Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 16th January 2015

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Baptism-1

The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you! (Dt. 7:7-8) 

So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.(Rom.9:16) 

These are core sentences. Central to our Lord’s ways and doings. Nothing to boast about ourselves – our numbers, our abilities, our merits, our good sides or our potential or credentials. This really is about, what makes God choose and call people to be his, members of his Church, sheep of his pasture and fold. It’s all about his love (Chesed/Grace) and his unfailing mercy and favour.

If you’re loved, appreciated and favoured, you feel just great and wonderful. You know deep down its undeserved and quite a miracle really. Yet if familiarity breeds contempt and the longer you are loved, the more you take it for granted too. It happens in the best of families. Then the undying love is no longer as highly appreciated, it is considered old news and common. Something which was rather deserved after all. That’s where Israel wronged too, liberated from the clutches of Pharaoh, released from slavery, delivered from the pursuing army and the towering Red Sea, sustained in the desert by manna, quail and fresh water and against ever present enemies and dangers. They had experienced the deliverance as a gift by God’s miracles and wonders – just like the return from exile in Babylon later. This was all a shadow of the things to come – the true and fundamental salvation and redemption of sinners through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, his words and deeds, his love and grace, his forgiveness of all our sins.

After a time the liberated and freed exiles, slaves and vagrants believed that they deserved it. It was their right. They could step up demands and get a better deal. Ridiculous, pitiful, disgraceful, shameful. That is why they have to hear it again – and again. It’s not your doing. Not your achievement or success, but rather God’s free election. Not your running or willingness which counts, but rather God’s heart and gut feel for you. His undeserved love for you. His favour and mercy, which is new every morning. That’s what worked for Abraham – that lonely migrant transversing the Middle East. It worked for his descendants being freed from Egypt. It worked for Amos, that farmer tending sycamore figs. It worked for ruddy David out in the fields. It worked for Isaiah, Jeremiah, Solomon – kings and prophets, but also for all those other saints too Elisabeth and Mary, for John and James, Peter and Andrew, Paul and so on. Even those wise men from the East, Lydia in Europe, Simon from Cyrene and the treasurer of Candace both from Africa – all had this working in their favour and for their gracious salvation – the undeserved love and mercy of our God and Lord. Not their willingness or running power, but God’s grace and goodness. It’s what makes all the difference. It’s the crucial part of the story. It’s the hinge and anchor of all and everything. Without it – all would be lost. In, with and through it all is possible and going to work out good and even perfect.

That’s why we Christians can’t be proud, haughty or conceited without loosing basic truths and realities. We can’t look down on others as if we were intrinsically better than those without forgetting that we too are but poor, miserable sinners, who have been granted pardon and forgiveness through grace and mercy for Christ’s sake. If we are saved, its only God’s doing and miraculous working, just as it remains the sorry truth that if we are lost it is but our own grievous fault and only we are to be blamed for that too. The corollary of this is the good news too, that we have got no reason to despair or give up, because our salvation is in good hands with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He does not fail or falter. He continues to do his good work without tiring. He loved us even before the foundation of the world. From the very beginning, he has predestined us for life and blessed salvation with him in eternity. There is nothing and no one, who will stop him from achieving his glorious gaol and put his gracious will through. That is why we can relax and enjoy his goodness and mercy every day anew. He is taking good care of us and he will not forget or reject us, but rather pull us towards him continuously until we are with him in blessed unity and finally at peace. Just as he started his work of salvation in us when we were baptised as tiny, helpless infants so he continuous to work his gracious work of salvation in us by his very means of grace overcoming our shortcomings, our faults and sinful being wonderfully and lovingly. “For this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.” (ML 3rd Article SC)

Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my god and King,
The triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of your name.

The name of Jesus charms our fears
And bids our sorrows cease,
Sings music in the sinner’s ears,
Brings life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin;
He sets the prisoner free.
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood avails for me.

Look to the Lord, who did atone
For sin, O fallen race.
Look and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.

See all our sins on Jesus laid;
The Lamb has made us whole.
His soul was once an offering made
For every human soul.

To God all glory, praise, and love
Be now and ever given
By saints below and saints above
The Church in earth and heaven.

Hymn # 276 from Lutheran Worship Author: Charles Wesley, 17-7-1708

Posted in Losung and Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Thursday, the 15th January 2015

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Jesus is the light of the world 1

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD (Jer 31:38 KJV)

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Mat 5:14 KJV)

The Lord our God has done great things in Jesus Christ our Saviour. One of the most awesome miracles and wonders is his institution and setup of the one holy Christian Church – the city of God. This is truly magnificent and wonderful even if we can only observe some glimpses of it now and again, yet it has spread across the entire globe and it has become the beloved sanctuary and refuge, the hospital and hospice, the temple and place of worship for countless faithful. It is the ongoing and salvific divine service being carried out in God’s name and authority, creating saving faith where and when it pleases him. His holy law is preached, taught, confessed, learnt, heard and obeyed just as his most gracious gospel is believed, trusted and all trust and confidence is built upon it. His gracious forgiveness is dealt out in richest measure, it is shared and received with grateful and joyful hearts as the praises and glories of the Lord resound throughout the universe by all things visible and invisible. It is the communion of saints from the very beginning and encompasses those already glorified just as those, who are still bearing their cross in faithful obedience, but also with his gifts of undying hope and unrelenting love. A fellowship and brotherhood uniting all nations, tribes and languages of this world – bringing together traditional enemies, breaching ancient barriers and rifts and making them one in the closely knit communion of those forgiven, redeemed and liberated by the gracious favour of our Lord and maker, our saviour and redeemer, the very crucified, risen and reigning  Jesus Christ – very God of very God. We all participate in the fellowship and union of the holy, gracious and efficacious gifts of our Lord – his forgiveness of all our sins and iniquities – shared through his most precious Word and sacraments of holy Baptism as the regeneration through water and the Holy Spirit and his very body and blood given for us into death on Golgotha and shed for the remission of all our sins right there – outside the city of Jerusalem.

