Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 2nd January 2015

Posted on January 2, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

begging handsYou are O LORD our God. Therefore we will wait upon thee. (Jer 14:22-15:1 KJV) Through our Lord Jesus Christ we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Rom 5:1-2 KJV)

In God we trust. That is why we wait for him. Because he is, who he is, and because he has told us of the things to come, therefore we look forward to them happening, him coming and us seeing, what we have already believed on account of his promises.

Jesus Christ himself is the fulfilment of God’s promises of old. All that he said to our forebears, the patriarchs, the ancient people of Israel, the prophets and kings of old – he has made that true through his only begotten Son – the Messiah – the long-awaited, the promised one, the first born of the blessed Virgin Mary, eventually born in Bethlehem, revealed to sages from the East, proclaimed by St.John the Baptist as the one, who was to come and save Israel and the world. In him, who appeared in public to fulfil his godly mission, did so in faithful obedience to his heavenly Father and all for us and our salvation. He called the lost of Israel, returned the forgotten sons and daughters of Abraham, but also those from Samaria and all those beyond the exclusive borders of Israel – yes, even us gentiles from the ends of the world – by grace to behold his glory as the only begotten Son of the Father – full of grace, peace and mercy. He called us to trust, that we do are heirs of his kingdom, because he holds open the door, invites us in and makes us partakers of the divine promises from of old.

He has done so – not because of what we did or were, but rather because of his infinite goodness, love and kindness, which is new every morning and holds true in eternity. That is why we, who are baptised into his family and united with him in a most profound and lasting way, live in confident assurance awaiting his coming in glory and his final completion of all that, which is still left outstanding. This is just a matter of time. It won’t be long any more and although we know, that with him a thousand years are but as the day that went by yesterday and but one night watch and even if we know, he will come suddenly and surprisingly like a thief in the night, still we are attentive and alert to his possible arrival any time soon. For if we are dead or alive – none of us will miss out his 2nd coming in glory. He is not going to forget anybody, but we will all appear before his mighty judgement throne and see at last, what we have believed long ago already, because he has assured us of it and promised that he will do so. He, who has promised this is faithful, he will surely do it in his good time and to our eternal benefit and final salvation. Amen.

Just as I Am, Without One Plea
By: Charlotte Elliott

Just as I am, without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me
And that thou bidd’st me come to thee
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just a I am; thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be thine, yea, thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Hymn # 359 from Lutheran Worship
Author: William B. Bradbury
Tune: Woodworth
1st Published in: 1836

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Herrenhuter readings for Thursday, the 1st January 2015

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

zion-2013-sunset-shadowsThese forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing. (5.Mose – Deuteronomy – 2,7) Be ye thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

What a lovely day this first day of 2015! After the raucous night all is calmed down and restful. What a good year 2014 was – and all those years before. In the bible verse for this morning from Dt.2,7 Moses points God’s people to the past years transversing the desert and highlights the fact, that they have lacked nothing. Isn’t that amazing? We’re living in the most beautiful part of the world, with the best climate of all and the most friendly and fascinating people-mix with plenty to do and lots to keep us well occupied – no enemies, no desert stretches, no scorpions or snakes to talk of. How much more than Moses and the Israelites, should we not repeat it every day: God has been with us. We have lacked nothing! And not just forty, but already fifty and more years. Oh – God is good and just so amazing. He achieves great things, while we are sleeping and saves us, whilst we are in despair.

God has given us so much reason to be thankful. He has already brought us to the promised land, where he leads us as the Good Shepherd on green pastures and to quite waters by. He has filled our cup to more than overflowing with goodness, mercy, peace and favour. He has laid out our table with good things – bread of life and the cup of salvation + He speaks friendly with Jerusalem, with Wittenberg and Pretoria + anoints our head with oil, baptismal waters, regenerative and invigorating powers of his Holy Spirit – even in the sight of those, who would put us down and see us put out. But God is with us – Immanuel – Jesus Christ has become our brother and we’re never alone. Rather full of understanding and compassion, gracious and so kindly he comforts, strengthens and accompanies us, so that we need not fear. Rather we can be confident and at peace, for he takes good care of us – every day of our lives – speaking to us words of love, hope and loads of peace. That’s why by his grace and mercy we’ll stay in his godly presence now and always, confessing with Luther’s translation of the Psalmist: If I have but you, I ask not for heaven or earth! (Psalm 73:25)

This trust and confidence in the one, who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, the one, who has taken good care of his people even when transversing the inhospitable desert for the best part of their lives so that they were compelled to confess: We lacked nothing at all! lets us look forward with confidence, yes, even with great expectations and joy, for if the Lord is with us, who and what could be against us? What or who could harm us? The Lord is with us and lets all and everything serve us to the very best and most beneficial. Those are really quite exiting prospects. The Lord is with us and will never let us fall out of his hands. He is greater and better and more friendly than anything or anyone. Nothing can severe us from him. That’s our ticket to ride and be grateful. We’re blessed without end – now and forever – because he has forgiven us our iniquities, healed our diseases and has brought us into his most delightful and gracious presence, that we can lift up our heads and be glad, rejoicing and praising our Lord, who is good without end.

1 God loves me dearly,
Grants me salvation,
God loves me dearly,
Loves even me.

Refrain:
Therefore I’ll say again:
God loves me dearly,
God loves me dearly,
Loves even me.

2 I was in slav’ry,
Sin, death, and darkness;
God’s love was working
To make me free. [Refrain]

3 He sent forth Jesus,
My dear Redeemer,
He sent forth Jesus
And set me free. [Refrain]

4 Jesus, my Savior,
Himself did offer;
Jesus, my Savior,
Paid all I owed. [Refrain]

5 Now I will praise You,
O love Eternal;
Now I will praise You
All my life long. [Refrain]

Nicolaus Herman c. 1480-1561 tr F. Samuel Janzow 1913-2001 and August Crull 1845-1923

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Herrenhuter readings for Wednesday, the 31st December 2014

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

1024px-Kölner_Maler_um_1330_001And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them. (Ezekiel 34,23) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13,20-21)

Since the earliest days, God’s people thought highly of shepherds and the calling to take good care of their herds be that camels, cattle, sheep or goats. Abel was one of these and although he was brutally murdered by his very own brother, we remember him as one, whom the Lord himself was well pleased with. The patriarchs, Joseph and his brothers, Moses himself and the great king David were shepherds in the literal sense of the word and even the prophet Amos calls himself “herdsman” (Amos 7:14). Yes, these positive connections made it easy for the people of God to even identify their rulers and leaders in the spiritual and civic realms – their kings, prophets and priests – with shepherds. God himself was their good shepherd, who took good care of them always (cf. Psalm 23).

