Christmas 2024- Luke 2; John 1

 Churches provide several Scripture readings for Christmas, depending on the time of day and the number of services offered. Of course, all the Scripture readings are full of truth and meaning, but personally, I prefer Luke 2 for Christmas Eve and John 1 for Christmas Day. Luke 2 focuses on the humble events associated with the Messiah's Birth. John 1 focuses on the theological meaning of the Word becoming flesh. 

We can all benefit from thinking and praying about both perspectives on the Nativity. Both accounts proclaim the good news of Christ our Savior. The Child in the lowly manger is the divine Word made flesh for our salvation. Jesus came to save us, and He keeps coming into our lives. Glory be to God on high!

Advent 4 (year C)- Luke 1:38-56

 The Gospel for this week has two sections. The first section from Luke 1:38-45 refers to what was traditionally called the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. It tells of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. This biblical event has been observed on several dates on church calendars (July 2, May 31, and March 30), and it is certainly appropriate to highlight it on the Sunday before Christmas. The two holy women share their hope and faith in God's great acts to redeem His people.

The second section of this Sunday's Gospel, Luke 1:46-56 contains Mary's hymn of praise, usually known by its first word in Latin, Magnificat, "My Soul Magnifies". This biblical hymn has become a church canticle said or sung at vespers or evening prayer in the Western Church tradition. Mary praises God for His grace in choosing her to participate in His plan for redemption.

As Christmas draws closer, it is appropriate to spend some time reflecting upon the background provided in this Gospel selection from Luke 1. Elizabeth and Mary are special examples of people who receive divine grace and humbly submit to divine plans for redemption. Elizabeth is older and already tested by life experiences. Mary is younger and more innocent. Both of them are examples of humility joined with strong religious faith. They accept the call of God and submit to His plan for human salvation. May we also humbly and faithfully accept the call to be part of God's plan to save us and others!

Advent 3 (year C)- Luke 3:7-20

The Gospel for the Third Sunday in Advent is Luke 3:7-20. This is one of the Advent readings which speaks of the preparatory ministry of John the Baptist. This particular passage gives a good bit of detail about John's message. As the last of the Hebrew prophets before the Messiah, John the Baptist strongly proclaims the message of repentance as a major part of preparing for the Redeemer. John also preaches forgiveness and grace for the repentant, but the first step is awareness of and sorrow for sin. Without repentance, ideas of forgiveness are hollow.

Unfortunately, modern Christians often try to avoid the first step. The world and the worldly church want forgiveness and grace without repentance. So John the Baptist is a reminder of proper preparation for Christ's forgiving grace. Christians are still called to repent and also to be messengers of repentance, forgiveness, and grace. Even though Christ has accomplished His saving work, His work must continue to be applied to human lives over and over. Advent asks us to share in John's preparatory work. In ways appropriate to our vocations and situations, each of us should repent, accept divine grace, and apply John's message to our own lives and to the lives of those around us. 

Advent 2 (year C)- Luke 3:1-6

The Gospel for the Second Sunday in Advent is from Luke 3:1-6, the introduction to the ministry of John the Baptist. John warned the people of first-century Palestine to get ready for the coming of the Lord. He did not stress his own importance but pointed to the Messiah. As he pointed to the future redemption, John stressed two main themes: repentance and preparation.

During Advent, we do anticipate the joyful celebration of the Messiah's birth. However, we must not rush the season. Before we can properly appreciate the celebration, we must prepare a way for the Lord to come into our lives. And since we are all fallen and sinful creatures, an essential part of our preparation is repentance. We must turn both from our general corruption and from our particular failings. This is true during Advent and every day of our earthly lives. Only by this awareness can we appreciate the great joy that the birth of the Savior brings. In other words, human beings need to hear the rebuke of the prophets before we can really grasp the good tidings about Jesus Christ.

Advent 1 (year C)- Luke 21:33

 The Gospel for Advent 1, the first Sunday in a new Christian year, is from Luke 21:25-33. This selection points us to the themes related to Christ coming into the world in various ways. Advent is a time to emphasize spiritual and moral preparation for His arrival. It is a reminder of our constant need for renewed dedication to our faith in Christ.

As we move through Advent, one important reminder is to look to Holy Scripture. In Luke 21:33, Jesus says, "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."  Our Lord and the Apostles repeatedly warn us that this world is temporary and will pass away. Ultimately, the only things that are dependable are God, His Word, and His heavenly Kingdom. May we be open to learning from God's Word and respond in faith throughout Advent and all the days of our lives!

Trinity Sunday (year B)- John 3:1-16

One week after celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the band of disciples at Pentecost, the Western Church has appropriately focused on the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. There are several New Testament texts (such as Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 28:19, Ephesians 2:18, 2 Corinthians 13: 14, 1 Peter 1:2) which express a Trinitarian understanding of God's revelation to humanity. Today's Gospel from John 3 refers to the three divine persons working to bring new and eternal life.

