The 1st Sunday after Epiphany - January 8, 2012

The Church Season of Epiphany
1st Sunday after Epiphany
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Midland, MI (January 8, 2012)

Readings:  
    Psalm 50:1-15
    1 Kings 8:6-13
    Romans 12:1-5   
    Luke 2:41-52

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Grace, mercy and peace be to you from the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen

The text for today is as recorded in the Gospel Lesson from the 2nd chapter of Luke, especially the following verses...

Luke 2:41-52 (ESV)

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found [Jesus] him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

So Far the Text

   

Last Thursday was the twelfth day of Christmas, Friday was was the day of Epiphany.  Epiphany means manifestation, and so a continuation of the Gospel of Immanuel, God With Us.  But as we hear in the Gospel lesson, the boy Jesus is not where his earthly parents thought He should be.  The Gospel tells us that they were in “great distress”(v. 48) and wouldn’t you be too if you hadn’t a clue where your twelve year-old was after searching for Him for more than several days?  All who have children or who have been asked to watch over children can relate to the sinking feeling of a child who is not where everyone thinks they should be.  If it is true that absence causes the heart to grow fonder, then most certainly the corollary to that saying for children would be that the absence of a child makes the heart more fainter.  Where is Jesus? 

One day of travel toward home and the child comes up missing, then three days of searching.  Where is Jesus?  Frantically asking the people in the group, and everyone who knew Him, where is Jesus?  And His parents did find Him in the Jerusalem Temple, and when they did find Him they were “astonished.” That reaction is predictable, astonishment, relief, then once the good news sinks in a bit, the grief is relieved, the hammer comes down, “Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”(v. 48) Astonishment and then distress.  It’s easy for us to relate to that kind of feeling.  Relief and angst.  Many of us have uttered similar words to our own children, “Thank God you’re okay”, followed shortly thereafter by “What in the world were you thinking?” 

But, why was the boy Jesus missing in the first place?  How in the world was Jesus not accounted for in that large caravan of people as they set out homewards?  Why did Mary and Joseph even need to turn around and seek Jesus?  Today Children Support Services would be called or we would strive to find the root cause of this event then begin retracing steps.  These words give a clue, “His parents…supposing Him to be in the group.”(v. 44)  It’s apparent that they had not “Fixed their eyes on Jesus.”(Heb 12:2)  And so they had to seek after Him.  Where is Jesus?

Martin Luther said of the Christ child, "If we want to seek and find this child, we must believe the Word, stick to it, and not allow ourselves to be diverted from it. If we disregard the Word, the offense has already occurred. For this child is so humble and wretched to look at that it is impossible for one to approach by one's reason, apart from the Word." (Luther)

Maybe you’ve been seeking to find Jesus.  Maybe you think He is absent from your life.  Maybe you, in your distress to find Jesus, have become more and more frantic.  Maybe you are attacked by thoughts of things you have done.  Sins you have intentionally committed, sins which you have committed by by not doing that which you should have done.  Maybe to you the world seems to be closing in on you because your health is not what it once was. Maybe you’ve come to the conclusion that you can’t make it any longer on your own reason and strength. So you beg, you plead, and you are astonished.   Where have my friends gone?  Where is my respite in this life?  How can I endure? I can’t take it anymore. Where is Jesus?

“[Jesus] said to [His parents], “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”(v. 49)  But His parents didn’t understand the words spoken from the very Word of God.  Maybe it’s because we don’t understand the Words of Jesus so we ask the question, Where is Jesus?  Maybe it is because we neither want to understand His words nor do we want to obey the Words which He gives to us in the Holy Scriptures.  Sin causes us to lose perspective.  To trust in ourselves, to trust our own words, our own thoughts, and our own reason.  We walk away from the One source of comfort which we are given, the Gospel, the Good News, the very Word of God.  Luther said, "The greatest and foremost skill - no matter who the person is - is to cling firmly to the Word and conceive of the things of God in no other way than as the Word tells us. For this reason we should accustom ourselves to know nothing about God and Christ apart from the Word of God.”  Yet we still ask, “Where is Jesus?” “Where is Jesus when I need Him?”  “Why isn’t He here for me now?”  Jesus speaks to you, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Mt. 8:26) and “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”(v. 49) 

