Christ the Savior is born!

Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!

Wordless Wednesday: Happiest Place on Earth

Castle on a Cloud

Sometimes friends never say how much they appreciate each other, and lose touch over the years.

Thank you, friend, for sharpening our appreciation of sarcastic wit.

Thank you, friend, for introducing me to Les Miserables and Phantom.

Thank you, friend, for expanding my already-present love of libraries.

Thank you, friend, for letting us vicariously vacation in Disney more often than our budget would allow real trips!

Thank you, friend, for continuing to bear witness to the Newborn King who has come to save us!

Our hearts are heavy for ourselves and your family, yet we rejoice that you are with the Lord even now, in the ULTIMATE "Castle on a Cloud," in an eternal celebration of Christmas and Easter! Merry Christmas, Friend!

Jesus Christ is Comin' to Town: A Homily for Advent 4

Luke 1:39-45

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

It appears that no sooner did the angel leave Mary than she packed up and went to see her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth was in the latter stages of her own miracle pregnancy and Mary was likely going to share the joy and perhaps help with the birth of John. The Virgin Mary was going to visit Saint Elizabeth.

But it wasn’t just the two women who were there. Two others, still hidden to the world, were there and enjoying the event. How do we know? When the pre-born infant, Saint John the Baptizer, heard the greeting of the Blessed Virgin, he leaped for joy! Mind you, this was no ordinary “kicking” of a baby in his mother. The verb is very clear that John leaped for joy! He knew when he heard Mary’s voice that He was in the presence of His Savior, who was merely a cluster of cells, the size of the tip of a pencil, inside His own mother.

God-in-the-flesh was visiting Saints Elizabeth and John, and they were experiencing this joy to the world! John leaps for joy. Elizabeth cheerfully chants a greeting to Mary and her Baby. This is a beautiful picture of the Church – God coming to His people, bringing His peace with His presence, and His Church responds in prayer and praise!

Of course, here, the Blessed Virgin and Saint Elizabeth are gifted in recognizing God’s presence among them. But our own sinful flesh, along with the devil and the world, are always working against that recognition. Most often, we would rather not see and hear God, and we refuse to welcome His visitation.

Are you in the habit of coming to church less than weekly? Do you find it a chore to sit and listen to a sermon and sing a bit of liturgy and hymns? Then you are avoiding the Lord’s Gifts and begrudging His gracious visitation. Do you say, “Sunday School and Bible Class are for other people. I don’t need to be there.” Then you are “despising preaching and His Word” and refusing His visitation. Do you believe the devil’s lies that abortion is simply a political issue, and would rather not be involved? Then you are turning your back on the least of these, refusing to show the love and mercy of Christ to others, and thereby refusing His visitation.

On a side note, what an amazing account this morning, supporting God’s valuing of life before birth! As Elizabeth is finishing her second trimester of pregnancy, God blesses John with faith that recognizes the Lord and His physical, bodily presence. And He doesn’t simply call John a fetus; he is a baby. A believing baby who recognizes that salvation is come in the flesh, and is inside the womb of his cousin.

But what about all these times that we refuse our Lord’s visitation? What can we say, knowing that our sinful flesh is uncomfortable in God’s presence, and wants to avoid His visitation? We can say nothing. We can do nothing. We are helpless and hopeless as we sit in the darkness of our sin.

Today we rejoice with several new friends in Christ, who join our family at St. John’s. They come with us to realize that our gracious Lord is coming to visit us, day after day and week after week. They have been taught the truth of our Coming King, who visits us in the preaching of His Gospel and in the administration of His Holy Sacraments.

And together we are thrilled to receive this forgiveness, mercy, and love through His visitation, which He delivers through these Gifts, and which remove the guilt of despising that visitation in the first place!

In the song, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” people are told to be good, as this will ensure that Santa will bring them good gifts. It is up to you to do your part – to keep your end of the bargain – with your good behavior that will earn good presents. Thanks be to God that we don’t depend on our own good deeds or behavior to get good gifts from Him. The Lord enters our lives as the Holy Baby inside the womb of Mary, the dying man on the cross, the rising Lord from the empty tomb, now coming through water, words, bread and wine. No matter how good we have been, our Newborn King brings the good Gift of Himself and frees us from the darkness of sin that had enveloped us.

As much as we enjoy “Santa’s visits,” and as fun as “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” is, for the Christian it is far more important that Jesus Christ is Coming! At Advent, and always, we repent of our failure to welcome His gracious visitation, and rejoice in the certain hope we have in the King who comes. And we are filled with humble thanks that He doesn’t bring His gifts according to how bad or good we have been. Jesus comes and gives the gifts that bring Himself, and forgives us for our constant failures to “be good for goodness’ sake.”

As the Holy Spirit delivers Jesus to us in His Holy Sacrament, He makes us good for Jesus’ sake! Today, as always, the Holy Spirit is pointing, directing our attention and focus to Christ Jesus our Lord.