Our Lord has founded his wonderful city – the Church – and it has magnified beyond the wildest dreams. The wonderful thing is that this is still happening even today. The Church is constantly pushing its borders further and further into the realms of darkness, spreading light, live and blessed salvation. The Church is gathering more and more of those, who also belong to the Lord Jesus Christ into its very fold. He is still sending out workers into the harvest to gather in those, who have been elected and predestined from the ends of the world. Our Lord wants all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. That is why there is no relenting in spreading the good tidings of God’s favour and mercies until he comes again to judge the living and the dead. Until then it is still day and time to throw out the nets in his name and authority. Watering the vines, olive and fig trees, digging around them, pruning them and gathering in the harvest of our Lord and God. It is he, who is the vine and the gardener. Without him, we can do nothing. Yet in and with and through him we can do and endure and bear all and everything. Ask and it will be given to you. If you, who are evil can give your children good things, how much more will the Lord give his Holy Spirit to them, who ask him? Therefore don’t tire, but continue to plead and request, ask and you will receive a full and overflowing measure of grace and goodness, because the Lord is good and his mercy endures for ever.

The Lord is going about his work relentlessly – even as we tire, fall back and sometimes even give up, fail and corrupt. The Lord’s work and especially his wonderful creation of the Word – the holy and lovely Church – is being prepared most magnificently and delightfully to meet him as his very own and specially nurtured Church and holy congregation of the forgiven sinners, the most holy saints and communion of believers. Already we can have a peak or two – here and there – when the sun breaks through the clouds, but the time is coming, when we will see it as it is – perfect, holy and absolutely beautiful, without blemish, fault or scratch befitting him, who is all in all, the bridegroom and head of the Church. Then all sorrow and trouble of sin and evil, godlessness and faithless shortcomings will be forgotten and past. Joy and peace and divine bliss will prevail. And all and everyone will see and acknowledge, praise and worship the one, who said: I am the light of the world +

He has lit up the light and it will never succumb to darkness again – nor shall we ever be overcome by the darkness either. For we are of the light and his light shines in us. That faith and confidence will be seriously afflicted when we hurt and will not be able to help ourselves anymore, when our eyes are closed by others for the last time and when they shut us up in the narrow confines of the uncomfortable and unhomely coffin and lay us down to rest in the dark ground. Yet, he has promised, that he will not forsake us nor let us be pulled from his hand. So, even in that last hour, we’ll be enveloped by his light and carried through by his might – through to the everlasting life and salvation in his most gracious and beautiful light. He has promised the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. That promise is what our faith is based on and because he is faithful and because he will surely do it, that is why we are of good hope and full of confidence now and forever. Amen.

1 I want to walk as a child of the light;
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world;
The star of my life is Jesus.

Refrain:
In him there is no darkness at all;
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

2 I want to see the brightness of God;
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path
And show me the way to the Father. [Refrain]

3 I’m looking for the coming of Christ;
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
We shall know the joy of Jesus. [Refrain]

Kathleen Thomerson * 1934

Posted in Losung and Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lutheran Order of service in isiZulu/seTswana

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

wedding-feast-of-cana-icon

The Lutheran Order of Service for the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word from the gospel of St. John in the second chapter the verses 1-11 written by Pastor Gerhard Heidenreich (Lachendorf, Germany) and by Pastor Petrus Lubede (Umlazi LC, KZN). Both sermons were translated by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN) into isiZulu (wz1510150118 Phifaniya 2) and seTswana (wt1510150118 Epi 2).

The readings for this 2nd Sunday after Epiphany are:

  • Old Testament:      Exodus 33:17b-23 (2. Book of Moses)
  • The Epistle:            Romans 12: (4-8) 9-16
  • The Gospel:            St. John 2:1-11
  • Psalm:                     105:1-4

The liturgical colour is green.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for this week: For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (Joh 1:17 KJV)

A collect for this Sunday: Almighty and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of Thy people, and grant us Thy peace all the days of our life; through Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. (Lutheran Hymnal of the LC in Australia 1973: Pg. 67)

If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, enthusiasm and wisdom, knowledge and insight – and the true words and pictures to preach his holy will faithfully according to his most precious revelation of his will and promises in both the Old and New Testament! However if you are not preaching, but listening – then listen as if God is talking to you + His precious gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Rom 1:16 NIV)

We thank the Lutheran Heritage Foundation for supporting the distribution of hard-copies of these orders of worship and sermons throughout Southern Africa. If you also want a copy please do not hesitate to subscribe by writing to EAWWeber@bundunet.co.za.

Posted in Lutheran Order of service | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Wednesday, the 14th January 2015

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

saint paul preaching

Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. (1Sa 3:9 KJV)

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. (Act 16:14 KJV)

Without God speaking, we would hear nothing – or at least not the crucial bit. We’d be having ideas, dreams and schemes popping up here and there, but nothing relevant to God and his workings. Without God shedding light on heavenly matters and godly things, we’d be left stranded out in the dark. The divine truth and trinitarian story is inaccessible to us without the lamb of God – Jesus Christ – opening up the book with 7 seals and letting us hear, see and taste, what it’s about and what he has done for us and our salvation.

