Pr. DFD : Christmas 1

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Saturday, December 31, 2022

Christmas 1

01 January 2023
Matthew 2:13-15; 19-23
God protects from danger
Joseph the friend of children

In the afterglow of Christmas day, we confront the trauma of suffering, death-threats, and persecution of the helpless and innocent. Each of the Lessons for today remind us of just what kind of world to which Jesus came — a hostile world that did not only want him, but tried to kill him.

In the Gospel, the holy family was forced to flee to Egypt to avoid death by King Herod.

The holy family flees to Egypt and returns to Nazareth. Matthew sees Jesus as the second Moses. He went to Egypt and by the direction of God was brought back to Galilee. Matthew emphasizes the fact that what happened to Jesus was a fulfillment of prophecy.

In today’s Gospel lesson Joseph proved to be a friend of the little child Jesus. What would have happened to the baby if Joseph had not been a willing worker for God? Here we see a great and profound truth: God’s concern compassion and aid come through cooperative believers. In today’s world of cruelty to and exploitation of children, God is still concerned about the threatened and the oppressed little ones. He works through His obedient servants to be friends to afflicted children.

Today we observe the marks of a friend of children. A true friend of children is one who…

1. One who is open to God’s guidance – Vv. 13, 19-20 – “When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

“After Herod had died, an angel of the Lord appears in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

Is not fleeing a bad situation and an act of cowardice? Why not take a stand, confront the enemy, and fight it out? If Jesus is the Messiah, none other than the Son of God, why should he flee from a worldly king? Does God not have legions of angels to protect his newborn Son? There is a time to flee and a time not to flee. When Jesus was grown, friends urged him to flee from Herod who sought his life. But Jesus refused to run and said, “Tell that fox....” In this case to flee was the right thing to do. There was no way at that time to oppose Herod. But there will come a day, a day of return to battle the enemy. In World War II, MacArthur had to flee from the Philippines only to return later to conquer.

The king was determined to kill the baby Jesus. It tells us the kind of world a baby enters. It is a hostile world into which we are born, a world out to get us. Today a child faces “death” in terms of child pornography, child abuse by parents and adults, and incest. It is a rough and tough world with tyrants, murderers, and molesters.

The holy family stayed in Egypt until Herod “died.” Rulers come and go, but God remains.

When ruthless dictators straddle the earth, the day is coming when they are no more. Where are those who frightened and cursed the earth in the twentieth century — Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, and Tojo? “This too shall pass” — things will get better if we have the patience to wait.

2. A true friend of children is one who is aware of the world’s threats – V. 22 - “But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee…”

Archelaus was the son of Herod the Great. He ruled over Judea and Samaria for only ten years. He usually cruel and tyrannical and so was deposed. Judea then became a Roman province, administered by prefects appointed by the emperor.

Jesus was born in a hostile world. Not only was there no room in the inn for his birth, but before he was two years old, he had to be carried to Egypt to escape death at the order of King Herod. Again, because Herod’s successor, Archelaus, was equally as dreadful, the family had to settle in Nazareth.

3. a true friend of children is one who immediately obeys God – V. 14 - “So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt.”

The prophet Hosea {11:1} reminds us, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” Originally God called the nation of Israel out Egypt in the time of Moses. But Matthew, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit apples it also to Jesus. Matthew sees the history of Israel (God’s son) condensed in the life of Jesus. (God’s unique Son) Just as Israel as an infant nation wend down into Egypt, so the child Jesus went there. And as Israel was led by God out of Egypt, so also was Jesus.

The First Sunday after Christmas seems to tell us that, like Jesus, we are born in a hostile and threatening world, but that God is with us and will use the suffering for our good. We know that the Lord works through means. Joseph and Mary were the means by which Jesus was protected. Thank God there are people in our own community, mind you, in this very congregation who like Joseph and March watch and work on behalf of others – true friends and guardians of children.

Who are these true friends of children? – The list is endless. They are parents and grandparents. Stepparents, who, by choice, love support and protect children as their own. Foster parents and grandparents. Families, who through the gift of adoption graft children into their family tree. There are schoolteachers and peace officers. Police officers and first responders. – CPS workers. Child advocates. Counselors. Watchful neighbors. Diligent, vigilant prayer warriors. Faithful friends, and the like. These, like Joseph, are the protectors and guardians of children.

