5 Simple Ways Every Christian Can Be an Evangelist

The following article was published in our most recent newsletter here at Redeemer, HB. Although some of the evangelism details are specific to Redeemer and our location, local examples from other congregations' immediate context could be easily inserted in place of the examples I have provided.

Welcome to Epiphany, the season that follows Christmas. But what does this mean? Usually when we hear the word, “epiphany,” we find ourselves saying, “I had an epiphany” or “the light went on” or “Eureka!” In a way this is fitting. Epiphany literally means to reveal or make known or manifest something or someone.

In this season, Christ, reveals and makes known his person and work; Jesus “epiphanies” himself for you and for the life of the world. This is clearly seen in one of the most iconic events of the season of Epiphany, the Magi’s visitation of the toddler, Jesus. For this reason, Epiphany is also known as Christmas for the gentiles. After all, the magi were from the East, known as Persia at the time. They were not children of Abraham in the flesh, but they became children of Abraham – and more importantly – children of God by faith in the Christ, and faith came by hearing the Word. And just as Christ revealed and came for the Magi, so too he comes to save all nations (see Revelation 7).

Matthew bookends his Gospel with a Word of hope and promise that salvation has come to the gentiles through Christ, the Savior of the nations. In the Epiphany of our Lord, we see a foreshadowing of Jesus’ words to his disciples before he ascends to the right hand of God:

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. As you are going, make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Thus, Epiphany is also a season where Church reflects and focuses on the mission of God and her calling in that mission: to faithfully proclaim, witness, declare, and defend the Gospel and to accompany that proclamation with works of mercy. In other words, Epiphany is a season for evangelism and outreach as Christ continues to reveal and make known – as he “epiphanies” – his death and resurrection for us and for all sinners.

This Epiphany season is the time for us as a congregation to be more intentional about mission and evangelism in our local area. It’s easy to send in a check to the far reaches of the globe or across the United States. And while this is important and necessary work we must be careful of not falling into an either / or trap, either foreign mission or local. The answer is both. Because we also have a mission field right in our backyard: the preschool, our music academy, bible studies, Gospel Seeds and other opportunities around Redeemer where the Gospel of Jesus – crucified for your sins – is clearly proclaimed and tangible mercy is given to those in need. For years Redeemer’s newsletter and bulletin have included the following words: “Clear Witness – Caring Service – Together.” Recently, our Synod has adopted a similar slogan: “Witness, Mercy, Life Together.” But if these words are just a slogan, then we ought not call ourselves Christians or a Church.

Here at Redeemer we do not lack opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus – Advent by Candlelight, Sunday Services, Weekly Bible studies, devotion booklets and a host of other resources. What we lack is action on those many treasures that our Lord has blessed us with. 

How will we reach out to our neighbor this season and this New Year?  How will each of us take personal responsibility to reach out to our neighbor in need? What message will your friends and neighbors hear when you invite them to church – that you’re simply doing it because you want a divine pat on the back or because you genuinely care about their spiritual welfare, that you simply want their wallets for a building program or because you actually care about them in body and soul?

During Epiphany, and all year round, Christ continues to richly bless this congregation with many gifts whereby we can reveal, make known and “epiphany” Christ’s salvation to our community, neighbors and friends. And the heart of the Epiphany season – and every season – is the Divine Service. Christ’s body and blood are the life-blood of the Church. Christ calls us to his altar, feeds, forgives and saves and then sends us out free and forgiven to serve the neighbor. And while we don’t always see what happens to those gospel seeds that are scattered upon our conversations, visitors and outreach events here at Redeemer, we know this: the Lord is faithful to his promise: “Lo, I am with you always to the end of the age.” 

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.  
(Isaiah 55:10-11)

All of this may seem overwhelming. But do not be afraid; sharing the Gospel with someone is this simple: “Jesus died for you on the cross.” And by the Lord’s Word and Spirit we share the Good News one person, one invitation, one word of comfort at a time. Some plant, others water, but God gives the growth.

So, here is short list of 5 simple ways that every Christian can be an evangelist. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a start.

