New Year's Eve - Holy Communion - 2024

  

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Bethany Lutheran Church

New Year's Eve, 7 PM, Holy Communion

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

The Hymn # 110     Across the Sky the Shades of Night
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth: who hast set Thy glory above the heavens. What is man that Thou art mindful of him: and the Son of Man that Thou visitest Him? Psalm. Thou, O Lord, art our Father and our Redeemer: Thy name is from everlasting.

The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19

Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh down every good and perfect gift, we give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits, temporal and spiritual, bestowed upon us in the year past, and we beseech Thee of Thy goodness, grant us a favorable and joyful year, defend us from all dangers and adversities, and send upon us the fullness of Thy blessing; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual 

Gradual

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God: make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth.

V. The Lord hath made known His salvation: His righteousness hath He openly showed in the sight of the heathen. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets: hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son. Hallelujah!

The Gospel 
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn # 123    Our God, Our Help

God's Power Quashes Satan

The Hymn # 126     Arise and Shine in Splendor
The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn #  552   Abide with Me

Announcements and Prayers

• Lenski set being sent to a young pastor. Super Giant Print KJVs - 30 should arrive tomorrow or even today. Other books will be gathered and shipped free. The parsonage library is never lacking. 
• Christmas Day last year - Parsonage wedding - Larissa and Cody Boyd. God's blessings to the whole extended family. 1st Anniversary - last week.
• Ongoing medical care - Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Kermit Way, Doc Lito and Family, Alicia Meyer.

The Epistle

KJV Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The Gospel

KJV Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

St. Stephen's Day, December 26th

KJV TEXT: ACTS 6:8-14, AND ACTS 7:54-60. 

8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But there arose certain of them that were of the synagogue called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they suborned men, who said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the council,13 and set up false witnesses, who said, This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place, and the law: 14 for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered unto us. 54 Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,56 and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

                   God's Power Quashes Satan

The Scriptures are very plain. That is why the vast majority do not pay attention or they listen to those who despise the clear, effective Word of God. The recent decades have shown how much people lead others astray by throwing out new things to replace the clear Gospel.

This is described in the Scripture today. It was not enough to oppose Stephen (which means crown). They have to alienate people by saying "Stephen opposes Moses." That is what led the crowd to kill Stephen, blatant falsehoods (suborning). 

References to crown (stephanos) show up in the New Testament, most likely to honor the very first believer to die for Jesus.

Our faithful Greek New Testament is called the Stevens or Stephanos, after one of the men who did the major editing. Any written work requires precision, especially when the material is old. Nevertheless, Tischendorf claimed that his "oldest manuscript of the Bible" was being burned to keep the monastery library warm. (Burning leather? oldest example!? The lie was swallowed whole.

As horrible as those lies are, the believers still stay with KJV and find great comfort in its truths.

The easy way out for Stephen was to recant and say he was wrong. God gave him the vision to know and to see, because that would spread out across the world. His example would go with the story of Jesus and this miraculous vision.

What seems to be the worst of Satan's work is described by Luther this way - The Holy Spirit is so powerful that He can turn the greatest evil into the greatest good, as He did when Jesus died on the cross for our sins. (as I recall - from What Luther Says)

I told you this before. A Dow Chemical agriculture expert wanted to see my Silver Queen corn. He arrived and saw one tall stalk, front of the house, and laughed at me. He chuckled all the way back to where the corn was planted in deep in compost. His eyes went up and up and up, trying to figure out how the Silver Queen could be so tall.

Born in John Deere's city, Moline, Illinois, grandfathers from farms, I learned a lot about the minority of crops growing because that is God's plan and wish throughout Creation.

On a personal level, God is always doing the best. The Incarnation itself - Jesus as Man and God, two natures - is the clearest example of God serving as man to help us understand, be patient and forgiving, and see how kind and gentle the Good Shepherd is.

Isaiah 40:11

• He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: 
• He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in His bosom, 
• and shall gently lead those that are with young.