The Lord suffers in all the afflictions of His people. Because of His love, He feels what we feel, He hurts when we hurt, He suffers when we suffer. When the Lord called Moses, He said that He heard the cries of His enslaved people in Egypt. No one ever suffers alone, no one ever walks alone, no one ever dies alone. “In all their afflictions He was afflicted.”

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Words- 1,045

Passive Sentences –12.5%

Readability – 75%

Reading Level – 6.7

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Christmas 1 - Series A

Christmas 1 Series A

Isaiah 63:7–14

Galatians 4:4–7

Matthew 2:13–23

The Lord Jesus Undergoes a New Exodus in Order to Save His People from Their Sins

O God, our Maker and Redeemer, You wonderfully created us aAnd in the incarnation of Your Son yet more wondrously resorted our human nature. Grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us.

Herod’s efforts to destroy the little Lord Jesus anticipate the cross for which He was born. In response to Herod’s edict, Joseph must “take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt” (Matthew 2:13). But the Lord does not abandon the holy family there. He brings about salvation for all people, just as He “had spoken by the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son’” (Matthew 2:15). With might and strength, God accompanies His people, causing “his glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses” (Isaiah 63:12). Now through Jesus, even our afflictions are borne by Christ on the cross. “He redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them” (Isaiah 63:9). All of this is accomplished by God’s might so that we, too, are claimed as members of His family. For we “receive adoption as sons” in the only-begotten Son, Christ Jesus, even as He became like us by His conception and birth of the woman. Thus redeemed by Christ, no longer slaves of sin and death but beloved children and heirs of God, we pray in Jesus’ name: “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:4–6).

Matthew 2:13-23

The Flight into Egypt

Matthew 2:13

Ἀναχωρησάντων δὲ αὐτῶν ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος κυρίου [a]φαίνεται κατ’ ὄναρ τῷ Ἰωσὴφ λέγων· Ἐγερθεὶς παράλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ φεῦγε εἰς Αἴγυπτον, καὶ ἴσθι ἐκεῖ ἕως ἂν εἴπω σοι· μέλλει γὰρ Ἡρῴδης ζητεῖν τὸ παιδίον τοῦ ἀπολέσαι αὐτό.

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."

Matthew 2:14

ὁ δὲ ἐγερθεὶς παρέλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ νυκτὸς καὶ ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς Αἴγυπτον,

And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt

Matthew 2:15

καὶ ἦν ἐκεῖ ἕως τῆς τελευτῆς Ἡρῴδου· ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν [b]ὑπὸ κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος· Ἐξ Αἰγύπτου ἐκάλεσα τὸν υἱόν μου.

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."

Herod Kills the Children

Matthew 2:16

Τότε Ἡρῴδης ἰδὼν ὅτι ἐνεπαίχθη ὑπὸ τῶν μάγων ἐθυμώθη λίαν, καὶ ἀποστείλας ἀνεῖλεν πάντας τοὺς παῖδας τοὺς ἐν Βηθλέεμ καὶ ἐν πᾶσι τοῖς ὁρίοις αὐτῆς ἀπὸ διετοῦς καὶ κατωτέρω, κατὰ τὸν χρόνον ὃν ἠκρίβωσεν παρὰ τῶν μάγων.

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.

Matthew 2:17

τότε ἐπληρώθη τὸ ῥηθὲν [c]διὰ Ἰερεμίου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος·

Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

Matthew 2:18

Φωνὴ ἐν Ῥαμὰ [d]ἠκούσθη, κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὀδυρμὸς πολύς· Ῥαχὴλ κλαίουσα τὰ τέκνα αὐτῆς, καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν παρακληθῆναι ὅτι οὐκ εἰσίν.

"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."

Return to Nazareth

Matthew 2:19

Τελευτήσαντος δὲ τοῦ Ἡρῴδου ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος κυρίου [e]φαίνεται κατ’ ὄναρ τῷ Ἰωσὴφ ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

Matthew 2:20

λέγων· Ἐγερθεὶς παράλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ πορεύου εἰς γῆν Ἰσραήλ, τεθνήκασιν γὰρ οἱ ζητοῦντες τὴν ψυχὴν τοῦ παιδίου.

saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead."

Matthew 2:21

ὁ δὲ ἐγερθεὶς παρέλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ [f]εἰσῆλθεν εἰς γῆν Ἰσραήλ.

And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.

Matthew 2:22

ἀκούσας δὲ ὅτι Ἀρχέλαος [g]βασιλεύει τῆς Ἰουδαίας ἀντὶ [h]τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ Ἡρῴδου ἐφοβήθη ἐκεῖ ἀπελθεῖν· χρηματισθεὶς δὲ κατ’ ὄναρ ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς τὰ μέρη τῆς Γαλιλαίας,

But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.