Obviously there are many things which we human beings are free to figure out. St. Augustine lists up the regular issues, which were quoted in the Augsburg Confession and which we consider common place even today:

“We confess that there is a free will in all human beings. For all have a natural, innate mind and reason—not that they can act in matters pertaining to God, such as loving or fearing God with their whole heart—but they do have the freedom to choose good or evil only in the external works of this life. By ‘good’ I mean what can be done by nature: whether to work in the field or not, whether to eat and drink, whether to visit a friend or not, to dress or undress, to build a home, to marry, to engage in a trade, and to do whatever may be useful and good. To be sure, all of this neither exists nor endures without God, but everything is from him and through him. On the other hand, a human being can by personal choice do evil, such as to kneel before an idol, commit murder, and the like.” (Kolb & Wengert Pg. 52).

We could add all the engineering and accounting business, even fine arts and technology. Yet to know God’s heart and how he’s inclined towards us, remains obscure and hidden from us unless he himself reveals that to us. We can’t really figure out, where we are coming from and where we are going really. Our origin and destination remains just as hidden. That’s what Luther elaborates on in his Disputatio de homine: 

  • 4. And it is certainly true that reason is the most important and the highest in rank among all things and, in comparison with other things of this life, the best and something divine…

  • 10. In spite of the fact that it is of such majesty, it does not know itself a priori, but only a posteriori.

  • 11. Therefore, if philosophy or reason itself is compared with theology, it will appear that we know almost nothing about man,

  • 12. Inasmuch as we seem scarcely to perceive his material cause sufficiently.

  • 13. For philosophy does not know the efficient cause for certain, nor likewise the final cause,

  • 14. Because it posits no other final cause than the peace of this life, and does not know that the efficient cause is God the creator.

  • 15. Indeed, concerning the formal cause which they call soul, there is not and never will be agreement among the philosophers.

Theology though tells us that it is only by grace through faith that man is saved as is written: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” (Rom 3:28 KJV). The need for justification is not taught by philosophy, but rather by theology – just as the beginning and end of our existence. That’s metaphysical as Aristotle would define it – after the physical things perceivable and measurable by the staticians of our world. Not that they are not there, but rather, that we can’t grasp, hold and control them. These things and truths are beyond our human capacity and categories of time and space. They belong to God’s very own – and he reveals them through his divine service of his holy word and precious sacraments – where and when it pleases him.

Through these means of grace he creates and brings about faith in the gospel as is held, taught and confessed in the first and main article of the Christian faith:

Furthermore, it is taught that we cannot obtain forgiveness of sin and righteousness before God through our merit, work, or satisfactions, but that we receive forgiveness of sin and become righteous before God out of grace for Christ’s sake through faith when we believe that Christ has suffered for us and that for his sake our sin is forgiven and righteousness and eternal life are given to us. For God will regard and reckon this faith as righteousness in his sight, as St. Paul says in Romans 3[:21–26] and 4[:5]. (ebd 38)

Everyone, who believes this is living proof that God does speak, call and bring us to living faith in Jesus Christ. This conversion from darkness to light,  from idolatry to theology, from being lost to being saved – coming to true faith is God’s gift and doing. He is the one, who brought the wise men from the East to Bethlehem, showing them the way by that shining star, but confirming and clarifying it finally through the promises of old, the prophecies of the Old Testament. He called the shepherds through his messengers, the angels and carriers of good tiding. He himself called Matthew, Peter and James, John and Andrew – and finally also Saul and converted him into St. Paul. He spoke through this very apostle and missionary so that Lydia was baptized and brought to the saving faith in the triune God. It is he, who lit up the light of the gospel for Martin Luther and got the reformation of the Christian Church going and back to the truth, so that the gospel was preached from many pulpits, practiced at the altars of countless parishes and taught in schools and confirmation classes. It is he who still today calls, gathers and keeps people gathered around the holy Word of God in both the Old and New Testaments, hearing his divine law and godly promises spelt out. Ane we continue to pray: Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. (1Sa 3:9 KJV) Amen.

Thy strong word  did cleave the darkness; at thy speaking it was done; for created light we thank thee, while thine ordered seasons run: Alleluia, alleluia!  Praise to thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia!  Alleluia without end!

Lo, on those who dwelt  in darkness, dark as night and deep as death, broke the light of thy salvation, breathed thine own
live-giving breath: Alleluia, alleluia!  Praise to thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia!  Alleluia without end!

Thy strong word  bespeaks us righteous; bright with thine own holiness, glorious now,  we press toward glory, and our lives our hopes confess: Alleluia, alleluia!  Praise to thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia!  Alleluia without end!

God the Father, Light-Creator, to thee laud and honor be; to thee, Light of Light begotten, praise be sung eternally; Holy Spirit, Light-Revealer,  glory, glory be to thee; mortals, angels, now and ever  praise the Holy Trinity.

From the cross Thy wisdom shining Breaketh forth in conqu’ring might; From the cross forever beameth All Thy bright redeeming light. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia!  Alleluia without end!

Give us lips to sing thy glory, Tongues thy mercy to proclaim, Throats to shout the hope that fills us, Mouths to speak thy holy name. Alleluia! Alleluia! May the light which thou dost send, Fill our songs with alleluias, Alleluias without end!

God the Father, light-creator, To Thee laud and honor be. To Thee, Light from Light begotten, Praise be sung eternally. Holy Spirit, light-revealer, Glory, glory be to Thee. Mortals, angels, now and ever Praise the Holy Trinity!

Martin H. Franzmann, 1907-1976.

Posted in Losung and Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 13th January 2015

Posted on January 13, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

TheSpiritualityoftheRitesoftheHolyLiturgyintheCop-3_1

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. (Jer 23:24 KJV)

Walk as children of light. (Eph 5:8 KJV)

If it wasn’t so fatal, it would be hilarious. Playing hiding-g0-seek with the Almighty, with him that fills heaven and earth. Yet even while its ludicrous as there are no secret places, no hidden corners, no sanctuary from our maker and sustainer, from our judge and king. You can run, but you can’t hide. There is nowhere, where you would not be seen by the omniscient and omnipresent God. Nobody can his judgement. Everybody has to face up to his ruling, when we are compelled to answer him, given an account of all we did and left undone, respond to his demands of living holy lives and being good stewards of the many and various gifts and talents we have received from him.

