Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 30th December 2013

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Feasting 1Thus says the Lord: “You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.” (Amo 6:6 NIV) and St. Paul concludes: “Do not look to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Phi 2:3-4 NIV)

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Predigt am 1.Sonntag nach Weihnachten

Posted on December 29, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

A.Lorenzetti, Darstellung,Simeon u.Hanna - A.Lorenzetti,Presentation,Simeon u.Hanna - A.Lorenzetti / Presentation / St SymeonHier ist meine Predigt zum 1.S.n.Weihnachten ueber Jesaja 49:13-16 gehalten in St. Paul (Arcadia) am 29. Dezember 2013: Predigt am 1.S.n.Weihnachten Jes 49,13-16 und hier zum anhoeren: 

 

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Löhe on Ps. 119:111

Posted on December 29, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Simeon_hanna01Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. (Psa 119:111 NIV)

We are all children of our time if we want to be or not. Each and every era is most accessible and comprehensible to its own generation. Therefore whoever wants to proclaim the eternal and unchangeable gospel to these changing people, must take this varying experience into account. Every time, age and generation has the right, but also the obligation to speak, sing and pray as it is able and as it suits the gospel best. Every age and generation must give witness about God’s great gift in Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit has taught his Church through Word and sacraments so that its witness will be comprehensive, authentic and add to the wealth and treasure of God’s proclamation to this world. God is very much alive and speaks to his people even today. It might be that the calamities and troubles of this word silence many a voice and bring to a standstill many a writing hand, yet the witness of Jesus Christ does not rest yet. This witness is more important and crucial than any other. These witnesses in bad times are to acknowledge and spread the truth that God is alive and that his grace is with us in Jesus Christ – even if we don’t realize it due to our deserved punishment and castigation.

Lord God, heavenly Father, you have sent your servants, messengers and missionaries into this world that they may proclaim your holy word and the glory of your Son as salvation and life for all people. We ask you, grant faithful teachers with holy dedication and zeal, that they would preach and teach all that you would want them to and nothing besides that for the salvation of souls. We ask this in Jesus’ name, who is the light and the life, the truth and eternal peace. Amen. (Hermann Bezzel)

From east to west, from shore to shore, Let every heart awake and sing The holy Child Whom Mary bore, The Christ, the everlasting King. Behold, the world’s Creator wears The form and fashion of a slave; Our very flesh our Maker shares, His fallen creature, man, to save. For this how wondrously He wrought! A maiden, in her lowly place, Became, in ways beyond all thought, The chosen vessel of His grace. She bowed her to the angel’s word Declaring what the Father willed, And suddenly the promised Lord That pure and hallowed temple filled. He shrank not from the oxen’s stall, He lay within the manger bed, And He whose bounty feedeth all At Mary’s breast Himself was fed. And while the angels in the sky Sang praise above the silent field, To shepherds poor the Lord Most High, The one great Shepherd, was revealed. All glory for this blessèd morn To God the Father ever be; All praise to Thee, O virgin born, All praise, O Holy Ghost, to Thee.

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the 29th December during the high holiday of Christmas. It is found on Pg. 39 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

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Herrenhuter readigns for Sunday, the 29th December 2013

Posted on December 29, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

A.Lorenzetti, Darstellung,Simeon u.Hanna - A.Lorenzetti,Presentation,Simeon u.Hanna - A.Lorenzetti / Presentation / St SymeonI remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. (Psa 143:5 NIV) and St. Paul writes: “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” (Gal 1:12 NIV)

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Lutheran Order of Service in Zulu and Tswana

Posted on December 28, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Anna Simeon Presentation in the Temple - Duccio di BuoninsegnaThe Lutheran Order of Service for the first Sunday after Christmas is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word from the prophet Isaya chapter 49 the verses 13-16 written by Rev. F.J. Mtshali (Fearnie LC, MP) in isiZulu (wz1406131229 ngesonto 1 emva komkhosi wokukhulumbula ukuzalwa kweNkosi) and translated as usual into seTswana (wt1406131229 ngesonto 1 emva komkhosi wokukhumbula ukuzalwa weNkosi) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).

The readings for this Sunday are:

Old Testament:                 Isaiah 49:13-16

The Epistle:                         1. John 1:1-4

The Gospel:                        Lk 2: (22-24) 25-38 (39-40)

The liturgical colour is white.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for this Christmas holiday: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (Joh 1:14 NIV)

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

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

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Löhe on Lk.2,35 (28th December)

Posted on December 28, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

nativity mit KreuzThe angel said to Mary: “Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luk 2:35 KJV)

This venerated Mother of God, who is blessed among women throughout the generations and who was showered with joy and gratitude by the angels and shepherds, she is to suffer much pain and sorrow yet. It will be like a sword piercing her inner being. Her pain will be due to her son, but not because he will trespass her will, cause her endless grief by mischief and downright evil. No, her son will not cause her suffering because of any wrongdoing on his part. However he is not just a rock of peace in the storm, but rather the bleeding, hurting, punished, tortured and crucified saviour. He was born to fight the biggest fight of all, struggle through the most serious battle and conquer the most treacherous and evil enemy of all. He will bring life to the world, but only through his own bitter death. He will suffer greatly, cry and fret – and his mother will behold it all. She will witness the enmity and hatred that will flood against her son and see how the severest wrath and punishment of God is concentrated solely on him. She was at the cross as heard all the blasphemy and ridicule and shame heaped upon him as he was hanging there for us and our salvation.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of your mother the blessed Virgin Mary and still her Lord. Her dear child and still her eternal and only saviour. Her joy and pride, yet there under the cross also her most bitter pain. You did’st suffer and die, so that the thoughts of many would be revealed. You know that many adhere to you and are bitterly hated all the more by your enemies and theirs.  O Lord, let us learn obedience in pain and suffering like your faithful mother. Let us behold your eternal glory. Amen.

Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, See Him dying on the tree! ’Tis the Christ by man rejected; Yes, my soul, ’tis He, ’tis He! ’Tis the long expected prophet, David’s Son, yet David’s Lord; Proofs I see sufficient of it: ’Tis a true and faithful Word.

Tell me, ye who hear Him groaning, Was there ever grief like His? Friends through fear His cause disowning, Foes insulting his distress: Many hands were raised to wound Him, None would interpose to save; But the deepest stroke that pierced Him Was the stroke that Justice gave.

Ye who think of sin but lightly, Nor suppose the evil great, Here may view its nature rightly, Here its guilt may estimate. Mark the Sacrifice appointed! See Who bears the awful load! ’Tis the Word, the Lord’s Anointed, Son of Man, and Son of God.

Here we have a firm foundation, Here the refuge of the lost. Christ the Rock of our salvation, Christ the Name of which we boast. Lamb of God for sinners wounded! Sacrifice to cancel guilt! None shall ever be confounded Who on Him their hope have built.

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the 28th December during the high holiday of Christmas. It is found on Pg. 38 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

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Herrenhuter readings for Saturday, the 28th December 2013

Posted on December 28, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

abrahamThe Lord said to Abraham: “I will bless you and you will be a blessing.“ (Gen 12:2 NIV) Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Rom 12:14 NIV)

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Löhe on Lk.2,18-19 (Christmas)

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Nativity Giorgione_AllendaleAll who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luk 2:18-19 NIV)

Why did those shepherds not immediately start to talk, teach and preach after the angels had appeared to them? They did not think about talking and sharing. They wanted to see for themselves first. Only after they had seen the fulfilment of the angelic promise did they start to spread the word. They were to be witnesses not only to their neighbours, but for generations to come all over the world. After they had seen, they started talking. And they started spreading the word conscientiously. They know something, that can not be hidden. They are burning and on fire.

The effect of their sermon was varied, yet all were amazed by what they heard. These were truly amazing things they had witnessed. Things that reminded them of the divine promises of old, but surpassed them even by far.

Yet the effect was not just amazement. That would not have been such a lasting blessing after all. From the mother of Jesus we know that the result of their witness was a lasting and fruitful blessing indeed. She was not only amazed, but she treasured these things in her heart and pondered them in their magnitude. She off course is the one, who enlightened St. Luke about this remarkable happenings later on. Listening to the gospel of St. Luke narrating the early childhood stories is like listening to St. Mary. She is a shining example of how we should deal with God’s word, which is revealed to us by the biblical apostles and prophets.

Like Mary I want to contemplate the divine mystery: God revealed in our flesh!

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the high holiday of Christmas. It is found on Pg. 36 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

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Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 27th December 2013

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Herrenhuter sternBut may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength. (Jdg 5:31 NIV) and  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. (Eph 5:8 KJV)

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Löhe on 1.Tim.3:16 (Christmas)

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Nativity Giotto-di-BondoneBeyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. (1Ti 3:16 NIV)

It is quite impossible for us mortals to interpret you honour and glory appropriately, o new-born King! Angel hosts with cherubim and seraphim far more magnificent than Jacob saw at Mahanaim are praising you with perfect splendour and even their songs are not quite up to your divine majesty and beauty, which surpasses everything. Let me fall prostrate before your manger and behold your loveliness in silent adoration and worship. Blessed peace in your gracious presence. Conceived, born and alive without sin or blemish – and yet burdened with my sin, guilt and pernicious godlessness. You firstborn of your blessed mother, purpose and goal of her life and that of your adopting father Joseph, fatherless orphan, King and saviour of your dear mother too. God and Lord of the world and still just a baby in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. You have descended from unattainable and incomprehensible heights in the divine heavens and have made your abode among us – in the very dark and solitary vale of death even. Almighty and thus you became man and quite small, tiny and vulnerable too. Unfathomable and without a place to stay in Bethlehem, yet you came to make room for heaven on earth. Yes, you’ve spread out your heaven to the very ends of the earth. Unconceivable and yet you found room in the womb of your mother Mary and on her lap and at her breast.  Oh, holy Lord Sabaoth, adorable Son of man! Praise songs of the heavenly hosts, adoration and jubilation from your Church! Highest honours of your Father, most profound peace that passes all understanding for this world even in the greatest strife and conflict. You have the favour of your Father and the worship of all saved sinners. You are the saviour of the world, most holy Lord Sabaoth! At your manger I fall silent as I am but a poor boy and unable to address you appropriately. Blessed are those, who sing your praises; blessed those who are at peace in and with you. Hallelujah!

O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is My paradise at which my soul reclineth.  For there, O Lord, doth lie the Word Made flesh for us; herein Thy grace forthshineth.

He Whom the sea and wind obey Doth come to serve the sinner in great meekness. Thou, God’s own Son, with us art one, Dost join us and our children in our weakness.

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

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

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

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

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the high holiday of Christmas. It is found on Pg. 35 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

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