The Great "O" Antiphons

December 23
O Emmanuel, our king and our Lord,
the anointed for the nations and
their Savior:
Come and save us, O Lord our God.

The Great "O" Antiphons

December 22
O King of the nations, the ruler
they long for, the cornerstone
uniting all people:
Come and save us all,
whom You formed out of clay.

The Great "O" Antiphons

December 21
O Dayspring, splendor of light
everlasting:
Come and enlighten those who sit
in darkness and in the shadow
of death.

The Great "O" Antiphons

December 20
O Key of David and scepter of the
house of Israel, You open and no one
can close, You close and no one
can open:
Come and rescue prisoners who
are in darkness and the shadow
of death.

The Great "O" Antiphons

December 19
O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign
before the peoples, before whom all
kings are mute, to whom the nations
will do homage:
Come quickly to deliver us.

The Great "O" Antiphons

December 18
O Adonai and ruler of the house of
Israel, who appeared to Moses in
the burning bush and gave him the
Law on Sinai:
Come with an outstretched arm
and redeem us.

The Great "O" Antiphons

December 17
O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth
of the Most High, pervading and
permeating all creation, mightily
ordering all things:
Come and teach us the way
of prudence.

These seven ancient antiphons are the series upon which the hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is based upon. They were used at Vespers during the last Seven days of Advent. They are found in the Lutheran Service Book 357. Thank you to Pastor Weedon for the idea.

Unemployement

This article helped me to fully grasp the depth and difficulty of this economic recession. So far, where we live in rural MN and the fact that I do still have a job, has insulated me. This has helped me more specifically, grasp what kinds of effects joblessness can have on each of us. I am thankful this article came along since it has given me a better grasp on what a few of my members and their families may be going through after the recent closing of the prison in our area. This was one of our major employers.

The message of the article made me very thankful that I still have a job. I am thankful that, many of our friends and relatives (not all) have remained employed. We have been and continue to pray for all our friends, neighbors and relatives. We will be praying that more jobs become available for them and for all in this nation. We are praying for those who are currently unemployed and those who still are employed.

Advent Midweek 3-Mary's Song-St. Luke 1:46-56

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. (2 John 3) Amen.

‘And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord”’. (V. 46)

Have you ever been truly overjoyed because of something? Have you ever been “over the moon” as it is sometimes described? Mary’s words are different from her cousin’s. Mary is not excited in the way that Elizabeth was. Her mind was full of the spiritual message of God’s Word. This was especially true because of the words the angel had just spoken to her.

Mary’s mood in the entire scene, this meeting with Elizabeth, is rather one of compressed joy. When she hears Elizabeth’s song, Mary’s response is to sing back in response.

‘And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord”’. (V. 46)

So, what do you all think?

Do you really think that Mary only said these words?

My wife and I watched a movie the other night and all of the great canticles that Luke records for us and which we sing, if they were included at all, in this movie the actors speak. The effect was jarring. Nothing about the words sounded right. And these were the words of Elizabeth, given directly before Mary in Luke’s Gospel. When she greets Mary, she sings: ‘“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”’ (Vv. 42-43)

It just made no sense to me for that actress to be speaking these words. Just because the church has not chosen to use her words as it has the words of the other songs in these first two chapters of Luke. This is no reason not to think that these words were not also sung. After all, to read the Holy Spirit’s words in Luke’s Gospel, you can see and hear the joy and awe exhibited by Elizabeth when Mary arrives at the door.

In these words of Mary, we have the thoughts of the Old Testament scattered throughout. This is especially evident when we also read the words of Hannah’s Song in first Samuel (2:1-10).

‘“For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; … And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.”’ (Vv. 48, 50)

Mary was the bride of a carpenter but, as her cousin told her, she was also the mother of the Messiah[1]! What wonder! What joy! The long-expected One had finally arrived. Everyone had told Mary that the Messiah would come in glory and majesty. He did, but not in a fashion that anyone ever expected. After all, the angel had told her how this would all come to pass. He had said that her son would be the Son of God (St. Lk. 1:35).

As the great Advent hymn declares:
‘For You are the Father’s Son
Who in flesh the victory won.
By Your mighty power make whole
All our ills of flesh and soul.’ (LSB 332:6)

Yet, what a wonderful thing. If Mary was singing these words, ‘“For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant”’, then she obviously did not see herself as worthy to bear the Christ. In this we see how our God inspires people. He does not just tell them what to say, He also uses their own words to declare His message. In her being carried along by the Holy Spirit, Mary tells us that all generations will call her blessed. She, a sinner just the same as each of us, did not believe she was worthy to be given the honor of bearing hers and the world’s Savior. She certainly then did not herself believe that she was worthy of being called blessed.