 Tom Fisher's farm

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - St. Stephen's Day Epistle - "I continue to assert that for the sake of exterminating the error mentioned, it would be well to overthrow at once all the churches in the world, and to utilize ordinary dwellings or the open air for preaching, praying and baptizing, and for all Christian requirements. 14. Especially is there justification for so doing because of the worthless reason the Papists assign for building churches. Christ preached for over three years, but only three days in the temple at Jerusalem. The remainder of the time he spoke in the schools of the Jews, in the wilderness, on the mountains, in ships, at the feasts and otherwise in private dwellings. John the Baptist never entered the temple; he preached by the Jordan River and in all places. The apostles preached in the market-place and streets of Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. Philip preached in a chariot to the eunuch. Paul preached to the people by the riverside; in the Philippian jail and in various private dwellings. In fact, Christ commanded the apostles (Matthew 10:12) to preach in private houses. I presume the preachers mentioned were equally good with those of today."

 

St. Stephen’s Day. Stephen an Example of Christian Faith, Zeal and Love. Building Churches. Authority of Laymen to Preach. Acts 6:8-14

ST. STEPHEN’S DAY, Epistle Text

BUILDING CHURCHES DOES NOT SECURE GOD’S FAVOR.

8. This epistle text seems to be not at all difficult; it is plain. It presents in Stephen an example of the faith of Christ. Little comment is necessary. We shall examine it briefly. The first principle it teaches is, we cannot secure the favor of God by erecting churches and other institutions. Stephen makes this fact plain in his citation from Isaiah.

9. But if we are to take this position and maintain it, we must incur the same risk Stephen did. Such position calls for the doing away with the bulls of the Pope, with innumerable indulgences, laws of the ecclesiasts and incessant preaching about churches, altars, institutions, cloisters, chalices, bells, tables, candles and apparel. Thus would the holiness of the Pope and his adherents be offended, and not without reason. For in consequence, luxuries of kitchen and cellar would be diminished, and all temporal possessions as well. In course of time idleness, voluptuousness and ease would have to give place to labor, poverty and unrest. The clerical order would be obliged to study and pray, or support themselves like other people do. Such a course would not be agreeable to them. The holy Christian Church would be despised, as were Christ and the apostles. Her officials could no longer live in royal pomp, waging war, plundering, and shedding blood, all under the pretext of honoring God and exalting the holy Church. For this have the most holy fathers in God done, and still do.

10. We must not, however, be led to conclude it is wrong to build and endow churches. But it is wrong to go to the extreme of forfeiting faith and love in the effort, presuming thereby to do good works meriting God’s favor. It results in abuses precluding all moderation. Every nook and corner is filled with churches and cloisters, regardless of the object of church-building.

11. There is no other reason for building churches than to afford a place where Christians may assemble to pray, to hear the Gospel and to receive the sacraments; if indeed there is a reason. When churches cease to be used for these purposes they should be pulled down, as other buildings are when no longer of use. As it is now, the desire of every individual in the world is to establish his own chapel or altar, even his own mass, with a view of securing salvation, of purchasing heaven.

12. Is it not a miserable, a deplorable, error and delusion to teach innocent people to depend on their works to the great disparagement of their Christian faith? Better to destroy all the churches and cathedrals in the world, to burn them to ashes — it is less sinful even when done through malice than to allow one soul to be misled and lost by such error. God has given no special command in regard to the building of churches, but he has issued his commands in reference to our souls — his real and peculiar churches. Paul says concerning them ( 1 Corinthians 3:16-17): “Ye are a temple [church] of God If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy.”

13. But observe the holiness of the Papists. The foundation of every soul is disturbed by their error, and the real Church of God is overthrown. This fact does not deter the Papists; indeed, they willingly contribute to the overthrow of the Church. By their doctrine of works they effect nothing else but the destruction everywhere of the true Church. Then they proceed to substitute for it church buildings, of wood and stone. They misuse the conscience until it believes the trivial defacement by knife of such wood and stone is a profanation of the whole church, and the expense and labor of reconsecration must be incurred. Are not the individuals who have no conscientious scruples about the destruction of the actual Church, who even convert that great sin into eternal merit, and at the same time are extremely conscientious about the vain juggling of their own church building — are they not raving, raging, foolish and fanatical? yes, frantic, infuriated?

I continue to assert that for the sake of exterminating the error mentioned, it would be well to overthrow at once all the churches in the world, and to utilize ordinary dwellings or the open air for preaching, praying and baptizing, and for all Christian requirements.