Repent.  For it is not Jesus who has moved farther away from you.  He has not left you, nor will He ever forsake you.  In obedience to His heavenly Father, Jesus is in His Father’s house.  He has never, ever, lost track of you along your winding way of life.  In fact He is always with you even to the end of the age.  In your baptism you were sealed with His Name, and in the water combined with God’s Word, you are saved.  In the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ, He is not lost, He is here in the bread and wind, the body and the blood, for you, for the forgiveness of sins.  Do not be afraid of the things of this world which cause you become lost, tired, afraid, weary, downtrodden, weak hearted, or in distress.  Jesus could say, “What in the world are you thinking?”  But He does not, rather He lies down on the cross, He dies for you, He lives for you, He gives you eternal life.  Where is Jesus?  His is in the Word, for you.  He is in your baptism, for you.  He is in the Holy Supper, for you.  Didn’t you know? Jesus Christ, the child in the crib, the boy in the temple, the man on the cross, Son of God and Son of Man, was obedient to His Father even unto death.  Where is Jesus?  In His Father’s house, that is where Jesus is, and by His promise there in the Father’s house you too shall also be, forever and ever.  Amen.

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

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The First Sunday after Christmas - January 1, 2012

The Church Season of Christmas
1st Sunday after Christmas
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Midland, MI (January 1, 2012)

Readings:  
    Genesis 46:1-7
    1 Peter 4:12-19      
    Matthew 2:13-23

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Grace, mercy and peace be to you from the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen

The text for today is as recorded in the Gospel Lesson from the 4th chapter of 1st Peter verses 12-13

1 Peter 4:12-19 (NIV)

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

It’s a New Year, time for new ideas, new commitments, new visions, and new dreams.  That is all part and parcel of what is known as the American dream.  We dreamed, as a nation, of the freedom of religion, where you could be any religion you wanted and practice any faith freely, and no one could or would do anything about it.  You are free!

That is a great dream, freedom of religion without persecution.  Yet Jesus promised that if we faithfully followed Him, the world would hate us and we would be persecuted.  World history has demonstrated the accuracy of that prophecy.  Sadly, Christians in every age, and in every corner of the world have been hated and persecuted for their faith. Even here, in America, it is considered narrow-minded and rude, not to mention hopelessly backward, to stand firmly on one's faith and not go along with the socially approved ecumenical spirit of our times.  Anything in our culture is okay, except, of course, standing firm on the faith once delivered to the saints.  If you stand firm in the true Christian faith you are ridiculed, mocked, verbally assaulted.  And in other places in the world, people are dying for simply calling themselves "Christian". 

St. Peter speaks to us by saying; “do not be surprised!” He was talking about "the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing."   It is hard to stand firm in your faith, and confess Christ.  Family members will tell you to get off your high horse.  Friends will tell you to keep you religion to yourself - and will distance themselves from you if you don't.  Employers may tell you that your faith - and it symbols - are not welcome around the work-place.  People will find things to criticize and nit-pick on you because you are supposed to be something special, better, without any flaws, real or imagined.  Perhaps bigger things will happen among us as persecution in time - we cannot tell.  One thing we do know, our faith is not welcome out in the world, and not really even among others who style themselves as "Christian."

At this time of year when an old year has ended and a new year has begun, we often look back on our lives.  I'm sure many of us will recall when a time of trouble or suffering strengthened our faith in God.  A seeming setback turned out to be an opportunity for better or happier employment.  A chance meeting brought you to your husband or wife.  In fact it was not chance at all, rather God's gracious working in your lives.

Sometimes the events that happen around us don’t always go the way we want, and maybe we would like to be like Joseph, Mary and that tiny Christ child and flee persecution by going to another place and another country.  But, in those times when we can't make sense of things, when there seems to be no valid purpose or meaning to what's going on in our lives (and that happens to us all at one time or another), know that Christ has made you His own.  