However in the course of time it became clear that people in high office were disappointing. Most – if not all – failed in their high calling. Leaving God’s people rather disgruntled and disillusioned with their government and overall leadership. Yes, God himself is disgusted with the corrupt and self-serving leaders and lets his prophet Ezekiel proclaim his overall disqualification of the shepherds of his people – his very own flock and herd – his one holy Christian Church. They exploit the people instead of feeding and caring for them. The sheep look haggard, wounded and in desperate poor shape whereas the self-appointed and conceited shepherds are overweight, decorated with all sorts of finery and generally well pleased with themselves.

Another aspect was that by the time of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, shepherds were held to be very much outside the godly fold of righteous people and holy congregation of saints. The reason for this, was that going about their calling of tending the sheep day and night prevented them from adhering to the many laws, prescriptions, rules and regulations set down by the devout, pious and law-abiding citizens of Israel. They couldn’t follow the set times of prayer, offerings and sacrifice. They were busy with dirty work outside and way beyond the boundaries of the holy city of God.

It is remarkable that God himself does not just disqualify the so-called shepherds and bad rulers of his people, but he promises to send a proper  & good shepherd instead, who will do what is right in God’s eyes, tending God’s people and caring for them with grace, peace and mercy: a good shepherd, who’ll be good for the sheep, feed and care well for them, leading them to green pastures and quite waters, protecting and comforting them with his rod and staff, deterring wolves and other dangerous beasts. The sheep know his voice, they follow him and he leads them appropriately – right, meet and salutary.  In the end he even lays down his life for them.  It’s the one, Israel waited for over ages. So much – rather all and everything – depended on him and his coming and his good rule and care of God’s flock. With this promise of the good shepherd for Israel and the people and Church of God, he kept up their hope and confidence even though they were often tempted to despair and give up altogether.

This good Shepherd is Jesus Christ. He, who at his birth was put in a manger. He, who is well know as the proper Lord and God by even the lowliest creatures like ox and donkey – even though his own people disregard and reject him! – is visited firstly by those lowly shepherds, those hirelings, who were tending their employers flocks outside in the field. They visit him, because the angelic host invited them to do so. The heavenly bands announced the life-changing message to them, that the Good Shepherd of God’s own calling, installation and ordination was finally born – right there in Bethlehem. And the shepherds go and see all that the angel told them to find out that it was indeed so. All was just as he had proclaimed. And they too spread the word about little baby Jesus, who was born to save the world. He does the work of the good shepherd from beginning to end. Preaching the Word of God to those desperately in need of both law and gospel. Condemning the wrong ways and showing the right one clearly. Binding up wounds, healing hurts and injuries, feeding, protecting, nurturing and tending all along.

He is the great shepherd, who would do what it takes to redeem God’s people from sin, death and the devil. He would placate God’s wrath and grant everlasting peace and gracious favour through the very forgiveness of all our sins and by himself bearing our iniquities and burdens onto the cross, shedding his precious blood as everlasting covenant and overcoming the pangs of death and the darkness of grave and the terrors of hell.

And there on the cross he pulled all towards himself – the Jews and the gentiles, those near by, but also those far off – paving the way for all to the heavenly Father and eternal salvation for even the most desperate sinners. He prayed for his killers: Father forgive them, for they don’t know, what they are doing! He promised the guilty and convicted felon with heavenly authority: Today you will be with me in paradise!

This good shepherd again calls, installs and ordains shepherds (i.e. pastors) to help serve his people by preaching his Holy Word and administering his sacraments too – to create saving faith where and when it pleases God. Pastors, who are not self-serving, but tend God’s people – just like our Lord Jesus Christ admonished his apostle St.Peter: If you love me, tend my sheep/take care of my lambs. According to his holy will, grace and pastoral care, you pastors are to be made “perfect in every good work to do his will, for he works in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.” Amen.

Prayer for our pastors: “Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give commandment to the apostles that they should go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature: grant to us whom thous hast called into thy church a ready will to obey thy Word, and fill us with a hearty desire to make thy way known upon earth, thy saving health amongst all nations. Look with compassion upon the multitudes that are scattered abroad as sheep having no shepherd. O heavenly Father, Lord of the harvest, have respect, we beseech thee, to our prayers, and send forth labourers into thy harvest. Fit and prepare them by thy grace for the work of the ministry/service; give them the Spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind; strengthen them to endure hardness and grant that thy Holy Spirit may prosper their work, and that by their life and doctrine they may show forth thy glory, and set forward the salvation of all men; through Jesus Christ, our Lord – the good Shepherd – Amen.” (Dobberstein 15)

“All My Heart This Night Rejoices” by Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676

1. All my heart this night rejoices
As I hear Far and near
Sweetest angel voices.
“Christ is born,” their choirs are singing
Till the air Everywhere
Now with joy is ringing.

2. Forth today the Conqueror goeth,
Who the foe, Sin and woe,
Death and hell, o’erthroweth.
God is man, man to deliver;
His dear Son Now is one
With our blood forever.

3. Shall we still dread God’s displeasure,
Who, to save, Freely gave
His most cherished Treasure?
To redeem us, He hath given
His own Son From the throne
Of His might in heaven.

4. Should He who Himself imparted
Aught withhold From the fold,
Leave us broken-hearted?
Should the Son of God not love us,
Who, to cheer Sufferers here,
Left His throne above us?

5. If our blessed Lord and Maker
Hated men, Would He then
Be of flesh partaker?
If He in our woe delighted,
Would He bear All the care
Of our race benighted?

6. He becomes the Lamb that taketh
Sin away And for aye
Full atonement maketh.
For our life His own He tenders
And our race, By His grace,
Meet for glory renders.

