The Lord Jesus invites you to gather together with Him, in His house, to rejoice with Him over the repentance and recovery of the lost. For He has become your neighbor, and He has made you His friend; and He is truly happy over over those who were lost, whom He has found and restored to His flock.
In fact, He is happier about those who were lost and are found, than He would be if none of the sheep had ever been lost. Because His joy and His glory are found in His free and full salvation of sinners by His grace.
He does not intend that you, nor anyone, should be self-righteous, but that you be righteous by His mercy, by His gracious forgiveness, by His own righteousness.
What Man among you is like that? There is only the one Man, this Man, who receives sinners and eats with them. More than that, this one Man goes looking for sinners and finds them; He lays them upon His shoulders and brings them home, rejoicing over them in love; and He feeds them at His Table.
He is not only the only Man like this, but He is the only true God, the Father's Son, who has compassion upon you and all; who does not retain anger but passes over rebellion; who treads iniquities under His wounded feet, and who pardons iniquity by His grace.
Do not pass judgment on those whom He receives. You are not more just or righteous than God. And do not grumble against the Lord Jesus on account of His mercy toward sinners. For He is so merciful toward you, and He would have you rejoice in His mercy.
He would have you rejoice, likewise, in your fellow sinners, whom His mercy has found and brought home to Himself.
As He receives sinners and eats with them, so does He receive you at His Table and eat with you; and so do you, His friend and neighbor, receive sinners and eat with them in His house.
Shall you look askance at them, or truly rejoice over them, as the angels of God rejoice?
Or who is that woman who searches so carefully all day long to find the one lost coin? Is she not the Bride of this Man, bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh, who bears His Name and lives by His Word and Spirit, having in her the heart and mind of Christ?
If you belong to her -- and you do, by the grace and mercy of Christ -- then do not merely tolerate the neighbors who sit in the other pews within the House of Christ, who kneel with you at His Altar, but love them with the heart of Christ, and rejoice in them as precious to Him.
Dearly beloved, you also are precious to Him, and He rejoices over you in His great love for you. You are in His house, not only by invitation, but because the Lord has sought you out and found you. He has borne you and all your burdens, all your sins and griefs and sorrows upon His shoulders, and He has brought you here -- which is now also your home in Him -- to eat with Him, and to live. And all of heaven rejoices over you.
In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
15 March 2010
13 March 2010
Good God
God is gracious, God is good
Christ the King is compassionate and kind
The Lord loves you, and His Messiah has mercy upon you
Jesus justifies you
His Father forgives you, and His house is a haven, where
His Holy Spirit sanctifies you wholly, and He saves you
by the grace of God
Christ the King is compassionate and kind
The Lord loves you, and His Messiah has mercy upon you
Jesus justifies you
His Father forgives you, and His house is a haven, where
His Holy Spirit sanctifies you wholly, and He saves you
by the grace of God
28 February 2010
See How He Gathers You to Himself in Love
Self-preservation makes sense. It is reasonable and understandable. It’s even legal.
But it is not the way of Christ the Crucified. He is not masochistic or suicidal, but He does go knowingly and willingly to His death. He not only puts Himself in harm’s way, as a risk, but He offers Himself in voluntary sacrifice for sinners.
The Lord Jesus does not defend Himself. He neither fights nor flees. When He is reviled, He does not revile in return, but continues to entrust Himself to God the Father. He turns the other cheek to those who strike Him, to the point of handing Himself over to the Cross. Even then, He forgives those who sin against Him.
It is for this that He pours out His innocent blood — for you, and for all; for this city and all its inhabitants: To atone for the sins of the world, and to reconcile the world to God.
This way of the Cross is the pattern and example of Christ and His Gospel, of His Ministers and His disciples, that is to say, His Christians. It is the way that you are called to live.
You receive and bear the Cross, which kills you, and you follow in the way of the Cross, because it is the way of life in Christ. Not self-preservation, but self-sacrifice. Not selfishness, but selfless loving service. You lose yourself in love for others, friend and foe, because your life is found in Christ the Crucified. If you perish, you perish; so be it, but no matter. For as Christ has died, and Christ is risen, so shall you. Though you die, yet shall you live.
You live, because you are forgiven all your sin by the atoning death and sacrificial blood of Christ. Your neighbor also is forgiven by Christ’s bloody death.
Therefore, this also is the Cross you bear: To forgive your neighbor his trespasses against you. To bear his burdens gladly and patiently, in love. To suffer his insults and persecutions without becoming defensive, and without striking back. To love him who hurts you, to pray for him, and even to lay down your life for him.
What have you lost, even if you die in the process of loving?
Your citizenship, your house and home and city, are in heaven, where your life is hidden with Christ in God. You live here on earth as a sojourner, as a pilgrim. You journey today and tomorrow, and maybe another (maybe not), but you are perfected by your Baptism into the Cross and Resurrection of Christ Jesus. By your death with Him, you live with Him.
It is by His Cross that He has not only atoned for your sin, and redeemed you from death forever, and reconciled you to His God and Father, but He has also accomplished the Exodus for you, so that the death of His Cross is the way through death into life. It is the way of repentance, of faith and new life in Christ.
If you would live, therefore, take up the Cross of Christ and follow Him to Jerusalem in faith and love. Serve your neighbor, even to the point of perishing, in the vocation to which the Lord has called you in your life on earth.
There are those who do not follow this pattern and example, but who walk as enemies of the Cross. And be warned, that is your sinful inclination, too: To fight or flee, to preserve yourself.
There are those, of course, who sneer at Christ Jesus, who despise and ridicule His Church and religion; who mock and blaspheme His Cross and His Gospel and all the signs and symbols of Christianity; who laugh and make fun of the rites and ceremonies of the Word and Sacraments.