There is nothing in all of creation that can separate you from Him and His love.  In fact, the Lord comes so near to you with His love that He actually gives Himself into you in the Sacrament of the Altar.  He imparts to you His very own life with His body and blood.  If the almighty Lord would go so far as to take on your vulnerable human flesh, to die in the flesh and shed His blood, and then give you His resurrected flesh and blood for the forgiveness of your sins, then certainly you can trust Him even in those times when there seems to be no reasonable answers to your questions.

So, when your faith and your confession brings ridicule or any other pain on you from the world around you, do not be surprised.  It is likely to happen, and Jesus predicted it.  It is our call to strive to avoid bringing this persecution upon ourselves.  It will find you of its own accord.  Remember that this is part of the plan of God, and remember that those would thwart the Word of God will ultimately bear the fruits of their evil, unless they repent.  Remembering the pain of ridicule and persecution, we should be eager to spare our attackers the pains they are bringing on themselves by bringing them the good news of Christ and forgiveness.  There is hope that a New Year will bring us peace and prosperity.  Certainly this congregation has been blessed beyond measure throughout its time.  We look ahead with faith and joy to see what we can do this year guided by the Holy Spirit to speak God’s Word.  And we pray that when persecution or trouble or pain does come our way, our faith will not fail, we will pray, and entrust our souls to God.  We pray that a New Year will bring us great things, at the same time our prayers have been answered before we pray them.  For God has given us His Son Jesus Christ, who brings us a new life, and to eternity with Him.  Amen.

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

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The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord - December 25, 2011

The Church Season of Christmas
Christmas Day
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Midland, MI (December 25, 2011)
One Year Series

Readings:  
    Micah 5:2-5    
    Titus 3:4-7                   
    Luke 2:1-20           

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Grace, mercy and peace be to you from the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen

The text for today is as recorded in the Gospel Lesson from the 2nd chapter of Luke, especially the following verses:

The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

It is always exciting when Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, we celebrate the birth of Christ on the traditional day of His birth.  How glorious is that?  Regardless of the calendar date, we celebrate Christ’s birth as the shepherds did that first night.  It is indeed glorious.  Glory to God in the highest are is the words the angels spoke. Glory is a common word occurring over 400 times in the Old Testament. It is a description of God's awesome splendor and holiness. He is the God or King of Glory. Sinful man could not behold this glorious God. Moses feared when God appeared in glory. In the New Testament "glory" is used in to describe God's visible revelation of Himself to man. When the glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds they were afraid. But he said: "Fear not for I bring you good news." The revelation of God’s makes men unafraid. By faith we look forward to the glorious appearance of the great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself in our stead. When God became man, man believed in his glory although he could not yet see it. As scripture notes, "We beheld His glory," "We were eye-witnesses of His glory." The Apostles saw Him transfigured, revealing the glory of God. We see God's glory in Jesus' miracles. Jesus and the Father glorified each other when Jesus died and rose for us. "Glory to God in the Highest" means that Jesus is your Savior. Now His is the glory. When we die we shall be glorified. Romans.

And the angels spoke of peace on earth, and we often heard the saying, “peace, peace but there was no peace” When man fell into sin there was no peace between man and God and no peace among men. Sinful man is dead in his sins but he is worse than dead because he is at war with God and man. Man causes wars and rumors of wars. But Jesus says: "Do not be shaken, for these things must be, but the end is not yet." Awful things will happen. But the Angels proclaim: "Fear not. There is peace on earth." Peace is not a state or a condition. God wills peace for the whole creation. But when you have the peace of God you will have strife with yourself, friends, co-workers, or relatives. But even then you have peace with God. For Jesus says: "My peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled nor let it be afraid." And, "I have said these things to you so that in Me you have peace. In this world you have tribulation.

Luther oft repeated this peace of scripture for the comfort of others, “But be cheerful, I[Jesus] have overcome the world." Though we were dead in sins, the Chris child makes us alive, forgiving us all our sins. He wiped out the handwriting against us. He nailed our sins to the cross. Christ Jesus is our peace. He is the king of peace. His gospel is the gospel of peace. The peace of God, Christ's gift, protects us. Justified by faith, we now have peace with God through Christ.