14. Especially is there justification for so doing because of the worthless reason the Papists assign for building churches. Christ preached for over three years, but only three days in the temple at Jerusalem. The remainder of the time he spoke in the schools of the Jews, in the wilderness, on the mountains, in ships, at the feasts and otherwise in private dwellings. John the Baptist never entered the temple; he preached by the Jordan River and in all places. The apostles preached in the market-place and streets of Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. Philip preached in a chariot to the eunuch. Paul preached to the people by the riverside; in the Philippian jail and in various private dwellings. In fact, Christ commanded the apostles (Matthew 10:12) to preach in private houses. I presume the preachers mentioned were equally good with those of today.

15. But it must be that costly buildings with magnificent arches are required for the false preachers and diabolical teachers of today, though the Word of God could find in all Bethlehem no inn wherein to be born.

Should we not, then, with Stephen cry unto these unreasonable creatures: “Ye stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit. Ye are betrayers and murderers of innocent, harmless Christian souls. Though having received the commandments from the apostles, ye have observed none of them”? I suppose, should we do so, their hearts would be ready to burst with rage and they would gnash their teeth, saying we had blasphemed against God and spoken against the holy place; yes, had profaned all churches. O God, the blind leaders, and murderers of souls, who rule under the accursed popery!

Tom Fisher on Fear Mongering

 

Dear Pastor Jackson,

Bird brain fearmongering by the chicken little news media and internet experts is again creating hysterical fear and panic in America. California is already gripped in hysterical fear. Their lie is always the same:  "If you don't do this then this terrible thing will happen to you." Sound familiar? Remember the churches were all CLOSED on Easter Sunday. Hysterical FEAR reigned, stampeding Americans to do very STUPID things without even checking and researching for the truth.

[GJ - We were not closed. First Amendment, Bill of Rights.]

Looking back a few years I remember 70% of Americans believed Satan's hysterical lies and followed his orders without even checking and researching to see if it was actually true. Now we know it was a huge lie and soon we will really see the truth.

Pastor Jackson I just watched and listened to one of your earlier sermons where you amplified the strong faith of little children: "Jesus is God! Jesus can do anything!" Yes, God's Holy Infant child Jesus born of the virgin Mary lying in a manger is true God and true man in one person. He took all our sins upon Himself, crucified, dead, buried, and then risen from the dead the third day, ascended into heaven to sit on the right hand of God the Father for us sinners. Here is our true God and eternal life. All the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him bodily. Colossians 2:9

"For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." Colossians 2:9

TURN OFF the TV and Internet fearmongering lies of Satan and open Luke 2. By faith walk to be with the shepherds as they watched over their flocks on that cold clear star filled night. I do this many times. It is peaceful and quiet as I look over my flock of sheep and by faith join with the shepherds.

 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Abstaining from Bad TV and evil Internet is the fruit of believing in Jesus. I grew up without TV spending my early teenage years reading, studying, and memorizing the King James Bible. My brother's and I spent our time in gardening, woodworking, reading, fishing, hiking, and learning interesting things. We built a 16 foot canoe in our basement. Overhauled an engine. We were never allowed to fight each other and we still help each other today. This is the fruit of believing in Jesus. We can do nothing without Jesus. Jesus is God. Jesus can do anything.

So fill your hearts and minds with good things. What is able to equal Luke 2. Only one thing is needful so choose the better part that cannot be taken away from you: God's Word in the King James Bible. 

Yes I still watch Andy Griffith, Ozzie and Harriet, Roy Rogers and the sons of the pioneers, SOUND OF MUSIC, State Fair, but how does this compare to God's Words? So believe in Jesus and abstain from lusts that war against the soul. Jesus is God! Jesus can do anything. I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

In Christ,

Tom Fisher

Offering Free Books via Bethany Lutheran Church, Springdale, Arkansas

 

Members voted for me to distribute worthwhile Lutheran books, at no cost, including shipping.

Friends, members of the congregation, and BibleJohn give away King James Version Bibles. The favorites - for septuagenarian eyes - are Super Giant Print KJVs. Other Bible sizes are also used, such as prison ministry groups.