Yet, there it is. The Holy Spirit has declared it to be so. And so, though Mary would surely shrink from such honor, she is rightly called blessed. She was chosen by the Father to be the bearer of the Son of God. She was chosen to give a human nature to Jesus that He would pay the price for our sins. That we might receive the forgiveness of our sins, God’s mercy.

Thank God for this. This is a great and mighty wonder. This is an amazing thing for you and me. We are the ones who benefit from this mercy as Mary sings. We are among those who fear the Triune God. You and I are those who receive the mercy of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thank God for that. ‘Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!’ (Ps. 72:19)

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Word Pictures in the New Testament, Robertson, p. 15-16.

A Little Something about Snow

This post, from the blog I linked yesterday, gives a delightful description of snow. For those who are in the midst of the "annual great white rearrangement", here is another way to look at such things. We more often than not think of snow and only remember the slush on city streets or the scraping of windows every morning or the shoveling of sidewalks that must be done. We forget about the joy we first felt each winter at the first snow when we were children. We forgot that we too used to put out our tongue to taste the snow. Some of us declaring that it was not done yet or just right!

Also, notice in the second half the argument, not simply for the existance of "a god", but of the God of Genesis. The God who knits (Psalm 139) each of us in our mother's womb. This is the same God who with intricate care creates billions of snowflakes for each snowfall. Even if they will melt in a month or later that same day. After you read this, go play in the snow!

Latin Hymns--Updated

I found this post (scroll down to the one titled "Latin Hymns") at a delightful blog that Elephant's Child made me aware of, thank you for that. I thought this was a wonderful post from last week about how to listen to Latin hymns. We more often than not hear these hymns in their English translations, but every once in a great while, such as at this blog, we get to hear them in the original language that they were first sung in.

By the way, the first hymn mentioned is LSB 332 "Savior of the Nations Come". The other two are perhaps, LSB 442 "All Glory Laud and Honor" and the third is possibly the Latin words for Psalm 26:6. This Psalm is titled: Cantabos Domine. Thank you to Ewe and to my father-in-law for helping. I should have been able to guess "All Glory Laud and Honor". Oh, well.

HT: Laudator Temporis Acti

"The poor (read: hungry) you will always have with you"

That statement of Jesus (St. Matthew 26:11) was running through my head as I read this news story. It is nonetheless the goal of the Christian Church, as it has been for millenia, to help those we can help. Remember to continue to pray, even after the economy picks back up, for those who cannot put enough food (or any) on the table. Even in this "land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 33:3) here in the U.S.A. Even better; act, look around, do what you are able where you are.

If you would like to know more about what there is to do to help, go here or here.

Advent 3-St. Lucia Day-St. Luke 3:7-18

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

Grace, mercy and peace will be with you, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. (2 John 3) Amen.

‘ “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.”’ (V. 8)

Good parents are no guarantee of good children. Just look at those who came out to hear John preach. He anticipated the thinking of these people with these words. He warns them that if they want to gain heaven, they must bear good fruit. It does not matter who your parents are.

Just because this group of people could claim ancestry from Abraham, did not get them a free pass with God. These, as with you and me, would be judged on their own actions and works. True repentant faith, like that which John preaches about, gives you eternal life. Your parents do not give this to you.

It is the same even today. People think, “well, my parents were good people”, or, “I went to church all my life”, or, “I was baptized a Lutheran”. Yet, the question must be asked, “where are you now?” The reputation of a parent is a good recommendation in business, but the faith of the parent is no passport into heaven for the child. If I had entered the business world after college, it is possible that I could have used my father’s good name to help me land a certain job. My father’s faithful life as a Christian however, will do me no good at those gates of pearl (Rev. 21:21).

The children of the godly can be quite ungodly in their behavior. It is a notorious fact that people who go wrong after good training are often more wicked than others. All a person need do is look today at those leaders of infidelity and see how many came from good families[1].

‘ “Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”’ (V. 9)

What is John speaking of? Who is the axe and what will happen next now that the axe is laid at the root of the tree? The description that John gives here sounds like an orchard. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be a fruitful orchard. Yet, the lack of fruit does not come from the trees being too old. Rather, the fruitlessness comes from bad trees.