And let us not also forget, good will toward men.  Have you ever thought about all the talk of the magic of Christmas as revealed in the eyes of a child?  And as we grow older we lament the loss of that kind of feeling for Christmas.  But, God's good will, who is His Son is also hidden to the wise but revealed to the babes. The arrogant world does not know the Son. Yet the repentant sinner does know the Son. Why did you become a Christian? Because of a decision? No, no. But only because of the good will of God's saving will in Christ Jesus. Because of His good saving will God will’s you in Christ Jesus to save you eternally.

We set aside holidays and special days to reflect upon the Glory of God.  In Christ His glory is here for you, each and every day.  We needn’t do a thing to receive it.  In Christ there is peace on earth.  Not because sinful men lay down their arms, but because Christ laid down His arms on the cross.  There Jesus gives us the promise of eternal peace.  In freely giving us His Son Jesus Christ God shows us His good will toward men.  Glory, Peace, and Good Will.  Brought to you this day not by the efforts of men, but by one baby boy born this day who is the very Son of God.  Look as you may for this gift under a tree or in the machinations of man and you will not find it.  This baby boy is a different gift, it is THE gift of God, the One who finds you.  This baby Jesus finds you and brings you to Glory, gives you everlasting peace, and delivers you to rest with Him in the presence of His good will for time everlasting.  Amen.

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

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Eve of the Nativity of Jesus Christ - December 24, 2011

The Church Season of Christmas
Eve of the Nativity of Jesus Christ
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Midland, MI (December 24, 2011)

Readings:    Matthew 1:18-21   

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Grace, mercy and peace be to you from the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen

The text for today is as recorded in the Gospel Lesson from the 1st chapter of St. Matthew, especially the following verses.

Matthew 1:18-21 (NIV)
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.”(v.18) On this evening of blessed expectation these words recorded by St. Matthew give answer to countless questions which mankind has asked for centuries. “How could [One who is]infinite reside in a womb? How could He that contains all, be carried as yet unborn, by a woman?"(Chrysostom) It is unfathomable to our minds, that the Virgin Mary held in her womb what the whole world, the whole universe, could not contain. Yet so many years ago on this very night the unimaginable became reality, the Father sent His Son, the infinite had became incarnate, and now the timeless was born into human time.

Jesus, “was appropriately born contrary to the law of human nature because He was beyond nature.”(p. 13 Ancient Christian Commentary Vol. I-a, Mt. 1:18) Christ was with the Father and the Holy Spirit from infinity and so He was with the Father when all of King David’s Fathers were begotten. Now Joseph the Son of David hears news of the Son who had begotten him.

But Christ came not to be the son of these Father’s. Rather Christ the son, the child of Bethlehem chose to adopt the people of His family.  Not only Joseph and Mary, not only the Jews but the Gentiles, Christ who came once for all people.  He was the one of whom Isaiah spoke who would be called Immanuel, “God with us.”(v.23) The Christ child was born to save His fathers and us His sons and daughters.

Is that enough for you for this night to recall the Christ child or is it that you want your Christmas back?  The one from your childhood, the one you can’t seem to find anymore? The one lost as you lose the race for a spot at the mall.  The Christmas that slips away as you become busier than ever, but satisfied less and less each year.  Where has that Christmas of old gone?  It is still here and it comes for you in a form most unobtrusive, small, and weak.

On this night as we recall the holiest of holy nights, cast your eyes upon a manger.  Cast your eyes on the glow of a child who brings wonder and joy to you.  Stop and look at the lights, smell the aroma of the Christmas celebration.  The child in the manger is Jesus, Immanuel.  The glow of the child is from the dimly lit manger.  The aroma of Christmas is that of Frankincense and myrrh. 

You are His people. He is God with us.  The Christmas of your past is not lost, it never was, it never will be. This Christ child, is Immanuel, “God with us.”  Mary this day gives birth to Jesus Christ and He gives us new birth in His Name.  Though our memories of the joy of Christmas past may fade away.  We know that there was joy there in family, friends, and tradition.  But even more so, the Christ child brings you into His eternal family, God With Us, God will never leave nor forsake us, Jesus who will be with us to the end of the age. Oh holy Child of Bethlehem, cast out our sin and enter in, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.  Amen.

