“For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel.” – Nunc Dimittis, LSB 199-200

The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord celebrates the manifestation or revealing of our Lord to the Magi, Gentiles from the east, who visited Jesus soon after His birth (Matthew 2:1-12). It is sometimes described as a Christmas of the Gentiles. 

The Epiphany of Our Lord embraces the manifestation of God in human flesh, not only in the person of Jesus Christ, but also in the ongoing ministry of His Gospel. By the preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins in His name, those who are far off and far removed from God are called and brought near to God in Christ in order that they may know Him and love Him and worship Him. The gifts of the Magi are the confession of the Gentiles that Jesus Christ, “the child with Mary His mother” (Matthew 2:11), is King and God and sacrifice. The gold confesses that He is King, the frankincense that He is God, and the myrrh that He is to be sacrificed, dead, and buried for the sins of the world.

We are blessed that God has revealed Himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ as King and God and sacrifice! Now we can tell others the Gospel of Jesus and invite them to Zion where they may hear the Gospel of Jesus proclaimed that God may reveal Himself to them as well. 

The season of Epiphany moves from the infancy narratives to the revelation of the grace and glory of God in the person and work of the man, Jesus Christ. It focuses on His appearance to Israel, and it anticipates His cross and Passion.

In the festivals of the Baptism and the Transfiguration of Our Lord – on the first and final Sundays of the Epiphany seasons, respectively – the voice of God the Father and the anointing of the Holy Spirit confirm that Jesus is the Christ, the beloved and well-pleasing Son of God in the flesh.

We will observe this feast on Wednesday, January 7, at Zion this year. 

On January 25, the final Sunday of the Epiphany season, we will bid farewell to the use of “Alleluia” until the beginning of the Easter season, as a penitential discipline, and with joyful confidence in Christ.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:23-25

Holding fast the confession of our hope without wavering may sound easy, but when you’re put to the test, you realize how wavering you are. This should not surprise or discourage a Christian. Satan has declared war on us, “Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus”. (Revelation 12:17) If you are keeping the commandments of God and holding to the testimony of Jesus, you are in Satan’s crosshairs. Of course, our Lord knows this and He promises to protect you. As we read in Ephesians, “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12). You are secure in Christ who on the cross has already crushed the head of the ancient serpent.

But do not be fooled to think that you are on your own to fight in isolation! Jesus joined you to His body, the Church, to keep you holding fast to the confession of our hope. That is why rather than neglecting to meet together, we are to consider how to stir one another up to love and good works and encourage one another.

As you put on the whole armor of God to “stand against the schemes of the devil”, you do not stand alone. We stand together, alongside one another, helping each other to wield “the Sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit…making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:17-18) Meeting together is mutually encouraging as we hold fast the confession of our hope.

The Lenten season is a good opportunity for people to reengage in regular worship and fellowship. If you know someone who could use some encouragement, consider inviting them to share a meal and worship with us Wednesday evening.  

“If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians 15:19-20

Our Christian faith is based on truth, the Truth. It is not based on wispy wishful thinking or good feelings. It is based on reality that is higher and deeper than humans can comprehend. It is based on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and His Holy Word. God has given us this revelation and the ability to believe it so that we may know Him and live with Him. Attempts to undermine and discredit Christ and His Word have and always will fail. 

Those who deny the truth of Jesus Christ crucified and risen are deceived and caught in the darkness of their sin. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) God our Savior “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:4-6a).

When someone asks you what you believe, tell them in no uncertain terms. Tell them about Jesus, what He did and why He did it. It has been recorded and preserved by God for that purpose. “…these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 10:31) This is the revealed truth of God. You do not have to speculate or obscure any facts about Jesus. “And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 22:6a) And you do not have to worry about what people think. Some will think it is foolish, but others will be saved! “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’” (1 Corinthians 1:18-19)

Tell people about Jesus, invite them to church and Bible study to abide in Christ’s Word and to be His disciple. They will know the truth, and the truth will set them free. “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31) 

“I discipline my body and keep it under control.” 1 Corinthians 9:27

The Lenten season is the forty days before Easter not counting Sundays beginning on Ash Wednesday. It serves as a penitential season of the Church. The tradition of fasting during the forty days of Lent has been practiced for centuries. Sundays are not counted because they are not days of fasting. We read accounts of fasting throughout the Bible. Jesus Himself fasted forty days in the wilderness after His baptism in the Jordan. 