John is talking to the people of Jesus. The witness of the light bears witness here that the axe is made ready by God. The judgement of humanity is now at hand. This is why John had just warned the people to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. For if not, then the tree of humanity would be cut down root and branch. The head of the family with the children would be wiped out and would remain no more.

John is telling us here that the judgement is at hand. Yes, at the first coming of our Savior, He came in mercy. However, soon the world’s Redeemer will come again in judgement. There is hope here though. After all, the axe is not laid in the root of the trees. Instead, the axe is laid by the root. Those unrepentant, that brood of vipers John here speaks to, they will be destroyed root and branch. The rest of the multitude, the repentant ones, they are the remnant that will be rescued out of the fire set to destroy the chaff[2].

‘Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”’ (Vv. 11-14)

These along with the soldiers were among the harlots, all considered outcasts in Jewish society. None were welcome and so it was easy for them to do what John here warns them not to do.

The Roman system of taxation was not set up for the collectors to be liked. These individuals “bought” the right to gather tax from a certain area. Then, they were given a small wage out of what they were authorized to collect. The unfortunate consequence of this system was that the collector would extort whatever he could collect on top of what he was authorized. The Roman government did not care so long as they got their cut.

Such tax collectors as these would have been considered by the rest as blood suckers. It was the worst when a Jew collected taxes for the hated Roman overlords from Jews. There would also have been included among these tax collectors those who were simply outcasts and not literally tax collectors. The term would have been used as a sort of catchall.

All of these though wanted to receive the baptism of repentance. This is why they had gone out to John[3].

So, next to approach the prophet were a group of soldiers. These may have been hired soldiers, mercenaries rather than the professional Roman legionnaires. One perennial complaint of hired soldiers is lack of pay. Whatever it is, it is never enough. After all, the word wages used here by John for these soldiers implies the ability to purchase bread and broiled fish. A good meal as it is, but certainly one that would begin to get old soon. This does not pretend to be a varied diet.

John in his words does not condemn war in general. If he had, he would have told the soldiers to throw down their arms and look for a different line of work, giving up military service entirely. Instead, Christians have always seen military service as the noble office and profession it is. Instead, the prophet tells these men, ‘“Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”’ (V. 14)[4]

Notice in both of these groups, that John does not condemn them for engaging in their profession. He only condemns any sinful behavior that they found themselves prone to. It is the same for you and me. John does not condemn you in your profession, whatever it may be. Instead, he condemns your sinful behavior that is not in keeping with the bearing of fruits for repentance.

‘As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’ (Vv. 15, 16)

Here in the thoughts and questioning of the multitudes gives John a temptation. It would have been easy for him to reply, “Well, yes, you are correct”. This in spite of the fact that John was of the wrong family line. Instead, John remained the friend of the Bridegroom. He remained faithful to the One who is our Master and Lord.

It is easy sometimes, through the temptations of the world, for you or I to get distracted from the one on whom we are to dwell. We often times in our sinful desires lose sight of our Savior. Then we are like Peter walking on the water out to Christ. As soon as the Apostle took his eyes of Jesus, he began to sink into sin (St. Mk. 6:45-52). So it is for you and me. When we take our eyes of Jesus, we sink into the mire of sin.

It is then that the Holy Spirit in mercy does for you what He does for the people through the words of the prophet John. John remains focused on the Coming One in the face of this temptation. The Holy Spirit uses John to call the people back to the proper focus. God lifts them back out of the miry pit (Ps. 40:1-4).

John does this by describing himself as so low of a servant of the King as to not even be capable of doing the lowest task of a slave. You and I are in the same humble position. We are not capable, because of our sinful condition (Rom. 3:19-28), of doing any more than John. So, John tells us that Jesus is coming that we might be purified with fire (Mal. 3:1-4). He will refine us as silver or gold, burning off the dross, our sin, that we may remain in His house forever (Ps. 23:6). It is because of this great mercy that our God displays toward you and all humanity that we rejoice this Advent and Christmas season.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH, p. 33 entry #102.
[2] ACCS NT vol. III pp. 61-2. Gregory the Great Forty Gospel Homilies 6; Cyril of Alexandria Commentary on Luke, Homily 7.
[3] Ibid, p. 62. Origen Homilies on the Gospel of Luke 23.5, 9.
[4] ACCS NT vol. III p. 63. St. Augustine Letter 138.