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Advent 4 - Rorate Coeli - December 18, 2011

The Church Season of Advent
Advent 4 - Rorate Coeli
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Midland, MI (December 18, 2011)

Readings:   
        Psalm 111   
        Dt. 18:15-19       
        Philippians 4:4-7            
        John 1:19-28

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Grace, mercy and peace be to you from the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen

The text for today is as recorded in the Gospel reading of St. John the 1st chapter, especially the following verses.

John 1:19-28

19 Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ." 21 They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 Finally they said, [to John the Baptist]"Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' " 24 Now some Pharisees who had been sent questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"  26"I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."  28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

Jesus arrived on Christmas once, about two thousand years ago.  Yet His presence is with us now continuously, even to the end of the age what a blessed comfort that is.  For wherever two or three are gathered, there is the Lord, incarnate in the flesh that He got from the blessed Virgin Mary.  So He is not really arriving on Christmas.  He is already here. 

Yet we in the Church still exercise a centuries' old tradition of preparing for Christ’s arrival.  We know that we need to be reminded that His presence among us is no small thing, and we should be examining and preparing constantly.  After all, He will also return again. 

So then what can we do to prepare?  Well, let's look at what John did.  When he was questioned by the Jews, he gave His testimony.  And John said was is, "I am not the Christ."  And he said, "I am the voice of one crying, 'Make straight the way of the Lord.'" And John also said, "There stands One among you whom you do not know.  It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose."

How do we simplify all these quotes by John?  We could summarize it this way: "The Lord God is among us in human flesh, and I am not Him.  I am not worthy of Him, for He is eternal and infinitely greater than me." And that is a confession that we all can make.  We are all sinners who are not worthy of Christ.  We all fall short of the glory of God.  He is here already, but we are not well prepared in thought, word, and deed.  Our preparation stinks.

 

“Make straight the way of the Lord”, John said.  And if our preparation is us cleaning up our lives and doing better, then we have mucked it up pretty badly.  Or worse, if we think that we have done a pretty good job cleaning up our lives then we are really not well prepared.

 

Thank heavens our preparation does not consist in our own efforts.  But God Himself prepares us by sending messengers before Him who get us ready. The road of life is not straight, though we always seem to hear that we should get our lives on the straight and narrow.  The road of life is not straight, it is more like a summer time on a Michigan Highway.  There are twists and turns, detours and accidents, making the wrong choice in where we should be, being in the place we shouldn’t be, disappointed when some runs into us, disappointed in ourselves when we run into someone else, our cars breakdown unexpectedly.  Sound familiar?  For every one of those highway challenges put yourself and your life, and your challenges in those same sentences.  And we end up with, I have sinned in thought word and deed, by the things we’ve done and the things we’ve left undone.  And so how are those twisty complicated challenges of life to be dealt with?  How is this road of life made smooth by the end of the season?

 

Well think of it this way, How do you get ready to meet a really important person?  The first thing you do is take a shower and get clean.  God thinks the same way.  He cleans us up by giving us His washing of regeneration and renewal.  He purifies us in the best bath there can be. John was the first human messenger through whom God gave out this washing.  The Jews recognized that this Baptism of John was something new, not like their traditional ritual washings.  John was preaching a Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

 

The Jews recognized that John was claiming great power and authority for this Baptism.  So they asked him why he Baptized, if he was not the Christ and not Elijah and not the Great Prophet prophesied by Moses.  John said that he was preparing the way for the Lord, and the Lord was the important One, not John.  The Baptism John gave was the preparation for the coming of God in human flesh.

 

So it is today.  The forgiveness of God that He gives in Baptism has prepared you for Christ's coming.  As He comes among us in Word and Sacrament, and as He soon will return on clouds of glory, you must be found ready - and thank God, you already are!  For you are washed, you are cleansed, you are sanctified in Christ Jesus your Lord.  In Baptism, you are made a straight and level road.  Your life is set in order, so that all the rough spots of your life and potholes of your iniquities are made smooth by repentance and forgiveness; not that your life is perfect, but that God sees it as perfect.

 

This power of Baptism is the same for John as it is for us.  The power is in Christ and Him crucified.  It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead.  The events by which God redeemed mankind were a future thing for John, since the Blood of God's Son had not yet been shed for the world.  For us, that event is already accomplished and sealed by His death and Resurrection.

