The Baptism of the LORD (Ps) January 8th

Psalm 51:1-19
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
19 then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ps 51:1-19). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

In Baptism God has washed us clean and made us whiter than snow. He has created in each of his children new hearts through Christ Jesus' death and resurrection. This is truly a great baptismal text for all of us. It connects us to our own faults before our Father in Heaven. It reminds us that we were conceived in sin. We have sinned against God in thought word and deed. Therefore, God has created within us clean hearts. He has called us to salvation.

But what does this have to do with Christ's Baptism. The Baptism of our Lord is the Day when the voice from Heaven says this is my beloved Son with him I am well pleased. The Psalmist likewise writes about the just judgment of God over this sinner. Jesus went to John the Baptist and said, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." The Psalmist reminds us of washing and new birth or new creation in order to make you righteous and holy.

The Psalmist requires of the believer a broken and contrite heart. The Psalmist even asks the individual to be beaten with the hyssop. It is not burnt offerings that will appease the anger of the Righteous God. It is only the sacrifice of his beloved son. It is the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb that will take away all the sins of the World. In him you are made righteous and Holy.

The Baptism of the LORD (GA)

John 1:29-34
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Jn 1:29-34). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

John the Baptizer has seen and he bears witness to the Lamb of God. He has seen the Spirit descend on Jesus. He knows that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. John the Baptizer does not keep this news to himself. He speaks faithfully to his disciples that this is the reason he baptizes with water. John will later say, "He must increase, but I must decrease."

John is not the Holy One of Israel, but he points to him. John is not the Lamb or the Good Shepherd but he points to him. John the Baptizer is just one of us lowly humans born of Elizabeth. But Jesus is the Great I AM. Jesus is the one who has come down out of heaven. He is the only son of the Father who has come into the flesh. He is the Light of the World. He is the Eternal Word of God. He does not come into the world to condemn it. He comes to the world to save it.

What great news John the Baptizer has given to the people of Judea. They may not have seen the Dove descend out of Heaven and remain upon Jesus but John tells them it happened. They may not know that he is the Eternal God dwelling in the flesh, but John tells them. These Judeans may not even be there some years later when Jesus is crucified for the forgiveness of their sins, but John tells them, "He will take away the sins of the World." This is the Great Passover Lamb. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet still believe (Because you have been told).

The Baptism of the LORD (NTA)

Acts 8:26-39
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”
34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ac 8:26-39). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

There is so much in this text that one could talk about. But I think the simplicity of the text is so great. Philip is traveling and lead by the Spirit to someone in need of his knowledge set. Philip offers to help the Eunuch with his difficult question. I hear these same questions asked by Christians today, "Who is the prophet talking about himself or someone else?" Or maybe the question is slightly different today, "Is the prophet talking about 2700 years ago, 1980 years ago, Today, or the Future?"

The Holy Spirit opens Philip's mouth to begin with this very passage and not point to some future or past, but to point to Jesus Christ our Savior. It is the good news about Jesus Christ which opens the eyes of the Eunuch. It is the Gospel of our Lord who has present before our eyes the waters of Baptism. Philip then Baptizes the Eunuch and is immediately carried away to another place by the Holy Spirit.

The Christian has a great lesson for all others to learn. He has good news of Jesus Christ. This is the same good news whether it is concerning a eunuch some 1980 years ago or 20 years from now. It is this good news which leads people to believe in Jesus Christ. It is the Holy Spirit that opens us to various opportunities to share this message with the world around us. It is the Holy Spirit who opens our mouth and speaks the proper words. It is the same Spirit that cries into that person's heart 'Abba, Father.' Jesus reminds his disciples, "For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

The Baptism of the LORD (NT)

1 Corinthians 10:1-13
1 For I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Co 10:1-13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

I want you to know as well that our Fathers or the Israelites passed through the sea when they exited Egypt, but they also passed through Jordan River when they enter the "Promise Land". They all drank from the water of Christ. They also ate the Spiritual food or the "what the heck is this stuff" that God set down from heaven in the Wilderness.

I would think that St Paul is sugar coating it just a little bit when he thinks God was pleased with any of them. Because if Moses, Miriam, and Aaron all screwed up, I am pretty sure none of them was free from blame. But God's steadfast love remained with these people. He still could call them his treasured possession and chosen people. Thus, even though you have been idolaters, sexually immoral, and grumbled against God, he still has compassion upon you.

He has had compassion upon you not because of your remorse or reparations but because of his only begotten Son. It is our LORD Jesus Christ who died for the forgiveness of all your sins. He is the one who claimed you to be his own. He is the one who has washed you in his blood. He has clothed you with his righteousness which will never wear out. Christ Jesus has faced everything we are faced with and he is the way out.

