From Pastors Pen…
Lectionary Series
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In him was life, [ a ] and the life was the light of men…
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10
He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11
He came to his own, [ b ] and his own people [ c ] did not receive him. [John 1:1. 4. 9-11]
When Joseph and Mary entered Bethlehem, as prophesied of old, did the innkeeper say: ‘Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.’
When the Magi inquired of Herod, where is He who is born King of the Jews [Matthew 2:2], did the establishment of Israel say: ‘Come, Lord
Jesus, be our guest.’
As the annual celebration of Christmas fast approaches, will we pray: ‘Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest’ – come and dine with us,
come and bless our food?
At Christmas, and every day of the New Year, are we willing to ask Jesus to be our guest in all we do?
Afterall, that is why He was born in that welcoming stable so many centuries ago. He came to dine with us, to be a part of our lives, to
speak with us through His Word.
Scripture says, The true light…came to his own, [ b ] and his own people [ c ] did not receive him. 12
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, [John 1:9a, 11-12]
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.
December Lectionary
Dec, 7 + Advent II Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12
Sermon: “The Peaceable Kingdom” – Pastor Albrechtsen on Isaiah 11:1-10
Dec. 14 + Advent III Isaiah 35:1-10 James 5:7-11 Matthew 11:2:15
Sermon: “The Ransomed of the Lord” – Pastor Albrechtsen on Isaiah 35:1-10
Dec. 21 + Advent IV Isaiah 7:10-17 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25
Sermon: “Running Past the Signs” – Pastor Albrechtsen on Isaiah 7:10-17
Dec. 24 + Christmas Eve Candlelight Service of Carols and Lessons
Homily: “Why Shepherds?” – Pastor Albrechtsen on Luke 2:8-20
Dec. 28 + Christmas I Jeremiah 31:15-17 Revelation 14:1-5 Matthew 2:13-18
Feast of the Holy Innocents Sermon: “The War on Christmas” – Pastor Albrechtsen on Matthew 2:12-18
What is the Lectionary?
“Lectionary: is the term used broadly to refer to any book of biblical passages used for liturgical celebration, such as Sunday worship services. The individual readings are also known by the Greek technical term pericope. The history of the evolution of the pericopal system is complicated.
Early Christian Use of the Scriptures.
References found in the Acts of the Apostles attest to regular Sabbath readings that were firmly established and practiced wide-spread: For in every city, for generations past, Moses has had those who proclaim him, for he has been read aloud every Sabbath in the synagogues (Acts 15:21). Further references within the New Testament show early Christian use of the Hebrew Scriptures in worship, especially the Psalms (see Ephesians 5:18–20; Colossians 3:16).
Scripture was also read for community edification and instruction (see 1 Timothy 4:13). The first evidence of fixed readings for liturgy is related to the development of the liturgical year and to a lesser degree, the local church in which the liturgy was celebrated. The introduction of annual feasts, seasons, and commemoration of martyrs, is correlated to specially selected Biblical books and fixed passages that were deemed appropriate to the celebration. This evolved in the One-Year Lectionary commonly used in the Church prior to Vatican II.
Modern Lectionary Systems
After the Second Vatican Council of 1962–1965, an arrangement was introduced by which the readings on Sundays and on some principal feasts recur in a three-year cycle, with four passages from Scripture (Old Testament, Epistle, Gospel and the Psalms ). This revised Lectionary, covered much more of the Bible than the readings in the One-Year Lectionary, which repeats itself each year The Revised Common Lectionary was derived from the Roman Lectionary for use in Protestant Churches, including the Lutheran Church.
The Lectionary sets the tone for each Sunday, Feast and Special Occasion within the Church Year – Advent through Pentecost. Typically the Old Testament or First Reading compliments the Gospel reading. The Epistle readings are devised to work through entire letters from the Apostles throughout the Church Year. With the use of the Lectionary throughout our Churches we experience an additional depth of fellowship with our Confessional brothers and sisters.
Every month the appointed Lectionary readings for each Sunday will be posted so that worshipers may further prepare for Sunday service. The title and lectionary source for that week’s sermon will also be posted [see above].