Praying the O Antiphons of Advent O come, O come Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel Shall come to thee O Israel! (LSB 357 v. 1) For more than a thousand years, the Church has been...

Advent Comfort “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”  Isaiah 40:1-2 December 7, 1941…a date which will live in...

But now, O Lord, you are our Father;     we are the clay, and you are our potter;     we are all the work of your hand.  Isaiah 64:8 The late Reinhold Marxhausen was an eccentric art professor at Concordia University Nebraska.  Among Marxhausen's contributions to art was the unique fact that he...

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 Thanksgiving traditions, like so many other planned events for this year may be upset by COVID-19.  Many family gatherings will either not take place or will happen on a smaller or virtual scale.  While...

“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:28 The Holy Scriptures are full of prophecies regarding the return of the Son of Man on the last day. ...

  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.   Ephesians 6:10 Today is a day that our country has designated for the commemoration of all of our nation’s veterans.  Very few veterans of World War II remain in our congregations now.  Yet it is good for Christian...

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!  Revelation 22:20 The end of the church year is a time when the saints of God are called to cast our eyes towards the heavens in anticipation of our Lord’s return in glory.  A...

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  1 Timothy 2:1-2 In St. Paul’s letter to young pastor Timothy,...

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.   Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.  Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.  Incline my heart to your testimonies, and...

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and...