Matthew 2:23

καὶ ἐλθὼν κατῴκησεν εἰς πόλιν λεγομένην Ναζαρέτ, ὅπως πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ τῶν προφητῶν ὅτι Ναζωραῖος κληθήσεται.

And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene. -

A true friend of children is one who...

1. Is open to God's guidance - v13, Vv.19-20

2. Is aware of the worlds threats - V.21

3. Immediately obeys God - V.14

Time in the Word - The Circumcision of our Lord -

The Lord Jesus is Circumcised to Fulfill the Law
and Shed His Blood for Us

Circumcision, the covenant God made with Abraham and his Seed, sealed His promises and blessings in the flesh, but it also signified the burden of the Law. When the Lord Jesus came in the flesh to redeem His people, He subjected Himself to that Law in order to fulfill the Law and release all people from its bondage. “He was called Jesus” (Luke 2:21), because He came to save His people from their sins. Jesus first shed His blood on our behalf when “He was circumcised” (Luke 2:21), thus foreshadowing His shedding of blood as He sacrificed Himself upon the Cross. We are “justified by faith” in His blood (Gal. 3:24). Therefore, we “are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (Gal. 3:29), not by the circumcision of our flesh, but in the flesh and blood of Christ Jesus, the true Seed of Abraham. “Baptized into Christ,” we belong to Him and are clothed and covered by His righteousness (Gal. 3:27). Holy Baptism is the true circumcision made without hands, by which the Lord Jesus puts His Name on us and blesses us (Num. 6:22, 27).

Time in the Word
26–31 December 2022
Preparation for next week, the Circumcision and Name of Jesus

Monday, 26 December 2022—Psalm 40:6–8; antiphon, Psalm 40:16—Jesus has come in the flesh and fulfilled the entire Law for us, beginning with His fulfilling of the Law of Circumcision. Neither are animal sacrifices necessary any longer, for these were only meant to point to the One who became the supreme, once-for-all Sacrifice for the sins of the world; hence, David writes: In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. What is required for salvation is faith, received by the ear which God opens and into which He speaks His saving Gospel message.

Tuesday, 27 December 2022—Psalm 8—Psalm 8 is a song of great praise to God for all the mighty works He has done in creating the universe, the earth, and all that is in them. But the greatest work of all, is that He sent His Son into the world to assume flesh, the uncreated One becoming part of the creation, that He might redeem creation from the curse under which it fell when Adam and Eve first sinned. The Son of God, Creator of all things, it is He who has been madea little lower than the heavenly beings; yet, because of His work of salvation, He has been crowned with glory and honor.

Wednesday, 28 December 2022—Numbers 6:22–27—The Old Testament reading for next week is the well-known Aaronic benediction. The word benediction comes from the Latin word that means to bless. It is called the Aaronic benediction, because it was first given, here in Numbers, to the High Priest Aaron, brother of Moses, to bless the Children of Israel. Note that it is pure blessing; it makes no demands of the people, but simply is a declaration of God’s benefit to them. They had been given His Name, and thus received a blessing.

Thursday, 29 December 2022—Galatians 3:23–29—As God declared in the Old Testament reading, He had put His Name on the people and they received His blessing. Likewise, He has put His Name on us, too, and, consequently, we also receive His blessings. In Holy Baptism, we were given the gift of faith and the forgiveness of sins. Baptized into the name of Christ, we are heirs and recipients of all of God’s blessings: forgiveness, life, and salvation.

Friday, 30 December 2022—Luke 2:21—Next Sunday’s Gospel reading is very short—only one verse! It tells of the circumcision and naming of Jesus on the eighth day of His life. Fulfilling the Law of Moses with regard to circumcision, He first shed His blood for us. Receiving the name which had been told to Mary by the angel Gabriel, it reflects who He is and what He came to do; for the name JESUS means the Lord (Yahweh) saves. Jesus is true God, come down from heaven for one purpose: the salvation of as many as will believe in Him.

Saturday, 31 December 2022—The hymn of the day, Jesus! Name of Wondrous Love (LSB #900), extols the Name that was given to the Savior at His circumcision, the Name that St Paul says is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth (Philippians 2:9–10).