Over time, the implications of such Scriptural teachings developed in the life and thought of the Christian Church. Notably, belief in the Holy Trinity was expressed in the ancient baptismal questions about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These questions and answers became the basis for creeds similar to the Apostles' Creed. As misunderstandings arose in the Church, the doctrine was more deliberately expressed in many Christian texts including the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed (Quicunque vult), and hymns such as the Gloria Patri, the Gloria in excelsis, and the Te Deum. 

Perceiving and confessing the doctrine of the Trinity is a gift of divine grace. Although we can use metaphors from nature and employ reason to talk about the Triune God, a personal appreciation of this uniquely Christian teaching can only come as the Holy Spirit pours divine grace into our hearts and minds. 

In affirming the importance of the doctrine of the Trinity, all believers do not need to focus on abstract philosophical discussions. Nevertheless, Christians do need to affirm or confess this basic doctrine. The doctrine of the Trinity is a central and scripturally based Christian belief that is deeply rooted in the experience of redemption and in Christian prayer and worship. At various moments, we focus upon one or the other divine Person, but there is a constant interaction of the three Persons as we consider revelation, justification, sanctification, and salvation. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow,... Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."

Pentecost (year B)- John 14:16-17

 At Pentecost, we focus on the person and work of God the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, throughout Christian history, this emphasis has been associated with some extreme statements and approaches. So Christians must always be on guard. We do not want to neglect the Holy Spirit, but neither do we wish to be carried to dangerous extremes. The best way to maintain a sound perspective on the Holy Spirit is to focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ about the Holy Spirit. In today's gospel from John 14:16-17, Jesus says, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (ESV)

In these words of our Lord, we are reminded of the origins of the Spirit's work among believers. The Holy Spirit comes among Christ's followers as a gift from God the Father at the intercession of Jesus Christ. Although Scripture speaks of many functions and gifts of the Spirit, here our Lord stresses two chief characteristics. The Holy Spirit is our Helper who strengthens us, and He is our guide in appreciating and applying divine truth that has already been revealed, especially the revelation in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit must be distinguished from the spirits of the surrounding world. For the Holy Spirit who comes from the Father and the Son reflects their holy nature with us and in us. The work of the Holy Spirit is inseparable from the truth of the divine Word.

Sunday after Ascension Day (year B)- John 17

The Gospel for this Sunday is a selection from John 17 which has sometimes been called Jesus' high priestly prayer. Before His Passion, our Lord prays for His followers who will remain in this world when He departs. In particular, let us notice John 17:15-16, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil [one]. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (KJV). 

Christ's followers remain in this world as salt and light. They continue His ministry and spread His message. However, they face many challenges from the world, the flesh, and the devil, and they must remain distinct from the world. Our Lord expresses the same idea in John 15:19 when He states that His disciples are not of the world, and St. Paul reflects a similar view in Romans 12:2 when he exhorts Christians not to be conformed to this world. This prayer of Christ is also a teaching about how Christians should think and live. At times, it has been expressed in the popular saying that Christians should be "IN the world but not OF the world."

Obviously, such a Christian life is not easy, especially in times of worldly disorder and stress. It is difficult for human beings to keep a holy balance. Often, we succumb to worldly temptations in many areas of life, and sometimes, we overreact by forgetting our ministry and mission in this world. Nevertheless, a positive outcome is possible. Divine grace is available to guide and strengthen believers. Furthermore, our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord continues to pray for us. We remain spiritually united with Him in Word and Sacrament, and He helps us to resist being overcome by the world!

Easter (year B)- John 20:1-8

Easter, the Feast of the Resurrection is the greatest Christian celebration,. Indeed, in some ways, we celebrate it every week. The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the overwhelming expression of divine power and grace in all human history. Sermons, hymns, and liturgies are important and appropriate responses, and yet they only scratch the surface. So for me, the reading of a resurrection Gospel and basic prayers of thanksgiving make the point as well as the largest and most elaborate theatrical liturgies. 

We see the significance of Easter in today's Gospel from John 20. Reactions to the empty tomb include fear and amazement, but the most important reaction is belief or faith. The Resurrection of Jesus transforms the cross and the tomb of Christ. It gives new meaning to Jesus' whole life and to our lives. God's grace has overcome sin and death, and we are offered new life through Jesus Christ!

The Lord is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

Good Friday (year B)- John 19:16-19

"Then delivered he [Pilate] him [Jesus] therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was "Jesus Of Nazareth the King of The Jews. " (John 19:16-19 KJV)

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Maundy Thursday- I Corinthians 10 & 11

Maundy Thursday has several associations in the New Testament as well as other associations in church history. For most Christians, the central point is the institution of the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion. The Epistle from I Corinthians 11: 23-26 highlights the basic acts and meaning of this event. By sharing in this Holy Sacrament, we show forth the Lord's death till He comes again, and we share in His body and His blood given to save us. We commune with Christ and with fellow believers. 

