Lutheran order of the divine service for Christmas in isiZulu and seTswana.

Posted on December 24, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

NativityThe Lutheran Order of Service for the high Holiday of Christmas (The Feast of the nativity of our Lord) 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 1-20 written by Pastor P.C. Weber (Ohlangeni LC, KZN) in isiZulu (wz1505141225 umkhosi wokukhumbula ukuzalwa kweNkosi) and translated as usual into seTswana (wt1505141225 ka moletlo wa go gopola botsalo jwa Morena) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).

The readings for this Christmas Holiday – the feast of the nativity of our Lord:

  • Old Testament: Prophet Micha 5:1-4a
  • The Epistle: St. Titus 3:4-7
  • The Gospel: St. Luke 2:1-20
  • Psalm: 96:1-3.9
  • 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 Wednesday, the 24th December 2014

Posted on December 24, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

nativity-christ icon“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them – the shepherds – , and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.“ (Luke 2,9-11) 

“From heaven above to earth I come
To bear good news to every home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
Whereof I now will say and sing” (Martin Luther 1535) 

What a sight to behold by those simple shepherds in the fields – the heavenly hosts in all their splendour, rejoicing and praising God for his miracles and wonders, yes, glorifying him for the greatest wonder of all – the birth of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ in the city of David, in Bethlehem. The saviour of the world and all its people lying in a manger, born by the blessed virgin mother Mary and coming for us and our salvation. That’s the testimony from on high, carried over by the holy angel and witnessed by those poor and terrified shepherds on the open fields of Bethlehem.

They were greatly afraid. They didn’t know, what to make of it. They were overwhelmed by the glory of the Lord, that was all around them. Quite extraordinary for sure. Yet the angelic testimony was straightforward and sure. First of all, they were not to be afraid. This was not an attack on them, but rather this message was for them, to their eternal benefit, for their blessed salvation too. In our sinfulness and downright simple foolishness concerning all things godly, we are afraid were we should rejoice, grateful and full of courage and bliss were we should rather be shocked, petrified and just plain dead afraid. This divine testimony puts things in proper perspective. The shepherds are encouraged to relax, listen carefully and then do what the angel commands them – straightforward, enlightening and pure words of wisdom and gospel blessing.

Secondly the angel tells these plain folk out there, that he’s bringing good tidings and great joy for all people. Instead of bad news and causes for lament and mourning, the angel is bringing the best of news. It’s good, meet and salutary! No strings attached. Just plain joy to the world the Lord has come! And these good tidings are not just for some select few, not just as usual for the rich and mighty, but rather its meant for them out there in the sticks. That’s why the angel comes to them first, because they would have had their doubts. That’s why the angel tells them its for all people and not just for the lucky chosen ones. No, they too are chosen to hear it, because they too are in the focus of God’s most holy mission of salvation, redemption and bringing eternal life. The angel doesn’t speak in some hidden heavenly tongue, but addresses those unlearned and wretched working staff in the fields so that they can hear, understand and take to heart, what great and wonderful tidings are shared with them from heaven.

This is the light that shines out there in the darkness. It dispels the night and grants light and salvation. It’s illuminating all the hearts and minds out there. And it dawns to those care takers, this is for real. The new day of God’s grace, mercy, goodness and peace has broken – never to cease again. God’s favour has been revealed to all people. Nothing could be more important or vital and lifesaving than that. It’s the crucial message for everybody. For if God’s for us, who can be against us. Nothing can rip us from his loving hand and merciful care. Never ever! For that’s the final headline of this message: Christ the Lord has been born! We’re no longer alone. God is with us: Immanuel + He is not against us. God is for us, so we can call him Father and Jesus Christ is our brother. We’re in good company even though we’re in bad shape and now all and everything will serve to our best. We are not lost, but saved by Jesus Christ our Lord. That’s the truth. That’s what makes the world go round. That’s our wisdom, our boasting and our comfort in all our troubles and as we carry our cross following him too.