I am boxing up a set of Lenski for a pastor. He also received Thy Strong Word and Catholic Lutheran Protestant not long ago. It is very easy to send my books via Amazon - easy to ship and no cost at all for the recipient.

Lutheran Librarian Publishing Ministry

Our Lutheran Librarian, Alec Satin, has been a Spindletop gusher of old, valuable books. Check out his Lutheran Library Publishing Ministry.

Lutheran Colleges Are Already Crashing And Burning - ELCA, LCMS, WELS, ELS (snicker), CLC (belly laugh)

 Fox News - 

It’s no big secret that the cost of attending a four-year college or university in the United States is out of control. It’s almost gravity defying how the cost of college has increased relative to regular inflation over the past twenty years. In fact, more than 500 nonprofit private colleges have shut down in the last decade according to the Wall Street Journal, which was "three times what it was in the decade prior."

The news is about to get worse, and there is a stern warning announcement coming from the pilot in the cockpit. 2025 is going to have a lot of turbulence followed by potentially weekly plane crashes of colleges and universities who can no longer afford to open their doors. This new reality is the ultimate law of supply and demand and families in America are voting with their feet.

LOW ENROLLMENT AND FINANCIAL STRUGGLES FORCE A NY COLLEGE TO CLOSE: ‘IT’S REALLY UNFAIR TO EVERYONE'

***

GJ - The denominational schools of higher education are already feeling the pain, the panic, and the pressure. The earlier fad was the Country Club College effort, where the incoming students were lured by deluxe housing and relatively low costs, until they saw finances shoot up in the last two years of school. That left schools with piles of aging and partially used buildings. Lutheran educational leaders are dropping courses (but not Olympic gyms, wink wink) to manage income. 

The current figures are a shadow of what they will be in a few years. Bethany Copper Cathedral came from Marvin Schwan's money. So did the oversized seminary building, etc. Where else could a seminary president and his son manage the faculty, 50-50 with just a few part-time helpers? 

Likewise, the LCMS "International Building" with built-in Schwan Lake reminds everyone of how costly the Purple Palace continues to be, using the land of one of the most ridiculous Roman Catholic saints - Vianney.

How appropriate! having the Romanizing LCMS promote its fowl errors.

Schwan Lake

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - St. Stephen's Day Epistle - "BUILDING CHURCHES DOES NOT SECURE GOD’S FAVOR. 8. This epistle text seems to be not at all difficult; it is plain. It presents in Stephen an example of the faith of Christ. Little comment is necessary. We shall examine it briefly. The first principle it teaches is, we cannot secure the favor of God by erecting churches and other institutions. Stephen makes this fact plain in his citation from Isaiah."

 

St. Stephen’s Day. Stephen an Example of Christian Faith, Zeal and Love. Building Churches. Authority of Laymen to Preach. Acts 6:8-14

ST. STEPHEN’S DAY, Epistle Text

TEXT: Acts 6:8-14 and AND ACTS 7:54-60

TEXT: ACTS 6:8-14, AND ACTS 7:54-60. 

8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But there arose certain of them that were of the synagogue called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they suborned men, who said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and seized him, and brought him into the council,13 and set up false witnesses, who said, This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place, and the law: 14 for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered unto us. 54 Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,56 and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.

And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

STEPHEN’S EXAMPLE OF FAITH.

1. It is necessary to the understanding of this epistle lesson to introduce something of what is omitted and to present in connection with the narrative the things which gave rise to it. The dispute arose from Stephen’s assertion that whatsoever proceeds not from faith does not profit, and that men cannot serve God by the erection of churches, or by works independent of faith in Jesus Christ. Faith alone renders us godly; faith alone builds the temple of God — the believing hearts. The Jews opposed the doctrine of faith, adducing the law of Moses and the temple at Jerusalem. For the Bible makes frequent mention of Jerusalem as God’s chosen city, toward which his eyes are always directed, a city called the house of God. Such argument they presumed to be conclusive.

2. Stephen, however, opposes them by citing Isaiah 66:1-2: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest? For all these things hath my hand made, and so all these things came to be, saith Jehovah.” This statement is clear and forcible beyond gainsaying. It shows God does not dwell in houses made with hands, for the essential elements of these are, in the first place, of his own creating and belong to him. Further, if heaven nor earth can contain him — and he here asserts that heaven is not his house but his throne, and the earth not his habitation but his footstool — how can he be expected to dwell in a house made by men? Solomon speaks to the same purpose in 1 Kings 8:27, referring to the house he has himself built.