Still people have tried to escape again and again. Adam and Eve thought by covering up their shameful nakedness, they could hide their sinfulness and fallen state. They imagined that they could escape his scrutiny. Jonah thought he could hide on the wide open seas, yet God caught up with him no time. Rather Jonah had never left God behind. It is as the Psalmist sings:

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
(Psa 139:7-11 KJV)

In the past people resorted to cremation and the scattering of their ashes as if that could annihilate their existence completely, ending their responsibility before God, escaping the coming Judgement. Yet that too is but vain and rather wasted energy, because he who calls everything that is out of nothing, will also not fail at the resurrection of the dead and all people. Everybody – whether he was cremated, buried or dissolved in acid – will have to face his throne, when he reappears in glory to judge both the living and the dead. Nobody will be missing. Nobody will be able to be AWOL. Everybody will be there. Everybody will bow their knees and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord of all and the eternal Judge, but also the only Saviour of the world.

That is why we should live as children of light every day and everywhere. That is his holy will, mandate, command and calling for us. We are to continue in holy living always abiding by his high and holy standards. That’s our lives purpose. That is what we should be concerned with and that’s our daily business. It’s not about taking chances and even trying to get away with murder. Rather it’s about answering our divine calling and living up to his will and command. We are to be obedient and compliant with his rulings and holy laws.

So what about Adam and Eve? What about Jonah? What about us finally? Well, God did not punish those first parents as they deserved. Yes, they were expelled from paradise. Yes, they had to bear the consequences of their sins in manifold ways, yet they did not die. God took further care of them and promised them a saviour, who would come for us and our salvation. He would crush the head of the deceiver and would restore paradise and God’s presence to his lost children. Jonah too did not drown in the depths of the stormy seas, but was rescued by that fish carrying him for three days and nights before restoring him to shore and putting him back on track to comply with his godly calling and divine mission.

In Jesus Christ God himself became man and sought out lost humanity and restored all mankind to blessed salvation and eternal life through his most gracious forgiveness by shedding his blood for them under Pontius Pilate and giving his very body and life as a ransom for many. He is the light that dispels all darkness. He is the life that overcomes death. He is the one and only, who can cope with our sinful state, our miserable poverty and hopeless godlessness – and he did. In and through him we have the forgiveness of all our sins, life and blessed salvation now and forever. For he no longer deals with us as we deserve it, but rather according to his undying love and mercy. So live in this gracious light. Walk in this god-given peace. Continue to taste and see, how good your God is! It is he, who blesses you and keeps you. It is he, who makes his face shine upon you and is gracious to you. It is he, who looks upon you with favour and grants you his peace + Amen.

1. I want to walk as a child of the light;
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world;
The star of my life is Jesus.

Refrain:
In him there is no darkness at all;
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

2.  I want to see the brightness of God;
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path
And show me the way to the Father. [Refrain]

3.  I’m looking for the coming of Christ;
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
We shall know the joy of Jesus. [Refrain]

Author: Kathleen Thomerson
Tune: HOUSTON (Thomerson)

Posted in Losung and Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 12th January 2015

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Noah's Ark, Italianate mural painting, mid 16th century studiolo

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. (Gen 6:8 KJV)

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved. (Act 15:11 KJV)

The story of Noah is remarkable. Today’s verse highlights the fact that Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. That’s how people are saved from sin, death and the devil. That’s how they get through the worst calamity. That’s the crucial difference between life and death. This divine grace chose Noah and his family, elected and called them to build the massive ark and survive the deluge together with all those animals big and small.

The godly grace is a characterized by the godly favour and mercy, which does not depend on our merit or worthiness, but rather solely on God’s willingness to forgive and cover up our iniquity, sinfulness and warped being. This grace is not so much a quality or gift shared with us, transforming and deifying us, but rather it’s God’s favour and positive inclination towards us – no longer holding our wrongful being and doing against us, but rather forgiving, covering up and absolving us from that, which would otherwise count so heavily against us and which the devil as the main accuser, but also our own conscience and the unbelieving world never tire to magnify in our evaluation of ourselves, in our hearts and souls and in our self-esteem to terrify us, shame us and tempt us to rather run and hide from the only one, who could and can and has saved us: Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who bore all our sin once and for all, so that we would be free and be at peace with God now and forever.

By this grace Noah was saved – just like all the saints of old – and we too build on this grace of Jesus Christ alone to get us through the final judgement and into the heavenly kingdom to share the eternal blessings in the presence of the triune God without end. Our Lord has shared many examples of this overriding and saving grace covering up the multitude of our sins, coping effectively with our miserable, poor and truthful status of lost and helpless creatures by forgiveness of all that can be held against us legally and by the letter of the infallible law of God and declaring us free and in God’s favour and therefore at peace amidst all tribulation and hardship. Just think of the Lost Son being restored by the grace of his Father (Lk 15); the tax collector praying: “Kyrie eleison!” (Lord have mercy on me a poor, miserable sinner!) in the temple and returning home forgiven; Zacchaeus receiving Christ into his home and thus experiencing forgiveness, life and salvation; the eunuch being baptized on the way home by St.Philipp and going his way joyfully and at peace with God etc etc.

That forgiving grace of our Lord and Saviour is the very firm foundation of our faith, hope and love. It’s the framework of our life and the sustaining force in our Christian living – now and always. Amen.