Collect for the Circumcision and Name of Jesus (1 January): Lord God, You made Your beloved Son, our Savior, subject to the Law and caused Him to shed His blood on our behalf. Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit that our hearts may be made pure from all sins; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for the Commemoration of St Stephen (26 December): Heavenly Father, in the midst of our sufferings for the sake of Christ, grant us grace to follow the example of the first martyr, Stephen, that we also may look to the One who suffered and was crucified on our behalf, and pray for those who do us wrong; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Collect for the Commemoration of St John (27 December): Merciful Lord, cast the bright beams of Your light upon Your Church that we, being instructed in the doctrine of Your blessed apostle and evangelist John, may come to the light of everlasting life; for You live and reign . . .

Collect for the Commemoration of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem (28 December): Almighty God, the martyred innocents of Bethlehem showed forth Your praise not by speaking but by dying. Put to death in us all that is in conflict with Your will that our lives may bear witness to the faith we profess with our lips; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Prayer for the New Year:Eternal God, we commit to Your mercy and forgiveness the year now ending and commend to Your blessing and love the times yet to come. In the new year, abide among us with Your Holy Spirit that we may always trust in the saving name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns . . .

Prayer for grace to receive the Word:Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Prayer before the study of God’s Word:Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate our study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns . . .

Sources

Lectionary summary on front page from LCMS Commission on Worship

Te Deum copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Christmas 1 Series C

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS - Series C

O God, our Maker and Redeemer, You wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your Son yet more wondrously restored our human nature. Grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Exodus 13:1–3a, 11–15

Colossians 3:12–17

Luke 2:22–40

The Firstborn Son of God Is Our Redemption from Sin and Death

When the Lord destroyed the firstborn sons of Egypt, He spared the sons of Israel by providing a lamb in their stead. Hence, all the firstborn sons belong to Him. Every firstborn male animal was sacrificed, and every firstborn son of man was redeemed (Exodus 13:12–13). Therefore, the parents of Jesus “brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). However, He is not redeemed from priestly service but is consecrated for “the redemption of Jerusalem” and “the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25, 38). For God the Father did not spare His only-begotten Son, but offered Him up as the true Passover Lamb, in order to redeem His people from bondage. His Cross has caused many to stumble and fall, but His blood atoned for the sins of the world and delivers us from death. We now depart in the peace of Christ because we are also raised with Him. As we receive His body and blood, we join Simeon and Anna in “giving thanks to God the Father through Him,” “singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” including the Nunc Dimittis, with thankfulness in our hearts (Luke 2:28–32, 38; Colossians 3:15–17).

Luke 2:22–40

Jesus Presented at the Temple

Luke 2:22-

Καὶ ὅτε ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ καθαρισμοῦ αὐτῶν κατὰ τὸν νόμον Μωϋσέως, ἀνήγαγον αὐτὸν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα παραστῆσαι τῷ κυρίῳ,

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.

First time Jesus the new temple is brought to Jerusalem. Leviticus 12- 40 days. Would not go to Jerusalem for the circumcision. See Malachi the messenger comes to the temple.

Luke 2:23-

καθὼς γέγραπται ἐν νόμῳ κυρίου ὅτι Πᾶν ἄρσεν διανοῖγον μήτραν ἅγιον τῷ κυρίῳ κληθήσεται,

(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)

All males that open the womb are called holy to/for the Lord.

“Holy to the Lord” had to be redeemed...to remind the Jews of the Exodus and to remember the first born were redeemed and or ransomed... Ex. 13:15, First born of the Levites were not redeemed. This is Jesus active obedience. He is under the Law fulfilling it perfectly.

Luke 2:24-

καὶ τοῦ δοῦναι θυσίαν κατὰ τὸ εἰρημένον ἐν τῷ νόμῳ κυρίου, ζεῦγος τρυγόνων ἢ δύο νοσσοὺς περιστερῶν.

and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

and to offer a sacrifice according to the Law of the Lord ( see Lev. 12:8.)

Two pigeons turtle doves because they were poor. Burnt offering and sin offering. One for the mother one for the child. A lamb and a bird or two birds. Burnt sacrifice was a dedication sacrifice.

Luke 2:25-

Καὶ ἰδοὺ ἄνθρωπος ἦν ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ ᾧ ὄνομα Συμεών, καὶ ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος δίκαιος καὶ εὐλαβής, προσδεχόμενος παράκλησιν τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, καὶ πνεῦμα ἦν ἅγιον ἐπ’ αὐτόν•

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.

Behold...(look here, at this is happening right in front of you)...Simeon who was in Jerusalem just and devout waiting for the comfort of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon Him.

