Category: Church Year Seasons/Festivals

On October 31^st we celebrate The Reformation. On that date in 1517, a Monk named Martin Luther nailed a list of 95 theses to the door of The Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. They were issues he wished to call into debate with the Roman Catholic Church. Luther could no longer stay silent regarding the Church’s false teachings about earning forgiveness through works or salvation by buying indulgences. He knew these teachings were wrong, being contrary to the Word of God and against Christ. The Reformation was a turning point when the Holy Spirit empowered Luther and others to re-affirm and hold fast to the true Word. They even risked their lives as they stood against the Roman Church and the mistruths it was purporting. In John 8:31-32 Jesus said “If you abide in my Word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”. That’s what the Reformation celebrates and is really all about. Luther also translated the Scriptures from Latin into German, so now the people could read and study this restored truth themselves. The only forgiveness for sins comes through the blood of Jesus Christ, and this and all doctrinal truths are found in SCRIPTURE ALONE, and are received by us through FAITH ALONE, as a gift of Divine GRACE ALONE.

Scripture Readings for Reformation Day are: Revelation 14:6-7 Epistle- Romans 3:19-28 Gospel- John 8:31-36 or Matthew 11:12-19

 

On September 29^th we observe the Festival of St. Michael and all Angels.  The word Angel comes from the greek angelos, which means messenger.  Angels are not divine but created beings.  They act at the Lord’s direction to speak His words, carry out His actions, or bring judgment or salvation.  The phrase from the Nicene Creed confesses the Angels when we say,  “and of all things visible and invisible”.  God frequently used Angels to announce important events in the history of salvation: The news to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to a Son, the news of Jesus birth, His Resurrection, Ascension, and His second coming.  There are both good and evil angels.  The Holy angels are many in number and powerful.  They serve God, help us, and protect us from harm and danger.  When we die they will take us to be with our Lord forever.  The evil angels are also many in number and powerful.  They rebelled against God and were cast out of Heaven.  They hate God and seek to destroy good, especially faith in Christ.  This festival commemorates the great battle in Heaven where St. Michael and the Angels of the Lord fought Satan and his evil angels. The battle between the Holy Angels and demons will also continue, till the Day of Christ. The Scripture readings for this day describe how the Lord uses the Angels to deliver us from Satan.  May we remember this festival as a grateful thanksgiving to our Lord for using His Holy Angels to bring glory to His name and guarding the precious gift of salvation we have been given, through the merits of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Scripture Readings–  OT: Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3  Epistle: Revelation 12:7-12  Holy Gospel: Matthew 18:1-11  Luke 10:1-9; 17-20

 

Last Week on the 14th  was the observance of Holy Cross Day.   This festival is to help remind us of the significance of the cross and what it means.  The word Holy means set apart, and the cross of Christ truly is set apart.   For on the cross, our Lord took our sins and the sins of the whole world upon Himself and suffered the punishment and hell they had earned.   On the cross God’s perfect and sinless Son endured the tortures of Hell that sinful mankind deserved.  Our sins died on the cross and unlike Christ, they remained in the tomb.  By inspiration of The Holy Spirit, St Paul writes in Galatians 6:14, “far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world”  The cross was where our Savior redeemed us to God the Father.   That is why it is so special.  As our Hymn says, “Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, till all the world adore His sacred name”.    Amen.

Scripture Readings for Holy Cross Day–  OT- Numbers 21:4-9,    Epistle- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, and the Gospel- John 12:20-33.

May 9th is Ascension Day. It is an important day in the Church year.  It marks the day when, among the disciples, our Lord rose into the clouds and was taken up into Heaven.  It’s a day that gives us reasons for great joy.  One reason is the truth that the Scriptures were once again fulfilled.  Just as other things about Jesus were prophesied and came true, now also His ascension.  Again another proof that God’s Word does not fail.  Another joy is that this event marked the completion of His mission.  Christ’s work on earth of redeeming mankind was accomplished.  A third joy is that Christ ascended to rule and to be everywhere. Now in Heaven he governs the world especially for the benefit of His Church and is always with us wherever we are.  A fourth joy is that He lives forever in heaven to intercede for us.  He is our mediator to God the Father and pleads and prays on our behalf before the Father’s almighty throne.  A fifth source of Ascension joy is that our Lord Christ returned to Heaven to prepare a place for us (John 14:3).  On that day of glory for us, whether it is when Christ returns, or when he calls us home, we will have a place with him as he desires (John 17:24).  The day of Ascension indeed brings us many reasons to be joyful.

Ascension Day Texts: Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:15-23 Luke 24:44-53