3. Defeated by the power of this passage from Isaiah, and similar citations they could not gainsay, the Jews proceeded to misconstrue Stephen’s words, making out that he declared Jesus would destroy the temple and change the customs of Moses. Yet Stephen had no intention of giving such impression. He simply asserted that we are saved not by the Law or the temple, but by faith in Jesus Christ; and that having faith we may rightly observe the Law, whether there be temple or not. Stephen’s purpose was merely to remove the Jews’ false confidence in their own works and in the temple.

4. Similar to them, the Papists of today, when they hear it claimed that works are not effectual and that faith in Christ must precede and must be of sole efficacy, cry out that good works are prohibited, and God’s commandments blasphemed. Were Stephen a preacher of today he might not, it is true, be stoned, but he would be burned, or dismembered with tongs, by the enraged Papists.

5. Stephen replies to the false accusation of the Jews. Beginning with Abraham, he goes on through the Scriptures, showing how, previous to the time of Solomon who built a house for God, neither Abraham nor any other of the patriarchs ever built a house for his service, but they were not for that reason the less regarded of God. Then Stephen adds the quotation from Isaiah. He says: “But Solomon built him a house. Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in houses made with hands; as saith the prophet, The heaven is my throne, and the earth the footstool of my feet: what manner of house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

Did not my hand make all these things?”

....

BUILDING CHURCHES DOES NOT SECURE GOD’S FAVOR.

8. This epistle text seems to be not at all difficult; it is plain. It presents in Stephen an example of the faith of Christ. Little comment is necessary. We shall examine it briefly. The first principle it teaches is, we cannot secure the favor of God by erecting churches and other institutions. Stephen makes this fact plain in his citation from Isaiah.

Do They Have a Vomitorium at ELCA Headquarters? Ask the LCMS and WELS, Who Grovel to Share the Radical Apostate Agenda

 

 

Recently, Liz Eaton wanted to show off the crowd at an ELCA youth gathering, brandishing a selfie.

Because there is only glory or faith, many have ignored the great miracle, even while talking about newborns and the great wonder of birth. One ELCA president (Chilstrom) rejected the divinity of Christ while another ELCA bishop (Liz Eaton) denied the existence of anyone in Hell. 

"After a year of digital-only publication due to financial constraints, ELCA's Living Lutheran will return as a print magazine in 2025. Last year Living Lutheran ceased as a print publication and continued as a digital-only service because of financial constraints. Running a monthly publication grew too expensive during a time of consolidated resources and shrinking readership." (Liz)

 Yet WELS and LCMS shamelessly copy from ELCA.

One can assume that LCMS-WELS are busy going down the same road of extremely limited printing. When we moved to Springdale, I walked Sassy Sue every day, and I saw the morning newspaper at every door. The numbers decreased until only the Sunday section was at the front doors. "Go, Hogs, Go!" They went digital and now the gigantic printing press building stands empty, more like the setting for the Munsters.

If Christian News is still printing, they are distributing via the Internet. 

William Passavant was a one-man leader of American Lutherans, who gave rather than taking.

Long ago and far away, Passavant started The Lutheran as a way to gather and inform Lutherans. He emphasized the Confessions and encouraged the Augustana Synod.

When various groups gathered, they adopted The Lutheran name. I visited the offices with Christina when I was writing for the LCA's The Lutheran. As I recall, the LCA-ALC merger meant the new/old magazine would still be The Lutheran.

At some point they finally switched to Living Lutheran, which has to be a hilarious spoof on their rapidly fading Passavant heirloom. I can picture their joint Thrivent conferences with WELS and LCMS. Liz Eaton - "We had to change the title because The Lutheran is just not gay enough to represent our people."

The unifying principle for 99% of the Lutherans today is Thrivent Insurance and Grab Grannie's Estate, Inc.

The Sunday after Christmas - 2024

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81693105333?pwd=MePYv44pv2PegLIyOTkdPsbqSuzsQx.1

O Jesus Christ Thy Manger Is - #81 - Gerhardt

Tune - O Jesu Christ, dein Kripplein ist - linked here.

