basic components by heart, so there is no need for us to look them up or have them in front of us.
Now, on days when there is a commemoration to observe, I often save mention of that till the end. The Treasury provides an informational paragraph on each commemoration at the end of the propers for its day, so it is convenient to read that paragraph at the conclusion of our family prayers. Sometimes, though, I find it more useful to read about the commemoration either after the Readings or after the Hymnody. Typically, the Writing of the day comes from the commemorated saint, and it is nice to have some awareness of that before hearing his words. Similarly, the Prayer of the Day usually incorporates some reference to the commemoration, in which case it is beneficial to know something about the person so remembered prior to praying.
As I have said, this simple approach has worked well for our family. It takes advantage of the straightforward way in which the Treasury of Daily Prayer is arranged and organized. It is not the only way to make good use of the book, but it is one way to facilitate a family's devotion.
For all of that, I am personally most grateful for the way that Treasury of Daily Prayer so readily serves the practice of daily prayer in the home and family. It truly does, and I give sincere thanks to God for that. To the extent that I was privileged to have a hand in the early developments of a Lutheran prayer book (now published as the TDP), I was always driven by a single-minded sense of purpose and desire that such a book would invite and facilitate the prayer and catechesis of fathers and mothers with their children. My own faith and piety were early formed by the daily devotions that my parents shared with me and my siblings, and it has always been my goal (though not always my success) to lead my own wife and children into the Word of God and prayer. Various resources have been helpful over the years, most notably the four-volume set, For All the Saints (ALPB), but there were difficulties and disappointments with each and all of them. Thus, I was pleased to be given the opportunity, as one aspect of my service on the Lectionary Committee of the Lutheran Hymnal Project, to work toward a prayer book that would encourage and assist the head of the household in teaching his family to pray.
One cannot understand the design of the LSB daily lectionary apart from this fact, that it was developed and assembled with a view toward what is now the Treasury of Daily Prayer; and that was done, specifically, with this goal of serving the laity in their prayer life, especially fathers with their families. I don't believe that detracts from the versatility of the book, but lends to it. The single biggest challenge was how to coordinate the entire lectionary with the contours of the Church Year, including the moveable Time of Easter (from Ash Wednesday through Holy Trinity) and the annual sanctoral cycle of festivals and commemorations, without complicating the connection and harmony of the daily readings with the other propers for each day. What we really aimed at was a way of keeping the readings and everything else, the Psalm, the writing, the hymnody, the prayer of the day, and any commemoration that might occur, all together in the same easily-determined location within the envisioned prayer book. I was personally hoping that such a book would be one that any Christian father could readily open up to the day at hand, and that he would there find everything laid out in such a way that he could easily proceed to pray and confess the Word of God with his family. The Treasury of Daily Prayer has indeed made that possible, in such a beautifully elegant and flexible manner.
For those fathers and mothers who desire to use the Treasury of Daily Prayer with their children, perhaps around the family table following a meal, here is a simple approach that I and my wife have found useful in praying with our children. It enables the participation of the whole family, even the littler children, without difficulty.
Those members of the family who are able to read will typically have their own copies of the Lutheran Service Book in hand. For their benefit, I indicate ahead of time the Psalm that we'll be praying together, as well as the hymn of the day, both of which they bookmark.
We begin with the familiar opening versicles and responses, and the Gloria Patri, as in Matins and Vespers: "O Lord, open my lips," etc. Everyone can do this from memory.
Then we pray together the Psalm of the day, either speaking in unison or responsively, verse-by-verse; or chanting the Psalm by the same tone we are using for the season at Emmaus.
I read the appointed Readings of the day, from the Old Testament and the New Testament, each followed by the familiar versicle and response, again as in Matins and Vespers: "O Lord, have mercy upon us," etc.
After the Readings of Holy Scripture, I then read the "Writing" provided for the day, which usually comments on one or the other of the Readings. Note that I am simply following the propers as provided and laid out for each day in the Treasury for Daily Prayer.
We sing together the Hymnody appointed for the day. Here is where the LSB comes in handy, since we usually sing more of the hymn than the single stanza indicated in the Treasury; plus, it helps to have the musical notation in front of us. The children love to sing hymns together, so that is always a high point of our daily prayer and catechesis.
Following the hymn, we pray in this manner: Invocation, Apostles' Creed, a three-fold Kyrie, the Our Father, then the Prayer of the Day as provided in the Treasury of Daily Prayer. At that point, I turn to the "Daily Prayer for the Christian" (TDP, pages 1306-09) for the general prayer prescribed for the pertinent day of the week. Those weekly prayers are one of the best and most beautiful provisions of the book.
If there are special intercessions to be made for our family, friends or congregation, I lead the family in those. We conclude with the Morning or Evening Prayer, then the Benedicamus and Benediction, again as in Matins and Vespers. We know these basic components by heart, so there is no need for us to look them up or have them in front of us.