By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless;
My soul, believe and doubt it not.
Why stagger at this word of promise?
Has Scripture ever falsehood taught?
No; then this word must true remain;
By grace you too will life obtain.

By grace God’s Son, our only Savior,
Came down to earth to bear our sin.
Was it because of your own merit
That Jesus died your soul to win?
No, it was grace, and grace alone,
That brought him from his heavenly throne.

By grace! This ground of faith is certain;
As long as God is true, it stands.
What saints have penned by inspiration,
What in his word our God commands,
Our faith in what our God has done
Depends on grace – grace through his Son.

By grace to timid hearts that tremble,
In tribulation’s furnace tried,
By grace, in spite of fear and trouble,
The Father’s heart is open wide.
Where could I help and strength secure
If grace were not my anchor sure?

By grace! On this I’ll rest when dying;
In Jesus’ promise I rejoice;
For though I know my heart’s condition,
I also know my Savior’s voice.
My heart is glad, all grief has flown
Since I am saved by grace alone.

Hymn # 351 from Lutheran Worship Author: Korneluis Heinrich Dretzel
Tune: O Dass Ich Tausend Zungen Hatte 1st Published in: 1742

Posted in Histories, Losung and Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Sunday, the 11th January 2015

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

jesus_twelve

Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth;
for the faithful fail from among the children of men. (Psalm 12,2)

 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
(Johannes 6,67-68)

Today is the 1st Sunday after Epiphany. The Orthodox Church of the East celebrated Christmas this week. I am happy that even the Moscow Times has pictures of Russians celebrating this high and holy holiday of the Christian Church commemorating the Incarnation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. There were pictures of President Putin, but also of children, families and entire congregations. What a change by the grace of God! It’s not so long ago that Russia (at that time called UDSSR – Sowjet Union – centre of bolshevik communism) was seen as the extreme bastion of atheism, godlessness and all sorts of evil. Probably quite a few of the faithful worldwide had serious doubts whether they were already past the point of no return, hopeless cases and written off. And now Christmas is celebrated not just as a commercial highlight to save a dismal year at the cashier and materialistic orgy, but as a high and holy Holiday of the Christ’s birth – he the Lord and saviour of the world. Hallelujah +

God helps and does incredible miracles and wonders even in our time and world. No doubt about that! He lives and reigns and does everything very well. We can just marvel at this and praise his holy name for he doesn’t cease to rule and reign. His goodness, mercy and love faileth never. On the contrary, whatever he has predestined and resolved, he carries out with unfailing purpose and trustworthiness. He’s true beyond fault. He is the source and goal of life. Sharing words of wisdom, truth and eternal salvation. Even today from countless pulpits throughout the world – in high and lowly places. Blessing, forgiving, vitalizing and encouraging people in the most unlikely venues, where he abides with his holy Word and most precious Sacraments. Granting peace, hope and love to people sitting in darkness and shadow of death – shedding light on their miserable existence, granting new life where people had failed again and again, were dejected and had already given up. He gives sanctuary and anchors our rocking boat even when the storms rage and the enemies are plentiful.

The Holy Spirit gathers and unites people from all corners of the world, from all spheres of society and from the most diverse and even opposing tribes and nations around Jesus Christ, in whom the trust and who has united them in himself – through efficacious Baptism and the proclamation of his holy will and vital promises. Not just kings from afar and from high and mighty thrones, but even lowly shepherds, pariahs, dalits and basarwa (outcasts, untouchables & non-people) and gathers them around his manger and around his cross and around his altar/font. They all look to him, expecting life and salvation from him, who is the Lord and God of all.

Yes, Herod doesn’t play along. Pilate stays aloof. Greeks scoff, Jews are furious, gentiles pre-occupied and atheists off-track. Many are offended at his exclusive demand: “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” (Joh 6:53ff) Yet, still the Son of God does not put an end to it all. He doesn’t just switch off the lights and departs in peace. No, he continues to invite: “Come to me all of you, who are burdened and heavily laden. I will give you rest!” And they come from the ends of the world – Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar – John, Peter, Paul, Carl, Ivan and Khumalo – Susan, Beauty and Mafikile, Kagiso and Netshiombo – and they all worship the baby in the manger, the child in the temple, the young man baptised by St. John at the Jordan, the preacher on the Mount, the special guest at the wedding of Cana, the healer, the bread giver, the Messiah, the suffering servant, the crucified and risen Lord + Marking his words of life, trusting his gospel promises, holding on to them as the foundation and goal of their life. And because he is faithful and does, what he says, therefore we will never be put to shame, but rather come to see, what we have here believed on account of his words of life. We will see, experience and live the life everlasting, which he has already granted us through his very words of forgiveness, grace and favour. Amen.

1 How lovely shines the Morning Star!
The nations see and hail afar
The light in Judah shining.
Thou David’s Son of Jacob’s race,
My Bridegroom and my King of Grace,
For Thee my heart is pining.
Lowly, Holy,
Great and glorious, Thou victorious
Prince of graces,
Filling all the heav’nly places.

2 O highest joy by mortals won,
True Son of God and Mary’s Son,
Thou high-born King of ages!
Thou art my heart’s most beauteous Flow’r,
And Thy blest Gospel’s saving pow’r
My raptured soul engages.
Thou mine, I Thine;
Sing hosanna! Heav’nly manna
Tasting, eating,
Whilst Thy love in songs repeating.

3 Now richly to my waiting heart,
O Thou, my God, deign to impart
The grace of love undying.
In Thy blest body let me be,
E’en as the branch is in the tree,
Thy life my life supplying.
Sighing, Crying.
For the savor Of Thy favor;
Resting never,
Till I rest in Thee forever.