You are Baptized into Jesus Christ’s His death.  You are buried with Christ so that you will also be raised with Him. Therefore, He has prepared you by covering you with the robes of His righteousness.  Jesus Christ gives you the ultimate, immaculate perfection as a gift.  His goodness is bestowed upon you in these holy waters, like the most beautiful clothing anyone could ever wear. 

So we are prepared for Christ by washing up and getting dressed in our best clothes.  Both things happen in Baptism.  Therefore, you are ready indeed, though there may be unsettling twists and turns ahead of you, have faith.  In the end of the season, Christ will come again.  The road has been made straight, your salvation is secure.  The true preparation was made in Jesus Christ’s redemption.  The path to eternal life is made straight.  Rejoice in the coming days as you hear of the road to Bethlehem, rejoice each day that Jesus Christ cares for each of you.  His incarnation was not for a just day, rather it is for you each day as He comes into your lives.  John cried out in the wilderness the Good news of Jesus Christ what blessed knowledge we have that Jesus Christ who cried out for you on the cross so that all those who believe and are baptized, there is nothing ahead of you that will take you away from the road He prepared for your eternal life. Amen

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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Advent 3 - Guadete - December 11, 2011

Advent 3 - Gaudete Sunday
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Midland, MI (December 11, 2011)

Readings:  
    Is. 40:1–11  
    Psalm 85  
    1 Cor. 4:1-5  
    Matthew 11:2-11
      

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Grace, mercy and peace be to you from the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen

The text for today is as recorded in Philemon the 4th chapter and Psalm 85 which we just read, and it is why this Day is called Gaudete:

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. Lord, you have blessed your land; you have turned away the captivity of Jacob."

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

For those of you not familiar with the church calendar, today is traditionally known as "Gaudete Sunday."  Gaudete is Latin for "rejoice."  Today we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, reminding us that today is a little bit different from the rest of Advent.  Advent is a season of repentance, not many know that but think of it this way, why would we need the babe in Bethlehem if we were already free from sin?  Yes we say Jesus is the reason for the season, but too often we forget the reason why Jesus came to us—not to simply be a cute little baby in a manger, but to die for our sin.  Yet, this is also why we take a little timeout in the midst of this penitential season to remember the joy of our salvation; the joy of God's grace, which is ours because of Christ alone. Now you can also see why it is ever so more special that the newest member in God’s forever family Easton Sonntag was baptized today and we rejoice.

But what exactly do we celebrate and rejoice over today?  Do we rejoice over something that happened almost two-thousand years ago?  Do we rejoice over something that happened just a few minutes ago with Easton? Well it is a bit difficult to be excited about something that happened long before we were around.  It's hard to get excited about stuff that happened one year ago, let alone two thousand years ago. Much easier to get excited about a baptism today.  Yet, do we rejoice over the fact that Christmas is less than two weeks away?  Maybe that is true for some, but it also means that there's less than two weeks of Advent left.  And nobody really enjoys the whole repentance thing.  That's human nature.  Being reminded of your sin and the fact that you're not as good or squeaky-clean as you think you are is kind of a drag.  A whole month of it can really bring you down, especially when the rest of our culture is pushing consumer happiness, joy, and Christmas cheer. But John the Baptist preached repentance in the wilderness, and Jesus Christ’s first sermon spoke of repentance too.

So, Gaudete – Rejoice Sunday: What exactly are we to rejoice over today?  New members, successful fund raisers, baptisms?  The answer is found in Scripture, and it's amazingly simple and clear.  We rejoice today because the reality of salvation through faith alone in God's grace alone because of Jesus Christ alone is an eternal, ever-present reality.  It's our reality. 

And what is reality?  Have you seen the signs of Christmas?  You know like; "Jesus is the reason for the season," "Keep Christ in Christmas," or “You are the reason Christ came into this season.”  Or how about; "Christmas: The Birth of Jesus—When God came to earth."  All of them okay, but really, none tell the whole story.