7. Hark! a voice from yonder manger,
Soft and sweet, Doth entreat:
“Flee from woe and danger.
Brethren, from all ills that grieve you
You are feed; All you need
I will surely give you.”

8. Come, then, banish all your sadness,
One and all, Great and small;
Come with songs of gladness.
Love Him who with love is glowing;
Hail the Star, Near and far
Light and joy bestowing.

9. Ye whose anguish knew no measure,
Weep no more; See the door
To celestial pleasure.
Cling to Him, for He will guide you
Where no cross, Pain, or loss
Can again betide you.

10. Hither come, ye heavy-hearted,
Who for sin, Deep within,
Long and sore have smarted;
For the poisoned wound you’re feeling
Help is near, One is here
Mighty for their healing.

11. Hither come, ye poor and wretched;
Know His will Is to fill
Every hand outstretched.
Here are riches without measure;
Here forget All regret,
Fill your hearts with treasure.

12. Let me in my arms receive Thee;
On Thy breast Let me rest,
Savior, ne’er to leave Thee.
Since Thou hast Thyself presented
Now to me, I shall be
Evermore contented.

13. Guilt no longer can distress me;
Son of God, Thou my load
Bearest to release me.
Stain in me Thou findest never;
I am clean, All my sin
Is removed forever.

14. I am pure, in Thee believing,
From Thy store Evermore
Righteous robes receiving
In my heart I will enfold Thee,
Treasure rare, Let me there,
Loving, ever hold Thee.

15. Dearest Lord, Thee will I cherish.
Though my breath Fail in death,
Yet I shall not perish,
But with Thee abide forever
There on high, In that joy
Which can vanish never.

The Lutheran Hymnal Hymn # 77 Text: Luke 2:11
Author: Paul Gerhardt, 1653 Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1858, alt.
Titled: “Froehlich soll mein Herze springen” Composer: Johann Crueger, 1653
Tune: “Froehlich soll mein Herze”

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Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 30th December 2014

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

adoration of the magiAnd the children of Israel said unto the Lord: “We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.” (Judges 10:15)  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. (Titus 3,4-5) 

Finally it’s all God’s doing and in the end there really is no other refugee to be sought, than the living God himself. That’s what the children of Israel knew then and they have taught us this lesson well. Even if it’s the living God, who has inflicted severe punishment onto his people, hurting, wounding and maiming deliberately, then he’s still the only hope for salvation, healing, recovery and reinstitution into his decisive, vital and crucial favour. It is he alone, who can deliver from all evil, from the final judgement and from sin, death and the devil. Just as the great suffering prophet Hosea admonishes us in the name of the triune God: “Come, and let us return unto the Lord:for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.” (6:1)

Just like Israel we are but poor, miserable sinners and so hard of hearing and so callous in our ways, that we first have to land up all stuck in the mud, hopelessly bogged down and unable to move this or that way in the mother of all cul-de-sacs, before it dawns to us, that we’re unable to help ourselves, that we are not as self-sufficient as we thought we were and that we’re not as in control as we’d like to be. Something like Saul on the way to Damascus, Augustine at his wits end, Luther all caught up in the storm of his life. The endless list could be amended at will. Decisive however is that in this desperate situation, where there’s no way out whatsoever. that’s when God shows his unlimited potential and truly divine power to deliver, rescue and grant a new start. Every single conversion is a miracle and wonder of this kind, because none of us can “by our own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, or even come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called us by the Gospel, enlightened us with His gifts, sanctified and kept us in the true faith.”  (Martin Luther’s Small Catechism 2nd main part “The Creed” 3rd Article).

See, our Lord and God does that work of salvation, redemption, delivery and liberation, before we are ready or have got our ducks all in a row. He gave his only begotten Son, while we were still his enemies, lost in our rebellious ways, far off in idolatry and pagan ways – worshipping horses, stars and all sorts of creatures and man-made-effigies. Not even knowing the true God and creator of all, but rather lost in our own small world, which didn’t dwell much on faithful theology and didn’t bother too much about God’s truth and positive revelation either.

Since Christmas there in Bethlehem, when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared to those shepherds in the fields and called those wise men from the East to witness the incarnation of his divine self lying in the manger and at the breast of the blessed virgin – Mary, the true mother of God, he has not ceased to bring to light this divine truth and saving gospel, which was proclaimed since the earliest days right from the beginning after Adam and Eve lost paradise. The living God has let his kindness and love shine over sinful mankind, drawing them always closer and closer to himself, always in the process of delivering us from all evil and leading us to our true destination in his delightful and blessed presence.

This our salvation and gracious delivery from all sin and evil is not our accomplishment. Rather it’s only due to his mercy and kindness. It’s not our due and not a result of our endeavours or inputs, but rather his work of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. This he does through the wonderful and miraculous washing of Holy Baptism. That’s were we are reborn, made new creations, starting off the new life in Christ – that it’s no longer us living, but Christ in us. Our old sinful selfs is doomed to die, but Jesus Christ lives in us for ever and ever. There in Baptism the Holy Spirit was poured over us in richest measure, granting us the new cloths of Christ’s righteousness, covering up all our iniquities and healing all our diseases. Since then our daily life as Christians is nothing more than the continuous return and re-submersion into this divine flood of grace and saving font of life. The old Adam in us dies again and again, whereas we are raised up together with the true Lord and Deliverer Jesus Christ to live new lives in his righteousness and purity forever. Confession and Absolution is nothing else than living in the power of Holy Baptism. Therefore if we live in these, we live as Christians and can go our way joyfully and gratefully every day of our lives. Amen.

O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is
My paradise at which my soul reclineth.
For there, O Lord, Doth lie the Word Made flesh for us;
here-in Thy grace forth shineth.

He whom the sea And wind obey
Doth come to serve the sinner in great meekness.
Thou God’s own Son, With us are one,
Dost join us and sour children in our weakness.

Thy light and grace Our guilt efface,
Thy heavenly riches all our loss retrieving.
Immanuel, Thy birth doth quell
The power of hell and Satan’s bold deceiving.

Thou Christian heart, Who ever thou art,
Be of good cheer and let no sorrow move thee!
For God’s own Child, In mercy mild,
Joins thee to Him; how greatly God must love thee!