4 A pledge of peace from God I see
When Thy pure eyes are turned to me
To show me Thy good pleasure.
Jesus, Thy Spirit and Thy Word,
Thy body and Thy blood, afford
My soul its dearest treasure.
Keep me Kindly
In Thy favor, O my Savior!
Thou wilt cheer me;
Thy Word calls me to draw near Thee.

5 Thou, mighty Father, in Thy Son
Didst love me ere Thou hadst begun
This ancient world’s foundation.
Thy Son hath made a friend of me,
And when in spirit Him I see,
I joy in tribulation.
What bliss Is this!
He that liveth To me giveth
Life forever;
Nothing me from Him can sever.

6 Lift up the voice and strike the string.
Let all glad sounds of music ring
In God’s high praises blended.
Christ will be with me all the way,
Today, tomorrow, every day,
Till trav’ling days be ended.
Sing out, Ring out
Triumph glorious, O victorious,
Chosen nation;
Praise the God of your salvation.

7 Oh, joy to know that Thou, my Friend,
Art Lord, Beginning without end,
The First and Last, Eternal!
And Thou at length–O glorious grace!–
Wilt take me to that holy place,
The home of joys supernal.
Amen, Amen!
Come and meet me! Quickly greet me!
With deep yearning,
Lord, I look for Thy returning.

Philipp Nicolai 1556-1608

Posted in Losung and Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Saturday, the 10th January 2015

Posted on January 10, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

the_baptism_of_christ

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD. (Deu 6:4 KJV)

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1Ti 2:5-6 KJV)

That is the one pillar of all religion and true theology from beginning to end, namely that there is but one God and that he is from eternity to eternity. This holds true for Israel and for the rest of the world and cosmos. There is none other, who created heaven and earth and deserves the name God and Lord. All else are but shadows and reflections of this one, who was there before the beginning and is all in all now and forever. Logically this is not so far off and many philosophers, religious founders and other wise men have deduced this argumentatively – even though this one God and Lord has revealed himself throughout the ages in manifold ways especially however in the glorious works of his creation.

Yet the other pillar is true too – and not easily comprehended or grasped. In reality it is only possible to believe this through the gracious workings of the Holy Spirit of the one Lord and God Father. That is the fact that when time was fulfilled God became man in Jesus Christ – there in the manger of Bethlehem. It is he, who was announced by the angels, revealed to the shepherds, worshipped and gifted by the wise men from the east, who fled before Herod, hid in Egyptian exile, was baptised in the Jordan by John the Baptist and received the authorisation from the one and only Father in heaven: “This truly is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” even as the Holy Spirit descended upon him. Jesus Christ, the son of the blessed virgin Mary, is the only begotten Son of the heavenly Father – one God of all, he is at the right hand of the Father and all authority in heaven and earth has been given to him. He rules and judges over all – justly and to the absolute glory of the Father. And still there are not three, but only one God. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not just modulations or emanations of the single deity. Rather they are three persons, but one God. Jesus Christ is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit and yet it is but he, who was born of the mother of God – not the Father and not the Holy Spirit. Rather the Father begat the Son through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit however proceeds from the Father and the Son – not another God, but one and only God of Israel and the whole world.

This very Jesus Christ is true God and true man, but just one person and the second in the holy Trinity – not less in divinity than the Father not more than the Holy Spirit, but very God of very God. It is he, who is the true mediator between us people and the heavenly Father. It is he, who is the one and only true ransom for us and our salvation. Only through him do we have access to the Father to call him our Father ourselves and the assurance of being sons and daughters with heavenly inheritance and sure aspirations of the blessed eternity in the very presence of the divine Trinity. By his gracious work of atonement on the cross – his vicarious justification and expiating sacrifice, which sufficed once and for all as it soothed the wrath of the Father and fulfilled his divine will and demands perfectly – we are at peace with God and have the sure hope of redemption that will carry us through the coming judgement as sure as Jesus Christ lives and reigns with the Father, one God now and forever. Amen.

Together with the one holy Christian Church we believe, teach and confess the Athanasian Creed:

Whoever wants to be saved must, above all, hold the catholic34 faith. Whoever does not keep it whole and inviolate will doubtless perish eternally.

This, however, is the catholic faith: that we worship one God in trinity35 and the Trinity in unity, neither confusing the persons nor dividing the substance.36

For the person of the Father is one, that of the Son another, and that of the Holy Spirit still another, but the deity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is one—equal in glory, coequal in majesty.

What the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit. The Father is uncreated; the Son is uncreated; the Holy Spirit is uncreated. The Father is unlimited; the Son is unlimited; the Holy Spirit is unlimited. The Father is eternal; the Son is eternal; the Holy Spirit is eternal—and yet there are not three eternal beings but one who is eternal, just as there are not three uncreated or unlimited beings, but one who is uncreated and unlimited. In the same way, the Father is almighty; the Son is almighty; the Holy Spirit is almighty—and yet there are not three almighty beings but one who is almighty.

Thus, the Father is God; the Son is God; the Holy Spirit is God— and yet there are not three gods but one God. Thus, the Father is Lord; the Son is Lord; the Holy Spirit is Lord—and yet there are not three lords, but one Lord. For just as we are compelled by the Christian truth to confess that each distinct person is God and Lord, so we are forbidden by the catholic religion to say there are three gods or three lords.

The Father was neither made nor created nor begotten by anyone. The Son is from the Father alone, not made or created but begotten. The Holy Spirit is from the Father and the Son, not made or created or begotten but proceeding. Therefore there is one Father, not three fathers; one Son, not three sons; one Holy Spirit, not three holy spirits. And in this Trinity none is before or after, greater or less than another, but all three persons are in themselves coeternal and coequal, so that (as has been stated above) in all things the Trinity in unity and the Unity in trinity must be worshiped. Therefore, who wants to be saved should think thus about the Trinity.