1.       Attend Divine Service, receive the Lord’s Supper frequently, and attend Bible study regularly.  Evangelism begins in the congregation and then outward to our families and then our neighbors. If we aren’t fed and nourished the study of God’s Word how can we begin to tell our neighbor why they should be fed and nourished? If we don’t know what we believe, what are we going to share with those who don’t believe in Christ? Through his Word, Christ is teaching us to know what we believe and why we believe it so we can give a reason for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15).

2.      Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to church or bible study or one of our primary evangelism events, such as our Saturday morning seminars and studies or midweek services. Even though an invitation isn’t the gospel per se, it points our neighbors in the right direction. We see this in the New Testament repeatedly: “Sir, we would see Jesus” (John 12:21) and Andrew’s famous, “Come and see” (John 1:39). Invitations are easy; the worst people can say is no…and they just might say yes! Here are just a few upcoming events and ongoing activities worthy of an invitation: Christmas services – December 24^th at 5:00, 7:30 and 11:00 pm; December 25^th at 10:00 am. The Music Academy, led by Pat Anderson, is a great way to share the joy of music and the gospel with our community. Ask her for more information. And the preschool can always use your word of mouth support spreading the word to families with children. Whatever the occasion is and whomever you are talking to, the personal contact and relationships we have in our everyday lives are where the best evangelism takes place. Your vocation is your mission field.

3.      Greet a visitor on Sunday morning or any other time you see a new face around Redeemer. Before talking with the people you know and love, greet the unknown in Christ. This isn’t the job of the ushers alone; it belongs to everyone. Look for the visitors in the pews and on the patio. No need to carry on a long conversation – unless it turns into that. We have a habit of being too cliquey. Visitors notice when we go out of our way to say good morning and welcome them to church. It’s as simple as this: “It’s great to see you here; thank you for coming. We hope to see you again.”

4.      Pass out a devotion book or any number of useful resources at church along onto your neighbors or un-churched friends. We hand out the Portals of Prayer as well as the Higher Things devotion booklets regularly. These are easy, non-threatening ways to share a comforting word with your neighbors. Are any of your friends grieving the death of loved ones or suffering illness or other issues of body and soul? The information cart, as well as your pastors, has a wealth of information ready to share with others in need suitable any of life’s situations.

5.      Get involved. You can start by talking to Wayne Anderson, the Board of Evangelism (BOE) or your elders and pastors. The BOE is already hard at work in our neighborhoods and community. But the harvest is plenty and the workers are few. If you’re interested in evangelism there are endless ways to use the gifts God has given you to share the Good News with others. And just in case nothing comes to mind immediately, here are some specific areas the BOE could use your help in with:

a.      Visitor follow up - help send cards or make phone calls to visitors we receive for services and other events.

b.      Visitor welcome packets - help assemble these so that we have something to hand out to our guests, telling them what Redeemer believes, teaches and confesses.

c.       Preparing visitor mugs – that’s right, we “mug” our visitors. A coffee cup with a few pieces of information inside is a great conversation starter. We need help making more of these and getting them out on the information cart and into visitor’s hands.

d.      Join us for Gospel Seeds – this is a simple way to get to know our neighbor’s needs and come together as a congregation to act with mercy in addressing those needs.

e.      Talk with Seminarian Jim Toma – he is beginning to work with the Hispanic community in our area. He could use your help. Talk to him and find out how you can help.

A blessed Epiphany season to you all as we go forth by the grace of God - fed in His Supper, comforted in His Word and saved by the Epiphany of His Son, Christ our Lord – to Clear Witness and Caring Service, Together.

Jesus and His Gifts: UNWRAPPED Conference Reflections

There aren't a whole lot of reasons this Southern Californian can think of to head off to St. Louis, MO for a few days in early January. But there is at least one good reason: UNWRAPPED. And apparently I wasn't the only one who thought it was a good reason. There were over 80 colleges and universities represented, roughly 400 attendees (students, campus pastors, laity and pastors), gathered together because they share a common interest in the welfare and spread of campus ministry across the synod.