I love this story:
There was a Man who fell into a hole. He tried repeatedly to get out of the hole himself but kept falling back down. He cried up out of the Hole to passers by. A Priest passed by and he said can you help me get out of this hole. He wrote out a prayer for him and tossed it down in the hole. A doctor passed by and he said can you help me get out of this hole. He wrote a prescription for him and tossed it down in the hole. A friend passed by and he said can you help me get out of this hole. He jumped down into the hole. The man said you idiot now we are both stuck down here. The friend responds, "I've been down here before and I know the way out."

The Baptism of the LORD (OTA)

Isaiah 11:1-10
1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide disputes by what his ears hear,
4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,
and faithfulness the belt of his loins.
6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;
and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra,
and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den.
9 They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
10 In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Is 11:1-10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

This is the 30 year old Child that will lead them. I have always wondered if some of the other Rabbis didn't look at this punk young kid and ask themselves how he can think he knows better than we do. Maybe you picture the pharisees that approach him and challenge him as 40 and 50 year olds but generally I think of them as twenty somethings. Christians always show the pharisees as the young punks, while Jesus is the Child.

But it is upon this Lamb of God who is more than happy to sit in the den of Lions, which the Spirit of the LORD rests. The Spirit of the LORD comes to Him who really has no need of more wisdom or understanding because he already has all he needs. The Spirit still descends like a dove at his Baptism. It is the Christ who shows himself to be wise, understanding, knowledgeable, and with true fear of the LORD.

It is the Root of Jesse who brings true peace to all Creation. The terrors of the Lions, Tigers and Bears is set aside. The threats of venomous snakes and deadly serpents are child's play to Him. The Root of Jesse can not be tricked or deceived. He is the one who will judge the people of God in truth. Isaiah continues to say even more that Christ will do, "In that day the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea." More than all these Jesus Christ the root of Jesse the Child who leads his people has recovered you a lost a condemned person by his Holy and Innocent Blood shed for the forgiveness of all your sins.

The Baptism of the LORD (OT)

Isaiah 42:1-9
1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
3 a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged
till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law.
5 Thus says God, the Lord,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people on it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
6 “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness;
I will take you by the hand and keep you;
I will give you as a covenant for the people,
a light for the nations,
7 to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
8 I am the Lord; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols.
9 Behold, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth
I tell you of them.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Is 42:1-9). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

It is the voice of the LORD that comes down out of Heaven. It is the Voice of our Father that makes people tremble and fear on Mount Sinai. Now this Voice declares that he does not share or give his glory to another. But when God does something or is about to do something he makes it known to people. The LORD has spoken to Isaiah concerning his Servant upon whom he will place his Spirit.

At the Celebration of the Baptism of our LORD we see these words fulfilled. God who does not share glory places his Spirit upon his Servant in the Jordan River. The Voice of the Father speaks from heaven concerning his Son in whom he his going to do special things. This Beloved Son will do many miracles. But more importantly he is going to bring justice to the Nations. In addition he is going to make a new covenant with the people of God.

This covenant is not based on the Law but on the grace of God. God has given His Beloved Son so that he can get down in the filth and mire of your sins. He will take those sins upon his shoulders with him to the cross. He will carry all the sins of the world to his death. He will bury them in his tomb and lock them away forever. You have been Baptized into this Holy Name which does and speaks all these things for you.

The Baptism of the LORD (CL)

Matthew 3:13-17
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 3:13-17). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus is taken down into the filth and mire of the Jordan River. Even Namman did not want to bath in the Jordan River when he was told to go and wash by Elisha. John even tries to stop him with the understanding that John the Baptizer needed to switch roles with Jesus. But John already had the Holy Spirit, because how else can one identify the Savior of the Nations come. But Jesus desires to place himself in the filth of other sinners.

Jesus is only starting his ministry. He does not come to be better than the people. He comes to be one of the people. God did not come to dwell on a Mountain or far in the distance to be honored. Christ came to serve. If you are going to serve you have to get down in the filth of the people. In order to fulfill all righteousness, he must do what God asks humans to do.

Therefore, Jesus reminds us he does not just meet us in the nice and beautiful parts of our life. he comes to reach down into the filth and the mire of our life. He comes to be with you in the good and the bad. He is with you in times of great joy and great sadness or despair. This is God's beloved Son come to dwell with his people where they are. He has come to save you from your sins. He has come to show you that even in the filth and the mire and despair of life, you are made righteous.