But the worst enemies of the Cross of Christ are those driven by selfish self-preservation; who preserve their own lives in this world at the expense of others; who shed innocent blood for their own benefit; who hold bitter grudges and seek revenge, refusing to forgive; who commit murder in countless ways against the neighbor for whom the Son of God has given Himself; and who use even the means of grace, the Church and Ministry, the Temple and Priesthood, as means of self-preservation, self-promotion, and self-righteousness.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I warn you in the name and stead of that same Lord, Jesus Christ, that you not walk according to such selfishness. It is the very opposite of faith and love. It is not only sinful, but self-destructive.
That is the great irony and paradox: The one who seeks to save his life, loses it. The one who sets himself against the Cross, in order to protect and preserve his own skin, perishes not only here in time, but hereafter in eternity.
To make a god out of this world, is to perish, finally and forever, with your god. To be driven about, to and fro, by your belly and its rumbling appetite, is to perish like the very food you eat. That is reason enough to consider fasting, which is a fine outward discipline. To glory in this earthly life and earthly things, is finally to be put to shame.
Remember Shiloh, where Eli and his sons once abused their priestly office and the Lord’s House. They stole the sacrificial meat for their own gluttony. And they attempted to use the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh Sabaoth as a weapon of war. But they were put to shame and death, and their family was removed from office.
Remember Jerusalem, the city of the great King, where the Lord caused His Name and His Glory to dwell; yet the people hid behind the sacrifices and in the Temple like a den of thieves, daring God to discipline them, even stoning His Prophets and killing those He sent to them.
There were some notable exceptions, but most of the people of Jerusalem failed to recognize the Lord’s visitation in Christ Jesus. Whatever good they thought of Him, they did not receive Him as God, their Lord and Savior. And while some of them plotted to trap Him, to destroy Him, and at the last to crucify Him, none of them understood His Cross. No, not even His disciples, until afterwards. No, not even you, except by His grace, by the catechesis of His Word and Spirit.
He comes to you with but one purpose, one goal, one holy desire: that is, to love you, to save you, to gather you to Himself. He would make you His own dear child. He would nestle you close to Himself, to His heart, under His wings of mercy. He would shelter you, protect you, feed and comfort you.
He comes to do all this by the way of the Cross; and you would not have it.
But He comes to you anyway, for the sake of His love. He bears your reproach — not only that which you suffer, but that which you inflict (even against Him). He bears your reviling in peace. He bears your sin and death, and thus removes them from you forever.
And by loving you, forgiving you, saving you, and coming to you in His selfless loving service, He reveals Himself to you by the Cross:
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!
He is the true Passover Lamb, whose blood now marks the door of His House. You look at this House, cornerstoned upon the Cross of Christ, and it is desolate, a desert wasteland. But it has been left for you in mercy, and in this House you live; not by self-preservation, but by grace.
Here is where, at last, you see Him as He is: In the Gospel of His Cross, which forgives you. In His self-sacrificing love for you, even unto death. In His holy body given for you, and in His holy, precious blood poured out for you.
Behold the Lamb of God, who has taken upon Himself the sins of the world, and who takes away all of your sins.
See His strong arms stretched out in love, to gather you to Himself and to shelter you in peace.
Fix your eyes on Jesus, here at His Altar, by hearing and heeding the voice of the Lord:
"Take, eat; Drink of it, all of you."
This is where you, little bird, little raven or sparrow, find your nesting place, under the Lord’s wings. For this is the pattern of Christ, the Image of God. This is the way of His Cross, which is the way of life. This is your Savior from heaven, who is given for you here on earth, that you might share His Glory.
This is the House of the Lord in the City of God, and here, by His grace, shall you abide forever.
In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
But it is not the way of Christ the Crucified. He is not masochistic or suicidal, but He does go knowingly and willingly to His death. He not only puts Himself in harm’s way, as a risk, but He offers Himself in voluntary sacrifice for sinners.
The Lord Jesus does not defend Himself. He neither fights nor flees. When He is reviled, He does not revile in return, but continues to entrust Himself to God the Father. He turns the other cheek to those who strike Him, to the point of handing Himself over to the Cross. Even then, He forgives those who sin against Him.
It is for this that He pours out His innocent blood — for you, and for all; for this city and all its inhabitants: To atone for the sins of the world, and to reconcile the world to God.
This way of the Cross is the pattern and example of Christ and His Gospel, of His Ministers and His disciples, that is to say, His Christians. It is the way that you are called to live.
You receive and bear the Cross, which kills you, and you follow in the way of the Cross, because it is the way of life in Christ. Not self-preservation, but self-sacrifice. Not selfishness, but selfless loving service. You lose yourself in love for others, friend and foe, because your life is found in Christ the Crucified. If you perish, you perish; so be it, but no matter. For as Christ has died, and Christ is risen, so shall you. Though you die, yet shall you live.
You live, because you are forgiven all your sin by the atoning death and sacrificial blood of Christ. Your neighbor also is forgiven by Christ’s bloody death.
Therefore, this also is the Cross you bear: To forgive your neighbor his trespasses against you. To bear his burdens gladly and patiently, in love. To suffer his insults and persecutions without becoming defensive, and without striking back. To love him who hurts you, to pray for him, and even to lay down your life for him.
What have you lost, even if you die in the process of loving?
Your citizenship, your house and home and city, are in heaven, where your life is hidden with Christ in God. You live here on earth as a sojourner, as a pilgrim. You journey today and tomorrow, and maybe another (maybe not), but you are perfected by your Baptism into the Cross and Resurrection of Christ Jesus. By your death with Him, you live with Him.
It is by His Cross that He has not only atoned for your sin, and redeemed you from death forever, and reconciled you to His God and Father, but He has also accomplished the Exodus for you, so that the death of His Cross is the way through death into life. It is the way of repentance, of faith and new life in Christ.
If you would live, therefore, take up the Cross of Christ and follow Him to Jerusalem in faith and love. Serve your neighbor, even to the point of perishing, in the vocation to which the Lord has called you in your life on earth.