We've all heard the statistics. We know students fall away from the faith in staggering numbers during their college years. We know college campuses are a mission field. We know there’s great opportunity and great need for robust confessional Lutheranism on our campuses. We know we need to defend the faith with clear, evidential apologetics. Or do we? If you didn't know it before Unwrapped, you do now.

It’s no secret that a number of campus ministries have come under threat the last several years. And I pray that this conference would further strengthen the resolve of districts and congregations throughout the synod in pledging their financial and prayerful support to the continuance and expansion of campus ministry in order to prevent further disasters.

With all the doom and gloom statistics you hear about, this conference couldn't have been timelier. There is also a great deal of rejoicing to be had. The LCMS Office of National Mission did an outstanding job in planning this conference. A few of the people involved in planning that I talked to said they never expected this to go off as well as it did. 

President Harrison and Bart Day both reiterated their unwavering support for campus ministry; Harrison even got a standing ovation from college kids of all people. The conference planning committee showed what a synod can do when we work together and dare to be Lutheran. The speakers – especially Craig Parton – were fantastic, great topics and well informed presenters. And the LCMS campus ministry staff, as well as all who participated in the conference (far too many names to thank) ensured that in a few days' time, campus ministry in the synod would not become another fatal statistic.

This synod wide conference, the first of its kind in far too long, also lived up to its name: Unwrapped. But what exactly was unwrapped? The question isn't what, but whom? Who was unwrapped? Christ Crucified and his gifts. From the sectional to the plenary presentations, inside the chapel and around the coffee pots, this singular message was unwrapped with joy, like a kid on Christmas morning: “Jesus died for sinners…and you qualify.”

Now, when it comes to defending the Christian faith, I’m an evidentialist. Show me the evidence, the reason for the hope that is within you. Tell me what you believe and why…and it better be more than subjective feelings. So, here’s some hard, tangible evidence in support of a great conference.

The plenary speaker, Craig Parton was outstanding. Having studied apologetics under the same teacher, Rod Rosenbladt it was refreshing to sit and listen to a thoroughly reasonable defense of the faith from a Lutheran who knows his Scripture, his catechism and isn’t afraid of confessing the historic Lutheran faith. You can get a lot of the same content in his presentations from his books, The Defense Never Rests and Religion On Trial. But if you ever have the chance to listen to him speak publicly, travel whatever distance you have to, even in January, to go and listen. It’s well worth the time.

The sectional presentations also allowed for a variety of topics. It was a joy and an honor to speak on the intersection of two of my favorite topics: literature and apologetics. The only downside, of course, was that there were too many good choices and not enough time for the topics. I guess that means we'll have to have another conference. And that's a good problem to have. In many ways, it was like being back at seminary again, soaking up as much knowledge and information as I could in a short amount of time. Lastly, a side note, perhaps this conference will encourage both seminaries to include a genuine approach to Lutheran apologetics into their curriculum, something that is desperately needed.

And while the substance was marvelously rich, intellectually demanding and insightful, there is also something to be said for the aesthetics of an event. At times it felt like a Lutheran family reunion and a glimpse of worshiping with angels and archangels. And the daily prayer offices showcased the best of Lutheran liturgy and hymnody for a segment of the population that is all too often pigeon-holed into the contemporary Christian music scene. Well, that myth was busted. I heard over 400 people – most of whom were students – chanting psalms, singing hymns and liturgy and doing it with gusto, both in and outside the walls of Francis Xavier College Church. So much for youthful stereotypes. They devoured the historic orthodox Lutheran faith in word and song and it was a sight to see and hear. And of all places, we sat in a Roman Catholic parish as the Gospel, along with our voices, was unwrapped adding substance to the beautiful architectural form we sat beneath (and it was an outstanding display of architectural apologetics). It certainly got the attention and admiration of Sister Ruth.

So, despite what you may have read in mission development magazines and journal articles, our youth and college students love the historic liturgy and hymns of the church. It challenges them, communicates the depths of Scripture’s truth to them both objectively and subjectively in a way that the CCM fads never can and they ate it up. After all, that’s what college kids are good at, knowing and devouring good food when they see it, or in this case, hear it. Our college campuses and students are hungry for the solid food of the Scriptures, the Book of Concord and the song of the Church. Some don’t even know how starving they really are. Our churches should be dining halls where the best Lutheran stuff is always on the menu and Jesus is the host, waiter and meal.