Let us continue to focus on these good tidings as we go our way and do our calling. Let us concentrate on that, taking comfort out of his promise that he is the saviour of the world and of all i.e. also of us – and let us not be put off by his lowly appearance. Let us not doubt his divine authority and power to save, redeem and give new life out of death to all who are lost in sin and caught up in all sorts of bondage even as he lies in the manger and at the breast of his holy mother. It is him. There is no other. Let us draw near with confident and trusting hearts, fearing, loving and trusting him above all else. He is the King of glory. He is the Lord of Lords. Therefore we fall down before him, adore and worship him alone + and cry: Lord, have mercy on us poor miserable sinners + See, he has given his only begotten Son for us and our salvation. He has had mercy on us and granted us remission of all our sins for his sake. That’s why we’re on holiday now. It’s the festive season. The time of God’s favour – without end +

Now we pray to him: O Lord by Thy Holy Spirit increase in us poor simple folk the true knowledge and wisdom of Thee and of Thy holy will and grant us increase in true obedience to Thy Word, to the end that by Thy grace we may come to everlasting life – through Jesus Christ, our Lord born in Bethlehem and proclaimed by the angelic hosts, witnessed by the simple shepherds and found by the wise men from the east. Lord, we praise and glorify your name and your miracles and wonders, but above all we magnify you as you were and as you are and as you will be – the saviour of us all + Amen.

2. “To you this night is born a child
Of Mary, chosen virgin mild;
This little child, of lowly birth,
Shall be the joy of all the earth.

3. “This is the Christ, our God and Lord,
Who in all need shall aid afford;
He will Himself your Savior be
From all your sins to set you free.

4. “He will on you the gifts bestow
Prepared by God for all below,
That in His kingdom, bright and fair,
You may with us His glory share.

5. “These are the tokens ye shall mark:
The swaddling-clothes and manger dark;
There ye shall find the Infant laid
By whom the heavens and earth were made.”

6. Now let us all with gladsome cheer
Go with the shepherds and draw near
To see the precious gift of God,
Who hath His own dear Son bestowed.

7. Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes!
What is it in yon manger lies?
Who is this child, so young and fair?
The blessed Christ-child lieth there.

8. Welcome to earth, Thou noble Guest,
Through whom the sinful world is blest!
Thou com’st to share my misery;
What thanks shall I return to Thee?

9. Ah, Lord, who hast created all,
How weak art Thou, how poor and small,
That Thou dost choose Thine infant bed
Where humble cattle lately fed!

10. Were earth a thousand times as fair,
Beset with gold and jewels rare,
It yet were far too poor to be
A narrow cradle, Lord, for Thee.

11. For velvets soft and silken stuff
Thou hast but hay and straw so rough,
Whereon Thou, King, so rich and great,
As ’twere Thy heaven, art throned in state.

12. And thus, dear Lord, it pleaseth Thee
To make this truth quite plain to me,
That all the world’s wealth, honor, might,
Are naught and worthless in Thy sight.

13. Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for Thee.

14. My heart for very joy doth leap,
My lips no more can silence keep;
I, too, must sing with joyful tongue
That sweetest ancient cradle-song:

15. Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto us His Son hath given!
While angels sing with pious mirth
A glad new year to all the earth.

The Lutheran Hymnal Hymn #85  Text: Luke 2: 1-18
Author: Martin Luther, 1535
Tune: Vom Himmel hoch, da komm’ ich her
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1855, alt.

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Frohe Weihnachten und ein gesegnetes neues Jahr 2015 +

Posted on December 23, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Nativity iconLiebe Freunde und Verwandte: Eine frohe Weihnacht wuenschen wir Webers aus Murrayfield Euch und ein gesegnetes neues Jahr des Herrn 2015. Wer mehr von uns und unserem Ergehen im vergangenen Jahr 2014 erfahren moechte, kann gerne hier weiterlesen: Webers Rundbrief 2014

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Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 23rd December 2014

Posted on December 23, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

zacharias in the temple“Prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only.” (1.Samuel 7,3) and Zacharias said: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people … that we, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.” (Luke 1,68.75) 

St. Luke makes that point very clear, that there were holy and faithful Jews waiting for the coming of the Messiah all along. There are St.Elisabeth and her husband the priest St.Zacharias, who was visited by the archangel Gabriel during his temple service there in Jerusalem, but also St. Simeon of whom the evangelist writes: “this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” (Luke 2,25) and “there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was … was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” (Luke 2,36f) She “spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (ebd) Old and young, married and widowed, men and women – examples that God is faithful and keeps his people in the one holy Christian Church and the only saving faith from the very beginning to the very end. That’s his great faithfulness and trustworthiness.