There are those who do not follow this pattern and example, but who walk as enemies of the Cross. And be warned, that is your sinful inclination, too: To fight or flee, to preserve yourself.
There are those, of course, who sneer at Christ Jesus, who despise and ridicule His Church and religion; who mock and blaspheme His Cross and His Gospel and all the signs and symbols of Christianity; who laugh and make fun of the rites and ceremonies of the Word and Sacraments.
But the worst enemies of the Cross of Christ are those driven by selfish self-preservation; who preserve their own lives in this world at the expense of others; who shed innocent blood for their own benefit; who hold bitter grudges and seek revenge, refusing to forgive; who commit murder in countless ways against the neighbor for whom the Son of God has given Himself; and who use even the means of grace, the Church and Ministry, the Temple and Priesthood, as means of self-preservation, self-promotion, and self-righteousness.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I warn you in the name and stead of that same Lord, Jesus Christ, that you not walk according to such selfishness. It is the very opposite of faith and love. It is not only sinful, but self-destructive.
That is the great irony and paradox: The one who seeks to save his life, loses it. The one who sets himself against the Cross, in order to protect and preserve his own skin, perishes not only here in time, but hereafter in eternity.
To make a god out of this world, is to perish, finally and forever, with your god. To be driven about, to and fro, by your belly and its rumbling appetite, is to perish like the very food you eat. That is reason enough to consider fasting, which is a fine outward discipline. To glory in this earthly life and earthly things, is finally to be put to shame.
Remember Shiloh, where Eli and his sons once abused their priestly office and the Lord’s House. They stole the sacrificial meat for their own gluttony. And they attempted to use the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh Sabaoth as a weapon of war. But they were put to shame and death, and their family was removed from office.
Remember Jerusalem, the city of the great King, where the Lord caused His Name and His Glory to dwell; yet the people hid behind the sacrifices and in the Temple like a den of thieves, daring God to discipline them, even stoning His Prophets and killing those He sent to them.
There were some notable exceptions, but most of the people of Jerusalem failed to recognize the Lord’s visitation in Christ Jesus. Whatever good they thought of Him, they did not receive Him as God, their Lord and Savior. And while some of them plotted to trap Him, to destroy Him, and at the last to crucify Him, none of them understood His Cross. No, not even His disciples, until afterwards. No, not even you, except by His grace, by the catechesis of His Word and Spirit.
He comes to you with but one purpose, one goal, one holy desire: that is, to love you, to save you, to gather you to Himself. He would make you His own dear child. He would nestle you close to Himself, to His heart, under His wings of mercy. He would shelter you, protect you, feed and comfort you.
He comes to do all this by the way of the Cross; and you would not have it.
But He comes to you anyway, for the sake of His love. He bears your reproach — not only that which you suffer, but that which you inflict (even against Him). He bears your reviling in peace. He bears your sin and death, and thus removes them from you forever.
And by loving you, forgiving you, saving you, and coming to you in His selfless loving service, He reveals Himself to you by the Cross:
Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!
He is the true Passover Lamb, whose blood now marks the door of His House. You look at this House, cornerstoned upon the Cross of Christ, and it is desolate, a desert wasteland. But it has been left for you in mercy, and in this House you live; not by self-preservation, but by grace.
Here is where, at last, you see Him as He is: In the Gospel of His Cross, which forgives you. In His self-sacrificing love for you, even unto death. In His holy body given for you, and in His holy, precious blood poured out for you.
Behold the Lamb of God, who has taken upon Himself the sins of the world, and who takes away all of your sins.
See His strong arms stretched out in love, to gather you to Himself and to shelter you in peace.
Fix your eyes on Jesus, here at His Altar, by hearing and heeding the voice of the Lord:
"Take, eat; Drink of it, all of you."
This is where you, little bird, little raven or sparrow, find your nesting place, under the Lord’s wings. For this is the pattern of Christ, the Image of God. This is the way of His Cross, which is the way of life. This is your Savior from heaven, who is given for you here on earth, that you might share His Glory.
This is the House of the Lord in the City of God, and here, by His grace, shall you abide forever.
In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
08 February 2010
Hymns for Lent Series C
Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:12–19
2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
Hymn of the Day
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Hymn of Departure
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Alternative Hymns
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Before the throne of God above (LSB 574)
Christ, mighty Savior, Light of all creation (LSB 881)
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (TLH 25; LW 439; LSB 977e)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Lord Jesus, think on me (LSB 610)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
Now rest beneath night’s shadow (LSB 880)
O Christ, who art the Light and Day (LSB 882)
O Lord, throughout these forty days (LSB 418)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
Savior, when in dust to Thee (LSB 419)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
To Thee, omniscient Lord of all (LSB 613)
Today Your mercy calls us (LSB 915)
First Sunday in Lent
Deuteronomy 26:1–11
Romans 10:8b–13
Luke 4:1–13
Hymn of Invocation
Triune God, be Thou our stay (LSB 505)
Hymn of the Day
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
O Lord, throughout these forty days (LSB 418)
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Hymn of Departure / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Christ, the Lord of hosts, unshaken (LSB 521)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, lead Thou on (LSB 718)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Once He came in blessing (LSB 333)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
What is the world to me (LSB 730)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Second Sunday in Lent
Jeremiah 26:8–15
Philippians 3:17—4:1
Luke 13:31–35
Hymn of Invocation
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Hymn of Departure
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
Alternative Hymns
Children of the heav’nly Father (LSB 725)
Father, we praise Thee (LSB 875)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (TLH 25; LW 439; LSB 977e)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Jerusalem, my happy home (LSB 673)
Jerusalem, O city fair and high (LSB 674)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O little flock, fear not the foe (LSB 666)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Rise, shine, you people (LSB 825)
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
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)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
Third Sunday in Lent
Ezekiel 33:7–20
1 Corinthians 10:1–13
Luke 13:1–9
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Hymn of the Day
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Water, blood, and Spirit crying (LSB 597)
Hymn of Departure
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Alternative Hymns
Christ be my leader by night as by day (LSB 861)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father (LSB 809)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, lead Thou on (LSB 718)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
Preach you the Word, and plant it home (LSB 586)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Rock of ages, cleft for me (LSB 761)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
There is a time for ev’rything (LSB 762)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
When aimless violence takes those we love (LSB 764)
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 12:1–6
2 Corinthians 5:16–21
Luke 15:1–3, 11–32
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Hymn of the Day
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The Gospel shows the Father’s grace (LSB 580)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
Hymn of Departure
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