First Sunday after Christmas (Ps) January 1st

Psalm 106:24-48
24 Then they despised the pleasant land,
having no faith in his promise.
25 They murmured in their tents,
and did not obey the voice of the Lord.
26 Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them
that he would make them fall in the wilderness,
27 and would make their offspring fall among the nations,
scattering them among the lands.
28 Then they yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor,
and ate sacrifices offered to the dead;
29 they provoked the Lord to anger with their deeds,
and a plague broke out among them.
30 Then Phinehas stood up and intervened,
and the plague was stayed.
31 And that was counted to him as righteousness
from generation to generation forever.
32 They angered him at the waters of Meribah,
and it went ill with Moses on their account,
33 for they made his spirit bitter,
and he spoke rashly with his lips.
34 They did not destroy the peoples,
as the Lord commanded them,
35 but they mixed with the nations
and learned to do as they did.
36 They served their idols,
which became a snare to them.
37 They sacrificed their sons
and their daughters to the demons;
38 they poured out innocent blood,
the blood of their sons and daughters,
whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan,
and the land was polluted with blood.
39 Thus they became unclean by their acts,
and played the whore in their deeds.
40 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people,
and he abhorred his heritage;
41 he gave them into the hand of the nations,
so that those who hated them ruled over them.
42 Their enemies oppressed them,
and they were brought into subjection under their power.
43 Many times he delivered them,
but they were rebellious in their purposes
and were brought low through their iniquity.
44 Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress,
when he heard their cry.
45 For their sake he remembered his covenant,
and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
46 He caused them to be pitied
by all those who held them captive.
47 Save us, O Lord our God,
and gather us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
and glory in your praise.
48 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!”
Praise the Lord!
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ps 106:24-48). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The People of Israel have constantly turned their back on God. They cause him great pain and anger. They never seem to list. Therefore, God lead them into the dessert or wilderness. God even had nations rise against them. He gave them plagues in order to call them to repentance. But yet they still turned to foreign gods and idols. But the God of Mercy had pity upon them and remembered his covenant and his steadfast Love. When they cried to the LORD he heard them.

But these people did horrible things. Even as Christians celebrate the Birth of their new born King, they continue to disdain him and other Christians. They celebrate with voices and songs but their hearts are still far from the God of Abraham who has delivered them. The Psalmist talks of people who, "sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood."

Most Christians do not sacrifice their children by slitting their throat and watching the blood pollute the land. Even these Israelites did not sacrifice all their children (because then they would have no further offspring to pollute). But Christians do sacrifice their children to world. They sacrifice them by teaching them false truths. They hand their children over to Demons of violence, sex, and greed or popularity.

How can we allow these truths to stand next to or alongside the TRUTH of Jesus Christ. There is only one way to the Father. There is only way to eternal life, and that is through Jesus Christ. He is the one who has given you life and Salvation. He is the one whose innocent sacrifice pays for the sins of those who even spill innocent blood. Do not lead others to follow the ways of these Israelites, but to Call upon the name of the LORD and say, "Amen! Praise the LORD!"

First Sunday after Christmas (GA)

Luke 2:22-38
22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Lk 2:22-38). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

What is your Child worth? Or what is your life worth? How much would you pay to save your life? How much were others willing to sacrifice for you. This may be a small part of this text. But Jesus' parents offer the proper sacrifice for the first child expelled from Mary's uterus. It is all according to the Law of Moses.

Jesus fulfills the Law of God perfectly on our behalf. Jesus Christ has given you more value than two turtledoves and a couple of pigeons. He has valued your life by sacrificing himself on the cross. So what was the price of your redemption, it was the life of the only son of God.

What are you worth? It is not the price of all your material goods nor your bank account. Your value is truly the price people are willing to pay for it. Jesus Christ was willing to pay his own life. God paid the price of his only son on the cross. It was this death which redeemed the people of Israel, and all who believe in Jesus Christ.

First Sunday after Christmas (NTA)

Ephesians 4:17-32
17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Eph 4:17-32). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Do not walk in the ways of the Gentiles. You once were alienated and separated from God through your unbelief. You did not learn about Christ from the ways of the world. You were taught by the Holy Spirit the truth of Jesus Christ. You were transformed from darkness into light. Therefore, you need to put away all falsehood.

St Paul urges us to put on Jesus Christ. You should be clothed in the likeness of God. The image of God is restored to people through Jesus Christ's death on the cross. St Paul urges his people to live holy lives. No foul speech should come from your mouths. You should not use your hands for anything but honest work. You should not have anger remain in your heart. Most importantly, you should not grieve the Holy Spirit or abandon faith in Jesus Christ.

It is you who have been sealed in by the Holy Spirit of God in your Baptism. You have been clothed in Christ Jesus. You have been cleansed in the blood of Christ. You are the children of your Heavenly Father. Therefore, be kind to one another because Christ has forgiven you of all your sins.

First Sunday after Christmas (NT)

Galatians 3:23-4:7
23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ga 3:23-4:7). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

We are captives to the Law. We are imprisoned by the Devil in our sinful flesh. Because we were born of sinful parents, original sin has been passed down through the generations. This has held all people captive to their sinful flesh. Thus, all people are found captive and slaves to sin.