Split Pea Soup

"Peas are ancient. This we know, one archaeological find, in a cave on the border between Burma and Thailand, was carbon-dated at 9750 B.C. The first mention of eating dried peas, however, is from ancient Rome. Peas are a legume, and like their kin--lentils and beans--they maintain all their nutrients (which are substantial) and flavor when dried, even when stored for a couple of years at warm room temperatures.

Most dried peas, both yellow and green, are sold split, are very inexpensive, and, I think, as decorative as they are delicious. One suggestion states, keep them in a canning jar that has a rubber gasket, in a screw-top jar, or in a jar with a ground glass stopper and display them on a counter or shelf. Besides being attractive, this will also make you think of them some late fall or winter day when you want to eat something substantial but don't know what."
--excerpted from Arthur Schwartz's "What to Cook..."

Split Pea Soup

This is a very thick soup, but in no way a stodgy soup. Plenty of onion, carrot, and celery see to that. If you want, you can use a food processor not only to blend the soup at the end but also to chop up the veggies. We do not do either.

Serves 6 to 8

1 pound green or yellow split peas (2 cups)
1 cup very finely chopped carrot (about 2 medium or 3 small)
1 cup very finely chopped onion (1 large or 2 or 3 small)
1 cup very finely chopped celery (2 or 3 ribs)
7 cups water
1 large bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper

1. In a large pot, combine all the ingredients except salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover, and simmer about 50 minutes, until peas are soft.

optional 2nd step. In two or three batches, puree the peas and vegetables in a food processor or blender or through a food mill.

3. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Return to a simmer and cook briefly to make very hot for serving. (The soup will keep for several days in the refrigerator, you can add extra water as you desire. We do not add any, simply reheating a bowl at a time.)

Variations: If desired, add a ham bone, smoked ham hock, or diced bacon to all the other ingredients (yes, the bacon will cook through in 50 minutes!). (The ham hock, on the other hand, will flavor the soup, but it won't really cook through in an hour, so have another meal ready for it if you chose the ham hock.) If not using meat, serve with a dollup of sour cream (daisy brand or another that has no extra ingredients added in, some have corn syrup added!)

Substitutions: This is a vegetarian soup and it has a clear, sweet pea flavor. The author prefers that to the meat-muddied soup, but chicken broth does add a depth that can be desirable. Use canned broth for some of the water.

We do not include the pepper or salt at cooking, preferring to add that seasoning at the table.

Optional Croutons:
Toast 1/2- to 1-inch-thick slices of bread on both sides, either on a baking sheet or toaster oven. Rub one side of the bread with a cut clove of garlic (we use powdered garlic), drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Eat.
A Fresh Touch: Top with diced tomatoes, if you have them, and chopped garlic and olive oil.

The Manhattan Declaration

This is a vitally important document. I cannot urge all of you strongly enough to read this declaration, sign it and then share it. We as Christians cannot remain silent. We need to join with our brothers and sisters in our faith who lived in previous centuries and battled against other, earlier evils.



Speaking out against such as this is part of our vocation as Christians.



This document deals with the critical issues of our age; life, marriage, freedom of conscience. The three issues dealt with here are the ones that will define us, I believe, as Christians.



Follow the link below the Pelican. Go, read, sign.

Advent 2 Midweek-Zechariah's Prophecy-St. Luke 1:67-80

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

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

‘And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people’. (Vv. 67-8)

In the early years of the Massachusetts colony, a white settlement that was a bit inland and toward the south end of the colony was suddenly attacked by a large force of Indians. The Indians succeeded in burning all but one of the cabins in this village. That final cabin was not burned because holed up inside where Captain Hutchinson and his men.

After several desperate attempts, finally, one man was able to slip through the Indian lines under cover of darkness. He then made his way to Providence, Rhode Island to raise the alarm. For three days the Indians attacked the cabin trying to break through the defenses. After each attempt, the bodies of these red Indians were left lying on the ground around the clearing.

Finally, on the evening of the third day, the besieged men within the fort heard the shouts of friends rushing to their rescue. Major Willard of Boston had been apprised of the situation and siege at Brookfield and with all possible haste rushed to the aid of those brave men, whose ammunition and endurance were all but spent.