Remember thou What glory now
The Lord prepared thee for all earthly sadness.
The angel host Can never boast
Of greater glory, greater bliss or gladness.

The world may hold Her wealth and gold;
But thou, my heart, keep Christ as thy true treasure.
To Him hold fast Unitl at last
A crown be thine and honor in full measure.

Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76

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Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 29th December 2014

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

wise-menIf riches increase, set not your heart upon them.(Psalm 62,11)And when the wise men from the east were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2,11) 

Wealth comes in various ways. Mostly by hard work, diligence and good investments. However it can also be inherited or even won by hook and by crook. Sometimes wealth is lost – and not even because of your own fault, but quite on the contrary, because like Job, you were just doing everything right even in God’s sight. He lost family, possessions and even his health – not because he had lost his way with God, but rather, because the sly accuser, that evil nay-sayer got his chance to put even this burden on to the righteous Job. Now that off course is quite a heavy blow for all those believers in the “do-et-des” principle (“I give so that you give back”) like those deluded devotees of the so-called “prosperity gospel”.

The Psalms 37 and 73 lament over the blessings received by the godless and cry to God asking him, why it can be that the godless prosper while the righteous suffer. And the answer given is off course that we can’t see and judge solely by looking at this short life of ours. You need to have the perspective of eternity to make the right call in this regard. Jesus’ parable of the rich man and poor Lazarus makes the same point and the philosopher king Kant takes that cue to stress that morality needs eternity – otherwise we’d land up in the absurdity of the nihilists and shortsighted denialists of modernity.

Yet like with Job – and Abraham, Jacob and Joseph, but also Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, Lydia and the very wise men from the east – wealth and riches are not per se negative. On the contrary, Christians recognise them as good gifts from the giver of all good gifts and as St. Paul asks rhetorically: “What is it you have, that you have not received?” Well, like Scrooge in Charles Dickens Christmas carol people often make the mistake, that wealth is a purpose on its own and believe that it’s money that makes the world go round. That’s just not true. Not even by a long shot. Yet even Martin Luther writes in his explanation of the 1st commandment in his Large Catechism, that if our money is full of money, then we are cocksure as peacock and proud as punch. However as soon as the money is gone, it’s a different story. We are down and tempted very much to despair.

With this morning’s Herrenhuter reading the living God wants to encourage us not to put our faith in our possessions, wealth, ability, merits or credits, but rather in him the creator of all good and the preserver and sustainer of life even through suffering and death. The history of Jesus escape to Egypt in Africa underlines, how he himself put all his hope and trust in the living God and not in our earthly structures, familiar frameworks and possessions. He was born on the road – put into a manger as there wasn’t any other room at the inn. As if that wasn’t tough enough, he even leaves that behind himself and hits the road again – off through deserted areas into foreign exile living as refugee on another continent. Even as a grownup he later confesses: I have no place to put down my head! He was poor by all earthly standards, yet he made many, many rich. He fed the hungry, healed the ill and comforted the needy. It’s easy for the masters to drop off a few titbits for the dogs under the table, yet Jesus Christ brought forgiveness, life and salvation to lost sinners. He helped, where nobody else could. With his caring and merciful hands he filled countless empty hands. He changed water into wine and in the desert he feed thousands. He truly is the saviour of the world, who can help, when we are helpless. He can create good out of nothing and even make evil serve us well and to our best. It’s easy to create an excellent meal if you have top ingredients. The real art of cooking is to make something special with limited resources. Well, our God Jesus Christ can do all and everything with little and even out of nothing.

Remember the stories of Gideon? God sent back most of his fighting men, so that nobody would get the idea, that it was their numbers, force or power that saved Israel. Well, he’s like that even today. He sometimes lets us get to the very end of our tether – and lets us realise that we are at our wits end and at the end of our ideas, resources and ways out, just to make us trust, hope and fear him above all things. If we have him, we don’t need to ask for heaven and earth, because he himself is the very highest good, our best friend and very real Lord and God.

In the Christmas story set by Carl Orff and sung by the Toelzer Knabenchor, the shepherds discuss the gifts brought by the wise men from the east. The gold impresses them and the incense and myrrh leave them somewhat speechless. They ask, why those kings of old, these rich men from afar don’t just set up Joseph and Mary to really take good care of baby Jesus, whom they adore and worship. Why don’t they set up a proper carpentry shop with the most elaborate and sophisticated tools, so that Joseph would be able to really make a killing in the business. Why don’t they supply the mother of God, the blessed Virgin with a special house and garden to take best care of the little own, she’s entrusted with. Similarly Paul Gerhard sings what he would have like to do to make little baby Jesus lie comfortable and appropriately on precious fabrics and with most beautiful decorations and fitting surroundings. Until one of the boys says: “This story just goes very differently.” Why? Because that is God’s will. He became poor to make all else rich. He lands up on the cross and finally in the grave prepared for another.

I have also often thought, what the Church could do if we had donors like the muslim faithful, who built the impressive mosque, university and shopping mall in Midrand – half way between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Or the buddhist supporters, who built the impressive temple structures in Bronkhorstspruit for all to see, who drive from Pretoria to Middleburg on the N4. Why is it that the church – and especially the confessional Church – has such depressing financial woes and has to get by on a shoestring, whereas crazy endeavours seem to sprout up every day seemingly without any financial constraints?

Can you imagine what would happen if the Church could build a training institution – a first-class Seminary with a state of the art library and capable, competent and enthusiastic staff, who would go about their prime calling to serve to train Lutheran pastors from across the continent to become faithful missionaries, evangelists, teachers and bishops as if they were serving their Lord and God himself – without any financial constraints? A facility, where the students and their families could live comfortably and in fitting style to go about learning and training for their prime calling: Serving the Lord amongst his people in Africa + without financial worries and anxieties? Well, perhaps that would be heaven and not our real world, where most people and especially in Africa have very real financial cares and burdens every day. Perhaps it’s just not beneficial for the Church to just think and live according to the motto: “We can!”, but rather everyday asking humbly: “Give us our daily bread!” And he does so over good and bad. He let’s it rain abundantly and even sustains in drought and hard times. He is a good God, who takes special and best care of us – always – in good and bad days. Perhaps our dependance on each other also keeps the one, holy Christian Church working together as a family, which is entrusted to each other and thus prevented from going off separately, individually and just in ever diminishing and shrinking independent sectarian groupings – because we no longer need each other, but can far better stand on our own feet – not even realising how much poorer we are for this our standing alone and in our own corner, missing out on the blessings and enrichment of the others, brothers and sisters in the Lord, in his church and mission. But would it not be wonderful if we had places like CS St.Louis or CTS Ft.Wayne on all continents – or at least on this continent, where there are still so many, who would like to take up the calling to serve faithfully as pastors, teachers, evangelists, missionaries and bishops of the Church?