The Hymn #81                    O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Let your moderation be known unto all men: 

the Lord is at hand.

Be careful for nothing: but in everything, 

by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, 

let your requests be made known unto God.

Psalm. Lord, Thou hast been favorable unto Thy land: 

Thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

The Gloria Patri

The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19

Collect

Lord, we beseech Thee, give ear to our prayers and lighten the darkness of our hearts by Thy gracious visitation; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.

The Epistle and Gradual  

Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life

Gradual       

Thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth: stir up Thy strength and come. V. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel: Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The Gospel        

Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Hymn # 92                 Now Sing We, Now Rejoice

The Glory and the Faith

The Hymn # 94                Hark the Herald Angels Sing       

The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn #103              To Shepherds As They Watched

Announcements and Prayers

• New Year's Eve Tuesday - Holy Communion, 7 PM Central
• Ongoing medical care - Pastor Jim Shrader and Chris Shrader, Kermit Way, Sarah Buck, Doc Lito's family.

Luke 2

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

The Glory and the Faith

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

Around 55+ years ago I was invited to read the story of Jesus' birth before the opening of presents, in South Bend. When I put the New Testament down, my future in-laws were shocked, because I only had the Greek text and translated that into English. I was grilled - Did that really happen?, but my future in-laws were comfortable with three languages: German, English, and Hungarian. The customers at the doughnut shop asked me about going to college - "Greek? What use is Greek?"

The birth story in Greek (an all languages) is one of great beauty and simplicity yet revealing a wonder beyond human thought. Greek, not Latin, was the universal language at that time. Now we barely have English, if we notice the decline. 

The first four verses are poetic, simple, and fill us with awe. The glory is overwhelming but there is also faith. As many have proven, Luke 2 is mocked, ignored, twisted, and ignored. The effective Word of God (always with the Spirit and never without the Spirit) has two results:

1. Planting and growing the living Seed of the Word in our hearts, or
2. Hardening and blinding our hearts through laziness and rejection.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 

Because there is only glory or faith, many have ignored the great miracle, even while talking about newborns and the great wonder of birth. One ELCA president (Chilstrom) rejected the divinity of Christ while another ELCA bishop (Liz Eaton) denied the existence of anyone in Hell. ("After a year of digital-only publication due to financial constraints, ELCA's Living Lutheran will return as a print magazine in 2025. Last year Living Lutheran ceased as a print publication and continued as a digital-only service because of financial constraints. Running a monthly publication grew too expensive during a time of consolidated resources and shrinking readership.") Yet WELS-LCMS copies from ELCA.

That is where it gets so twisted and encouraged by their Father Below. Everything in the Scriptures is there for our building up, our faith, our forgiveness of sin, and the glory of Christ.

Persons can be completely puzzled over a passage in the Bible, only to grasp it after many years, even decades. The Holy Spirit gives us faith - we do not give it to ourselves but enjoy trust in God as central in Christianity. "Have faith in yourself" has become a do-it-yourself become happy and successful medicine.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

This paragraph should be our central thought and faith throughout the year. The blue emphasis is everything God freely gives and how He counters our fears and troubles. Repetitions of these Promises give us greater faith in Him, and that faith receives what God generously offers.

We have unlimited powers in praying for ourselves and others. We have unlimited times and places, and objects for God's love, blessings, and faith. 

This is the central message of God's will, grace, and blessings.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 

The shepherds heard the angelic message and they acted upon it - faith in God infused in them through the angels (messengers in Greek and Hebrew). They were so thrilled with the statements of facts that they did not need to ask the angels - they felt the glory in that Message.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Did the shepherds dawdle and stop at their huts for some food? They came to the very manger where Christ was lying. And they broadcast the joyous news. Accompanied with their story:

• The Wise Men
• The Star of Bethlehem
• Decades later - The Voice Crying in the Wilderness.

This history begins with Creation - Genesis 1 - and continues with John 1. We have the benefit of God's Word from beginning to end. Students know how expensive a given textbook can be. Our latest purchase of the Super Giant Print KJV is about $19 each. People are waiting for 30 of them to arrive - through BibleJohn.

Tom Fisher - sheep still have shepherds.