We can all imagine the joy and thanksgiving within that small fort in the hearts of the defenders when the Indians were dispersed and driven back into the woods. So, we also were once held in bondage and sitting in the shadow of death. Now, you have been delivered from sin, death, and hell when you despaired of all help. You and I sat helpless and hopeless, unable to relieve our situation. Then our great Deliverer and Savior came.[1]

We praise the Lord that in spite of our sinful foolishness and pride, the Father sent Jesus for you anyway. Your Strength and your Deliverer has come. He has delivered you from the hopeless situation that you found yourself in even from birth. Our God has now raised up a horn of salvation. There it is again, did you hear it? Listen again.

‘[He] has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old’. (Vv. 69-70)

Did you hear it? That word, salvation.

Just as with the prophecies of Simeon and Isaiah, so also in the prophecy of Zechariah. Our Salvation has been raised up. He has been seen. Now though, the word horn is attached to this name of Jesus, Salvation. This is a good word. After all, “horn” carries with it the idea of strength. Jesus is most definitely strong to save. This also carries with it a sacrificial overtone. If you remember from the descriptions of the altar of the Old Testament, there were four horns on that altar. This then puts us in mind of that sacrificial element and thus is a pointing forward by Luke.

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke is pointing us forward to the end of the Gospel. We are already seeing the shadow of the cross falling over the manger in Bethlehem. At least as much as the prophets from of old spoke about the Messiah coming as a baby. These same prophets also point us to the cross. This is most notably seen in Isaiah with his great “Servant’s Song” (Is. 52-3).

‘That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us’. (V. 71)

You have been rescued from the hand of your enemies. You have now been rescued by Jesus’ sacrifice from the clutches of sin and death. You have also been delivered from the hand of those who hate you. This includes the devil and all his fallen angels (Small Catechism IV: Holy Baptism). As with those Massachusetts soldiers, you also rejoice with joy and thanksgiving. You are constantly rejoicing that your God’s mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:23).

We see this in the song we sing in the Sunday service found in tonight’s Psalm. ‘Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! … Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.’ (Ps. 51: 2, 12) This is our continual pray for forgiveness and our continual reason for rejoicing. We as Christians, you and me, we are all praying that our Savior will wash us clean and cover us with His saving grace. When you sin you pray the second part, that the joy of your heavenly Father’s salvation in Jesus will be restored.

You have been washed in the waters of baptism. You have been covered with Christ’s righteousness. When you sin, He does forgive all your sins. You have been rescued, you have been redeemed. You have been saved from your enemies and those who hate you. Amen, praise Jesus.

In Jesus'+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH, pp. 178-79, entry #826.

Theology and Science

To view this slideshow (scroll down and click on the link for "the Month in Space") is to realize what complexity is found in the few small words of the first article of the Apostles' Creed: "I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth" (Luther's Small Catechism (II: 1st). And the words of the Holy Spirit by the prophet Moses in Genesis: 'And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth." And it was so. And God made the two great lights--the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night--and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.' (Genesis 1:14-19) Not only does these images from space remind us how complex our world and universe really are, they also remind us what God really did by speaking a few small words! Finally, did anyone catch on that when God made the sun, the moon and the stars, these were three separate groups? 1. The greater light to rule the day--the sun. 2. The lesser light to rule the night--the moon. And 3. The stars. The sun is a separate creation from the stars.

Church to sell Stained Glass of St. John

While I do not agree with all that is in this article, I do agree that it is a tragic and heart breaking thing to see this happen. I do think that considering the membership numbers my first thought is, they should simply close their doors. Then this church could use the sale of anything to further gospel work that is important to the church members. One that comes to mind would be homelessness.

Yet, as the pastor of three churches with similar numbers I understand why they are not doing that. I have seen two churches in this area close already and I could tell, closing your home church is like burying a family member. It involves a mourning process. It is not something that I could ever recommend someone do. I have a small bit of understanding for this Vermont church as they make such a decision.

Advent 2-St. Nicholas Day-Luke 3:1-6

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Ps. 19:14) Amen.

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

A proverb given to us from the unbelieving Greeks insists, “The feet of the avenging deities are shod with wool!” A terrifying thought to contemplate. Who wants a vengeful god especially if you are an unbeliever, to sneak up on you like that! A truly terrifying judgement to be subject to.

However, the feet of your God are not thus shod. When Christ came to save us, there was no deceiving noiselessness in His approach. His coming was heralded with all the fanfare that a king of that era would arrive with[1].

‘The word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.’ (Vv. 2, 3)

Think about these words again, ‘the word of God came to John’. Remarkable once you think about it for a moment. What do we confess about Jesus? Well, first of all, we confess that He created all things and that He is in the entire universe sustaining it and causing all of its actions that take place. Second, we confess that Jesus came as a tiny baby, the first born child of the Virgin Mary.