St. Luke does not write about the wise men from the east, but he does write a lot about Jesus meeting rich and prosperous people, calling them to repentance too and preaching the gospel to the poor. See, rich people are challenged to believe that they actually can handle things themselves. They don’t need anybody else. They imagine themselves to be independent. Sometimes they are tempted to think, that they don’t even need God. Like the Inquisitor in Dostoyevsky’s novel. He was under the illusion, that he and his Inquisition could do God’s mission better without Jesus and without him interfering. Like the rich young man, whom Jesus loved. He walked off sadly, because he didn’t believe that Jesus had something to offer, that would balance his loss if he gave everything to the poor and followed him instead. Yet there are those, who stand up and follow Jesus and never need to look back, but rather have now found life and salvation missing nothing: Zaccheus, Matthews, Joseph of Arimathea, Lydia, the treasurer from Ethiopia etc. Jesus says: “Today salvation has come to this house.” (Lk.19:9)

Even St.Peter asks his Lord and master: So what is in it for us? We’ve left everything behind and have followed you. What’s that leave us with? Jesus does not put him down, but assures him, that he has not made a bad move and that he has not be discriminated against or been short-changed, when he was called into following Jesus. He’s not to be disappointed. He’s not going to be ashamed, because as heir of the kingdom of heaven he’ll realise rather sooner than later that he’s not lost everything or anything really, but rather gained all and everything – a better home: heaven! A better family: the holy Christian Church! The very best life – eternal, blessed and at perfect peace with his very best friend and only God and Lord: Jesus Christ, who is all in all, and we can be in his presence now and forever.  Amen.

O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is
My paradise at which my soul reclineth.
For there, O Lord, Doth lie the Word Made flesh for us;
here-in Thy grace forth shineth.

He whom the sea And wind obey
Doth come to serve the sinner in great meekness.
Thou God’s own Son, With us are one,
Dost join us and sour children in our weakness.

Thy light and grace Our guilt efface,
Thy heavenly riches all our loss retrieving.
Immanuel, Thy birth doth quell
The power of hell and Satan’s bold deceiving.

Thou Christian heart, Who ever thou art,
Be of good cheer and let no sorrow move thee!
For God’s own Child, In mercy mild,
Joins thee to Him; how greatly God must love thee!

Remember thou What glory now
The Lord prepared thee for all earthly sadness.
The angel host Can never boast
Of greater glory, greater bliss or gladness.

The world may hold Her wealth and gold;
But thou, my heart, keep Christ as thy true treasure.
To Him hold fast Until at last
A crown be thine and honour in full measure.

Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76

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Herrenhuter readings for the 28th December 2014, 1st Sunday after Christmas and the Holiday of the holy Innocents

Posted on December 28, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Bamberger_Apokalypse-_Book_with_Seven_Seals_-_The_Woman_and_the_Dragon“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear.” (Ecclesiastes 5:1) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21) 

That’s a good encouragement on the morning of the first Sunday after Christmas, but probably most appropriate on most days of the year: Being more than ready to hear! Hear, what the Lord has done for us and our salvation. Hear, what the Lord wants. Hear, what the Lord has in store for us today, tomorrow and in eternity. The little baby Jesus is not all and his story does not finish with those shepherds going back home. No, this is only the beginning of his way here on earth, revealing to us the words and ways of the heavenly Father. And we should be more than willing to hear more about and from him as the day, week and year progresses. We’ll never finishing hearing from him, because of the unfathomable profundity of his knowledge, wisdom, grace, hope and mercy, which he is so willing to share and grant to us even. A life long under his care and gracious giving does not suffice to absorb and receive all he has to give – for he is rich and abundantly wealthy in resources and divine treasures. Even after an entire and extremely gifted life, we can only confess, that we are beggars and only reflect a fraction of God’s possibilities and divers options. It remains true from beginning to end – he is the creator and giving, sharing God, whereas we are but the creatures and always receiving beneficiaries. Therefore keep thy foot in the door of the heavenly realms, go to church where you can hear his holy Word preached purely, truthfully and faithfully and be most willing to hear, learn and obey his divine revelation of his will and promises. It’s your life that’s at stake.

The other side of the coin is to lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, which tends to entice and entangle us so easily. The best medicine and help against this is God’s holy Word itself. That is able to teach, admonish, reprimand, guide and protect us. And  – and that’s it’s true benefit and most precious aid and efficacious gift – it is able to save you, your soul and all and everything. God’s word is powerful to do this. In all its clarity and sufficiency it is able to work our salvation, save, forgive and grant life everlasting – just as it has the power and might to accuse, condemn and damn eternally. Therefore we should deal most carefully, diligently and faithfully with it – not letting one word drop down inattentively, but rather giving it all our attention, hearing, meditating, learning it by heart and keeping it in our heart like the blessed virgin Mary and mother of God did with those words, that the angel had said to her – and also the shepherds – and the wise men from the east. So initially we too hear and learn some key watchwords – only to extend and widen our scope and focus more and more to grasp the apostolic and prophetic words more and more, tapping forgiveness, life and salvation from them more and more and getting to know, trust and hope more and more on all that God has done for us and our salvation – then and now, here and in the world to come.