That’s why every Christian should care about campus ministry, no matter what your congregation’s demographics. Quite simply, the future of our church body is walking around college campuses all over this country. Your future congregation president is facing tough questions about the historicity of the Gospels from his college professor. Your daughter’s or granddaughter’s future school teacher is getting fed a steady diet of secular, humanist drivel every day she goes to class. The examples could go on.

Because sooner or later, these college students will graduate. Some of these young Lutheran men will go to seminary and some of these young women will become deaconesses. And many more will not; but they’ll go to work in law enforcement, or as engineers, business men and women, doctors, scientists, professors, coaches and the like. And one day, if they haven't already, they’ll become members at our churches, elders, vice presidents, trustees, and treasurers. This is why campus ministry matters. As good as it was to have Jesus and his saving gifts unwrapped for us in St. Louis, it’s even better to unwrap those same gifts on college campuses across the country, in the pews of our town and gown churches and on the sidewalks and public areas of our communities.

I don’t think it’s too much of an overstatement to say that the fate of Lutheranism in America is largely dependent upon the state of Lutheranism in and around our college campuses across the country. As campus ministry goes, so goes the synod.

And in St. Louis at the Unwrapped Conference, the synod – it’s leadership, its laity and pastors – showed that there is an overwhelming amount of support, concern, and love for campus ministry. And this is good evidence that the LCMS isn’t simply talking about witness, mercy and life together – those aren’t just nouns and slogans, they’re verbs. And they’re ready to be unwrapped throughout our church body for our college students and for all who care about them. The conference concluded with Office of National Mission unveiling it’s LCMS campus ministry initiative - LCMS U. And that means we’re headed in the right direction. Back to campus and our congregation having unwrapped the gifts Christ has given us.

After all, the Reformation began on a college campus. Martin Luther was a campus pastor. And today, the reformation continues on college campuses. Even if your congregation is far removed from a college campus, chances are there are college students in your pews or in the lives of our members. Today we continue to work together to ensure that the Reformation lives on, for this generation and the next.

Next time this conference comes around, chances are, I’ll make my way there even if it’s cold outside. And I hope you do too. Case closed…or, perhaps I should simply say, unwrapped.

A Sermon for the Name and Circumcision of Jesus: "A Knife, The Name, and a New Year"

The Circumcision and Name of Jesus – December 31^st, 2009

Redeemer Lutheran, HB

Text: Luke 2:21

Theme: The Name of the Lord Saves and His Blood Forgives.

“A Knife, The Name and A New Year”

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In the eyes of the world it’s New Year’s Eve.  We count down the final minutes and seconds of 2009.  The world will celebrate 2010 by lighting fireworks, proposing toasts and offering accolades to old acquaintances.  Now there’s nothing wrong with New Year’s parties or midnight traditions.  But the Church has a better reason to gather on this day.  In the eyes of the Church, the New Year’s day of the Church Year already came on the first Sunday in Advent.  In the eyes of the Church today we celebrate the circumcision and naming of Jesus.

In the Hebrew way of keeping time, the 8^th day after Jesus’ birth began today after sunset.  According to the Law of Moses and the God’s covenant for Abraham: Every 8 day old male among shall be circumcised as a sign of the covenant between the Lord and Abraham.

Therefore, the Gospel according to Luke for tonight reads, “At the end of 8 days, when He was circumcised, He was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.”

For Jesus, there was no age of accountability.  From the day He was born, our sinful curse weighed heavily upon Him who had no sin.  Every stage of life, He lived for us.  Every letter of the Law He fulfilled for us, including this one: without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.  It might seem inappropriate or coarse to talk about circumcision at church – don’t worry – we’ll save the PG-13 material for an adult Bible study.

The hymn stanza in your bulletin teaches us well:

O sacred day when first was poured

The blood of our redeeming Lord,

O blessed day, when first began

His sufferings for sinful man!