These two things are not exclusive of each other. In other words, Jesus did not cease to be the creator and sustainer of the universe and all that is in this world simply because He became incarnate on Christmas Day.[2]

Even as Jesus' Spirit came and spoke His word to John, telling Him that it was time, He was also standing as the incarnate One, as part of the audience for John’s preaching of repentance. John really was a voice crying in the wilderness as Isaiah had foretold. He really was the one who would prepare the way for the coming of the King.

Even as John stood preaching what Jesus would preach, Jesus stood listening waiting for the proper time. He waited on His Father’s timing. As Luke tells us in his Gospel, John came proclaiming a baptism of repentance. As Mark tells us, Jesus came a short time later, proclaiming, ‘ “Repent! For the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!”’ (St. Mk. 1:14, 15) The very preaching of this forerunner really told the people whom to look for. It was in the wilderness that the gospel was first proclaimed. It is even now the same.

Even today, no matter the physical surroundings, the church still proclaims that gospel in a spiritual wilderness. It is in this way that the words of Isaiah bear fruit. ‘Sing, O barren one,’ and ‘break forth together into singing, you waste places’ (Is. 54:1; 52:9)[3]. Where the gospel is preached, fruit springs forth, even in the heart no man would expect.

‘‘“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight”’’ (V. 4).

In this way, the evangelist Luke shows us in what way John will prepare things for Jesus. John will prepare hearts to receive the Christ. John will prepare hearts to receive the gospel of forgiveness of sins. John is calling you and me to abandon those foolish notions that we have about the gospel. He is telling us to prepare for the Father’s promised Savior. Jesus did not come as any expected.

To use today's terminology, Jesus did not come as an alternate presidential candidate to run in opposition to that president with whom we disagree. Jesus did not come and provide a new law or amendment to protect this or that practice. Jesus came to bring what all humanity truly needs.

Jesus came to give you forgiveness that you cannot earn. He came to give me forgiveness that I cannot earn. Jesus came to give forgiveness to every man woman and child who had ever lived, was living then in the first century and will ever live. Jesus came so that He could repair the destroyed communion our first parents had with Him. Jesus came to give those who take Him at His word forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.

This is what the prophet meant when he proclaimed that the promised voice would make paths straight for the King.

‘‘“Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways”’’ (V. 5).

When Isaiah prophesied this, his hearers did not take this for colorful language. They did not take this as a picture of what would happen. Instead, they would have understood the words of the prophet literally. We have record of this happening. In 1845 when the Sultan visited Brusa, the inhabitants were called out to clear the roads of rocks and to fill up the hollows[4]. This would have been a very vivid example of this prophecy for those who first heard of such things at that time.

At the same time, a royal courier would go ahead to issue the call. So the Messiah does this same sort of thing. He sends his herald, John, before Him to prepare the way. Isaiah describes this triumphal march and John used it with great force.

This preparation is ongoing. John is still preparing the way of the Savior. He is preparing the way for all hearts who hear this message for the coming of the Messiah and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. John’s work as forerunner did not end simply because he was beheaded by Herod. No! John’s work continues even today and will not end until the Messiah comes again in great glory and judgement.

He will not come silently then either. Jesus will then come for all to see. Until then, wherever the gospel is preached, John is preparing hearts to receive the gospel of repentance and the forgiveness of sins.

‘‘“All flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”’’ (V. 6)

This puts you and I in mind of Simeon’s song, the Nunc Dimittis (LSB p. 165), that song we sing following our receiving of Christ’s body and blood in the Holy Communion. Luke’s first hearers also would have thought of this. In the case of John's first hearers, it would have been one of the many other Scripture texts, which show this to be truth. It is easy then to read this statement as “All flesh shall see the Christ of God”. It amounts to saying the same thing. If you have seen the Christ of God you have seen His salvation.

John was at this point preparing the way for the salvation of God to appear and make Himself known to all of John’s listeners. Soon, Jesus would step forth and preach a gospel of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Once more, here in Luke we see the salvation of God. We can again, depart in peace[6]. You have again seen that most needful thing, your forgiveness and salvation from sin death and the devil.