Waiting for Jerusalem to be comforted by the redeemer. see Isaiah 40. He (Paraclete) is the one standing before God as a defense attorney.

Did Simeon get his information from Zachariah's prophecy? The Spirit Works through means.

Luke 2:26-

καὶ ἦν αὐτῷ κεχρηματισμένον ὑπὸ τοῦ πνεύματος τοῦ ἁγίου μὴ ἰδεῖν θάνατον πρὶν ἢ ἂν ἴδῃ τὸν χριστὸν κυρίου.

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.

It was to him divinely revealed that he would not see death until he saw the Lord's Christ.

The entire Old Testament is waiting for the Lord's Christ. It's happening now.

Luke 2:27-

καὶ ἦλθεν ἐν τῷ πνεύματι εἰς τὸ ἱερόν• καὶ ἐν τῷ εἰσαγαγεῖν τοὺς γονεῖς τὸ παιδίον Ἰησοῦν τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτοὺς κατὰ τὸ εἰθισμένον τοῦ νόμου περὶ αὐτοῦ

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

He came in connection of the spirit into the temple as the parents were bringing Jesus in.

Luke 2:28-

καὶ αὐτὸς ἐδέξατο αὐτὸ εἰς τὰς ἀγκάλας καὶ εὐλόγησεν τὸν θεὸν καὶ εἶπεν•

he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

Luke 2:29-

Νῦν ἀπολύεις τὸν δοῦλόν σου, δέσποτα, κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου ἐν εἰρήνῃ•

Now you are letting your servant Lord depart in peace.

Master now let your slave depart in peace. Jesus came to set the captives free. Now free from the slavery of waiting.

Luke 2:30-32-

ὅτι εἶδον οἱ ὀφθαλμοί μου τὸ σωτήριόν σου 31 ὃ ἡτοίμασας κατὰ πρόσωπον πάντων τῶν λαῶν, 32 φῶς εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν ἐθνῶν καὶ δόξαν λαοῦ σου Ἰσραήλ.

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.”

The word here is used to describe the peace offering. There is peace already established. Often used by itself. You have given me the offering prepared to be offered in the face of all the people. And the peace offering was eaten by the people. See Daniel Brege's "Eating the sacrifice." Literally, "my eyes have seen your peace offering, which we have eaten."

Simeon sees the cross as already done, a prophetic past prophecy.

See Deut. 12, every clean person eats the peace offering.

Luke 2:33 –

καὶ ἦν ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἡ μήτηρ θαυμάζοντες ἐπὶ τοῖς λαλουμένοις περὶ αὐτοῦ.

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.

Mary "marveled," a response to the Word, a response of faith. Further word search may prove helpful.

Luke 2:34-

καὶ εὐλόγησεν αὐτοὺς Συμεὼν καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς Μαριὰμ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ• Ἰδοὺ οὗτος κεῖται εἰς πτῶσιν καὶ ἀνάστασιν πολλῶν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ καὶ εἰς σημεῖον ἀντιλεγόμενον,

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

Pay close attention to this one...this child is set for the rising and fall of many in Israel.

The sign is the cross and the offense of the cross. The entire Christian message will be spoken against.

Luke 2:35-

αὶ σοῦ δὲ αὐτῆς τὴν ψυχὴν διελεύσεται ῥομφαία, ὅπως ἂν ἀποκαλυφθῶσιν ἐκ πολλῶν καρδιῶν διαλογισμοί.

a sword will pierce you and the thoughts of many will be revealed.

Luke 2:36

Καὶ ἦν Ἅννα προφῆτις, θυγάτηρ Φανουήλ, ἐκ φυλῆς Ἀσήρ (αὕτη προβεβηκυῖα ἐν ἡμέραις πολλαῖς, ζήσασα μετὰ ἀνδρὸς ἔτη ἑπτὰ ἀπὸ τῆς παρθενίας αὐτῆς,

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,

Luke 2:37

καὶ αὐτὴ χήρα ἕως ἐτῶν ὀγδοήκοντα τεσσάρων,) ἣ οὐκ ἀφίστατο τοῦ ἱεροῦ νηστείαις καὶ δεήσεσιν λατρεύουσα νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν.

and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.[b] She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

Anna was 84 – (12 x 7 = 84) or “as a widow for eighty-four years”

Luke 2:38

καὶ αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ ἐπιστᾶσα ἀνθωμολογεῖτο τῷ θεῷ καὶ ἐλάλει περὶ αὐτοῦ πᾶσιν τοῖς προσδεχομένοις λύτρωσιν Ἰερουσαλήμ.