Fasting is not about impressing other people or meriting God’s grace. However, exercising self-discipline is good for your spiritual wellbeing. The Augsburg Confession, one of the confessional books that our church holds to, includes the following. “Our adversaries object by accusing our teachers of being against discipline and the subduing of the flesh. Just the opposite is true…They have always taught that Christians are to bear the cross [Matthew 16:24] by enduring afflictions. This is genuine and sincere subduing of the flesh [1 Peter 2:11], to be crucified with Christ through various afflictions. Furthermore, they teach that every Christian ought to train and subdue himself with bodily restraints, or bodily exercises and labors. Then neither over-indulgence nor laziness may tempt him to sin. But they do not teach that we may merit grace or make satisfaction for sins by such exercises. Such outward discipline ought to be taught at all times, not only for a few set days. Christ commands, ‘Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness’ (Luke 21:34). Also in Matthew 17:21, ‘This kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.’ Paul also says, ‘I discipline my body and keep it under control’ (1 Corinthians 9:27). Here he clearly shows that he was keeping his body under control, not to merit forgiveness of sins by that discipline, but to keep his body in subjection and prepared for spiritual things, for carrying out the duties of his calling. Therefore, we do not condemn fasting in itself [Isaiah 58:3-7], but the traditions that require days and certain meats, with peril of conscience, as though such works were a necessary service.” (Augsburg Confession XXVI, 30-39)

Fasting is an opportunity to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus [Luke 9:23]. It allows you to demonstrate the control God has given you over your body and desires. The more you desire or crave something, the more beneficial fasting from it will be. 

As we approach Ash Wednesday, consider fasting during the forty days of Lent. Abstain from something you desire and allow the Lord to use the discipline to strengthen your faith in Him. Maybe fast from unhealthy foods or consider fasting from unhealthy screen time. Then use the freed-up time for prayer and reading God’s Word (“Guide to Prayer and Meditation” is a helpful resource). And let the Lord train you in resistance to sin and readiness for service. 

“That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us.” 1 John 1:3a

January 6 is the day churches celebrate Epiphany, the divine manifestation of our Lord. (At Zion, we will observe Epiphany on Sunday, January 5.) As we move from the Christmas season to the Season of the Epiphany of our Lord, we embrace the manifestation of God in human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ as well as the ongoing mission and ministry of His Gospel. It is a good time to focus on the Office of Holy Ministry and on the Church’s collective work of evangelism, outreach, and world missions, as the glory of God in Christ is revealed to the nations in the preaching and administration of His Gospel.

We have been brought into the fellowship of the Church by God’s grace through the blood of Christ. We experience this fellowship in the Divine Service. What we see and hear in the Divine Service we proclaim to others so that they may have fellowship with us.

There are many who do not know the love of God, but you do. God has revealed Himself to you through His Word and Sacraments. And now you can tell others of the love and mercy that you have in Christ. 

We make known the love of Christ through what we do as well as what we say. The love of Christ is made known when we live according to the reality that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior and we live in thankful obedience to Him and His Word. The love of Christ is made known as we selflessly love others in response to the love we have received in Christ. As you love others, some may ask about the reason for the hope that you have. Or a person who does not know the love of Christ may ask you why you live the way you live. Some may open up to you about fears, anxieties or guilt that they experience. And with the compassion of one who has also experienced fear, anxiety and guilt, you can tell them about the One who takes these from you. You can also offer to bring their concerns to the Lord in prayer on their behalf. If they do not have a church home or pastor to speak with, invite them to Zion and have them contact me. 