So today, we go to Church once again to hear what the Lord did to save his only begotten son from the fierce dragon, that was just so eager to crush, destroy and even devour the little saviour and his holy mother Mary (Revelation 12,1-6) and we’ll hear how in his ferocity he brutally slaughtered those holy innocents in his vain attempt to get to the one, who was to save Israel and the world, destroy the evil works of the devil and his ilk and bring the kingdom of God to those, who were in darkness and shadow of death – without hope and utterly lost. We’ll hear how, God fled to Egypt and sought shelter in Africa from persecution and found temporary refuge and sanctuary there. From the very start and beginning it all seemed like a somewhat doomed endeavour.  The dragon was just so fierce. The evil just so overwhelming and powerful. The child so fragile and helpless. However God is in control and does not grant the evil own respite or decisive victory either. Rather he flees and escapes into peace – just in the arms of his mothers and under the care of St. Joseph. What is that against the armies of Herod? Well, it was quite enough. He was in safety. He was not caught before his time and he would do and accomplish all that he was sent to do. Doing the will of the Father perfectly and while it was day. Fulfilling all that was demanded by the most holy law and divine precepts – until finally he breathed his last and said: “It is done. Into your hands o Father I commit my spirit.” We hear this, We believe and confess it. For the gospel of Jesus Christ is the power to save all that believe in it – Jews and gentiles. Thank God for it now and always.

So – let’s get ready and off to church – listening, hearing, learning, taking to heart, trusting and enjoying all that he has done for us and our salvation. Amen.

“Hark! What Mean Those Holy Voices” by John Cawood, 1775-1852

1. Hark! what mean those holy voices
Sweetly sounding through the skies?
Lo, the angelic host rejoices,
Heavenly hallelujahs rise.

2. Listen to the wondrous story
Which they chant in hymns of joy,
Glory in the highest, glory!
Glory be to God most high!

3. Peace on earth, good will from heaven,
Reaching far as man is found;
Souls redeemed and sins forgiven!
Loud our golden harps shall sound.

4. Christ is born, the great Anointed;
Heaven and earth, His praises sing!
Oh, receive whom God appointed
For your Prophet, Priest, and King.

5. Hasten, mortals, to adore Him,
Learn His name and taste His joy,
Till in heaven ye sing before Him,
“Glory be to God most high!”

6. Let us learn the wondrous story
Of our great Redeemer’s birth;
Spread the brightness of His glory
Till it cover all the earth.

The Lutheran Hymnal Hymn #83  Text: Luke 2:14
Author: John Cawood, 1819, alt. Tune: “Stuttgart”
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Herrenhuter readings for Saturday, the 27th December (Holiday of the apostle and evangelist St.John)

Posted on December 27, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Begstvo_v_Egipet._Nachalo_XVII_vArise therefore, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee. (1 Chronicles 22:16) and Behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”(Matthew 2:13) 

King Solomon was not to lie low, but get going and start building that temple of God and get it done and finished. The Lord was behind this work. It was not just his own doing, but part of God’s mission and plan for his people in Israel: The temple in Jerusalem. And what a magnificent temple it became. It became proverbial in the ancient world and even today there are those with lots of money to spare, who emulate this temple of days and times long past. The living God however does not what us to replicate old buildings, traditional foods, seasons and fancy dress parties and then think, we are doing his will and that he will then bless us. The Bible is no book of do-it-yourself recipes. Not by a long shot. Rather there is is much more to it and much less too. It’s the Holy Spirit, who leads in all truth, who calls us to Jesus Christ and keeps us with him – and some even through this very same holy word of God are hardened in their sinful desires, malice and vain ways to stumble forth into perdition. Yet this calamity is not of God’s design or merciful will, but rather due to their callous hearts and wrongful ways. You don’t hear of Jesus or his apostles rebuilding the arc or the temple or playing at a dress rehearsal for being high-priest. God’s will for us and in our calling is a different one to Samuel, Solomon or Saul. Therefore we should first of all attend very carefully to what God is indeed saying and to whom and what he really wants. Here it very clear, that he wants King Solomon to build the temple and to get on with it without undue delay – and he would be with him in all his doings.

The second reading is from the Christmas gospel and tells about the angels next visit to St.Joseph after the wise men had departed and gone home. The angel appears to him in a dream and orders him to get going too, but not to start building or crafting some carpentry in his workshop, but rather to let everything just be and flee. Leaving all behind and fleeing without delay to escape the cunning wiles of King Herod, who was out to kill the little baby – King Jesus – the Messiah and Saviour of the world. St.Joseph was not to act heroic and make a last stand of note, but rather to move out, push off and get lost in the African desert up in Egypt. Migrants, refugees, exiles! That’s the band Jesus was joining in his earliest days. Not last man standing! No – tomorrow on the Holiday of the holy Innocents we’ll hear of those, who many babies and infants, who had stayed in Bethlehem. Slaughtered and massacred like vermin by all the king’s men. Joseph, was not in hiding. He was not in the underground, but had moved off, made way, fled. Thank God for the gold given by the visitors from the east. Thank God too for the myrrh and incense.  It surely would come in handy on the way and to pay for their stay in the foreign country and to get by all those tax-collectors, border posts and policemen out to make a quick buck from desperate refugees fleeing as hastily as they could.

Two very different stories and yet they both show us very clearly that God wants us to listen to him, do what he calls us to do and yet not just duplicate the business of another. That’s why we pray: Your will be done with us also! That’s why we don’t just assume that God will bless all our thoughts, words and deeds – no matter what. No, we are careful to listen to his guidance, do as he bids us do in his ten commandments, keeping to his fundamental rules of loving, trusting and fearing him above all else – and our neighbour as ourselves and going about the business of our training, job and calling as he would want us to. Looking up to Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, striving to live according to his ways and to be very open for correction, critique and also repentance and turning away from ways that are obviously against his divine will – even if we only realize that in hindsight. Open for confession, looking for forgiveness and crawling back into our baptism daily. This makes the life of a Christian unique and quite exiting really. It’s never boring. Never just as has been, but always God’s wonderful and merciful way with his faithful in new times and new places. It’s never just a replica, but rather his unique call to obedience and faithful discipleship wherever we are – even if it means fleeing and rushing off into the unknown, over traditional boundaries and way beyond our comfort zone.

Often St.Joseph is depicted as an old and rather uninterested party at the nativity. Well, the angel addressed him and obviously got him to get baby Jesus and his blessed virgin mother to safety. He was active as a carpenter in Nazareth, got his wife lodging in the overfilled Bethlehem – even if it was only to have the little baby find rest in a manger – and he brought Jesus safely to and from Egypt. That alone is a story to tell. I regret that St.Luke never got to tell us that too.