These holy saints of the Church – redeemed, forgiven, sanctified and preserved in the saving faith in the coming Lord Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit – were waiting for the promised Messiah. In him they put all their hope and fixed all their longing on him alone. He was the one promised to Adam and Eve to crush the head of the evil serpent. He was the one promised to Abraham, in whom all nations of the world were to be blessed. He was the one, who was to be like Moses and Elijah – and then became far greater even. He was the one promised to the prophet Isaiah to be the servant of the Lord – born of the holy virgin – who would “bear our griefs and carry all our sorrows; who would be wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities; taking all  the chastisement for our peace was upon Him and to heal us by His stripes … For the Lord would lay on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53,4ff) Throughout the ages – for centuries really – Israel, the people of God, the faithful rest waited for him, looking forward to his salvation and the redemption of Israel and those sitting in darkness and shadow of death. Waiting, waiting, waiting and waiting even more until he finally came. He did not just come out of the blue, but rather sent his majestic messenger before himself – the archangel Gabriel, this imposing leader of angelic hosts – was sent to deliver the gospel of Jesus impeding arrival. This glorious and wonderful highlight of all human history was foretold by the forerunner St. John, the baptist – relative and distant cousin of Jesus himself – the last of the prophets of old. This venerable line of godly messengers. Speaking God’s word amongst God’s people and thus keeping the waning hope alive: The Messiah is coming – soon – surely. Don’t give up. Wake and wait some more and you will not be disappointed. For he’s coming for us and our salvation + Repent and believe in the holy Gospel of Jesus Christ, who is coming to seek and save the lost. Who will again put Israel in its rightful place and who will return the favour of God to all people. Peace and goodwill amongst men is part of his package, when he comes riding in to his own – on a donkey and the foal of this pack animal. 

So people heard the favourable announcement of the coming Saviour Jesus Christ. Some had their fun and put it off as a joke. Others just forgot about it. Others tried to disqualify it and find fault with it. Yet there were those, who looked up, who took courage from it, who lifted their eyes once more to the one, who was coming and searched carefully in his holy scriptures to  discover even more what was written and promised from the early days for it surely was not long now anymore. And they were not disappointed. God had mercy on them and us. He visited them and redeemed them so that they could live their lives fearlessly, but rather serving him in their various callings faithfully, in holiness and righteousness – doing good to their fellow men, blessing even those, who were cursing them and praying for those, who were persecuting and harming them. It’s God’s people under his care and never-ending goodness, peace and mercy + Amen.

Let us sing in glad anticipation “Comfort, Comfort, Ye My People”

1. Comfort, comfort, ye My people,
Speak ye peace, thus saith our God;
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
Mourning ‘neath their sorrows’ load.
Speak ye to Jerusalem
Of the peace that waits for them;
Tell her that her sins I cover
And her warfare now is over.

2. Yea, her sins our God will pardon,
Blotting out each dark misdeed;
All that well deserved His anger
He no more will see or heed.
She hath suffered many a day,
Now her griefs have passed away;
God will change her pining sadness
Into ever-springing gladness.

3. Hark, the Herald’s voice is crying
In the desert far and near,
Bidding all men to repentance
Since the Kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way;
Let the valleys rise to meet Him
And the hills bow down to greet Him.

4. Make ye straight what long was crooked,
Make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble,
As befits His holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord
Now o’er earth is shed abroad,
And all flesh shall see the token
That His Word is never broken.

The Lutheran Hymnal Hymn #61  on Text: Is. 40:1-8
Author: Johann Olearius, 1671 Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Titled: “Troestet, troestet meine Lieben” and Tune: “Freu dich sehr o meine Seele”
1

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Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 22nd December 2014

Posted on December 22, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Day_and_Night_Seph_the_ZethThe day is Yours, the night also is Yours; You have prepared the light and the sun. (Psalm 74,16) For now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. (Romans 13:11-12) 

That’s the rhythm of our world. Day and night alternate in absolute precision and regularity. Darkness and light take their turns. Our lives are determined by it. Sleeping and waking have their time and place. Its the framework of our being. Work and rest, tension and relaxation, doing and letting go, taking up our task and saying farewell is part of our routine. And isn’t it wonderful too? Getting up at dawn and seeing the first rays of sunlight illuminating the old trees? Seeing the sun set in the west and settling down for another lovely evening in the capital? Even the traffic sounds rather energised early in the morning when everything is rearing to get going, whereas in the evening it’s just finishing off and getting to the final destination, to shut off and down.