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 Return to Nazareth

Luke 2:39

Καὶ ὡς ἐτέλεσαν πάντα τὰ κατὰ τὸν νόμον κυρίου, ἐπέστρεψαν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν [p]εἰς πόλιν ἑαυτῶν Ναζαρέθ.

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

Luke 2:40

Τὸ δὲ παιδίον ηὔξανεν καὶ ἐκραταιοῦτο πληρούμενον σοφίᾳ, καὶ χάρις θεοῦ ἦν ἐπ’ αὐτό.

And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

-Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts, ‘The Presentation of our Lord’© WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Time in the Word - Christmas 1

Preparation for next week, the First Sunday after Christmas

The theme for the First Sunday after Christmas is The Savior has Come. Coming within just a few days after Christmas, it reflects the spirit and emphasis of Christmas day. Because of this, Christmas 1 tends to be anti-climatic, a let–down from Christmas. This Sunday affords us an opportunity to enter into depth on the meaning of Christmas. This is usually not possible on Christmas, because it is a service of celebration, narration, and special music with much singing of carols. At this service, we now have an opportunity to consider the message of the Incarnation. This will be the last Sunday of the calendar year. Some may be apprehensive of what a new year might bring. In the Gospel lesson Simeon and Anna are very old and desire to depart this life. In the Christ child we find new hope, new life, and the hope of a new year with Christ.

Monday, 20 December 2021—Psalm 98:1-4; Antiphon, Isaiah 52:10—Christ has come. He has restored our human nature. Now we pray that we may ever be alive in Him as He has come to be obedient to the will of the Father by taking our nature to be our substitute and to follow the Law perfectly for us. We are called now to witness to the nations that they may see the salvation of our God.

Tuesday, 21 December 2021—In Psalm 98 David tells us "sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things." This He has done. Jesus has done all things well. He has gotten for us the victory. What are we to do in light of these things? We are to join the Psalmist in His triumphant song. Sing to the Lord this week for He has done so many marvelous things!

Wednesday, 22 December 2021—Jeremiah 31:10-13—God promises to restore captive Israel with prosperity and rejoicing. Why is there peace and joy during this holiday season? Why is there such happiness? Actually it's quite simple. There is peace and joy today because Jesus has brought about God's salvation to us. Just as the people at the time of Jeremiah were promised that they would be restored back to their homes from a time of captivity we now are at home completely restored and forgiven in Christ.

Thursday, 23 December 2021—Hebrews 2:10-18—Christ identified with us that He might save us from sin and death. There is only one way for us to receive reconciliation from God and that was for God Himself to identify with us. The writer to the Hebrews tells us how this all came about. It came about when Jesus Christ entered time and space. So what! A skeptical world might ask. Now sin has been dealt with as Christ has removed it once and for all. Now we have an advocate who will help us in our daily battles with sin and temptation in our day-to-day living. This is what makes the Christian faith practical. It works because Christ has worked everything out for us.

Friday, 24 December 2021—Luke 2:25-28—Simeon and Anna recognize Christ in the baby Jesus. When God makes a promise, He is bound to keep it. The Father had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ.

The moment Mary and Joseph entered the temple, eight days after Jesus was born, Simeon's eyes were opened and he saw Jesus for what He was; He saw Jesus as His Redeemer and Savior. Do we see Jesus the same way that Simeon saw Jesus? To fully appreciate Christmas we must have the same vision as this old, old man. May God grant us the faith to see Jesus as the only Savior of the world.

Saturday, 25 December 2021—Psalm 90—Psalm 90 is the text for our sermon hymn tomorrow. David reflects on the various stages through life and He concludes that God has been our dwelling place throughout all generations. From age to age God remains in control. Throughout life God remains constant. In just a few days we will welcome in a New Year. What will transpire in the next year? Only God knows but of this we can be sure God will establish the work of our hands. All will go according to His plan. Our only prayer needs to be: "Thy will be done Lord, Thy will be done!"