The Lord's Supper is the central act of Christian worship established by Christ, and it is more than a dead memory of a night long ago. It is a living participation in the Body and Blood of Christ (I Corinthians 10:16-17), and it is a foretaste of eternal life in His heavenly kingdom. We should be thoughtful and seek to appreciate the Sacrament with our best human understanding. Nevertheless, we should always be aware that these "holy mysteries" transcend particular human thoughts and theologies. Whatever our theories, it is the Lord Jesus who still comes to be with us and to offer us Himself and His grace. He does so when we follow His Word with the elements that He established. He is the Savior who gave Himself for us long ago, who comes to be with us and forgive us, and who will come again in glory  Thanks be to God!

Two Aspects of Palm Sunday (year B)- Mark 11:1-11; Mark 14:32―15:47

Often Palm Sunday is a beautiful observance. There may be palm branches ( or some local substitute). A Gospel about Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem may be read (this year from Mark 11:1-11), and there are probably some rousing hymns or songs of praise. Christians of all sorts like to praise Jesus, and even many "nice" unbelievers don't mind joining in if it is a pretty spring morning.

Yet, in truth, sometimes we don't stop to consider the deeper meanings of the commemoration. Jesus comes as a peaceful and humble King to claim His throne, and the crowd seems to acknowledge His kingship. They use Messianic titles and shout "Hosanna" which means "save now." However, there is another aspect of Palm Sunday. People had some contradictory views about what it meant to be saved and about what Christ was doing.  Many in the crowd were looking for political salvation from Roman oppression, and they hoped that Palm Sunday signaled the start of the great Jewish Revolt under the leadership of Jesus the Messiah.

Those people including some of the disciples, misunderstood. They had not grasped the spiritual and moral implications of the salvation that Jesus proclaimed. They did not see that His entry into Jerusalem was a moment for repentance and conversion, a time to choose a higher way. Palm Sunday was also Passion Sunday, and it was a time of humility, suffering, and sacrifice. It was not a time for a great military or political victory, but a time for victory over sin and death through the cross and resurrection. And because of their misunderstanding and impatience, many members of that crowd were likely among another crowd that would soon shout "crucify him" (Mark 15:13-14).

For us then, Palm Sunday is both an exhortation and a warning.  Even though we may have heard the message of Jesus many times, we still have incomplete understandings of His work. We tend to focus on great displays and worldly blessings just as the Jerusalem crowds did. And we prefer deliverance without the cross. So we need a renewed focus on the spiritual dimensions of Palm Sunday and Holy Week. We need to understand the spiritual character of salvation that Jesus offers. We need to be patient and see how Jesus chooses to bring our salvation. Jesus is the deliverer who comes in the name of His heavenly Father rather than in the name of worldly power.

Ash Wednesday, the Beginning of Lent

Over the centuries, Western Christians slowly moved from observing the Three Days from Good Friday to Easter Sunday to the 46 days of Lent that begins on Ash Wednesday (including the six Sundays). The purpose of Lent is to encourage spiritual preparations for observing Christ's death and resurrection. Themes include repentance, thinking of Christ's mission, self-sacrifice, and suffering, and meditation on ways that Christians follow and join with their Lord. Ash Wednesday seems to have started as a local observance in some parts of Western Europe and eventually to have become more universal. 

By the late Middle Ages, observances had been encoded in church and secular law with punishments for those who transgressed the rules. At the time of the sixteenth-century Reformation, Lutherans and Anglicans took a moderate approach to Lent. Some medieval practices were eliminated, but the season was preserved and re-focused. Lent emphasized the centrality of Christ's Passion and the need for believers to respond by repentance and living faith.

If used carefully, a variety of Lenten devotional practices can be helpful reminders of themes from Scripture; if over-emphasized, specific practices may become stumbling blocks to faith in Christ. So as we begin Lent, let us seek to be more penitent and disciplined, but let us also stay focused on Christ's work of redemption and His saving grace

Epiphany- Matthew 2: 1-12

Tomorrow, Saturday, January 6 is one of the most ancient and meaningful Christian feasts- Epiphany. In the early Greek Church, the day was about all of Christ's manifestations, from His birth onwards. Over time, the Eastern churches focused more on Christ's Baptism, and the Western churches focused more on the coming of the Wise Men from Matthew 2. The Sundays afterward emphasized other manifestations of Christ's identity in His life and ministry.

In modern times, Epiphany is often forgotten. Among secularized Christians, many are tired of celebrating after Christmas and New Year's Day. And this year, the fact that Epiphany falls on Saturday may make the neglect even more noticeable. In some congregations, Epiphany may be reduced to background for the commemoration of our Lord's Baptism on Sunday. However, the story of the Magi and the light of Christ drawing the Gentiles is a message that we need to remember. May we be drawn to the light of the Christ Child, and may His light shine in our lives!