Alternative Hymns
As rebels, Lord, who foolishly have wandered (LSB 612)
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
Children of the heav’nly Father (LSB 725)
Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing (LSB 686)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (TLH 25; LW 439; LSB 977e)
In Adam we have all been one (LSB 569)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Just as I am, without one plea (LSB 570)
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
Open now thy gates of beauty (LSB 901)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
Today Your mercy calls us (LSB 915)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 43:16–21
Philippians 3:(4b–7) 8–14
Luke 20:9–20
Hymn of Invocation
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted (LSB 451)
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Hymn of Departure
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)
Christ is made the sure foundation (LSB 909)
Christ is our cornerstone (LSB 912)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Glory be to Jesus (LSB 433)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father (LSB 809)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
My hope is built on nothing less (LSB 575)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
The royal banners forward go (LSB 455)
Thy works, not mine, O Christ (LSB 565)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)
Joel 2:12–19
2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
Hymn of the Day
From depths of woe I cry to Thee (LSB 607)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Hymn of Departure
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Alternative Hymns
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Before the throne of God above (LSB 574)
Christ, mighty Savior, Light of all creation (LSB 881)
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (TLH 25; LW 439; LSB 977e)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Lord Jesus, think on me (LSB 610)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
Now rest beneath night’s shadow (LSB 880)
O Christ, who art the Light and Day (LSB 882)
O Lord, throughout these forty days (LSB 418)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
Savior, when in dust to Thee (LSB 419)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
To Thee, omniscient Lord of all (LSB 613)
Today Your mercy calls us (LSB 915)
First Sunday in Lent
Deuteronomy 26:1–11
Romans 10:8b–13
Luke 4:1–13
Hymn of Invocation
Triune God, be Thou our stay (LSB 505)
Hymn of the Day
A mighty fortress is our God (LSB 656)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
O Lord, throughout these forty days (LSB 418)
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Hymn of Departure / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Christ, the Lord of hosts, unshaken (LSB 521)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
Hear us, Father, when we pray (LSB 773)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus, lead Thou on (LSB 718)
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word (LSB 655)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Once He came in blessing (LSB 333)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
Since our great High Priest, Christ Jesus (LSB 529)
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
What is the world to me (LSB 730)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
Second Sunday in Lent
Jeremiah 26:8–15
Philippians 3:17—4:1
Luke 13:31–35
Hymn of Invocation
When in the hour of deepest need (LSB 615)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Hymn of Departure
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
Alternative Hymns
Children of the heav’nly Father (LSB 725)
Father, we praise Thee (LSB 875)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
Grant peace, we pray, in mercy, Lord (LSB 777)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (TLH 25; LW 439; LSB 977e)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Jerusalem, my happy home (LSB 673)
Jerusalem, O city fair and high (LSB 674)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
O little flock, fear not the foe (LSB 666)
On my heart imprint Your image (LSB 422)
Rise, shine, you people (LSB 825)
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
The day is surely drawing near (LSB 508)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
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)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
Third Sunday in Lent
Ezekiel 33:7–20
1 Corinthians 10:1–13
Luke 13:1–9
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
"As surely as I live," God said (LSB 614)
Hymn of the Day
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Water, blood, and Spirit crying (LSB 597)
Hymn of Departure
All who believe and are baptized (LSB 601)
Alternative Hymns
Christ be my leader by night as by day (LSB 861)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father (LSB 809)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
I walk in danger all the way (LSB 716)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Jesus Christ, our blessed Savior (LSB 627)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus, lead Thou on (LSB 718)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
O dearest Jesus, what law hast Thou broken (LSB 439)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
Preach you the Word, and plant it home (LSB 586)
Rise, my soul, to watch and pray (LSB 663)
Rock of ages, cleft for me (LSB 761)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
There is a time for ev’rything (LSB 762)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
When aimless violence takes those we love (LSB 764)
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 12:1–6
2 Corinthians 5:16–21
Luke 15:1–3, 11–32
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Hymn of the Day
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The Gospel shows the Father’s grace (LSB 580)
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice (LSB 556)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing (LSB 737)
Hymn of Departure
Why should cross and trial grieve me (LSB 756)
Alternative Hymns
As rebels, Lord, who foolishly have wandered (LSB 612)
Chief of sinners though I be (LSB 611)
Children of the heav’nly Father (LSB 725)
Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing (LSB 686)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Father most holy, merciful and tender (LSB 504)
God’s own child, I gladly say it (LSB 594)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (TLH 25; LW 439; LSB 977e)
In Adam we have all been one (LSB 569)
In God, my faithful God (LSB 745)
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Just as I am, without one plea (LSB 570)
Lord, to You I make confession (LSB 608)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
Oh, how great is Your compassion (LSB 559)
Open now thy gates of beauty (LSB 901)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
Today Your mercy calls us (LSB 915)
Upon the cross extended (LSB 453)
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 43:16–21
Philippians 3:(4b–7) 8–14
Luke 20:9–20
Hymn of Invocation
Jesus, grant that balm and healing (LSB 421)
Hymn of the Day / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
My song is love unknown (LSB 430)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted (LSB 451)
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle (LSB 454)
O sacred head, now wounded (LSB 450)
Christ, the Life of all the living (LSB 420)
Hymn of Departure
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Alternative Hymns
A Lamb goes uncomplaining forth (LSB 438)
Behold a host, arrayed in white (LSB 676)
Christ is made the sure foundation (LSB 909)
Christ is our cornerstone (LSB 912)
Christ sits at God’s right hand (LSB 564)
Glory be to Jesus (LSB 433)
God loved the world so that He gave (LSB 571)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father (LSB 809)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
In the cross of Christ I glory (LSB 427)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
My hope is built on nothing less (LSB 575)
No temple now, no gift of price (LSB 530)
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
The royal banners forward go (LSB 455)
Thy works, not mine, O Christ (LSB 565)
When I survey the wondrous cross (LSB 425)
06 February 2010
Two Dozen of My Favorite Guitarists
Not necessarily the greatest guitarists ever (though many of these guys surely are), but here are two dozen of the guitarists (or guitarist pairs) that I most enjoy listening to. I've tweaked the list since I first posted it, removing a couple, adding a couple, and shifting the order a bit. As it is, these two dozen are listed more or less in order of preference, but the lines blur often enough, depending on my mood and a host of other factors.
Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)
Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne)
Joe Satriani
Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)
Paul Gilbert
Slash (Guns 'n' Roses, Velvet Revolver)
Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society)
Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
Joe Walsh (The Eagles)
Malcom & Angus Young (AC/DC)
Steve Clark & Phil Collen (Def Leppard)
Glenn Tipton & K.K. Downing (Judas Priest)
Vivian Campbell (Dio, Whitesnake, Def Leppard)
Chris Robertson & Ben Wells (Black Stone Cherry)
Rudolf & Michael Schenker (The Scorpions)
The Brothers Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38-Special, Van Zant)
Steve Vai
George Harrison (The Beatles)
Eric Clapton
Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones)
Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge, Creed)
Kirk Hammett & James Hetfield (Metallica)
George Lynch (Dokken)
Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)
Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne)
Joe Satriani
Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)
Paul Gilbert
Slash (Guns 'n' Roses, Velvet Revolver)
Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society)
Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
Joe Walsh (The Eagles)
Malcom & Angus Young (AC/DC)
Steve Clark & Phil Collen (Def Leppard)
Glenn Tipton & K.K. Downing (Judas Priest)
Vivian Campbell (Dio, Whitesnake, Def Leppard)
Chris Robertson & Ben Wells (Black Stone Cherry)
Rudolf & Michael Schenker (The Scorpions)
The Brothers Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38-Special, Van Zant)
Steve Vai
George Harrison (The Beatles)
Eric Clapton
Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones)
Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge, Creed)
Kirk Hammett & James Hetfield (Metallica)
George Lynch (Dokken)
08 January 2010
Hymns for Epiphany Tide Series C
The Epiphany of Our Lord
Isaiah 60:1–6
Ephesians 3:1–12
Matthew 2:1–12
Processional Hymn
Wake, awake, for night is flying (LSB 516)
Sequence
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)
Hymn of the Day
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
Offertory Hymn
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
As with gladness men of old (LSB 397)
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360) (Catechetical)
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
Processional Out
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872)
Alternative Hymns
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)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
How can I thank You, Lord (LSB 703)
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 star proclaims the King is here (LSB 399)
The Baptism of Our Lord
Isaiah 43:1–7
Romans 6:1–11
Luke 3:15–22
Processional Hymn
I bind unto myself today (LSB 604)
Sequence
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)
Hymn of the Day
To Jordan came the Christ, our Lord (LSB 406)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Jesus, once with sinners numbered (LSB 404) (Catechetical)
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)
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)
Have no fear, little flock (LSB 735)
If Your beloved Son, O God (LSB 568)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
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 star proclaims the King is here (LSB 399)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
To Jordan’s river came our Lord (LSB 405)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
When all the world was cursed (LSB 346)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 62:1–5
1 Corinthians 12:1–11
John 2:1–11
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
The star proclaims the King is here (LSB 399)
Hymn of the Day
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The Bridegroom soon will call us (LSB 514)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
All glory be to God alone (LSB 948)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Hymn of Departure
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
Alternative Hymns
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
Alleluia! Let praises ring (LSB 822)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Christ, the Word of God incarnate (LSB 540)
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest (LSB 498/499)
Come, join in Cana’s feast (LSB 408)
Creator Spirit, by whose aid (LSB 500)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O Holy Spirit, enter in (LSB 913)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
The people that in darkness sat (LSB 412)
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
Wake, awake, for night is flying (LSB 516)
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Nehemiah 8:1–3, 5–6, 8–10
1 Corinthians 12:12–31a
Luke 4:16–30
Hymn of Invocation
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
Hymn of the Day
O Christ, our true and only light (LSB 839)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836) (Catechetical)
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790)
Hymn of Departure
O God of God, O Light of Light (LSB 810)
Alternative Hymns
Almighty God, Your Word is cast (LSB 577)
Arise and shine in splendor (LSB 396)
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872)
God has spoken by His prophets (LSB 583)
God’s Word is our great heritage (LSB 582)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
Hark the glad sound (LSB 349)
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)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
O Word of God incarnate (LSB 523)
Once He came in blessing (LSB 333)
Praise be to Christ in whom we see (LSB 538)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
We are called to stand together (LSB 828)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Jeremiah 1:4–10 (17–19)
1 Corinthians 12:31b—13:13
Luke 4:31–44
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Hymn of the Day
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
I lie, O Lord, within Your care (LSB 885)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Hymn of Departure
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Alternative Hymns
As with gladness men of old (LSB 397)
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
Blessed Jesus, at Your Word (LSB 904)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
God has spoken by His prophets (LSB 583)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
O God, our help in ages past (LSB 733)
Praise be to Christ in whom we see (LSB 538)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
Take my life and let it be (LSB 783)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 6:1–8 (9–13)
1 Corinthians 14:12b–20
Luke 5:1–11
Hymn of Invocation
Lord Jesus Christ, be present now (LSB 902)
Hymn of the Day
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
Offertory Hymn / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Isaiah, mighty seer in days of old (LSB 960)
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty (LSB 507)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Hymn of Departure
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
Alternative Hymns
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
"Come, follow Me," the Savior spake (LSB 688)
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (LSB 769)
Holy God, we praise Thy name (LSB 940)
If thou but trust in God to guide thee (LSB 750)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
O day of rest and gladness (LSB 906)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O light whose splendor thrills and gladdens (LSB 891)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
Voices raised to You we offer (LSB 795)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Jeremiah 17:5–8