For Christmas – Grant, Almighty God, that the birth of Your only-begotten Son in human flesh may set us free, who through sin are held in bondage; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

For the Week – Direct us, O Lord, in all our actions by Your gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in Your name, we may glorify Your holy name and finally by Your mercy receive eternal life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Prayer for newness of life in Christ -- Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of light now in the time of this mortal life in which Your Son, Jesus Christ, came to visit us in great humility, that in the Last Day, when He shall come again in glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to life immortal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for December 24, 2021 – Christmas Eve – O God, You make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that, as we joyfully receive Him as our Redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold Him when He comes to be our Judge; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayer for December 25, 2021 – Christmas Day – Almighty God, grant that the birth of Your only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free from the bondage of sin; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Prayer for December 26, 2021 – St. Stephen, Martyr – Heavenly Father, in the midst of our sufferings for the sake of Christ grant us grace to follow the example of the first martyr, Stephen, that we also may look to the One who suffered and was crucified on our behalf and pray for those who do us wrong; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever

Prayer for December 27, 2021 – St. John, the Evangelist – Merciful Lord, cast the bright beams of Your light upon Your Church that we, being instructed in the doctrine of Your blessed apostle and evangelist John, may come to the light of everlasting life; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Sources:

Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Christmas 1 Series B

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS - Series B

Luke 2:22–40

The Firstborn Son of God Is Our Redemption from Sin and Death

The parents of Jesus “brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). However, He is not redeemed from priestly service but is consecrated for “the redemption of Jerusalem” and “the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25, 38). For God the Father did not spare His only-begotten Son, but offered Him up as the true Passover Lamb, in order to redeem His people from bondage. His Cross has caused many to stumble and fall, but His blood atoned for the sins of the world and delivers us from death. We now depart in the peace of Christ because we are also raised with Him. As we receive His body and blood, we join Simeon and Anna in “giving thanks to God the Father through Him,” “singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” including the Nunc Dimittis, with thankfulness in our hearts (Luke 2:28–32, 38; see also Colossians 3:15–17).

Luke 2:22–40

Jesus Presented at the Temple

Luke 2:22-

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.

First time Jesus the new temple is brought to Jerusalem. Leviticus 12- 40 days. Would not go to Jerusalem for the circumcision. See Malachi the messenger comes to the temple.

Luke 2:23-

καθὼς γέγραπται ἐν νόμῳ κυρίου ὅτι Πᾶν ἄρσεν διανοῖγον μήτραν ἅγιον τῷ κυρίῳ κληθήσεται,

(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)

All males that open the womb are called holy to/for the Lord.

Luke 2:24-

καὶ τοῦ δοῦναι θυσίαν κατὰ τὸ εἰρημένον ἐν τῷ νόμῳ κυρίου, ζεῦγος τρυγόνων ἢ δύο νοσσοὺς περιστερῶν.

and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

"And to offer a sacrifice according to the Law of the Lord" ( see Lev. 12:8.)

Two pigeons turtle doves because they were poor. Burnt offering and sin offering. One for the mother one for the child. A lamb and a bird or two birds. Burnt sacrifice was a dedication sacrifice.

Luke 2:25-

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.

Behold...(look here, at this is happening right in front of you)...Simeon who was in Jerusalem just and devout waiting for the comfort of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon Him.

Waiting for Jerusalem to be comforted by the redeemer. see Isaiah 40. He (Paraclete) is the one standing before God as a defense attorney.

Did Simeon get his information from Zachariah's prophecy? The Spirit Works through means.

Luke 2:26-

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.

It was to him divinely revealed that he would not see death until he saw the Lord's Christ.

The entire Old Testament is waiting for the Lord's Christ. It's happening now.

Luke 2:27-

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

He came in connection of the spirit into the temple as the parents were bringing Jesus in.

Luke 2:28-

καὶ αὐτὸς ἐδέξατο αὐτὸ εἰς τὰς ἀγκάλας καὶ εὐλόγησεν τὸν θεὸν καὶ εἶπεν•

he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

Luke 2:29-

Νῦν ἀπολύεις τὸν δοῦλόν σου, δέσποτα, κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου ἐν εἰρήνῃ•

Now you are letting your servant Lord depart in peace.

Master now let your slave depart in peace. Jesus came to set the captives free. Now free from the slavery of waiting.

Luke 2:30-32-

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.”

Simeon sees the cross as already done, a prophetic past prophecy.

See Deut. 12, every clean person eats the peace offering.

Luke 2:33 –

καὶ ἦν ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἡ μήτηρ θαυμάζοντες ἐπὶ τοῖς λαλουμένοις περὶ αὐτοῦ.

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.

Mary "marveled," a response to the Word, a response of faith. Further word search may prove helpful.

Luke 2:34-

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

Pay close attention to this one...this child is set for the rising and fall of many in Israel.