When did Jesus come to earth?  It may seem like a trick question, but it's not, and that's the problem.  You see, Jesus didn't just advent with mankind two thousand years ago in a little stable in some backwoods little village on the outskirts of the Roman Empire.  He did come to be born, to die as an all-redeeming sacrifice.  But again that’s not the whole story, Jesus will come again in all His glory.  Christmas is also supposed to remind us of ALL this blessed news. 

But wait…there's still more to the story.  How is mankind saved during the time between Christ's first advent in a manger and His glorious return on Judgment Day?  Has God left us to fend for ourselves?  Absolutely not!  Salvation has never, is never, and will never be about what man can do for himself.  Salvation has always and will always be about what Christ does for us.  Notice the order and tense of the wording, does for us, not did for us?  Like He did for Easton baptism and salvation is what Christ does for us, we are baptized how comforting is the Word of God.

So, listen again to the words of our Old Testament lesson for this morning.  "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” Is 40:1  Comfort.  There are two ways of looking at comfort, one of them is all feelings and emotions, with nothing behind it but a good heart or good intentions.  The other way to look at comfort is to actually do something about what is causing the discomfort, grief, fear, or pain, and make it better.  Right now, we need the second sort of comfort.  We need to know, and we need to see, and we need to feel comfort from the pressures and dangers around us.

But Jesus says to you, "Your sins are forgiven," and that is pure Gospel and Gospel means the Good News of Jesus Christ.  That’s comfort worth rejoicing for.  And this comfort doesn't rest upon us or our opinions it come from Christ Himself, a gift for you.  And this gift isn't a fad or a fashion or some other time bound tradition.  This is the Word of God.  For Easton, for Bridgett and Ryan, for you and for me, this is the truth of God.  This is the gift of God for you.  This is the Gospel, and it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe!

Look around.  The Word of God made flesh whose birth we anticipate is actively at work among you today in His Word and His Sacraments.  Nothing has changed, we rejoice that Jesus Christ’s the Word is still actively working life and forgiveness and salvation to us. 

That is comfort and joy.  That is why we Gaudete (rejoice) this day and every day.  Christ the Lord, the Word of God made flesh, continues to be faithful and true to His Word, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  The reality of Immanuel—God with us—isn't just a past-tense or future-tense thing it is and will always continue to be.  Christ the Lord continues to advent with us, presently and actively saving us from our sin, calling us to repentance and comforting us with His Gospel promise that "It is finished."  Rejoice in Lord today Easton Sonntag, Rejoice today all who are here this day.  Rejoice in the Lord always and be comforted, for the anticipated Christ did come into to this world for His people.  For Jesus Christ brings us to His kingdom where we will all “rejoice in the Lord always,” and even forevermore.  Amen

The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

+SDG+

Advent 2 - Populus Sion - December 4, 2011

In my absence the Rev. Jonathon Bakker, from Zion Lutheran Mt. Pleasant, MI delivered the Word of God.  We thank Zion Lutheran Church for their graciousness in allowing Jon and his wife Anne to be here this day.  We thank Jon and Anne for all that they do in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Populus Sion Luke 21:25-36
Second Sunday in Advent, 2011 (Historic)
Our Savior Lutheran Church
Midland, Michigan
Pastor Jonathon Bakker

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen. The Holy Scripture for our consideration this day is the Gospel from St. Luke.

'And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.' Then He spoke to them a parable: 'Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.'

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Christmas is coming. Are you ready? Many shoppers on 'Black Friday' were out and about to ensure that they will be prepared with gifts for their loved ones. More and more homes are decorated on the outside already, and the Christmas tree lots are officially open for business. Few of us might be ready, for instance, if we were to look at the calendar and see that Christmas was tomorrow, but we really know that it is still three weeks away. We have time and maybe even a plan to have everything ready and in place so that when Christmas does arrive, we can joyfully spend it with our loved ones sharing gifts, traveling to see family, and eating a feast or two. We don't have to be ready today for Christmas to be here tomorrow - December 25th is plenty of time. We'll be ready. 