God has given his Law to the Children of Abraham. But this Law applied to all people who were created by God. Since all of Creation came through the one LORD and God of Heaven and Earth. You are under the Law of God. You are slaves to the Law.

God has freed us from the condemnation of the Law. Jesus Christ was born as one under the Law. Born of a woman to set his people free. He has redeemed his people from their sins. He has set them free from their imprisonment to the Devil and their sinful flesh. Jesus Christ gave them new life by Faith. The Holy Spirit came into your heart crying out Abba Father. You were made an heir with Christ Jesus of your Heavenly Father. You are still under the Law, but you are no longer slaves to it. You are slaves of Christ Jesus.

You have been bought by a price. Jesus Christ paid his life for you to be his very own. You were once slaves to sin, but now have become slaves to Christ Jesus. Thus, we should still use the Law as our guardian, since Jesus has given us new Life.

First Sunday after Christmas (OTA)

Hosea 11:1-12:1
1 When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
2 The more they were called,
the more they went away;
they kept sacrificing to the Baals
and burning offerings to idols.
3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk;
I took them up by their arms,
but they did not know that I healed them.
4 I led them with cords of kindness,
with the bands of love,
and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws,
and I bent down to them and fed them.
5 They shall not return to the land of Egypt,
but Assyria shall be their king,
because they have refused to return to me.
6 The sword shall rage against their cities,
consume the bars of their gates,
and devour them because of their own counsels.
7 My people are bent on turning away from me,
and though they call out to the Most High,
he shall not raise them up at all.
8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, O Israel?
How can I make you like Admah?
How can I treat you like Zeboiim?
My heart recoils within me;
my compassion grows warm and tender.
9 I will not execute my burning anger;
I will not again destroy Ephraim;
for I am God and not a man,
the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath.
10 They shall go after the Lord;
he will roar like a lion;
when he roars,
his children shall come trembling from the west;
11 they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt,
and like doves from the land of Assyria,
and I will return them to their homes, declares the Lord.
12  Ephraim has surrounded me with lies,
and the house of Israel with deceit,
but Judah still walks with God
and is faithful to the Holy One.
1 Ephraim feeds on the wind
and pursues the east wind all day long;
they multiply falsehood and violence;
they make a covenant with Assyria,
and oil is carried to Egypt.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ho 11:1-12:1). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The People of Israel as the Son of God were brought up out of the Land of Egypt. God raised his people and taught them how they are supposed to act and live. He taught them how to Walk and live among the nations. God raised his Son like any Father looking after their children.

The People of Israel have repeatedly turned their back on their parents. They have disobeyed their curfew and worshiped idols and statues. They even asked for their inheritance from their Father in advance and squandered it. They have enjoyed the lush pasture land of Israel while bowing down to foreign gods. They have spit in the face of their Father.

Therefore, he will send them to boarding school so they can learn their lesson in Assyria as slaves. But one day he will call his Son out of Assyria as well. It will be like when he called his Son out of the Land of Egypt. God will again restore the full inheritance to his people. But this will finally be accomplished when he makes with them a new Covenant. This covenant will be with the Holy One of Israel. God's Son makes a new covenant for God's people.

This new covenant is made with you. He has given his Son to die for the forgiveness of your sins. He is the Son of God brought out of the Land of Egypt for your salvation. He will place you in lush pastures as well.

First Sunday After Christmas (OT)

Isaiah 63:7-14
7 I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord,
the praises of the Lord,
according to all that the Lord has granted us,
and the great goodness to the house of Israel
that he has granted them according to his compassion,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
8 For he said, “Surely they are my people,
children who will not deal falsely.”
And he became their Savior.
9 In all their affliction he was afflicted,
and the angel of his presence saved them;
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
10 But they rebelled
and grieved his Holy Spirit;
therefore he turned to be their enemy,
and himself fought against them.
11 Then he remembered the days of old,
of Moses and his people.
Where is he who brought them up out of the sea
with the shepherds of his flock?
Where is he who put in the midst of them
his Holy Spirit,
12 who caused his glorious arm
to go at the right hand of Moses,
who divided the waters before them
to make for himself an everlasting name,
13 who led them through the depths?
Like a horse in the desert,
they did not stumble.
14 Like livestock that go down into the valley,
the Spirit of the Lord gave them rest.
So you led your people,
to make for yourself a glorious name.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Is 63:7-14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Remember the Days of Moses. Remember the Days of Joshua. Remember the Days of Samson. Remember the Days of King David. Remember all the different ways God has made His name known to his people. He has led his people beside still waters. He has led his people through the Wilderness. He has led his people in Battle and Victory.