Now, on days when there is a commemoration to observe, I often save mention of that till the end. The Treasury provides an informational paragraph on each commemoration at the end of the propers for its day, so it is convenient to read that paragraph at the conclusion of our family prayers. Sometimes, though, I find it more useful to read about the commemoration either after the Readings or after the Hymnody. Typically, the Writing of the day comes from the commemorated saint, and it is nice to have some awareness of that before hearing his words. Similarly, the Prayer of the Day usually incorporates some reference to the commemoration, in which case it is beneficial to know something about the person so remembered prior to praying.
As I have said, this simple approach has worked well for our family. It takes advantage of the straightforward way in which the Treasury of Daily Prayer is arranged and organized. It is not the only way to make good use of the book, but it is one way to facilitate a family's devotion.
24 November 2008
The Twelve Days of Christmas 2008
The Twelve Days of Christmas are somewhat difficult to standardize, because of the several feasts that occur during this time, the fluctuation of these days in relation to Sundays and the other days of the week, and the differences in the established lectionaries. For all of these reasons, there needs to be a certain flexibility from one year to the next, in order to accommodate the various considerations that come into play. For the past several years, I have taken into account the lections and propers of the Lutheran Service Book, along with the daily appointments of the Roman and SELK lectionaries, in order to arrive at a plan for these twelve days, each of which we observe at Emmaus with the Divine Service, whether fully festive or briefly spoken. Here is this year's plan (with indication of possible adjustments for those who follow the Historic Lectionary):
The First Day of Christmas (Thursday, 25 December):
The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Day
(Series B):
Isaiah 52:7–10
Psalm 2 (antiphon: v. 7)
Hebrews 1:1–6 (7–12)
John 1:1–14 (15–18)
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)
(Historic):
Exodus 40:17–21, 34–38
Psalm 2 (antiphon: v. 7)
Titus 3:4–7
John 1:1–14 (15–18)
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)
The Second Day of Christmas (Friday, 26 December):
The Feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr
2 Chronicles 24:17–22
Psalm 119:137–144 (antiphon: v. 142)
Acts 6:8—7:2a, 51–60
Matthew 23:34–39
The Son of God goes forth to war (LSB 661)
The Third Day of Christmas (Saturday, 27 December):
The Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
Revelation 1:1–6
Psalm 11 (antiphon: v. 4a)
1 John 1:1—2:2
John 21:20–25
O Word of God incarnate (LSB 523)
The Fourth Day of Christmas (Sunday, 28 December):
The First Sunday after Christmas
(The Feast of the Holy Innocents)
(Series B):
Isaiah 61:10—62:3
Psalm 111 (antiphon: v. 9a, b)
Galatians 4:4–7
Luke 2:22–40
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
(Historic):
Isaiah 11:1–5 (or 2 Samuel 7:1–16)
Psalm 89:1–8 (antiphon: v. 8)
Galatians 4:1–7
Luke 2:(22–32) 33–40
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
The Fifth Day of Christmas (Monday, 29 December):
(Commemoration of King David)
Psalm 96 (morning)
Psalm 132 (evening)
Isaiah 55:1–7
St. Matthew 1:18–25
(or St. Matthew 2:13–23)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
(or, Sweet Flowerets of the Martyr Band; TLH 273; LSB 969)
The Sixth Day of Christmas (Tuesday, 30 December):
Psalm 93 (morning)
Psalm 89:1–18 (evening)
1 John 3:1–10
St. Luke 2:15–20
(or St. Matthew 2:13–23)
Once in royal David’s city (LSB 376)
(or, Sweet Flowerets of the Martyr Band; TLH 273; LSB 969)
The Seventh Day of Christmas (Wednesday, 31 December):
New Year’s Eve
Isaiah 30:(8–14) 15–17
Psalm 90:1–12 (antiphon: v. 17)
Romans 8:31b–39
Luke 12:35–40
Across the Sky the Shades of Night (LSB 899)
The Eighth Day of Christmas (Thursday, 1 January 2009):
The Feast of the Name and Circumcision of Jesus
Numbers 6:22–27
Psalm 8 (antiphon: v. 9)
Galatians 3:23–29
Luke 2:21