Forgiveness is a bloody business.  There’s no avoiding that.  For Jesus, there’s no avoiding our punishment for sins.  No avoiding pain, suffering, or Calvary’s cruelty.  This is what He came to do – to shed His blood, to save, to die, to rise.  This is who He is, our Savior. 

Those scribbly lines on your bulletin cover are letters: Yeshua in the Hebrew, Joshua in the Old Testament, Jesus in the New.  As the angel told Joseph, you shall call His Name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins.  The Savior is as the Savior does.  The Lord (Yahweh) Saves.

By the Law’s knife, He sheds His forgiving blood. By His Divine Name He saves and blesses – even as a New Year is upon us. The Name of the Lord saves and His blood forgives.

His is no ordinary name.  He is no ordinary child.  The Fullness of deity dwells bodily in this child born of Mary.  The Divine Name is given to a man because this man is also divine.  This is what we confess in the Creed: He was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary.  And then comes the sweetest sentence of all – He was made man.  Pleased as Man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel.

He didn’t need to take a name quiz on Facebook.  Mary and Joseph didn’t need to look through a list of cute Hebrew baby names in the check-out line at the local Bethlehem market.  The Lord sends His messengers to declare His Name.  Here God names Himself, as He did in the days of Moses, so that He might give His name to man.

When His Name is present, God is present.  This is why the second commandment is no joke.  It’s more than simply blurting out, “O my God” in a moment of surprise or texting “omg” to a friend.  The Divine Name is a saving gift.  And like any gift it can be abused and misused, not just taken in vain, but also taken for granted.

The Second Commandment: You shall not misuse the Name of the Lord your God.  What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use Satanic arts, lie or deceive by His Name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise and give thanks. 

            And there’s the rub against our old sinful nature that does not want to hallow God’s Name.  Our old sinful nature loves, even boasts of exalting our own name for the sake of our own name.  The Law not only ask us: “Have you taken the Lord’s Name in vain today?” It also asks, “Have you called upon your heavenly Father with delight?  Have you used holy words or holy names thoughtlessly?  Have you sworn carelessly or falsely?  Have you kept your vows – vows of baptism, of confirmation, of church membership, of marriage?  Have you received the gifts of God’s name faithfully?  Have you listened to and read God’s Word diligently.

            Now is not the time for New Year’s resolutions, but for New Year’s repentance.  To confess before our gracious Heavenly Father that we have misused His Name in thought, Word and deed.  To confess that His name and only His Name will save.  To remember that His name is Jesus and He saves us from our sins, even the ones against His Name.

            When the Name of God is used God Himself is present.  This is why sermons end and begin in the Name of Jesus or God’s Triune Name.  This is why it’s called Divine Service – In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  From Invocation to Benediction, God’s Name is present; God is present doing what He does best: saving, forgiving, and giving His Name hidden in the ordinary gifts of Words, Water, Bread and Wine.

            When the water is poured and the sign of the cross is made this Divine Name is placed upon you; you have a new name by the power of His Word.  In your baptism the Name of the Lord Saves.

            The words of absolution are announced, not in the name of the pastor, but “in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins” – sins of lying, deceiving, misusing and abusing God’s name – it’s forgiven by His Name through forgiveness of His blood, given and shed for your for the forgiveness of sins.

            The Name of the Lord Saves and His blood forgives.  By His Name you have been given access to the Holy of Holies, where the priests of old trembled to enter.  Now, in the Name of Jesus you are washed in baptism, declared forgiven in absolution, fed and nourished in His supper.  All that you were – sinful, lost in darkness and rebellion – He took to the cross for you so that all that He has – His Salvation, His eternal forgiveness and life – might be yours.

            In the eyes of the world this might just be another New Year’s Eve.  But in the eyes of our Lord Jesus Christ, this is the night where His Name is given and God Himself is present for you.

In the Name of Jesus + Amen.

Sermon for the Sunday after Christmas : "Christmas With Simeon"

+ Sunday after Christmas, December 30^th, 2012 +

Series C: Exodus 13:1-15; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:22-40

 

 In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Merry 6^th day of Christmas! Yes, you heard right. Outside these walls Christmas may be done. Everything is labeled “after-Christmas”. The music fades. Unwanted presents are returned. Christmas comes down and the New Year’s signs go up.
 