1 Corinthians 15:(1–11) 12–20
Luke 6:17–26
Hymn of Invocation
Come down, O Love divine (LSB 501)
Hymn of the Day
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872) (Catechetical)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (LSB 821)
Hymn of Departure
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)
Alternative Hymns
Alleluia! Jesus is risen (LSB 474)
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side (LSB 752)
Blessed Jesus, at Your Word (LSB 904)
Christ is arisen (LSB 459)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus (LSB 729)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
If Christ had not been raised from death (LSB 486)
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
O Christ, our hope, our hearts’ desire (LSB 553)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
Open now thy gates of beauty (LSB 901)
Renew me, O eternal Light (LSB 704)
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
Word of God, come down on earth (LSB 545)
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
Genesis 45:3–15
1 Corinthians 15:21–26, 30–42
Luke 6:27–38
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)
Hymn of the Day
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side (LSB 752)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
Hymn of Departure
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
Alternative Hymns
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (LSB 977e; TLH 25; LW 439)
In Adam we have all been one (LSB 569)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
O splendor of God’s glory bright (LSB 874)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven (LSB 793)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790)
Rise, shine, you people (LSB 825)
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany
Jeremiah 7:1–7 (8–15)
1 Corinthians 15:42–52 (53–58)
Luke 6:39–49
Hymn of Invocation
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
Hymn of the Day
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Hymn of Departure / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
Alternative Hymns
Awake, my soul, and with the sun (LSB 868)
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side (LSB 752)
Built on the Rock the Church shall stand (LSB 645)
Christ be my leader by night as by day (LSB 861)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Father, we praise Thee (LSB 875)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord (LSB 728)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
My hope is built on nothing less (LSB 575)
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Deuteronomy 34:1–12
Hebrews 3:1–6
Luke 9:28–36
Processional Hymn / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
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
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)
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
Father, we praise Thee (LSB 875)
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
Isaiah, mighty seer in days of old (LSB 960)
Jesus on the mountain peak (LSB 415)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
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)
Praise be to Christ in whom we see (LSB 538)
Swiftly pass the clouds of glory (LSB 416)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The God of Abraham praise (LSB 798)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
Thine the amen, Thine the praise (LSB 680)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
Isaiah 60:1–6
Ephesians 3:1–12
Matthew 2:1–12
Processional Hymn
Wake, awake, for night is flying (LSB 516)
Sequence
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)
Hymn of the Day
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
Offertory Hymn
Come, your hearts and voices raising (LSB 375)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
As with gladness men of old (LSB 397)
All my heart again rejoices (LSB 360) (Catechetical)
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is (LSB 372)
Processional Out
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872)
Alternative Hymns
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)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
How can I thank You, Lord (LSB 703)
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 star proclaims the King is here (LSB 399)
The Baptism of Our Lord
Isaiah 43:1–7
Romans 6:1–11
Luke 3:15–22
Processional Hymn
I bind unto myself today (LSB 604)
Sequence
O Savior of our fallen race (LSB 403)
Hymn of the Day
To Jordan came the Christ, our Lord (LSB 406)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Jesus, once with sinners numbered (LSB 404) (Catechetical)
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)
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)
Have no fear, little flock (LSB 735)
If Your beloved Son, O God (LSB 568)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
Once in the blest baptismal waters (LSB 598)
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 star proclaims the King is here (LSB 399)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
To Jordan’s river came our Lord (LSB 405)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
When all the world was cursed (LSB 346)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 62:1–5
1 Corinthians 12:1–11
John 2:1–11
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
The star proclaims the King is here (LSB 399)
Hymn of the Day
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
The Bridegroom soon will call us (LSB 514)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
All glory be to God alone (LSB 948)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Hymn of Departure
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
Alternative Hymns
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divine (LSB 815)
Alleluia! Let praises ring (LSB 822)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing (LSB 633)
Christ, the Word of God incarnate (LSB 540)
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest (LSB 498/499)
Come, join in Cana’s feast (LSB 408)
Creator Spirit, by whose aid (LSB 500)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s head (LSB 647)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O Holy Spirit, enter in (LSB 913)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)
Soul, adorn yourself with gladness (LSB 636)
The Church’s one foundation (LSB 644)
The people that in darkness sat (LSB 412)
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
Wake, awake, for night is flying (LSB 516)
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Nehemiah 8:1–3, 5–6, 8–10
1 Corinthians 12:12–31a
Luke 4:16–30
Hymn of Invocation
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
Hymn of the Day
O Christ, our true and only light (LSB 839)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836) (Catechetical)
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790)
Hymn of Departure
O God of God, O Light of Light (LSB 810)
Alternative Hymns
Almighty God, Your Word is cast (LSB 577)
Arise and shine in splendor (LSB 396)
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872)
God has spoken by His prophets (LSB 583)
God’s Word is our great heritage (LSB 582)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
Hark the glad sound (LSB 349)
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)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
O Word of God incarnate (LSB 523)
Once He came in blessing (LSB 333)
Praise be to Christ in whom we see (LSB 538)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Preserve Your Word, O Savior (LSB 658)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
We are called to stand together (LSB 828)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Jeremiah 1:4–10 (17–19)
1 Corinthians 12:31b—13:13
Luke 4:31–44