The Angel here focusses Joseph on his message. Now you go – and then you stay until I give word to you again. So just like St.Mary, who kept all these words and moved them in her heart, Joseph too is for us an example of one listening to the words of the Lord. Don’t forsake Mary. Don’t be afraid to take her under your care. Now go to Egypt and wait until I call you. Not much really, but Joseph did as he was told. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Jesus got to safety in Egypt – and to Africa. Even at the very end of his earthly life an African carried his cross (Simon of Cyrene) and the Church has always found refuge in Africa again and again. It sounds as if that is happening even in these our latter days: Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania. Faithful havens of the true gospel and the place where God’s holy Word is heard – loud and clear, unadulterated and all that he himself taught his one holy Christian Church. Amen.

“Christ the Lord to Us Is Born” by unknown Bohemian

Christ the Lord to us is born,
Hallelujah!
On this joyous Christmas morn,
Hallelujah!
Of a virgin lowly,
He the King most holy,
He the King most holy,
Born this day to save us.

2. Prophesied in days of old,
Hallelujah!
God has sent Him as foretold,
Hallelujah!
Of a virgin lowly,
He the King most holy,
He the King most holy,
Born this day to save us.

3. Our poor human form He took,
Hallelujah!
Realms of heaven He forsook,
Hallelujah!
Of a virgin lowly,
He the King most holy,
He the King most holy,
Born this day to save us.

4. Prostrate lies the Evil One,
Hallelujah!
God has saved us through His Son,
Hallelujah!
Of a virgin lowly,
He the King most holy,
He the King most holy,
Born this day to save us.

5. Grace divine, be with us still,
Hallelujah!
Keep us from all harm and ill,
Hallelujah!
Of a virgin lowly,
He the King most holy,
He the King most holy,
Born this day to save us.

6. Grant us, Lord, a blessed end,
Hallelujah!
To our souls Thy comfort send,
Hallelujah!
Of a virgin lowly,
He the King most holy,
He the King most holy,
Born this day to save us.

The Lutheran Hymnal Hymn #86 Text: Luke 2:11
Author: unknown Bohemian author ab.1400 Tune: “Salvator natus”

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Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 26th December 2014 (2nd Christmas Day: Holiday of St. Stephens)

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

saintstephen“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.” (Isaiah 55,1) and He who was seated on the throne said: “To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” (Revelation 21:5-6) 

More than anything else God’s holy Word gives us his most precious promises and gifts. Just like at Christmas when those shepherds are invited to behold the glad tidings of the saviours birth and to go and find him  by following the signs highlighted by the angelic preacher. They go and they see, that all they heard is true and that God is faithful and keeps all his promises. Or just like with St.Stephen, the Churches first martyr, who is today commemorated on this 2nd Holiday of Christmas. He had heard and even proclaimed that the Lord Jesus Christ was more than the holy temple in Jerusalem. The Jesus Christ, who was innocently crucified by malicious rebells against God, was living and actually standing at the right  hand of God (Acts 7:56) with all authority in heaven and on earth, revealed himself to his faithful servant so that he saw, that all these Christian promises, proclamations and confessions concerning Christ and his works of salvation for us and all the world were true, steadfast and trustworthy. So when St.Stephen died there on the outskirts of the holy city Jerusalem it was not the catastrophe for the Christian Church, but rather his triumphant and victorious entry into the heavenly realms and into the visible and enduring presence of the highest good Jesus Christ in the company of the Father and the Holy Spirit. So much so, that he – just like his Lord and master Jesus Christ on the cross – prayed for his enemies: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60) and committed his all into the good, gracious and caring hands of his Lord. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. Not in vain, but bearing fruit, which lasts forever. St. Stephen was granted the heavenly vision to share with us, who are so blind that we can’t see. He was allowed to perceive the Lord Jesus Christ in his glory to comfort him and enable his good confession, but also to strengthen and encourage us to not give up under pressure, tribulation and even the bitter pangs of death. Rather we should wait and endure patiently until we finally are also brought there, where we’ll behold, what we have here believed. Now we focus on the promises in the sure confidence that he, who has promised them is faithful and will finish the good work he has begun.

Behold, there are many who are thirsty in this world. Thirsty for life and eternity, for healing and comfort, for friendship and forgiveness, for a wholesome relation with God and fellowmen. That was like that in the times of the great prophet of the Lord Isaiah and in God’s name, in his stead and by his command he is authorised to preach and promise free waters to those, who thirst. He promises the coming saviour, who will provide this salvation and gift of eternal life. When our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns in eternity, he, who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, when he came incarnate to dwell amongst us as our brother, he fulfilled this promise here and there in exemplary fashion. He literally quenched the thirst of that Samaritan women at the well, but also satisfied that thirst of so many others – granting more than was promised with his godly abundance and power in that he even changed plain water into the most delightful wine at that festive wedding  in Kana. That’s typical of our Lord. He does more and far better even than we’d expect and could ever hope for. Just think of the wonderful gift of his final testament – the Lord’s supper of his most holy body and blood. That’s the divine feast for us poor souls and beggars – quenching our thirst for life in the most fundamental and lasting way. Granting forgiveness, peace and healing now and forever – so that having him, we don’t ask for heaven nor earth any more, but are content, grateful and heartily joyful and full of praises. He is the very spring, source and goal of life +

Now, we should remember that this very Lord, who is so good to us, suffered the most terrible thirst, tribulation and even death for us. He, who offers free drinks of pure life and salvation, himself cries out: “I am thirsty!” Suffering, what no man can imagine here – hellish fire and pain like the rich man crying out to Abraham: “I am in anguish in this flame” (Lk.17,24) But Abraham responds that there is no way from hell to heaven – and once those heavenly doors are shut, there is no way to enter anymore. There is a too late! Our Lord went through this. He was victorious in overcoming this hellish fire and desperate separation from God. He endured and overcame hell, death and devil through his victorious resurrection. That’s how he showed himself as the truth, the way and the life. He did that for us and our salvation. So that we would not succumb in the throws of death, but rather like himself and by his grace and power overcome too. That’s what was granted to St.Stephen. That’s what we hope and trust for in our final hour too.