The ancient Law departs (LSB 898)
The Ninth Day of Christmas (Friday, 2 January 2009):
(Commemoration of Johannes Konrad Wilhelm Löhe)
Psalm 48 (morning)
Psalm 45 (evening)
Isaiah 62:1–12
St. John 1:19–28
From east to west (LSB 385)
(or, Wide open stand the gates; LSB 639)
The Tenth Day of Christmas (Saturday, 3 January 2009):
Psalm 111 (morning)
Psalm 15 (evening)
Isaiah 63:1–14
St. John 1:29–34
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)
The Eleventh Day of Christmas (Sunday, 4 January 2009):
The Second Sunday after Christmas
(Series B):
1 Kings 3:4–15
Psalm 119:97–104 (antiphon: v. 99)
Ephesians 1:3–14
Luke 2:40–52
Within the Father’s house (LSB 410)
(Historic):
Genesis 46:1–7
Psalm 77:11–20 (antiphon: v. 13)
1 Peter 4:12–19
Matthew 2:13–23
From east to west (LSB 385)
The Twelfth Day of Christmas (Monday, 5 January 2009):
Psalm 99 (morning)
Psalm 110 (evening)
Isaiah 65:17–25
St. John 1:35–42
Hark! The herald angels sing (LSB 380)
The First Day of Christmas (Thursday, 25 December):
The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Day
(Series B):
Isaiah 52:7–10
Psalm 2 (antiphon: v. 7)
Hebrews 1:1–6 (7–12)
John 1:1–14 (15–18)
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)
(Historic):
Exodus 40:17–21, 34–38
Psalm 2 (antiphon: v. 7)
Titus 3:4–7
John 1:1–14 (15–18)
We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth (LSB 382)
The Second Day of Christmas (Friday, 26 December):
The Feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr
2 Chronicles 24:17–22
Psalm 119:137–144 (antiphon: v. 142)
Acts 6:8—7:2a, 51–60
Matthew 23:34–39
The Son of God goes forth to war (LSB 661)
The Third Day of Christmas (Saturday, 27 December):
The Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
Revelation 1:1–6
Psalm 11 (antiphon: v. 4a)
1 John 1:1—2:2
John 21:20–25
O Word of God incarnate (LSB 523)
The Fourth Day of Christmas (Sunday, 28 December):
The First Sunday after Christmas
(The Feast of the Holy Innocents)
(Series B):
Isaiah 61:10—62:3
Psalm 111 (antiphon: v. 9a, b)
Galatians 4:4–7
Luke 2:22–40
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
(Historic):
Isaiah 11:1–5 (or 2 Samuel 7:1–16)
Psalm 89:1–8 (antiphon: v. 8)
Galatians 4:1–7
Luke 2:(22–32) 33–40
Let all together praise our God (LSB 389)
The Fifth Day of Christmas (Monday, 29 December):
(Commemoration of King David)
Psalm 96 (morning)
Psalm 132 (evening)
Isaiah 55:1–7
St. Matthew 1:18–25
(or St. Matthew 2:13–23)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
(or, Sweet Flowerets of the Martyr Band; TLH 273; LSB 969)
The Sixth Day of Christmas (Tuesday, 30 December):
Psalm 93 (morning)
Psalm 89:1–18 (evening)
1 John 3:1–10
St. Luke 2:15–20
(or St. Matthew 2:13–23)
Once in royal David’s city (LSB 376)
(or, Sweet Flowerets of the Martyr Band; TLH 273; LSB 969)
The Seventh Day of Christmas (Wednesday, 31 December):
New Year’s Eve
Isaiah 30:(8–14) 15–17
Psalm 90:1–12 (antiphon: v. 17)
Romans 8:31b–39
Luke 12:35–40
Across the Sky the Shades of Night (LSB 899)
The Eighth Day of Christmas (Thursday, 1 January 2009):
The Feast of the Name and Circumcision of Jesus
Numbers 6:22–27
Psalm 8 (antiphon: v. 9)
Galatians 3:23–29
Luke 2:21
The ancient Law departs (LSB 898)
The Ninth Day of Christmas (Friday, 2 January 2009):
(Commemoration of Johannes Konrad Wilhelm Löhe)
Psalm 48 (morning)
Psalm 45 (evening)
Isaiah 62:1–12
St. John 1:19–28
From east to west (LSB 385)
(or, Wide open stand the gates; LSB 639)
The Tenth Day of Christmas (Saturday, 3 January 2009):
Psalm 111 (morning)
Psalm 15 (evening)
Isaiah 63:1–14
St. John 1:29–34
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360)
The Eleventh Day of Christmas (Sunday, 4 January 2009):
The Second Sunday after Christmas
(Series B):
1 Kings 3:4–15
Psalm 119:97–104 (antiphon: v. 99)
Ephesians 1:3–14
Luke 2:40–52
Within the Father’s house (LSB 410)
(Historic):
Genesis 46:1–7
Psalm 77:11–20 (antiphon: v. 13)
1 Peter 4:12–19
Matthew 2:13–23
From east to west (LSB 385)
The Twelfth Day of Christmas (Monday, 5 January 2009):
Psalm 99 (morning)
Psalm 110 (evening)
Isaiah 65:17–25
St. John 1:35–42
Hark! The herald angels sing (LSB 380)
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