Our Lord has made Himself manifest to us, and He continues to make Himself manifest to others through us. That’s why we proclaim to others that which we have seen and heard in Christ. We do this so that they too may have fellowship with us in Christ. 

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

Change is inevitable it seems. All that we know, apart from the Lord and His Word, is changing. And because of sin, these changes tend toward a negative direction. Creation has been dying, decaying and falling apart ever since sin entered in. Science uses this axiom of things moving from order to disorder to explain and understand much of what occurs in nature (i.e. the Second Law of Thermodynamics). Without an external force or energy, stuff breaks down and falls apart. 

God has provided our planet with an external source of energy – the sun – to enable life and growth on this otherwise dying and decaying planet. But the sun itself is in decay. It too will need an external source of energy to prevent it from eventually burning up. Our Lord has already told us that this heaven and earth will pass away and there will be a new heaven and earth when He returns in glory on the Last Day (cf. Revelation 21:1). 

And God has provided you and me with an even greater source of energy – Himself – the source of energy. God came to us as a man and through His death and resurrection gave us access to Himself. He comes to us now through His Word and Sacraments, bringing us life and energy in Him. He sustains us until His return when He will bring us fully into His presence where there is no decay, loss, or disorder. 

Your Baptism joined you to Jesus, the eternal source of power, life, and order. Jesus is the force that transforms you by the renewal of your mind (as Paul states in Romans 12 above). He has overcome your fallen nature which is in decline and conforming to the dying world. Like the laws of nature in this fallen world, our spiritual lives tend to move in a negative direction from godly (ordered according to His perfect Law) toward sinful (disordered and incongruent with God’s Law). Christ is your source of life, renewal and order against the negative forces. In Him, we live and move and have our being (cf. Acts 17:28). 

The appeal in Romans 12 is to let God transform you by presenting your bodies as a living sacrifice to God. You have been made holy and acceptable in Baptism by the blood of Christ. We present ourselves to God sacrificially, allowing Him to take our old decaying nature and give us new life in Christ ordered according to His good, acceptable and perfect will. Christ comes to us in His Word and Sacraments transforming us by the renewing of our mind. We present ourselves to God in fear, love, and trust, repenting and submitting to Jesus. Though the world and your sinful nature work to conform you to disorder, decay and death, Christ transforms you for good.

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” Luke 12:48b 

Since God has freely given and continues to give so much to us as members of His Church – forgiveness, life, salvation, sonship, citizenship in heaven, peace, hope, love, joy…, we are wise to consider what is required of us in return per Jesus’ words from Luke above. Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (CPH, 2017) offers a partial answer along with related scripture passages under the question, “What are some of the privileges and responsibilities of members of the Church?” (pg 216) I encourage you to review the answer, but here is the first listed:

“We should regularly receive the Word and Sacraments within the community of believers.” “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31-32) Jesus gives the privilege of being His disciple, knowledge of the truth and freedom. The responsibility required in return is to simply abide in His Word. 

In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” The privilege of being chosen to bear fruit comes with the responsibility of abiding in Jesus and allowing Jesus to abide in you. This happens when we receive Holy Communion and when we hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest Holy Scripture.

Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Having been given the word of Christ, we are required to let it dwell in us richly. We can do this by teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom (from His Word), singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (based on His Word). And we are “required” to do this with thankfulness in our hearts. 

Rather than burden us with overwhelming, unrealistic requirements for what He has given, our gracious Lord keeps it simple and even provides the means to fulfill them. When we gather for the Divine Service, we are allowing Christ to fulfill our “requirements” as we abide in Him and His Word and let His Word dwell in us richly with thankfulness in our hearts. 

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required…” Why should we “regularly receive the Word and Sacraments within the community of believers”? So, the Lord can fulfill what He requires of us! 

“And from his fullness, we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:16)