Brothers and sisters, the Lord grant you wisdom, grace, and a stronger trust in His Son, Jesus as we begin a new year. Take advantage of the gifts He provides to you in the Church—Bible study, absolution, His Holy Supper, each are means by which He delivers forgiveness to us.
Plan now for the Shrimp Boil Fundraiser on January 24. Check with Lance, Tyler, or Scott Hartman if want more information.
On Sunday, January 4th, we will follow the liturgy of Divine Service Setting One beginning on page 151 in the LSB hymnal. During the service we will also install congregational officers for 2026. The hymns selected for the services are #398 Hail to the Lord’s Anointed; 410 Within the Father’s House; #403 O Savior of Our Fallen Race; and #411 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light.
Scripture designated for the day are Psalm 119:97-104 (all the verses originally began with the Hebrew letter mem); 1 Kings 3:4-15; Ephesians 1:3-14; and Luke 2:40-52. One theme that ties the passages together is ‘wisdom’. Take time to consider, what is wisdom? and how is it acquired? The lessons point us to some answers.
In the Old Testament reading, Solomon had been coronated as king of Israel. At that time in his life, he regularly worshipped God. God came to him in a dream, offering to give Solomon and gift he would like to have. Solomon could have asked for long life, or riches, or destruction of all enemies. Instead
Solomon asked for wisdom, and in understanding mind so he could properly govern God’s people. Wisdom from God is a gift we could all use more of. The Bible describes wisdom primarily being given through God’s Word. If you would like wisdom in the coming year, set aside more time to read God’s Word.
The epistle lesson is taken from the opening chapter of St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Paul gives witness to the gospel, describing many of the blessings we have received through Jesus our Savior. Amon that list of blessings is wisdom to discern God’s will. Certainly, most of God’s thoughts and ways remain a mystery to us. But in Jesus He has revealed the plan that will free us from sin and give us share of His eternal heavenly inheritance. All this He did out of love, without any merit or worthiness in us.
The Bible does not tell us much about Jesus’ childhood after His toddler years. In the gospel lesson from Luke 2, Jesus is twelve years old. The bible is not primarily a biography, but a revelation of the gospel. But the gospel should not ever be separated from Jesus. Luke tells us Mary and Joseph have taken Jesus to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. In the hubbub of heading home, the parents realize they can’t find Jesus. They hurried back to Jerusalem. After three days of frantic searching, they found Him in the temple conversing with teachers there. They were amazed at His insights. When Mary began to scold Him, Jesus responded that they should have known He would in His Father’s house (a better translation is he had to be taking care of His Father’s business, or taking care of His Father God’s things). Jesus knew who He was, and He knew what His purpose was. He wasn’t being disobedient; He was being obedient to His Father God. A wise youth indeed. And Luke tells us that in His teenage years Jesus grew in wisdom, in stature (size and maturity), and in the favor of God and man. This is referring to His human nature; His divine nature was perfect and unchanging. All this activity during His youth is a glimpse of His preparation to be our Savior. We are wise to trust in Him.
COLLECT: Almighty, Gracious God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or questions about schedules or Sunday’s Scripture lessons. God bless you. Pastor Boster