We’re not in control of this rhythmic life’s beat, we’re just partaking in in. It’s God’s breath in us, that keeps us going throughout and whenever he prevents and stops it, we are left breath- and lifeless. It is he, who keeps the world turning round and granting us space and time to go about our business at his calling, discretion and bidding. It’s him, who has implanted this cantus firmus into the very fabric of our life. Even if as infants our sleep at night was somewhat longer and as adults we’ve gotten used to keeping awake most of the night too, we can’t escape this rhythm for too long without taking damage and hurting bad. Obviously you can turn the night into day and it’s one of those privileges which adolescents and teenagers enjoy most. It gives them the feeling of being independent and being able to do their own thing. Yet even young and pumped up youths must catch up on sleep now and again. It’s just part of us and who we are. Insomnia is a serious ill and dampens the quality of life severely. Yet, we can now that be it night or day, be it the moon or the sun shining, it’s the Lord, who holds the earth and our lives – day in day out. It’s him, who wakes without slumbering and it is he, who grants us a restful break to recover and a new morning to start anew and afresh.

Even as days and nights roll on, the seasons change, the nights now after the equinox becoming longer and the days shorter for us in the south, we realise that another year has passed and our life’s candle has burnt down another unretrievable part, which we can’t replace or compensate by stretching our leftovers. It just doesn’t work that way. Our life is diminishing and the ever revolving hourglass continues to run out – ceaselessly. Even when we try most desperately to stop the train and enjoy the fleeting moment some more with our most beloved – our lives move on and we’re obligated to move along, keep going and move continuously towards the final goal and destination – our death and resurrection to eternal life.

Poor people, who only have seventy or eighty years to tick-off their bucket list here on earth. They are driven by the most relentless slave driver – the ticking clock marking time and their final demise. The great prophet Moses already knew, that even 8 decades of human life are but short and filled with toil and trouble all the way. And Saint Augustine, who had more than a fair share of carousing under the youthful compulsion to live a full-filled, meaningful and happy life later on confessed: “My soul is restless in me until it finds rest in you, o God!” You see, we are created in this way. It’s part of our human setup and innermost complexion – that we only come to completion and fulfilment when and where we are joined up, affixed and united with our alter-ego – God himself. Without this divine unity we are restless, hopeless and empty really. Off course we try to fill the void with all sorts of stuff, pets and desires, but that’s just a vain and rather desperate endeavour. Expecting even of those, who are most dear to us to fill this void, which they never can, just because they’re not God. Disappointment is inevitable. Disillusionment just a question of time. At the end all and everyone will have to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Lord alone – and it is he alone whom we should worship and adore, obey and follow, hope in and expect life from.

Thank God, that he has entered our life and world through Jesus Christ our Lord. Now we are no longer on that hopeless quest to find a meaning and fulfilment of our lives, while experiencing the harrowing and desperate slipping away of one hour after the other without us being able to even add just one minute (never mind a day!) to our fleeting lives – that’s just running through our fingers – unstoppable and intimidating really.

In Jesus Christ, we know that our own and sinful life is doomed, its finished and just going on for some limited period still. Yet since our baptism it’s past and history. No longer the determining paradigm of our existence. Rather Christ now lives in us. We’re his new creation and sharing in his resurrected life, which will not end anymore. He’s come into this world in the middle of the night and has let his light shine to dispel all darkness.  He’s the true morning star and the very sun of our lives – the centre and expanse, the be all and end all. Having him, we don’t ask for heaven and earth anymore. In him our hearts are at rest and peace. He’s our salvation – and he’s coming again to release us from all pent-up anxieties and hopeless desires still clinging to our old being – freeing us to be finally what we have here believed and hoped for – saved, redeemed and enjoying life unimpeded, perfect and fulfilled eternally and without end.

Don’t get impatient. It’s today nearer than ever before. Just as he came truly and in the flesh there in Bethlehem. So too will he come surely and visible for all to see in his glory – to complete and finish off his godly mission once and for all. Amen.

“Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”
by James Montgomery, 1771-1854

1. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed,
Great David’s greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed,
His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression,
To set the captive free,
To take away transgression,
And rule in equity.

2. He comes with succor speedy
To those who suffer wrong;
To help the poor and needy
And bid the weak be strong;
To give them songs for sighing,
Their darkness turn to light,
Whose souls, condemned and dying,
Were precious in His sight.

3. He shall come down like showers
Upon the fruitful earth,
And joy and hope, like flowers,
Spring in His path to birth.
Before Him on the mountains
Shall peace, the herald, go
And righteousness, in fountains,
From hill to valley flow.

4. Arabia’s desert ranger
To Him shall bow the knee,
The Ethiopian stranger
His glory come to see;
With offerings of devotion
Ships from the isles shall meet
To pour the wealth of ocean
In tribute at His feet.

5. Kings shall bow down before Him
And gold and incense bring;
All nations shall adore Him,
His praise all peoples sing;
To Him shall prayer unceasing
And daily vows ascend,
His kingdom still increasing,
A kingdom without end.

6. O’er every foe victorious,
He on His throne shall rest,
From age to age more glorious,
All blessing and all-blest.
The tide of time shall never
His covenant remove;
His name shall stand forever, —
That name to us is Love.

The Lutheran Hymnal Hymn #59 on  Text: Ps. 72
Author: James Montgomery, 1821
Composer: Leonhart Schroeter, 1587
Tune: “Freut euch, ihr lieben“

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Herrenhuter readings for the 4th Sunday in Advent, the 21st December 2014

Posted on December 21, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

3.-Advent-Angela-Sp.For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. (Psalm 103:11) Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne. (Revelations 1:4) 

A very blessed 4th Sunday in Advent to you and yours + It’s been a long way coming, but now Christmas is around the corner. It’s just about time for the big holidays of the Church celebrating the incarnation of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Lot’s has been done in preparations and the celebrations are going  to be marvellous around the globe – and all because the little baby Jesus was born of the virgin Mary there in Bethlehem with Joseph, some shepherds from the surrounding fields and all the heavenly hosts. God becomes man. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father in eternity becomes our brother. And blessed is everyone, who does not take offence at God’s wonderful doings + ways.

His thoughts, plans and works of salvation for us and all mankind are just divine and truly amazing. Way beyond any of our conceptions, theories and ideas. However its not just the way to salvation that is so out of this world, it is also and foremost the absolute mercy and goodness of his ways, miracles and wonders. See – none of us deserved to be saved. Our well earned lot was to be condemned forever to living  separated and distant from the source of all goodness and the presence of the living God himself. Yet he overcame the terrible divide. Gave himself as the ransom for us and returned us to the place, where we were destined to be by his very favour, grace, love and kindness. That’s why at his birth the angels sing gloriously: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14) It’s peace again between God and man. The enmity due to our sinful fall has ceased. We’re back in his favour and good books, because his Son Jesus Christ filled in our names there – way back in the most ancient of days. We belong to him and we’re destined to get back home finally. That’s the final chapter of the century long quest of mankind and all humanity. 

That’s why all over the world the celebrations are kicking off even now. We have all reason to be joyful and exited. God has given us his only begotten Son, so that all who believe in him, shall not perish, but live eternally at peace with him – now and for ever. So – let the party begin. The holidays are starting and we can praise and glorify our newborn king, who lives and reigns over all and forever – for us and our salvation. Amen.

“O Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee” by Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676

1. O Lord, how shall I meet Thee,
How welcome Thee aright?
Thy people long to greet Thee,
My Hope, my heart’s Delight!
O kindle, Lord, most holy,
Thy lamp within my breast
To do in spirit lowly
All that may please Thee best.

2. Thy Zion strews before Thee
Green boughs and fairest palms,
And I, too, will adore Thee
With joyous songs and psalms.
My heart shall bloom forever
For Thee with praises new
And from Thy name shall never
Withhold the honor due.

3. I lay in fetters, groaning,
Thou com’st to set me free;
I stood, my shame bemoaning,
Thou com’st to honor me;
A glory Thou dost give me,
A treasure safe on high,
That will not fail or leave me
As earthly riches fly.

4. Love caused Thy incarnation,
Love brought Thee down to me;
Thy thirst for my salvation
Procured my liberty.
O love beyond all telling,
That led Thee to embrace,
In love all love excelling,
Our lost and fallen race!

5. Rejoice, then, ye sad-hearted,
Who sit in deepest gloom,
Who mourn o’er joys departed
And tremble at your doom.
Despair not, He is near you,
Yea, standing at the door,
Who best can help and cheer you
And bids you weep no more.

6. Ye need not toil nor languish
Nor ponder day and night
How in the midst of anguish
Ye draw Him by your might.
He comes, He comes all willing,
Moved by His love alone,
Your woes and troubles stilling;
For all to Him are known.

7. Sin’s debt, that fearful burden,
Let not your souls distress;
Your guilt the Lord will pardon
And cover by His grace.
He comes, for men procuring
The peace of sin forgiven,
For all God’s sons securing
Their heritage in heaven.

8. What though the foes be raging,
Heed not their craft and spite;
Your Lord, the battle waging,
Will scatter all their might.
He comes, a King most glorious,
And all His earthly foes
In vain His course victorious
Endeavor to oppose.

9. He comes to judge the nations,
A terror to His foes,
A Light of consolations
And blessed Hope to those
Who love the Lord’s appearing.
O glorious Sun, now come,
Send forth Thy beams so cheering,
An guide us safely home.

The Lutheran Hymnal Hymn #58 on Text: Matt. 21: 1-9
Author: Paul Gerhardt, 1653 original title: Wie soll ich dich empfangen
Composer of Tune Melchior Teschner, 1613: Valet will ich dir geben

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Herrenhuter readings for Saturday, the 20th December 2014

Posted on December 20, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Jesus calms the storm with apostlesYou rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. (Psalm 89,10) But Jesus arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Matthew 8,26)

That’s just what we need before and during the Christmastide – a God that rules the raging seas and stills them at will, granting great calm. Thank God the almighty and merciful Lord of all, that he’s revealed himself as the one, who can and will do this.

From the beginning the seas are the unruly chaos forces too big for our control. Throughout the ages men have made use of the mighty currents, forceful winds and wide open spaces of the global oceans to move good, travel to and fro and flee here and there. Fishing the seven seas is as lucrative as ever and searching for your Moby Dick has lured adventurous entrepreneurs to a new Eldorado hidden beneath those waves again and again as they chase those blowing tell-tale plumes of white deeper and deeper into the depths. Today many talk of unheard of treasures under  the polar caps both north and south. Putin is licking his lips, but there are countless others, who would rather have it for themselves.  There are even plans to harness some of the unceasing motions of the deep sea currents and transfer them into our energy grids utilising the abundant strength ready for the picking. This does however all comes at a price and the seas strike a hard bargain – just ask Noah, Ahab’s wife or even St. Peter:  We’ve fished the entire night and caught nothing! 

Well, Jesus Christ – our Lord and God – proves himself as the one, who controls the waters of the depths, the oceans and seas as his own. He walks on it as on firm ground. He feeds his people from its abundance with great numbers of fish caught out of the blue. He even changes it into the best wine – signs of divine surplus and overflowing goodness, signs of the celestial feast to come and which we can expect as soon as he’s ready and opens up the doors to his heavenly realms for all his people to see and enjoy in eternal bliss. Even the most wonderful and delightful Christmas tree, gifts and lights will dim in comparison to the godly tree of life, the heavenly manger and God’s very own presence in absolute glory, beauty and fulfilment.

This Jesus stills the most violent storms and battles. Not just those on the Sea of Genesareth for that apostolic band, not just the Red Sea for the fleeing people of Israel, not just the Mediterranean Sea for the captive St. Paul and his military entourage, but also the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic and Pacific too. Keeping and preserving his people safe and sound even through the most terrible upheavals. No tornado, hurricane or tsunami can tear his people from his hand and loving care. He bears us close to his heart and doesn’t let us fall away by the wayside. Rather he calms the wind, lets the thunder die down and prevents the lightning bolts from harming his people. Together with the Church we sing: “His body and His blood I’ve taken In His blest Supper, feast divine; Now I shall never be forsaken, For I am His, and He is mine.My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray Thy peace may bless my dying day.” (LH 598,9)

It’s a deep truth that was confessed there by the orchestra on the sinking Titanic with those heart wrenching melody: “Nearer my God to thee…” or the hymn sung at the funeral of old Johannes, who was struck by lightning decades ago: “For me to live is Jesus, To die is gain for me…” or at the funeral of missionary Thomas Seidel, who drowned just meters from the shoreline in full sight of his family: “In the midst of earthly life…” or when Angelika’s little brother Martin was buried, who had drowned in the little family fish pond days before Christmas: “Who knows when death may overtake me…“. For little children can die, while old people must. That raging storm is still ahead and blessed are those, who don’t face that storm alone, but are covered, protected and strengthened by the Lord himself: “My God, my God for Jesus sake’ I pray: Thy peace may bless my dying day + ” (TLH 598)

We believe and confess that they, who have been baptised into the violent and stormy death of Christ – drowned in the raging floods of this chaos flood – that they will be raised again to eternal life with him by the divine power of his resurrection and creative word: I live and you shall live also! and Where I am my people shall be also! His merciful absolution and divine favour grant peace beyond all we know and have experienced so far – a great calm, salvation from all evil and eternal bliss in his gracious presence – even like the arc of old – a safe haven from the destructive deluge and chaotic floods, when all else will drown and perish, God’s people will be carried to safety and the eternal calm.

So we pray in anticipation of all storms and even the most dreadful one of death coming up front:”Then may death come today, tomorrow, I know in Christ I perish not; He grants the peace that stills all sorrow, Gives me a robe without a spot. My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray Thy peace may bless my dying day.” (TLH 598) Amen.

Let us now sing in glad adoration and faithful confidence the hymn “All Men Living Are But Mortal”  by Johann G. Albinus, 1624-1679 and translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878 in TLH 601.

1. All men Iiving are but mortal,
Yea, all flesh must fade as grass;
Only through death’s gloomy portal
To eternal Iife we pass.
This frail body here must perish
Ere the heavenly joys it cherish,
Ere it gain the free reward
For the ransomed of the Lord.

2. Therefore, when my God doth choose it,
Willingly I’ll yield my Iife
Nor will grieve that I should lose it,
For with sorrows it was rife.
In my dear Redeemer’s merit
Peace hath found my troubled spirit,
And in death my comfort this:
Jesus’ death my source of bliss.

3. Jesus for my sake desended
My salvation to obtain:
Death and hell for me are ended,
Peace and hope are now my gain;
Yea’ with joy I leave earth’s sadness
For the home of heavenly gladness,
Where I shall forever see
God, the Holy Trinity.

4. There is joy beyond our telling,
Where so many saints have gone;
Thousands, thousands, there are dwelling,
Worshiping before the throne,
There the Seraphim are shining,
Evermore in chorus joining:
“Holy, holy, holy, Lord!
Triune God, for aye adored!”

5. Patriarchs of sacred story
And the prophets there are found;
The apostles, too, in glory
On twelve seats are there enthroned
All the saints that have ascended
Age on age, through time extended,
There in blissful concert sing
Hallelujahs to their King.

6. O Jerusalem, how glorious
Dost thou shine, thou city fair!
Lo, I hear the tones victorious
Ever sweetly sounding there.
Oh, the bliss that there surprises!
Lo, the sun of morn now rises,
And the breaking day I see
That shall never end for me.

7. Yea, I see what here was told me,
See that wondrous glory shine,
Feel the spotless robes enfold me,
Know a golden crown is mine.
Thus before the throne so glorious
Now I stand a soul victorious,
Gazing on that joy for aye
That shall never pass away.

Hymn #601 The Lutheran Hymnal on Text: Is. 40:6
Author: Johann G. Albinus, 1652
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Titled: “Alle Menschen muessen sterben”

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Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 19th December 2014

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Joseph&angelThe Lord promised: “For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34) and the Angel proclaimed to Joseph: “And Mary will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthews 1:21)

That’s the big difference of our Lord and God has made in human history – not counting their sins against them and us, but rather forgiving the iniquities and remembering them no more. And there is a lot to forgive and lot’s to forget even as we look back on last week, last year and those things in our life, which just don’t go away like the mist in the morning or the dark of night at dawn and at the approach of the radiant son. Things we broke, corrupted or just left undone. Bad words said and good words swallowed. Evil devised and good ignored. How many opportunities wasted and how much that should rather just be left behind – if we but could!

Well, the Lord does just that. He does not deal with Israel and the gentile nations by counting up their faults, wrong doings and sins, but rather forgives them through Jesus Christ born of the virgin Mary and named by Joseph – Jesus – for he saves his people from sins. This promise created hope, trust and faith in the prophet Jeremiah and the little remnant spared in the doom that struck Israel in retribution for all their disbelief, idolatry and faithless ways. God’s gospel promise kept that flickering flame of faithful confession going even in exile and literally down in the pit and bogs.

Jesus did this forgiving business when he started off his saving ministry amongst God’s people, forgiving people and bringing them back into a new and favourable relationship with their God and heavenly Father by seeking them in their sinful existence and restoring them by his mighty and authoritative absolution and thus bringing about peace and goodwill amongst men. Glory to God in the highest!

Even today Jesus Christ, the true son of God and brother of all mankind has not given up on this his saving and forgiving mission. He sent out his apostles and those, he would properly call and ordain into the pastoral office of his holy Church with the divine mandate and in his own institution: “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:21-23)

That’s the wonderful institution of the office of the keys, that “special authority which Christ has given to His church on earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold forgiveness from the unrepentant as long as they do not repent.” (Martin Luther in the Small Catechism on “Confession: What is the Office of the Keys?” LSB 326) 

And so “I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners from the Christian congregation and absolve those, who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself.” (ebd) Thanks be to God for Jesus – Amen.

1 Jesus sinners does receive;
Oh, may all this saying ponder
Who in sin’s delusions live
And from God and heaven wander.
Here is hope for all who grieve
Jesus sinners does receive.

2 We deserve but grief and shame,
Yet his words, rich grace revealing,
Pardon, peace, and life proclaim;
Here their ills have perfect healing
Who with humble hearts believe
Jesus sinners does receive.

3 Sheep that from the fold did stray
Are not by the Lord forsaken;
Weary souls who lost their way
Are by Christ, the shepherd, taken
In his arms that they may live
Jesus sinners does receive.

4 Come, O sinners, one and all,
Come, accept his invitation.
Come, obey his gracious call;
Come and take his free salvation!
Firmly in these words believe
Jesus sinners does receive.

5 I, a sinner, come to you
With a penitent confession.
Savior, show me mercy, too;
Grant for all my sins remission.
Let these words my soul relieve
Jesus sinners does receive.

6 Oh, how blest is it to know,
Were as scarlet my transgression,
It shall be as white as snow
By your blood and bitter passion,
For these words I do believe
Jesus sinners does receive.

7 Jesus sinners does receive.
Even I have been forgiven.
And when I this earth must leave,
I shall find an open heaven.
Dying, still to him I cleave
Jesus sinners does receive.

Erdmann Neumeister, 1671-1756 tr Lutheran Hymnal 1941

Melody: Meinen Jesus lass’ ich nicht…

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Christmas greetings from LTS

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

nativity - paradise regainedThe Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane (Pretoria, South Africa) thanks all its friends and supporters of the past year and wishes them all a very blessed Christmas + prosperous new year 2015: 2014 Christmas

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Lutheran order of the divine service in isiZulu and seTswana.

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Wilhelm Weber

Magnificat_Full_Logo-tag150The Lutheran Order of Service for the 4th Sunday in Advent 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 1 verses (39-45) 46-55 (56) written by Pastor Kurt-Guenther Tiedemann (Tarmstedt, Germany) in isiZulu (wz1404131222 Adv 4) and translated as usual into seTswana (wt1404131222 Edf 4) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).

The readings for this 4th Sunday in Advent are:

  • Old Testament: Isaiah 52,7-10
  • The Epistle: Philippians 4,4-7
  • The Gospel: St. Luke 1: (39-45) 46-55 (56)
  • Psalm: 102:14.16.20-21

The liturgical colour is purple.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for this 4th Sunday in Advent: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! The Lord is at hand. (Phil.4:4-5)

O God, who dost gladden us with the early anticipation of our redemption, grant that we who now joyfully receive Thine only-begotten Son as our Redeemer may also behold Him without fear when He cometh as our Judge; who lives and reigns with the Father 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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