There is also another kind of preparation that is worthy of consideration; the Preparation God's church makes to commemorate of the Nativity of Christ in the manger at Bethlehem. In our Lord's humble entry into this world; He came under the Law to be the sacrifice for our sins, and we are prepared for this through the penitential season of Advent. Singing Advent hymns, praying collects that stir up our hearts to repentance and faith, and hearing the Word of the Lord rom the Gospels all make us ready to celebrate our Lord's birth on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Advent may strike us by surprise most years, coming on the heels of the Thanksgiving holiday, but there is no reason to panic during Advent, because this is the time for preparation. It is as Luther himself wrote in the 13 verse of his Christmas hymn, 'From Heaven Above to Earth I Come':

Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child
Prepare a bed, soft, undefiled,
A quiet chamber set apart
For you to dwell within my heart

God alone makes our hearts ready to receive the Lord throughout this season of Advent so that come Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we will celebrate the Incarnation of Christ with joy. We'll be ready.

 

If only it were so easy to prepare for the second coming of the Lord. It is described in today's Gospel and the reading says it all. The Lord is coming. Like it or not, ready or not, He is coming. This is the only passage of Luke in which he speaks of the signs that will accompany the end of the world, and they are not the things humanity is hoping to see. The signs of His coming are startling. Signs in the sun and moon and stars, anguish in the nations of the earth, the sea and its waves roaring, and the hearts of men failing for fear of what is coming on the earth. Then, all of humanity, whether they have saving faith in Jesus Christ or not, will see him descending in a cloud with power and glory.

 

We know from the Creed that when He returns in glory, our Lord does so to judge the living and the dead. Like a book that is opened up for all to see, there will be no more secrets for any of us. The things we have hidden rom our parents, our spouses, and even from our friends and enemies will not be concealed anymore. When our Lord returns, He will be the judge of all.

 

Yet, He also tells us that when we see these things begin to take place, we ought to look up and raise our heads, because our redemption is drawing near. Take heart, dear Christians. It almost sounds fanciful to our ears, but our Lord is reminding us that His judgment is not ultimately about the things we have done or not done, but about what we have believed. Luther tells us that the irony with this passage is that those who ought to be afraid of the Lord's coming, unbelievers, are not afraid, and those who ought to be rejoicing, believers, are instead terrified.

 

What Jesus promises in this passage is a whole new world which will accompany His return; a new Creation that will not be subject to the corruptibility or passability of this sinful age; a new Creation populated by the whole Christian church of all times and all places. The heavens and the earth will pass away, but Jesus' words will never, ever, pass away. Just as you know the summer is coming when the leaves begin to appear, so also know that the Lord is coming when these things take place.

 

Jesus also tells us to beware, because the day will come suddenly. Unlike preparing for Christmas Day in both church and society, when we know that there is time yet before December 25th to make ourselves and our churches ready for the celebration, there are no more warnings yet to come from the Lord before His return. The rich man could not send Lazarus back rom the dead to warn his brothers and family of what was to come. They had Abraham, and we should expect nothing different. We had Jesus. The Lord died on the cross and was raised rom the grave. The time to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ is not on our deathbed; it's not twenty years from now; it's not even tomorrow. Our days are numbered, friends. We may not have a deathbed. We may not make it twenty more years on this earth. We might not even make it to tomorrow.

    Preparing for the coming of the Lord is not something we can mark on the calendar and set up a long to-do list so that we are ready by that date, and it is not something we can put off until later - it will come unexpectedly. We are called to be prepared to meet the Lord every single day! We prepare for the coming of the Lord by hearing His enduring words and receiving the gifts He gives through them. The white robes of his righteousness are the only clothes in which we can stand before the Lord and His Holy Communion is the only food that will sustain us into eternity. So as we once again prepare for Christmas through Advent, let King David's prayer in Psalm 39 also be ours.

"Lord, make me to know my end,
And what is the measure of my days,
That I may know how frail I am.
Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths,
And my age is as nothing before You;
Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.
Surely every man walks about like a shadow;
Surely they busy themselves in vain;
He heaps up riches, And does not know who will gather them.
And now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You."

We may not know how many days we have on this earth, we may not know how frail we are, and we may not even know who will gather the riches we have heaped up. But in faith, we confidently wait for the Lord in whom we have the hope of eternal life.

To Christ alone be all the glory, forever and ever, amen.
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord, amen.