The sign is the cross and the offense of the cross. The entire Christian message will be spoken against.

Luke 2:35-

αὶ σοῦ δὲ αὐτῆς τὴν ψυχὴν διελεύσεται ῥομφαία, ὅπως ἂν ἀποκαλυφθῶσιν ἐκ πολλῶν καρδιῶν διαλογισμοί.

a sword will pierce you and the thoughts of many will be revealed.

Luke 2:36

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,

Luke 2:37

and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.[b] She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

Anna was 84 – (12 x 7 = 84) or “as a widow for eighty-four years”

Luke 2:38

καὶ αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ ἐπιστᾶσα ἀνθωμολογεῖτο τῷ θεῷ καὶ ἐλάλει περὶ αὐτοῦ πᾶσιν τοῖς προσδεχομένοις [m]λύτρωσιν Ἰερουσαλήμ.

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 Return to Nazareth

Luke 2:39

Καὶ ὡς ἐτέλεσαν πάντα τὰ κατὰ τὸν νόμον κυρίου, ἐπέστρεψαν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν εἰς πόλιν ἑαυτῶν Ναζαρέθ.

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

Luke 2:40

Τὸ δὲ παιδίον ηὔξανεν καὶ ἐκραταιοῦτο πληρούμενον σοφίᾳ, καὶ χάρις θεοῦ ἦν ἐπ’ αὐτό.

And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Time in the Word - Christmas 1

Tim in the Word:

21-26 December 2020

Readings and Prayers in the time of Christmas

The Goodness of God

The first Sunday after Christmas is the last Sunday of the Calendar year. The old year is ending. A New one will be with us very soon. The theme of Christmas 1, the goodness of God, is appropriate for the end of a year. The Old Testament lesson is especially relevant. “I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord.” At the end of the year, it is wise to take inventory and count our blessings of the past year.

We see that God is good. He protects us from danger, redeems us from affliction and welcomes us into His family the Church.

Collect for Christmas 1 – O God, our Maker and Redeemer, You wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your son, yet more wondrously restored our human nature. Grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Almighty God, grant that the birth of Your only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free from the bondage of sin; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Almighty God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

O God, You make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Grant that, as we joyfully receive Him as our Redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold Him when He comes to be our Judge; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

A Prayer for the Morning: Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit. Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your blessing remain with us throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness, and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer of Thanksgiving at the end of the day: Gracious Lord, we give You thanks for the day, especially for the good we were permitted to give and receive. The day is now past, and we commit it to You. We entrust to You the night and rest in Your peace, for You are our help, and You neither slumber nor sleep. Hear us for the sake of Your name.

Prayer for grace to receive the Word: Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, 21 December 2020—Jeremiah 31:5-17; Hosea 11:1

The prophet reminds us, “When Israel was a child I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”This verse coincides with the Gospel lesson. As Jesus enters into Egypt and then returns to Nazareth, we recall the nation of Israel called by God to leave Egypt into the Promised Land.

Tuesday, 22 December 2020—Psalm 111; key verse, 9a

“He sent redemption to His people.” At Christmas, we see the redemption, which is ours in Jesus Christ. The eternal Son of God entered our time and space. He came to be our substitute. His humble birth is an indication of how He will live and what He will do for you. The world rejoices this night. Salvation has come. The Father has sent redemption to His people.

Wednesday, 23 December 2020— Isaiah 63:7-9 –

Recounting the love and goodness of God to His people. This coming Sunday is the last Sunday of the calendar year. Another year has passed. During this week, review in your mind the past year. Recount the good things that come from God.

Thursday, 24 December 2020—Galatians 4:4-7 –

At the right time God sent His Son that we might become sons and daughters of God. What is the real significance of Christmas?

How is your life affected by the birth of Christ? Your whole status with God depends on the one who has entered our world.

Friday, 25 December 2020 – Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 –

The flight to Egypt and the return to Nazareth. The Lord suffers in all the afflictions of His people. Because of His love, He feels what we feel, He hurts when we hurt. He suffers when we suffer. When the Lord called Moses, He said that He heard the cries of His enslaved people. No one suffers alone. No one walks alone. No one dies alone. “In all their afflictions He was afflicted."

Saturday, 26 December 2020— Luke 2:1-20 –

Sunday’s hymn of the Day is “Let All Together Praise Our God” Now that Christmas has come we can seriously think about the meaning of Christ’s coming into our world and our time. Even in troubled times God is with us.

Sources: