A Christmas Message – Quiet Joseph Is An Example Of Faithfulness And Discipleship

Dear Disciples of Christ Jesus,

Martin Luther had much more to say about Mary, the mother of our Lord, than Joseph. Yet Luther gives thanks for this guardian of our Lord. He commends Joseph as a saint who strengthens our faith by his faithful obedience, his sacrificial love for Mary and his protective care for Jesus.  Continue reading “A Christmas Message – Quiet Joseph Is An Example Of Faithfulness And Discipleship”

What Do You Get For A King Who Has Everything?

Dear Friends of the Prayer League,

I love the shepherds and the angels.  I adore the sheep and cattle we also place carefully into the scene.  I prize those images of Mary and Joseph, right there at the center, of course, lovingly watching over the humble manger. And in that tiny feeding trough we find, best and greatest of all, the baby Jesus, sometimes not until Christmas morning.  At least that’s the way we’ve done it in our home.  And I really like it that way.  Continue reading “What Do You Get For A King Who Has Everything?”

Advent – A Time to Point to Jesus

Dear disciples of Jesus throughout the North American Lutheran Church:

The season of Advent is a wondrous time of preparation and anticipation. I encourage you to immerse yourself in this season, instead of enduring it as a necessary requirement in order to get to Christmas — the true focus of our energy and attention. One of the key figures in this season is John the Baptist and his message and ministry. Continue reading “Advent – A Time to Point to Jesus”

Advent Devotion – Monday of the Week of Advent II

 

Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous; it is good for the just to sing praises.  Raise the LORD with the harp; play to him upon the psaltery and lyre.  Sing for him a new song; sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the trumpet.  For the word of the LORD is right, and all his works are sure…  By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,  by the breath of his mouth all the heavenly hosts…  Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD!  Happy the people he has chosen to be his own!    ~Psalm 33 Continue reading “Advent Devotion – Monday of the Week of Advent II”

Advent Devotion – Sunday of the Week of Advent II

 

May God be merciful to us and bless us, show us the light of his countenance and come to us. Let your ways be known upon earth, your saving health upon all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations upon earth.  ~Psalm 67 Continue reading “Advent Devotion – Sunday of the Week of Advent II”