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
Hymn of the Day
Son of God, eternal Savior (LSB 842)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Jesus has come and brings pleasure eternal (LSB 533)
Evening and morning (LSB 726)
I lie, O Lord, within Your care (LSB 885)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me (LSB 683)
Hymn of Departure
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Alternative Hymns
As with gladness men of old (LSB 397)
All the earth with joy is sounding (LSB 462)
Blessed Jesus, at Your Word (LSB 904)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
God has spoken by His prophets (LSB 583)
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus, priceless treasure (LSB 743)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O God of light, Your Word, a lamp unfailing (LSB 836)
O God, our help in ages past (LSB 733)
Praise be to Christ in whom we see (LSB 538)
Praise the One who breaks the darkness (LSB 849)
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
Take my life and let it be (LSB 783)
The gifts Christ freely gives (LSB 602)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 6:1–8 (9–13)
1 Corinthians 14:12b–20
Luke 5:1–11
Hymn of Invocation
Lord Jesus Christ, be present now (LSB 902)
Hymn of the Day
Hail to the Lord’s anointed (LSB 398)
Offertory Hymn / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Isaiah, mighty seer in days of old (LSB 960)
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty (LSB 507)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Hymn of Departure
How clear is our vocation, Lord (LSB 853)
Alternative Hymns
Abide, O dearest Jesus (LSB 919)
Baptismal waters cover me (LSB 616)
"Come, follow Me," the Savior spake (LSB 688)
Crown Him with many crowns (LSB 525)
Eternal Spirit of the living Christ (LSB 769)
Holy God, we praise Thy name (LSB 940)
If thou but trust in God to guide thee (LSB 750)
Jesus sinners doth receive (LSB 609)
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide (LSB 585)
Lord of our life and God of our salvation (LSB 659)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
O day of rest and gladness (LSB 906)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
O light whose splendor thrills and gladdens (LSB 891)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
To God the Holy Spirit let us pray (LSB 768)
Voices raised to You we offer (LSB 795)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
Wide open stand the gates (LSB 639)
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Jeremiah 17:5–8
1 Corinthians 15:(1–11) 12–20
Luke 6:17–26
Hymn of Invocation
Come down, O Love divine (LSB 501)
Hymn of the Day
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
Come, Thou bright and Morning Star (LSB 872) (Catechetical)
Salvation unto us has come (LSB 555)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (LSB 821)
Hymn of Departure
Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him (LSB 797)
Alternative Hymns
Alleluia! Jesus is risen (LSB 474)
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side (LSB 752)
Blessed Jesus, at Your Word (LSB 904)
Christ is arisen (LSB 459)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus (LSB 729)
I trust, O Lord, Your holy name (LSB 734)
If Christ had not been raised from death (LSB 486)
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart (LSB 708)
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
O Christ, our hope, our hearts’ desire (LSB 553)
O Holy Spirit, grant us grace (LSB 693)
Open now thy gates of beauty (LSB 901)
Renew me, O eternal Light (LSB 704)
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The will of God is always best (LSB 758)
We know that Christ is raised (LSB 603)
Word of God, come down on earth (LSB 545)
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
Genesis 45:3–15
1 Corinthians 15:21–26, 30–42
Luke 6:27–38
Hymn of Invocation / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)
Hymn of the Day
O God, O Lord of heaven and earth (LSB 834)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
"Forgive our sins as we forgive" (LSB 843)
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side (LSB 752)
My soul, now praise your maker (LSB 820)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
Hymn of Departure
May God bestow on us His grace (LSB 823)
Alternative Hymns
All mankind fell in Adam’s fall (LSB 562)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
I will sing my Maker’s praises (LSB 977e; TLH 25; LW 439)
In Adam we have all been one (LSB 569)
In the shattered bliss of Eden (LSB 572)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
O love, how deep, how broad, how high (LSB 544)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (LSB 395)
O splendor of God’s glory bright (LSB 874)
Our Father, who from heav’n above (LSB 766)
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven (LSB 793)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (LSB 790)
Rise, shine, you people (LSB 825)
Songs of thankfulness and praise (LSB 394)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
The tree of life with ev’ry good (LSB 561)
Where charity and love prevail (LSB 845)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany
Jeremiah 7:1–7 (8–15)
1 Corinthians 15:42–52 (53–58)
Luke 6:39–49
Hymn of Invocation
These are the holy Ten Commands (LSB 581)
Hymn of the Day
Sing praise to God, the highest good (LSB 819)
Hymns for the Distribution of the Holy Communion
In the very midst of life (LSB 755)
O God, my faithful God (LSB 696)
All depends on our possessing (LSB 732)
Let us ever walk with Jesus (LSB 685)
Hymn of Departure / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
O Lord, we praise Thee (LSB 617)
Alternative Hymns
Awake, my soul, and with the sun (LSB 868)
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side (LSB 752)
Built on the Rock the Church shall stand (LSB 645)
Christ be my leader by night as by day (LSB 861)
Entrust your days and burdens (LSB 754)
Father, we praise Thee (LSB 875)
From God can nothing move me (LSB 713)
How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord (LSB 728)
I am content! My Jesus ever lives (LSB 468)
If God Himself be for me (LSB 724)
In Thee is gladness (LSB 818)
Jesus Christ, my sure defense (LSB 741)
Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won (LSB 490)
My hope is built on nothing less (LSB 575)
Seek where you may to find a way (LSB 557)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The Law of God is good and wise (LSB 579)
What God ordains is always good (LSB 760)
Who trusts in God a strong abode (LSB 714)
With high delight let us unite (LSB 483)
The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Deuteronomy 34:1–12
Hebrews 3:1–6
Luke 9:28–36
Processional Hymn / Catechetical Hymn of the Week
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
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)
Come, you faithful, raise the strain (LSB 487)
Father, we praise Thee (LSB 875)
From God the Father, virgin-born (LSB 401)
Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer (LSB 918)
Isaiah, mighty seer in days of old (LSB 960)
Jesus on the mountain peak (LSB 415)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (LSB 621)
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)
Praise be to Christ in whom we see (LSB 538)
Swiftly pass the clouds of glory (LSB 416)
Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious (LSB 548)
The God of Abraham praise (LSB 798)
The only Son from heaven (LSB 402)
Thine the amen, Thine the praise (LSB 680)
Thy strong word did cleave the darkness (LSB 578)
04 January 2010
Greater Things than You Have Yet Seen
It is easy to be cynical in this poor life of labor. The one who works hard to plant and to build may lose it all and languish. The one who lazes about and does nothing may prosper like a king.