But it is necessary for eternal salvation that one also faithfully believe the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore it is the true faith that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is at once God and a human being. He is God, begotten from the substance37 of the Father before all ages,38 and a human being, born from the substance of his mother in this age. He is perfect God and a perfect human being, composed of a rational soul and human flesh.39 He is equal to the Father with respect to his divinity, less than the Father with respect to his humanity.

Although he is God and a human being, nevertheless he is not two but one Christ. However, he is one not by the changing of the divinity in the flesh but by the taking up of the humanity in God. Indeed, he is one not by a confusion of substance40 but by a unity of person. For, as the rational soul and the flesh are one human being, so God and the human being are one Christ.

He suffered for our salvation, descended into hell,41 rose from the dead, ascended into the heavens, is seated at the right hand of the Father, from where he will come to judge the living and the dead. At his coming all human beings will rise with their bodies and will give an account of their own deeds. Those who have done good things will enter into eternal life, and those who have done evil things into eternal fire.

This is the catholic faith;42 a person cannot be saved without believing this firmly and faithfully.

34 The German and traditional English translations substitute “Christian” here and throughout.  35 Or: “in three persons.”  36 substantia: divine being. 37 substantia: being. German: Natur.  38 In this sentence saeculum may be translated as “age” (time) or “world.” 39 carne: body. 40 substantia: being, natures. 41 ad inferos. See above, n. 7. 42 German: “true Christian faith.” Kolb & Wengert, Pg. 24.

And with this one holy Christian Church let us sing and confess with the old catholic hymn: Oh, Wondrous Type! Oh, Vision Fair By: Sarum, 15t cent.

Oh, wondrous type! Oh, vision fair
Of glory that the church may share,
Which Christ upon the mountain shows,
Where brighter than the sun he glows!

With Moses and Elijah nigh
The incarnate Lord holds converse high;
And from the cloud the Holy One
Bears record to the only Son.

With shining face and bright array
Christ deigns to manifest today
What glory shall be theirs above
Who joy in god with perfect love.

And faithful hearts are raised on high
By this great vision’s mystery,
For which in joyful strains we raise
The voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.

O Father, with the eternal Son
And Holy spirit ever one,
We pray you, bring us by your grace
To see your glory face to face.

Hymn # 87 from Lutheran Worship Author: English, 15th cent.
Tune: Deo Gracias 1st Published in:1495

Posted in Losung and Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 9th January 2015

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Albrecht-Durer-Wallpaper-The-Adoration-Of-The-Magi

Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God. (Jer 3:22 KJV)

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (Jam 4:8 KJV)

God’s invitation to his backsliding children and their positive response of returning to him reflects the pattern of our relationship with him. God’s initiative and God’s good work in us, makes it possible. Without God’s willingness to accept his backsliding children back, to welcome them back home, to forgive and to restore them, to heal and make up this story would have come to a miserable end long ago. Yet this is what God does. He is the Father waiting longingly for his lost son. It is he, who sends out his servants to go look for those fallen by the wayside, call those on highways and byways that his house might become full. It is he, who as the good shepherd goes and seeks those who can’t make their way into the fold and sanctuary. It is he, true and very God, who invites with wide open arms and friendly voice, calling to himself like a hen inviting her chicks under her protective wings.

This open invitation from God is the good tiding that we hear from the angelic hosts addressed to the shepherds on the field. God is favourably inclined towards men, forgiving their sins and iniquities and graciously inviting them to come and worship the king, receive salvation and life everlasting. It is the message of apostles and prophets of old. It is the proclamation of heaven and earth. Even the stars indicate the way – if we were but able to read and comprehend their loud and clear message, which even the wise men from the east could not fathom precisely so that they went by Jerusalem instead of directly to the manger in Bethlehem.

It is the basic message of God’s messengers even today – pastors, missionaries, evangelists, teachers and bishops: Come, taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Hear, what the Lord your God has in store for you – forgiveness, healing, justification and restoration + not retribution, debt collection and punishment. Although that’s what would have been our rightful due. Instead, he is willing to forgive, to make up and restore, heal and sanctify. Oh, how friendly and kind, merciful and gracious is our God + So they teach all that their Lord and God Jesus Christ entrusted to them. Baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Making the Church the mission outpost throughout the nations. The centre and service point, where God’s good gifts are distributed in his most holy and precious means of grace. So that throughout the world Churches are preaching, teaching, proclaiming and administering the gospel of Jesus Christ and thus creating saving faith, where and when it pleases God.

And people from all the ends of the world draw close to the Lord. They gather around his wholesome presence at the foot of the altar, pulpit and font. Returning to the baptismal grace daily with the confession of their own sinfulness and unworthiness only to be absolved by the divine authority and to depart in godly peace. Thus they are cleansed and purified. Washed, clothed with garments of righteousness and sonship. Thus they are encouraged, uplifted, vitalized and sustained by his enduring grace and loving goodness. Their sins are all forgiven, their burdens lifted, fed life and salvation and enabled to live the new lives of righteousness and holiness by his indwelling and invigorating, abiding presence. Joyfully they thank and praise the triune God for all he has done through Jesus Christ their Lord and Saviour, who together with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns now and forever.

Therefore let us return to the Lord even today. He is calling us to himself. Let us abide in him in single minded affection and dedication. He is our Lord and our God. There is no other and with him, we are well taken care of. Yes, in his presence, we thrive and flourish. It’s good for us to be in the presence of the Lord always. Amen.

Beside Thy Manger Here I Stand
by Paul Gerhardt

Beside thy manger here I stand Dear Jesus, Lord and Savior A gift of love within my hand To thank Thee for Thy favor O take my humble offering my heart, my soul, yes, everything Is Thine to keep forever.