But while the world winds down the Church’s Christmas celebration is just getting started. Christmas is a day and a season. Twelve days of feasting after the Advent fast. Try saying Merry Christmas to someone between now and January 6th.  See what they say. I’ve received some pretty funny looking faces. But it’s a good opportunity to share Christ’s never-ending Christmas joy. In Christ’s Church, it’s still Christmas. And if we take Jesus’ promises seriously – Christmas never ends.
 

This overwhelming sense of continuance is also found in the readings for Christmas and Epiphany. They’re arranged somewhat like our family holiday schedules: a few hours one evening with Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem – everyone has to see the baby! The obligatory time with your gruff, oddly dressed uncles, the Shepherds. Next weekend the Magi’s visit; because even God’s family table has room for outsiders (and thanks God for that).
 

 So today’s reading is a bit like visiting Grandpa and Grandma. Simeon has wisdom to share. And Anna leaves the temple like grandma scurrying about the delivery room, phone in one hand, camera in the other: did you hear the good news? It’s a baby boy…and he’s the Messiah! The wait is finally over.
 

Simeon was waiting… Not twiddling-his-thumbs or yawning away the hours, but the kind of waiting that knows that, sooner or later, God will make good on his promise. And this was the Lord’s promise: before he saw death, he would see the Lord’s Christ. The Seed that Adam longed to see sprout. The Rest Noah longed for. The everlasting King on David’s throne. The child born of a Virgin whom Isaiah prophesied. This One, Simeon cradled in his arms.
 

 Even Simeon’s name marks the momentous occasion. Simeon means, “He has heard.” Simeon’s name comes from the same word in the great OT creed: “Hear oh Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.”

           The Lord had heard Simeon’s cry for rescue. And already at 40 days old, your pleas for mercy, your cries of distress at sin’s torture and the prayers of the faithful – “Come quickly, Lord Jesus” – fill the ears of the Child held in Simeon’s arms.
 

And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
 

Luke doesn’t say, but I can’t help but think that Simeon’s eyes became a wellspring of joyful tears and his wrinkled face a riverbed of rejoicing. God’s promise was fulfilled. The Christ had come. No more waiting. He was free to die in peace. And though the Christ came as a weak and despised, lowly and dependent little baby, everything in heaven and earth – sin’s atonement, death’s defeat, overthrowing the devil - and everyone, including Simeon depends on this little Child.

                       Simeon’s song was more than beautiful language; in his arms he literally held the Light that reveals God’s goodness and mercy to the Gentiles, the outsiders and outcasts, you and me. Behold an Israelite in whom there is no guile, no sin, no curse of Adam, guilt or sting of death. And yet he is Son of Mary and Son of God; Son of the Most High and Son of Adam. And that day the glory of the Lord returned to the temple in human flesh and blood. Christ, the Glory of God’s people, Israel, not the Savior of some…but all.
 

Yes, there is marvelous joy in Simeon’s words. But Simeon is no fair-weather prophet. He knew that waiting comes before fulfillment…falling before rising. Jesus’ cross is the heart of Christmas.

Falling and rising. Those were Simeon’s words to Mary. Some congratulation card. Here’s God’s blessing…and oh, by the way: “This Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
 

        Those are rather terrifying words.  For they reveal the King Herod in us who doesn’t want to worship this infant King and the Pharisee in us stumbles, trips and falls over this Rock and Sign, speaking and plotting all kinds of evil against him and our neighbors.

           Simeon wields God’s two-edged sword skillfully, piercing our hearts and slashing away everything that stands between you and Christ. We must be like Simeon, ready to die. It’s the only way we depart in peace. Drop the charade of self-devotion and self-righteousness. For you cannot cling to sin and hold the Christ in your arms with Simeon. Repent. Fall, that you might rise. Die that you might live.

          At first, Simeon’s words don’t sound very Christmasy. We’d rather pack him and his words up and send him out to the curb along with all the Christmas clutter. But as the world tries to forget Christmas, Simeon comes along to remind us that hidden under that weak and helpless baby in his arms was the truth about Christmas: this Child was born to fall and rise for you.
 