And in the end, for both alike, there is death and decay. Expensive caskets and whitewashed tombs do not give life or raise the dead, but worms and dust reclaim both rich and poor, the lazy and industrious, the young as well as the old, whether they burn out or fade away.
Your infant may die in your womb; your toddler may be cut down and buried in the bud of life; and your elderly neighbor may die in loneliness, bitterness, or fear.
The cheerful and optimistic die, too.
But can anything good come out of death?
Come and see, and follow the One who has died, and yet who lives. For He has purposed to find you, He seeks you out and calls you to Himself. Follow Him.
Before you have called upon Him, He has answered the deepest prayer and longing of your heart. While you are yet asking your cynical questions, He is already moving to act: to save you.
He has seen you from before the foundation of the world, and while you were yet in the loins of your father, and even in your mother's womb, He has known you in love. For you are His own workmanship, crafted by His hand for life; created not for calamity, but fearfully and wonderfully made in His Image and after His likeness.
So has He come for you now, the Seed of the Woman, of Abraham, Isaac and Israel; the branch and stem from the root and stump of Jesse; the new bud that has blossomed from that fair flower, the daughter of David.
And such a King He is, this great Good Shepherd of Israel!
He has come in humility to humble death. He has become the little boy to slay the giant Goliath with that fierce enemy's own terrible sword.
And now with His Word of the Cross, He lays His head upon your stony heart and calms your fears. He quiets your suspicious mind. He meets your doubts with forgiveness you have hardly dared to hope or ask for, removing even those sins of which you have not been aware, along with those that have haunted you like ghosts and hunted you like wolves.
For by His Cross He has entered death's domain, and He has shattered all its caskets and tombs. That is why His Resurrection from the dead is your Absolution — for His glorious Body, crucified and risen, is the very Gospel of peace, the greatest good thing that has come out of death into life.
Heaven has therefore been opened to you, although you were conceived and born in sin, and though your flesh is subject to death and decay.
Heaven has been opened to you, and it shall never be closed again.
Indeed, heaven has come to you and is opened to you here, where the Body of Jesus is found. Truly, the Lord is in this place. This is the House of God. This is the gate of heaven.
You hear it and receive it now with your ears, according to the Scriptures, and it is placed into your mouth and into your body, although it is yet hidden from your sight under the humility of bread and wine.
Even so, in the resurrection of your body — out of death into life — with your own eyes, you shall see Him in glory, as He is. Then shall you see, what is true already now, that where the Body and Blood of Jesus are, there the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven are gathered; and you are gathered with them.
Come and see, that though you die, yet shall you live.
In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
And in the end, for both alike, there is death and decay. Expensive caskets and whitewashed tombs do not give life or raise the dead, but worms and dust reclaim both rich and poor, the lazy and industrious, the young as well as the old, whether they burn out or fade away.
Your infant may die in your womb; your toddler may be cut down and buried in the bud of life; and your elderly neighbor may die in loneliness, bitterness, or fear.
The cheerful and optimistic die, too.
But can anything good come out of death?
Come and see, and follow the One who has died, and yet who lives. For He has purposed to find you, He seeks you out and calls you to Himself. Follow Him.
Before you have called upon Him, He has answered the deepest prayer and longing of your heart. While you are yet asking your cynical questions, He is already moving to act: to save you.
He has seen you from before the foundation of the world, and while you were yet in the loins of your father, and even in your mother's womb, He has known you in love. For you are His own workmanship, crafted by His hand for life; created not for calamity, but fearfully and wonderfully made in His Image and after His likeness.
So has He come for you now, the Seed of the Woman, of Abraham, Isaac and Israel; the branch and stem from the root and stump of Jesse; the new bud that has blossomed from that fair flower, the daughter of David.
And such a King He is, this great Good Shepherd of Israel!
He has come in humility to humble death. He has become the little boy to slay the giant Goliath with that fierce enemy's own terrible sword.
And now with His Word of the Cross, He lays His head upon your stony heart and calms your fears. He quiets your suspicious mind. He meets your doubts with forgiveness you have hardly dared to hope or ask for, removing even those sins of which you have not been aware, along with those that have haunted you like ghosts and hunted you like wolves.
For by His Cross He has entered death's domain, and He has shattered all its caskets and tombs. That is why His Resurrection from the dead is your Absolution — for His glorious Body, crucified and risen, is the very Gospel of peace, the greatest good thing that has come out of death into life.
Heaven has therefore been opened to you, although you were conceived and born in sin, and though your flesh is subject to death and decay.
Heaven has been opened to you, and it shall never be closed again.
Indeed, heaven has come to you and is opened to you here, where the Body of Jesus is found. Truly, the Lord is in this place. This is the House of God. This is the gate of heaven.
You hear it and receive it now with your ears, according to the Scriptures, and it is placed into your mouth and into your body, although it is yet hidden from your sight under the humility of bread and wine.
Even so, in the resurrection of your body — out of death into life — with your own eyes, you shall see Him in glory, as He is. Then shall you see, what is true already now, that where the Body and Blood of Jesus are, there the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven are gathered; and you are gathered with them.
Come and see, that though you die, yet shall you live.
In the Name + of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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