God has made his name known to the world. He has made his steadfast love known to his people. Jesus Christ has been afflicted with all the afflictions of his people. He knows the suffering of his people. Jesus Christ has been there for his people in their times of need. God is even with those people who have died in his place. God's Holy Angel has been present with his people to save them.

Therefore, Jesus Christ suffers for the sins of his people. He has become their shepherd to guide them. He has given them his Holy Spirit to live a holy live. In all these things he has made glorious his name among his people. He has delivered his people from death and Hell. He is the Savior of the Nations come to save His people from their sins.

First Sunday After Christmas (CL)

Matthew 2:13-18
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:
18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 2:13-18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus is the only Son of the Father and the true King of Israel. Jesus Christ even while only a young child is taken down to the land of Egypt. Herod is threatening the life of the Child and his only Salvation can be found in the Land of Egypt. Matthew does not tell us how long our Savior was in the Land of Egypt. But eventually the Angel will appear to Joseph again and call the Son of the Most High from the Land of Egypt.

Jesus will eventually have his own little Exodus. Just like when the People of Israel left Egypt after the 10 plagues. When Jesus leaves Bethlehem he also leaves death behind. These children of two years old or younger are killed on account of Christ. They are very similarly thought by the Church as some of the First Martyrs because they give up their life for Christ Jesus.

So we as Christians are to act like these children willing to give up our lives for the Christ Child. We are also supposed to listen to the message of God as Joseph did to protect the Holy Child. Similarly, we should avoid being tricked by the world around us and allowing the Gospel to be destroyed as the Wise Men do not return to Herod. But the good news is that Jesus Christ is the one who has been protected through the generations. He is the plan for your Salvation.

Christmas Day (Ps) December 25th

Psalm 46:1-11
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 thought its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

The LORD is my shelter and strength. He is my help in troubled times. He is the one who comes to give me comfort in my time of need. It is God my Savior who is always present with me. He is the one who defends me from all wickedness. He is the one who protects me even from myself.

The Psalmist talks about Kingdoms tottering and nations raging. He talks about wars and great struggles upon the earth. He even talks about natural destruction. The Mountains crashing into the sea. The oceans foaming and consumed by large waves. You can look around and see the rage of an ocean in Tsunami and Hurricanes. You can see mountains crumbling by Volcanoes and Earthquakes. All of these things are raging and waring on account of Creations Fall. They happen because you are a sinner.

God is our shelter. God is our Fortress and strength. God is the one who will protect his people from eternal damnation. Though Christians may die and face these same trials. We face them with HOPE. The Hope we find in a Child that was born. The Comfort we find in a Spirit who speaks from within you. God is with you. Jesus Christ the Immanuel has been born to Save you. He died on the cross for the Forgiveness of all your Sins.

Christmas Day (NT)

Romans 1:1-17
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13 I want you to know, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ro 1:1-17). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Paul longs to come to the people of Rome. He desires to share with them in the glorious Good News of Jesus Christ. They will be able to encourage one another in the true faith and strengthen one another through the Gospel. St Paul also desires to further the harvest among the Gentiles as he has in other regions.

St Paul always seems to begin with pointing us back to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Son of promise. He has fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy. He is the Son of the Great King David and he sits now on David's throne. He was declared to be the Son of God by the Holy Spirit. Just as we hear in the various Gospel lessons from the Angels and even at Christ's Baptism.

This Jesus Christ is the one who has called St Paul to be an Apostle. This Jesus Christ has called you to act like Christians. He has claimed you to be his own through his death and resurrection. This is the Good News which each of us should shout from the various roof tops. It is of this child that St Paul talks and of whom the prophets before him praised.

You should not be ashamed of this message. You should strengthen and encourage each other of this truth. You should never shy from it. For it is by Faith you have been saved. You have been chosen to be His messenger.

Christmas Day (GA)

Luke 2:1-14
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Lk 2:1-14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus Christ is born this day in the City of David. This Good News is brought to shepherds nearby. These shepherds are given a sign so they will know the word the Angel speaks is true. The child should be wrapped in rags and placed in a feeding trough. Many people forget the meanness of this picture. The child is not placed in a fancy cradle nor is it rocked to sleep. The blankets are not soft and comfortable but used and wrapped tightly.

Jesus comes into the world in such a mean estate. He is lowly and poor. he is still taken care of by his parents. Even the Shepherds come to see this lowly child, and they share the message of the Angel. This shall be a sign for all people. The Savior of the Nations has come to be with his people.

How do we come to see this Child? Do we come with Gold and Silver? Do we come with large checks and fancy cloths? What about the one that comes straight from the field or farm? Gd came to be with his people. He did not choose the Nobles of the Earth but the lowly. He reached down into the muck to call you.

For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the LORD.

Christmas Day (OTA)

Isaiah 8:1-10
1 Then the Lord said to me, “Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters, ‘Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.’ 2 And I will get reliable witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, to attest for me.”
3 And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz; 4 for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.”
5 The Lord spoke to me again: 6 “Because this people has refused the waters of Shiloah that flow gently, and rejoice over Rezin and the son of Remaliah, 7 therefore, behold, the Lord is bringing up against them the waters of the River, mighty and many, the king of Assyria and all his glory. And it will rise over all its channels and go over all its banks, 8 and it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass on, reaching even to the neck, and its outspread wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.”
9 Be broken, you peoples, and be shattered;
give ear, all you far countries;
strap on your armor and be shattered;
strap on your armor and be shattered.
10 Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;
speak a word, but it will not stand,
for God is with us.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Is 8:1-10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

I have always waited for a child to be called Maher-shalal-hash-baz. The prophet sleeps with a young prophetess and she has this child. Before he calls out Mommy or Daddy, the King of Assyria comes to carry the people of Israel away.

This should be a warning to all people. They are broken and shattered. Their Armor may appear strong and mighty but it will break and shatter. This brings to mind the various parts of the Lord of the Rings when Gandalph says, "Your staff is broken" and later his staff breaks as well. All the powers of man fail and falter. Mn can take counsel together but it will not claim victory. Many try to save themselves.

This should be a warning to those who apply their own merits or works to salvation. Those that believe they are able to desire God on their own should also be warned. It is only God with us who saves. Jesus Christ brings salvation to his people God's presence with his people sets them up to stand. With God all things are possible.

Christmas Day (OT)

Isaiah 7:10-17
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. 17 The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father’s house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Is 7:10-17). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The LORD has given his people many signs. He tells the truth to his people in many ways. Isaiah tells of a child to be born of a virgin. This Child is the one who will show God is with these people. He names this Child Immanuel because even as he is a child the people will be led into exile.

The King of Assyria is going to conquer the House of Israel. The people will be led away because of their sins. Ahaz would not ask for a sign because he wanted to act righteous. But the threat of Assyria is a valid threat. The LORD is going to give Ahaz a sign anyway which will concern the coming disaster.

This Child to be born should still be called Immanuel. He comes to remind us of our sins. This day will not be like other days. The LORD will judge his people through this child. Thus, Immanuel is born in Bethlehem. Jesus Christ took the Judgment upon himself as he wen to the cross. He died for the forgiveness of the sins of Israel. He was born to be a sign that God is with his people.

Christmas Day (NTA)

Hebrews 1:1-12
1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”?
Or again,
“I will be to him a father,
and he shall be to me a son”?
6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God’s angels worship him.”
7 Of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels winds,
and his ministers a flame of fire.”
8 But of the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
10 And,
“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
11 they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment,
12 like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will have no end.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Heb 1:1-12). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

God was with his people in the Garden of Eden. God was with his children when he talked with Abraham. God was even with his people while they were in slavery in Egypt. They always have had God with them. God spoke to his people through the prophets. But as Hebrews starts off there is a move.

Now God speaks to his people through his only begotten Son. Even as Jesus enters his Fathers house the people are amazed. Jesus came to his people in the flesh. He restored the people of God into a proper relationship with God. But even as his people continue to sin. We are sinful and corrupt. We will wear out like a garment. We will perish for the wages of sin is Death.

But the LORD has laid the foundation of the earth. The LORD sits upon his throne in Majesty on high. God has called his people out of the World and darkness into truth and life. God has sent his Son to save his people. God is with his people now through the Forgiveness of your sins.

Christmas Day (CL)

Matthew 1:18-25
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 1:18-25). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

It is the glorious day of the Birth of our LORD. Jesus is the one who comes to save his people from their sins. It is the great day of the Celebration of the King. The King of Israel is born. He is given the name Jesus because he will save his people. He is also the child foretold who is called Immanuel which means "God with us."

Most of the time when we look at this narrative we spend time talking about Joseph and his struggle. We do not look at the struggle of Mary because she is just his wife. She is the one who has created this problem in Joseph's eyes. But Joseph wanting to what is proper, will cast her out of his life.

The Angel steps in and tells Joseph this Child is the Son of God. This is the Christ who will save his people. You are to take this child. Joseph becomes the Guardian of our LORD. Joseph will protect the Child as any Good Father would. Sometimes this seems like a good lesson for Father's everywhere.

You should love and cherish your wives. God has placed many struggles before the two of you. He will even give you children. These children are a gift for you and you are to cherish them. All children are precious in the LORD's eyes. He has given them and you value.

Additional Lessons

There are many and various Feasts and Festivals celebrated throughout the Church Year. The Four Year Lectionary has not lost sight of this fact. Christmas Day is also being celebrated on a Sunday this Year which gives us another group of Texts.