Therefore hear the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ today as he invites you to come and drink at his living fountains of still waters of life. Listen to his friendly promises and taste, how friendly he is to you – not wanting anybody to be lost, but rather that everybody is helped, saved and comes to his blessed truth. He is the door to life, the very truth and the only way to the Father. So, come to him and drink – its for free. He has purchased it costly with his own precious blood shed for you there under Pilate and on Golgotha. Not with gold or silver – those are but passing treasures – but rather with his very own life – godly, holy and priceless – given for you into death, so that you may be rescued from sin, death and all evil and come to everlasting life and salvation by his grace, mercy and unremitting favour.  Our Lord is faithful and keeps his promises. Trust him. He’ll never fail you. Amen.

Let us sing with the wonderful confession of Timothy Dwight (1752-1817): “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord”

1. I love Thy kingdom, Lord,
The house of Thine abode,
The Church our blest Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.

2. I love Thy Church, O God,
Her walls before Thee stand,
Dear as the apple of Thine eye
And graven on Thy hand.

3. Should I with scoffers join
Her altars to abuse?
No! Better far my tongue were dumb,
My hand its skill should lose.

4. For her my tears shall fall,
For her my prayers ascend,
To her my cares and toils be given
Till toils and cares shall end.

5. Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.

6. Jesus, Thou Friend Divine,
Our Savior and our King,
Thy hand from every snare and foe
Shall great deliverance bring.

7. Sure as Thy truth shall last,
To Zion shall be given
The brightest glories earth can yield
And brighter bliss of heaven.

Hymn #462 The Lutheran Hymnal Text: Ps.137
Author: Timothy Dwight, 1800, ab., alt. Composer: Aaron Williams, 1770

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Lutheran order of the divine service in isiZulu and seTswana.

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Anna and Simeon (1)The Lutheran Order of Service for the Sunday after Christmas is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word from the holy Gospel of St. Luke chapter 2 verses 25-38 written by Pastor Mkhabela (Gamalakhe LC, KZN) in isiZulu (wz1506141227 ngeyokuqala emva komkhosi wokukhumbula ukuzwala kweNkosi) and translated as usual into seTswana (w1506141228 Sontaga wa 1 morago ga moletlo wa botsalo) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN)

The readings for this first Sunday after Christmas:

  • Old Testament: Isaiah 49:13-16
  • The Epistle: 1. John 1:1-4
  • The Gospel: St. Luke 2:(22-24) 25-38 (39-40)
  • Psalm: 93:1; 96:6; 93:2.5

The liturgical colour is white.

May you have a very blessed Christmas holiday and even have time to meditate on the watchword for this high festive season: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1,14)

We pray with the Collect for Christmas: Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that the new birth of Thine only begotten Son in the flesh may set us free, who are held in the old bondage under the yoke of sin; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, insight and wisdom, mercy, compassion, knowledge and clarity of both thought and speech – 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 for 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.

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Herrenhuter readings for Thursday, the 25th December (Christmas)

Posted on December 25, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Nativity-scene_GIOTTOThe eternal God is your refuge (Deuteronomy 33:27) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

No question: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps.46:1). This is a great comfort and encouragement. And when the trouble seems greatest, God is near, he is able to deliver and he does so, when the time is ripe.

“When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” (Galatians 4:4f) That’s the greatest trouble of all, that we were unholy, unfit and unworthy of living in the presence of the eternal God – without refuge and help. Rather God himself was our enemy and distractor. That’s no way to live. On the run and no where to hide really. However God sent forth his Son, born of the holy Virgin Mary, made under the law, to redeem us under the constant and unfailing accusations of the law. No longer enemies, no longer victims of God’s wrath, but rather adopted sons with Jesus Christ our brother, our saviour and Lord. 

Now that’s his glory and special place in history, yes on earth and in heaven, that he has redeemed mankind. He has regained God’s favour for all descendants of Adam and Eve. No longer outcasts, foreigners or vagrants, but rather part of the family, dearest friends and heirs of the heavenly way of life. This truth we owe his grace. Without his mercy and goodness, which was revealed there on the field of Bethlehem to the shepherds in the wide open spaces and which called the wise men from afar to kneel down at the manger, we would have been lost, stranded and hopeless. Yet God did not reject and neglect us. He came and dwelt amongst us, so that we could behold his glory full of truth and grace.

So, come and see. Look and listen. Behold the glory of your king and hear his truth and be sustained and vitalised by his grace. For he comes even today – in his most precious gospel and his most holy means of grace. In the stories recorded for our benefit by the workings of the Holy Spirit through apostles and prophets of old in both the old and new testaments of the Bible he reveals himself as the one, who has come for us and our salvation. That’s what the Church year is about and that’s why we go to Church not just on Christmas Eve, but always, again and again, listening to God’s truth and grace. For it is good, meet and salutary to be in the House of our Father – better than otherwise a thousand!

Blessed are those, who still find a pastor and a church, who will preach the truth and grace of the eternal, the old God – and don’t digress into all sorts of myths and fables, morals and political correctness and other vain attempts of legalists, clowns, entertainers, bookkeepers, bureaucrats and lawyers letting us succumb to get by without God and without words of his truth and grace. A place where his grace and truth are proclaimed and shared for the benefit and edification of visitors, sharers and partakers in the holy things – and not just on Christmas, but throughout the year sharing the richness and fullness and joy and pleasure of God’s goodness and mercy, which are new every morning and are revealed throughout his wonderful lectionary and most holy law and gospel. The proclamation of his most holy will and the forgiveness of all our sins, so that we too can depart in peace and go our way joyful and glad. Amen.

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

Hail the day so rich in cheer For each earthborn creature! God’s won Son from heav’n draws near, Takes our human nature; Of a virgin born is He; Mary, by the Lord’s decree, Is become a mother. See the miracle of love; God Himself, from heav’n above, Came to be our Brother!

Child of wonder, virgin born, King of all creation, On this happy Christmas morn Come for our salvation! Were this Child for us not born, We should all be lost, forlorn, No true hope possessing. Dear Lord Jesus, thanks to Thee Now and thro’ eternity For this grace and blessing! Amen.

Dies est laetitia (Is 9,6) Der Tag der ist so freudenreich. (TLH 78)

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