Praise God for His great mercy! ‘Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!’ (Ps. 80:3) Your sins are forgiven. Your salvation is sure.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations, CPH, p. 184.
[2] NPNF 2nd Series, vol. 4 St. Athanasius On the Incarnation, section 17, p. 45.
[3] ACCS NT vol. III p. 59. Ambrose Exposition of the Gospel of Luke 2.67.
[4] Word Pictures of the New Testament, Robertson vol. II, p. 38.
[6] ACCS NT vol. III pp. 60-61. St. Augustine City of God 22.29.

De Incarnatione Verbi Dei--St. Athanasius

Lately, I have been reading from St. Athanasius' work on the Incarnation of the Word. I try to do this every Advent. It is good preparation for Christmas and it tends to bear fruit in my sermon writing as we anticipate the coming of our Savior in the flesh. So, Athanasius writes for us about our Savior as He was in His body.

"Thus, even while present in a human body and Himself [Jesus] quickening it, He was, without inconsistancy, quickening the universe as well, and was in every process of nature, and was outside the whole, and while known from the body by His works, He was none the less manifest from the working of the universe as well."

In other words, Jesus was not limited while He was in the flesh. I always knew this, but the way the Saint puts it here, it shed new light on an old aspect of the incarnation. I am thankful that I regularly read this so that I can get all the meat and marrow from the bones of this
text.

Advent 1 Midweek-Simeon's Song-St. Luke 2:28-33

‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Psalm 19:14) Amen.

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

‘And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.’ (V. 33)

Those who are parents, have you ever been surprised at what another knows about your child? If someone says what wonderful things our child will do when he or she grows up, this pleases us. We are delighted to hear someone else say what we already were sure of.

Simeon goes beyond this for Mary and Joseph. They were pleased as punch as any two parents would be when someone else says wonderful things about their son. Even after eight short days, the two of them knew what the angel, Elizabeth, the shepherds and the rest had told them about this little boy. These two had been telling everyone what wonderful things their new son would do once he grew up.

The others, both family and friends, who heard this boasting probably, thought that Mary and Joseph were just like any other young couple. This, even if they were a bit too over the top with the praise they heaped on this little one. Understandably, these parents were a bit surprised when someone else spoke this way about their boy. After all, they probably had not done much sharing of Gabriel’s actual words.

‘“For my eyes have seen your salvation.”’ (V. 30)

We usually think of these words from Simeon’s perspective. Have you ever thought of this from your perspective, or our perspective? What does this statement of Simeon’s song have to do with you? After all, the Holy Spirit does not include things by accident or just for fun. There is always a purpose. What these words are getting at is that of submission. Yes, that is correct. We are all to submit to our God and Lord. Why?

Well, what has God done for you? Our heavenly Father sent Jesus, His Son, to take on flesh and be your Savior. That is, your salvation. So, we subject ourselves to God because of the gift He has given to each of us. As the Psalmist reminds you and I: ‘For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.’ (Psalm 61:3)

As He states, Jesus is from God. He is also Himself God. As your Savior, He supports you in your weakness. He corrects you in the disturbance of sin in your soul as you are tempted. That is, Jesus, God, has mercy on you in your weakness.[1]

‘“A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”’ (V. 32)

These words also speak of you and me. We are, after all, the Gentiles that Simeon speaks of here. These words relate you us a mystery that had been prepared for each of us from before the foundation of the world. It was not until these last dark ages of the world that our Father saw fit to manifest the mystery of the incarnation of His Son to all of us. Here at the end of time, in this sinful world, was Jesus made flesh.

Before we had come to know our Savior, we were captive in darkness and error. We had fallen under the yoke of the devil. His hand pressed down on us subjecting you and me in servitude to the creature rather than serving the Creator. It was to such created things as precious metals and domestic animals that we attached the honor due only to God (1st Commandment). In reality, serving and worshipping such created things is serving and worshipping the ancient dragon, the author of evil, and the throng of his demons.

It was only at the coming of Jesus in the incarnation of God that the Father gave us the true Light. The Son, through the blessed Evangelists, Matthew Mark Luke John and Paul, has lightened the whole world by the light of the Gospel and the true Light of Jesus, the Son. Now, you and I no longer serve created things but thankfully serve God who is our Salvation.[2] Mercy in Christ, the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life, is now yours.

In Jesus’+ Name. Amen.

[1] ACCS NT vol. III p. 49. St. Basil the Great Homily on Psalm 61.2.
[2] ACCS NT vol. III p. 50. St. Cyril of Alexandria Commentary on Luke, Homily 4.