I lay in death’s dark, gloomy night, Thou camest, Lord, to save me; Thou art the sun, whose heavenly light Life and salvation gave me. O sun, who kindled faith to shine Within this darkened heart of mine, How radiant is Thy glory!

With joy I gaze upon Thy face; Thy glory and Thy splendor Is greater than my heart can praise And songs can fitly render. O how I wish my mind would be As boundless as the deepest sea, T’would still be lost in wonder.

One thing, O Lord, I humbly pray, Deny me not this favour, That in my heart Thou day by day Wouldst dwell as mine for ever. O let me then Thy manger be; Come, Saviour, come, abide with me, Give me Thy choicest blessings.

Paul Gerhard: “Ich steh an Deiner Krippen hier…”(1607-1676)

Translated P.G. Strelan & William M. Czamanske 1910.

Posted in Losung and Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (Philip Nicolai)

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

chalice-host

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern

Voll Gnad’ und Wahrheit von dem Herrn,

Die süße Wurzel Jesse!

Du Sohn David aus Jakobs Stamm,

Mein König und mein Bräutigam,

Hast mir mein Herz besessen,

Lieblich,

freundlich,

Schön und herrlich,

groß und ehrlich,

Reich von Gaben,

Hoch und sehr prächtig erhaben!

Wie schoen leuchtet der Morgenstern

 2.

 Ei meine Perl’, du werte Kron’,

Wahr’r Gottes- und Mariensohn,

Ein hochgeborner König!

Mein Herz heißt dich ein Lilium,

Dein süßes Evangelium

Ist lauter Milch und Honig.

Ei mein

Blümlein,

Hosianna,

himmlisch Manna,

Das wir essen,

Deiner kann ich nicht vergessen!

chalice 01-1

3.

 Geuss sehr tief in mein Herz hinein,

Du heller Jaspis und Rubin,

Die Flamme deiner Liebe

Und erfreu’ mich, daß ich doch bleib’

An deinem auserwählten Leib

Ein’ lebendige Rippe!

Nach dir

ist mir,

Gratiosa

coeli rosa,

Krank und glimmet

Mein Herz, durch Liebe verwundet.

 4.

 Von Gott kommt mir ein Freudenschein,

Wenn du mit deinen Äugelein

Mich freundlich tust anblicken.

O Herr Jesu, mein trautes Gut,

Dein Wort, dein Geist, dein Leib und Blut

Mich innerlich erquicken!

Nimm mich

freundlich

In dein’ Arme,

daß ich warme

Werd’ von Gnaden!

Auf dein Wort komm’ ich geladen.

Precious Blood14

5.

 Herr Gott Vater, mein starker Held,

Du hast mich ewig vor der Welt

In deinem Sohn geliebet.

Dein Sohn hat mich ihm selbst vertraut,

Er ist mein Schatz, ich bin sein’ Braut,

Sehr hoch in ihm erfreuet.

Eia,

eia,

Himmlisch Leben

wird er geben

Mir dort oben!

Ewig soll mein Herz ihn loben.

 6.

 Zwingt die Saiten in Zithara

Und laßt die süße Musika

Ganz freudenreich erschallen,

Daß ich möge mit Jesulein,

Dem wunderschönen Bräut’gam mein,

In steter Liebe wallen!

Singet,

springet,

Jubilieret,

triumphieret,

Dankt dem Herren!

Groß ist der König der Ehren!

 7.

 Wie bin ich doch so herzlich froh,

Daß mein Schatz ist das A und O.

Der Anfang und das Ende!

Er wird mich doch zu seinem Preis

Aufnehmen in das Paradeis,

Des klopf’ ich in die Hände.

Amen!

Amen!

Komm, du schöne

Freudenkrone,

Bleib nicht lange,

Deiner wart’ ich mit Verlangen!

 Philip Nicolai *1556 + 1609

 Wir danken Dir, unser Vater,  für den heiligen Weinstock deines Knechtes David, den du uns geoffenbaret hast durch Jesum, deinen Knecht. Dir sei Ehre in Ewigkeit.

Wir danken dir, unser Vater,  für das Leben und die Erkenntnis, die du uns geoffenbaret hast durch Jesum, deinen Knecht. Dir sei Ehre in Ewigkeit.

Wie dies gebrochene Brot zerstreut war auf den Bergen und zusammengebracht eins wurde, so möge deine Kirche von den Enden der Erde zusammengebracht werden in dein Reich. Denn Dein ist die Herrlichkeit und die Kraft durch Jesus Christum in Ewigkeit.

Wir danken dir, heiliger Vater, für deinen heiligen Namen, dem du eine Wohnung bereitet hast in unseren Herzen, und für die Erkenntnis und den Glauben und die Unsterblichkeit, die du uns geoffenbaret hast durch Jesum, deinen Knecht. Dir sei Ehre in Ewigkeit.

Du, allmächtiger Herrscher, hast alles erschaffen um deines Namens willen. Speise und Trank hast du den Menschen gegeben zur Nießung, dass die dir danken. Uns aber hast du begnadet mit geistlicher Speise und geistlichem Trank und ewigem Leben durch deinen Knecht. Vor allem danken wir dir, dass du so mächtig bist. Dir sei Ehre in Ewigkeit.

Gedenke, Herr, deiner Kirche, sie zu erlösen von allem Bösen und sie zu vollenden in deiner Liebe, und führe sie, die geheiligte, von den vier Winden zusammen in dein Reich, das du ihr bereitet hast. Denn dein ist die Kraft und die Herrlichkeit in Ewigkeit. Amen.

(Gesangbuch der Ev.Luth. Landeskirche Hannover S. 44 im Anhang)

Posted in Lutheran World | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment