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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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”
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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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