Directing our attention and focus to Christ – that is what Saint John the Baptizer does. In his adult life he was careful to direct attention away from himself and onto Jesus. “I am not the Christ,” he confessed. “He must increase and I must decrease.” Even here, as a pre-born infant, John is pointing to Jesus. He leaps for joy, making sure that his mother recognizes the identity of their holy Visitor.

Directing our attention and focus to Christ – this is what Saint Elizabeth does, as she chants a greeting to our Lord and His mother. Humbled that God would enter her house, she warmly welcomes Him and the woman who is bearing Him.

Directing our attention and focus to Christ – this is also what the Blessed Virgin Mary does. She would be embarrassed and sad if attention were given to her by herself. Instead, like John, her identity and work are wrapped up in Jesus. The Virgin rejoices in her Son, God, her Savior, as she magnifies the Lord. As she visits with Elizabeth, it is not for her own attention or comfort or recognition. Mary’s visit to the household of Zechariah is really our Lord’s visit, blessing the home of the prophet John with the salvific presence of Jesus Christ, before either of them are born!

Jesus has visited you now, with His Word. He has visited you, crushing you with His Law, reminding you that there is no worthiness in you – you have not been good for goodness’ sake – and there is no reason from you that God should rescue you. He has also visited you with His Gospel, healing you and releasing you from the confines of sin, death, and hell, rescuing you with His saving presence!

Soon, our Lord will visit you in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Here Jesus attaches the Word of His promise to the bread and wine. Here He comes in His Body and Blood, visiting you and bringing you forgiveness, life, and salvation. Here, He directs attention away from yourself and solely on Him, that you might enjoy eternal salvation with Him, as He rains His righteousness upon you!

Praise the Lord, who visits you in the flesh, that you may be His forever! Amen.

Let My Prayer Rise Before You as Incense

Pastor William Weedon, a friend of mine, and pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel, Illinois, just opined on the use of incense in Lutheran worship. Contrary to popular belief (at least in much of Midwestern America) incense IS (historically) a part of Lutheran worship. Blessed Martin Luther provided for its use in two different moments in the Divine Service, at the time of the Holy Gospel, and again at the preparation of the elements for the Sacrament. Of course, while singing about it in Psalm 141 during Evening Prayer, it is a thoroughly appropriate possibility.

In any event, Pastor Weedon gives some excellent food for thought in his blog:

The use of incense is appropriate as Psalm 141 is sung. -- LSB Altar Book, p. 338

Yes, there are people who will balk and protest. And I knew there would be. I had folks who told me how much they DISLIKED it as they left church. But of course, I had folks that told me how much they ENJOYED it. But as with all the Church's liturgy, personal dislike and enjoyment is utterly beside the point. UTTERLY! Sooner or later, we will figure out that worship is not about what we like or dislike. Couldn't matter less!!!

It is appropriate because of what it confesses. It totally matches WHAT WE'RE SINGING ("Let my prayer rise before you as incense" - Psalm 141) and because in Revelation (and more than once!) we find it in a description of worship in the heavenly sanctuary for the presentation of the saints' prayers to God (as we see, for example in chapter 5:8; 8:4). Not to mention how it permeated the Gospel reading tonight from Luke 1.

What we all need to do is to think not about "what I like" but learn to ask "what does this confess?" It's amazing what it will do for a soul to begin thinking away from the ego and with the Church. The "aha's" then are joyful and we are delivered from negativity or a false enthusiasm that "our" preference is being stroked. Even when you personally dislike what you're experiencing; you'll be rejoicing in the truth that it confesses! "Ah, incense. So our prayers rise to the throne of God and are accepted by Him in Jesus Christ for a sweet smelling aroma." BINGO! - whether you're wrinkling your nose and coughing or drinking in the smell of heaven...

Synod's Latest RSO

News from Higher Things:

Higher Things is pleased to announce that it has been granted Recognized Service Organization (RSO) status by The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. As an RSO, Higher Things is officially recognized as an organization whose mission, ministry and programs are consistent with the confessional standards of the LCMS and in harmony with the programs of the Synod while retaining its independence and self-governance. We believe that RSO status will enhance Higher Things' ability to serve the youth of our Synod with the fullness of our liturgical and confessional heritage.

We would like to thank the Synod's Board for District and Congregational Services and its chairman David Bruns for their hard work and support. We are also greatly appreciative to Rev. Herbert C. Mueller for his sponsorship and support.

We look forward to yet greater opportunities to assist parents, congregations and pastors in cultivating and promoting a Lutheran identity among youth through conferences, retreats, publications and the internet. Dare to be Lutheran!

Peace and Glory: A Homliy of Our Coming King

Luke 19:28-40

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

It happens to any number of public figures – leaders. The President of the United States, the Queen of England, the Pope. They go about for some important event and the crowds gather. The photographers stake out the best vantage point for their still shots and videos. The reporters line up various commentators. And they wait to cheer and greet the leader.

Today, Saint Luke tells of a similar situation, but on a far more cosmic scale. This was not some ordinary governor or president or even king. The Lord God-in-the-flesh was visiting Jerusalem. The Savior King was arriving in the holy city, being greeted by cheering crowds who were singing of their joy to have the Son of David among them. They were filled with joy to have the Messiah come to their city – and they were close enough to see Him in person! The Messiah coming to Jerusalem meant that something important was about to happen. He would soon be declared King! But not everyone was pleased to have Him come.