Yet I have not completed all the Saint Days or Special Feast parts of the Lectionary here is a short list of additional texts.


Daniel the Prophet and the Three Men (December 17th)
Daniel 1:8-21 (OT)
Daniel 3:8-28 (OTA)
Acts 10:9-22 (NT)
Revelation 2:8-11 (NTA)
Matthew 24:15-28 (G)


St Thomas (December 21st)
Judges 6:36-40 (OT)
Ephesians 4:7-16 (NT)
John 20:24-29 (G)
John 11:1-16 (GA)

Christmas Eve (December 24th)
Isaiah 7:10-14 (OT)
1 John 4:7-16 (NT)
Matthew 1:18-25 (G)
John 1:1-18 (GA)

Christmas Midnight (December 24/25)
Isaiah 9:2-7 (OT)
Titus 2:11-14 (NT)
Luke 2:1-14 (G)
Luke 2:1-20 (GA)

Christmas Dawn (December 25th)
Isaiah 62:10-12 (OT)
Titus 3:4-7 (NT)
Luke 2:15-20 (G)
Luke 2:1-20 (GA)


St Stephen (December 26th)
2 Chronicles 24:17-22 (OT)
Exodus 32:7-14 (OTA)
Acts 6:8-7:2a, 51-60 (NT)
Acts 7:2-53 (NTA)
Matthew 23:34-39 (G)
John 1:43-51 (GA)


St John (December 27th)
Hosea 11:1-4 (OT)
1 John 1:1-2:2 (NT)
Revelation 1:9-20 (NTA)
John 21:20-25 (G)
John 1:1-18 (GA)

Holy Innocents (December 28th)
Jeremiah 31:15-17 (OT)
Matthew 2:13-18 (G)

New Year's Eve (December 31st)
Isaiah 30:8-17 (OT)
Romans 8:31b-39 (NT)
Luke 12:35-40 (G)

Circumcision and Name of Jesus (January 1st)
Genesis 17:1-14 (OT)
Joshua 5:1-9 (OTA)
Galatians 3:23-29 (NT)
Romans 2:17-29 (NTA)
Luke 2:21 (22-32) (G)
John 7:14-24 (GA)

We may remember to inform the reader of further Saint Day celebrations. These lists are not completed yet. Therefore, if you have any suggestions for these celebrations or changes to these lessons I would not take offense. But I figured this was an appropriate time to inform the reader of the additional lessons offered by the Four Year Lectionary.

I am sorry, but I will not be commenting on any of these.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (Ps) December 18th

Psalm 109:6-20
6 Appoint a wicked man against him;
let an accuser stand at his right hand.
7 When he is tried, let him come forth guilty;
let his prayer be counted as sin!
8 May his days be few;
may another take his office!
9 May his children be fatherless
and his wife a widow!
10 May his children wander about and beg,
seeking food far from the ruins they inhabit!
11 May the creditor seize all that he has;
may strangers plunder the fruits of his toil!
12 Let there be none to extend kindness to him,
nor any to pity his fatherless children!
13 May his posterity be cut off;
may his name be blotted out in the second generation!
14 May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the Lord,
and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out!
15 Let them be before the Lord continually,
that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth!
16 For he did not remember to show kindness,
but pursued the poor and needy
and the brokenhearted, to put them to death.
17 He loved to curse; let curses come upon him!
He did not delight in blessing; may it be far from him!
18 He clothed himself with cursing as his coat;
may it soak into his body like water,
like oil into his bones!
19 May it be like a garment that he wraps around him,
like a belt that he puts on every day!
20 May this be the reward of my accusers from the Lord,
of those who speak evil against my life!
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ps 109:6-20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The guilty man should become fatherless. He should have his memory removed from the earth. This is the way of the wicked. The wicked people of the earth will be swept away. If someone cloths themselves with curses they will be cursed. People often cloth themselves with their own sins. The penalty for these sins is death.

John the Baptist calls the people of Israel to repentance. People have been clothing themselves with their own filthy works. All their evil deeds cling to them like filthy undergarments. These deeds need to be removed. Just like you should take a bath more than once in a lifetime.

John the Baptist calls people to repentance to prepare the way of the LORD. Jesus Christ dies for the forgiveness of all your sins. He is the one in whom people are baptized for forgiveness of sins and are given the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist points us to that hope and eternal life. The Psalmist reminds us of our guilt and sins. He is calling us to repentance and pointing us to our Savior Jesus Christ.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (GA)

Luke 18:1-8
1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? , Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Lk 18:1-8). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Pray without ceasing! Pray to your Lord Jesus Christ and pray always. You should always call upon the LORD. In every time of trouble pray praise and give thanks to Jesus Christ our LORD.

Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow. She pestered the judge for justice. She called upon the judge for help. She continued to do so until he finally gave into her. God is a just judge and he judges all things justly. God will listen to your prayers. If even a wicked or pagan judge would listen to this widow, how much more would God listen to you.

Jesus reminds us people need to pray day and night. You need to constantly call upon the name of the Lord. The Son of Man is coming but what will he find upon the earth. Will he find people that have lost heart? Will he find people who have abandoned their faith? He will search out his people.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (NT)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-28
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Th 5:16-28). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Remember the various commands of our LORD. But also listen to these commands from St Paul. He instructs the Thessalonians of how they are to act as people redeemed through the blood of Christ. St Paul tells us to abstain from every form of evil. All Christians are to remain blameless and if we do not desire to hold us to those standards, others will.

The World sees Christians as hypocrites just like the pharisees. Christians often tell other people they are to act blameless but do not act blameless themselves. Christians often rely on the phrase God has sanctified us or made Christians holy. But don't Christians still need to act holy. Christians may be forgiven but they also need to repent or turn from their wickedness.

Rejoice and again I say to rejoice for Christ has died for your salvation. He has washed you clean in his blood. Jesus Christ has made you holy through his salvation. You are sanctified. Now Act like it. Hold fast to the truth, and test everything. Hold yourselves to a high standard. Do not measure others with a measuring stick you do not measure for yourself.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (NTA)

Acts 19:1-10
1 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ac 19:1-10). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

John the Baptist came with a Baptism for the repentance of sins. Those who were baptized with this Baptism did not receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Nor were they sealed with the power of the Holy Spirit for salvation. This was simply a baptism of repentance. All of them repented of their sins.

But when St Paul comes to Ephesus he baptizes these children of God. They receive the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in tongues. So St Paul continued his ministry with the people of Ephesus. He reasoned with them concerning the only way to God.

Jesus Christ is the one who forgives all who repent of their sins. He is the one who died for their forgiveness. Jesus seals his people with the Holy Spirit. The Christ calls his people to continue to repent and receive absolution or forgiveness of their sins.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (OT)

Isaiah 11:1-11
1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide disputes by what his ears hear,
4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,
and faithfulness the belt of his loins.
6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;
and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra,
and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den.
9 They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
10 In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.
11 In that day the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Is 11:1-11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

O Come Thou Branch of Jesse's tree,
Free them from Satan's tyranny
That trust Thy mighty power to save,
and give them victory over the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

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 Lord will reach out with his hand to save his remnant. The Lord will look to save his people. The LORD will judge his people. But Isaiah further speaks of a time of peace. The Spirit of God will rest upon his anointed one. He will give the Christ wisdom and knowledge. He is the only one who truly and fully fears the LORD. But we should all fear the LORD and give thanks to the root of Jesse.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (OTA)

Isaiah 40:1-8
1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Cry!”
And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All flesh is grass,
and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.
7 The grass withers, the flower fades
when the breath of the Lord blows on it;
surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Is 40:1-8). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

There is a voice of one crying in the wilderness. He stands ready to prepare for the arrival of the Lord. He speaks of a level highway for the Lord. He is the one who is supposed to bring comfort to the people of God. This voice cries out repentance to the people. He reminds them they are like grass and flowers.

All of humanity is like flowers and grass. Flowers fade and grass withers. All these things are just blowing in the wind. God stands forever. God's Law will never be removed. The Word of God will always be there. All of us are alive today and could be dead tomorrow.

Jesus Christ has come for this flower and grass. He has come to save these fleeting things. He has come to die for you and me. He has come to die for his people. John the Baptist is to bring comfort to these people by pointing them to Jesus Christ the Lamb of God. Jesus Christ comes to comfort his people by saving them from their sins. The Law never goes away but our relationship with God changes with Christ's sacrifice.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (CL)

Matthew 3:1-12
1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.’ ”
4 Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 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.
11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 3:1-12). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

John the Baptist is the voice crying in the wilderness. He has come to prepare the way of the coming Christ. John the Baptist gives us a Christmas image of Jesus Christ. He is the one who calls the people to repentance. But look at this image.

Jesus stands with a winnowing fork in his hand. He is ready to clear the threshing floor. John the Baptist also gives us a fire in the back ground. Who does this remind you of? It makes me think of Satan Claus. He is the one ready to throw you into the fire. He is the one with the pitch fork or winnowing fork in his hand. He is the one who stands in the midst of fire.

But this is our picture of Jesus. He is the Judge who will come to judge the living and the dead. John the Baptist must truly get a rude awakening when he sees the Lamb of God who is going to take away the sins of the World. Jesus does not come with fire and judgment. But he comes with a message of Hope for salvation and forgiveness of sins.