There were some who did not want to see the Christ. Some who thought Him to be a radical Teacher. They thought He should have stayed a simple carpenter in an obscure town. He was stirring up too much trouble. Still others thought of Him in terms of earthly leadership. They felt more like having a political convention – or at least a nationalistic riot – there on the streets of Jerusalem. They were nominating Jesus to cast out the Romans!

But don’t cast your judgment on them too quickly. You join them as well. There are times when you are not thrilled that Christ is coming. Yes, you might join in the Hosannas to the Son of David, but still have no desire to meet our Savior at any given moment. You might acknowledge Him as a great model and Teacher, but want to meet Him on your own schedule and on your own terms.

We all stand accused. How many of you really wanted our Lord Jesus to come before you graduated from high school? How many on your wedding day wanted the Lord to come and take us all to heaven? Who really wanted our Savior to return and come in glory before their baby was born? How often have you thought, “Sure, Jesus, I pray that You will come, but wait until this or that landmark in my life is past.” Face it, we all are very selfish and want everything on our own terms. We want Jesus when He’s convenient, and not when we think He’s imposing. We end up on the side of the small but vocal minority in Jerusalem who were not participating in this parade route. People who later in the week were shouting for Jesus’ death. People who did not have faith.

Our hearts are heavy with pity when we stop and think about such people. Those who have no desire for Jesus’ coming, those who have no faith and want nothing to do with our Savior, have no hope. They will not know the peace and glory that comes from Christ.

Yet our Lord Jesus came desiring their salvation too. Our Savior was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary to come among His people. And as He came, He preached His Gospel to all, seeking to save the lost.

Jesus Christ came in the Name of the Lord. He may have appeared to be a simple carpenter-turned-rabbi, but He came to be Immanuel – God-with-us! And as Immanuel, He came to bring peace and glory.

Who is this King of Glory? And what peace does He bring?

In our day and age, many have come and gone speaking of “peace.” Whether drugged out hippies, ivory tower college professors, or international diplomats, everyone has a differing idea of what “peace” is.

For some peace is the destruction of all weapons. For others, it is an ideal society, built on some community master-plan like Walt Disney’s original ideas for EPCOT. For others, it is a great treaty between nations.

But the peace of the Lord is something far deeper, and far greater! The peace of the Lord is

the joy, assurance, and lasting hope that we have in Christ. It is the comfort of knowing that our sin is forgiven. That even though we have not always welcomed our Savior, He still loves us, forgives us, and desires to come to us!

The peace of the Lord is not simply some removal of famine or bloodshed, but the gift of eternal life, assured to be ours through the Messiah. The peace of the Lord comes to us when the Lord Himself comes to us.

For those in Jerusalem, Jesus was present as He rode through the streets on a donkey. There, Jesus brought the peace of the Lord to those who heard Him and saw Him, and were given faith. For you and me, the peace of the Lord has been coming today through His Holy Word.

And in a matter of moments, the peace of the Lord will come when Jesus Christ enters bread and wine, giving us His Holy and Precious Body and Blood. That is why the ancient custom is for the pastor to hold high the Flesh and Blood of Christ after the Words of our Lord have been declared, and he says: “The peace of the Lord be with you always.” At that moment, Jesus is again declaring absolution to you, releasing you from your sin as He shows you the peace that you are about to consume.

Not only does Jesus bring peace when He comes, but He brings the glory of God as well. What is the glory of God? Is it light shining? Is it praise, like the angels over Bethlehem? Is it power? Well, it is these, and far more.

The glory of God is brought to us by His presence. The Ark of the Covenant was the throne of Almighty God as He ruled over Israel. As this holy seat was carried from place to place, from Sinai to Canaan, and eventually Jerusalem, God was present.

The Lord led Israel by a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night. These phenomena showed His presence to His people. And not just an ethereal presence – not just some ghost-like apparition. God was physically locating Himself in that pillar. The bright pillar displayed God’s glory – at least as much of His glory as can be seen by fallen human flesh.

The glory of the Lord is still present whenever He is present. And the Lord God has promised to be present wherever His Word is purely taught and His Sacraments are rightly administered. From the moment of invocation, when God places His Name upon us, to His blessing, when He places His Name on us again, He bestows His peace and glory.

Many of the people who sang and shouted on the streets of Jerusalem were thrilled to see Jesus coming. They had no idea how true it is that this Man would bring the peace and glory of God to them. God-in-the-flesh – Immanuel – the Son of David – Jesus Christ was coming and bringing the peace and glory of God for every man, woman, and child ever to live on this earth!

Look, dear friends in Christ. The King draws near. Jesus is about to come again, in the flesh, bringing His peace and the glory of God. The long-expected Jesus is about to come again and set His people free, blessing us with His His glory and peace in their purest forms: His own Body and Blood, delivered in His Holy Eucharist.

"Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"