             That’s what Jesus was doing in the temple that day for Simeon and you. His cross bearing began at conception. His name is Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. He sheds his blood at 8 day old, bearing the Law in his flesh. At 40 days old the Firstborn who needs no redemption comes to redeem you. The Lord of all becomes the Servant of all. The Law giver becomes the Law bearer. Jesus does what you cannot and will not do, crawls under the Law’s demands and curse in order to lift them off of your shoulders and onto his. And all while being held in the arms of Simeon.

Where the world only sees a powerless infant, Simeon holds the power of God hidden in human flesh. Jesus has all the power he needs, but he hides his glory beneath its opposite – utter weakness and humility. He came this way for you as an infant and he goes this way for you to the cross. Once again, the world sees only lowliness and shame. That’s no way to be Savior they mocked. What a lowly, weak and beggarly Messiah.
 

And yet there in God’s lowly, weak and beggarly ways…he hides his love and mercy for you.
 

Behold, this child is appointed for the falling and rising of many – for Simeon and for you. And that is good news. Christ falls in order to raise you up.  For all that we have spoken against…he speaks for us: Father, forgive them.  For all of the sinful thoughts of our heart revealed by his Word, Jesus reveals God’s heart of mercy and peace and redeeming love.
 

The sword that pierces Mary’s soul and ours first pierced Jesus with nails and spear. Christ departs in shame and guilt and sin so that we depart in peace made by his blood. Jesus’ eyes are closed by bloody, sweaty death so that our eyes are opened to find salvation in this Child and his cross.  Jesus is held in the arms of the cross in darkness in order to embrace you and all nations in the everlasting light of Christ’s salvation. Jesus becomes the despised, scorned and rejected in order to make you a people of his Father’s glory.
 

This is the way God works. He hides himself in the opposite. The eternal God is hidden within the flesh of an ordinary, helpless baby. Simeon embraced the Savior of the world who came to embrace his death and bring salvation to all, to you. God’s greatest glory is found hidden in the weakness and suffering of the cross.
 

And Jesus works the same today: Ordinary words of sinful preachers are vehicles for Christ’s eternal absolution. Ordinary water is blessed flood and a lavish washing away of sin. Ordinary bread and wine hide the flesh and blood of Jesus your Savior.
 

 That’s why we sing Simeon’s song after communion. Here, you stand on heaven’s threshold and hold the Christ Child in your arms, in your ears and in your mouth. At the Altar you see the Lord's salvation, which He has prepared before the face of all people.
 

Here in Christ’s Church, Christmas isn’t packed away and saved for next year. There are no such things as “after-Christmas” sales. Here at Christ’s table, in His Supper, it’s always Christmas.

And having received Jesus’ Body and Blood, we depart in peace. “For we go to the Sacrament as though we were going to our death, so that we might go to our death as though going to the Sacrament.” (Ken Korby).
 

In that way, we’re all 21st century Simeons and Annas in the temple, watching, waiting for that Day when Christ’s salvation becomes visible to our resurrected eyes. And as we wait, God gives us his signs to cling to - Baptism, His Word, His Body and Blood. We embrace Him as old Simeon and Anna once did.  And we take up Simeon's song and make it our own: "Lord now let your servant depart in peace according to your Word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people. A Light for revelation to the Gentiles, the Glory of your people Israel."

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
 

Sermon for Advent Midweek 3: "The Magnificat and Preparation"

+ Advent Midweek 3, December 19th 2012 +

Guest preaching atTrinity, Whittier
Luke 1:46-55

 In the Name of  + Jesus. Amen.

Advent is a season of preparation.

As we have seen and heard tonight, the children have prepared well these last few weeks: learning songs, memorizing Scripture, preparing for Christmas.

And undoubtedly, you have been preparing at home too: Cards to send. Shopping to finish. Presents to wrap. House to clean. Cookies to bake. Parties to attend. Make a list and check it twice…after all, it’s only 5 days till Christmas.

As hard as it may seem, with all of the hurrying and scurrying around we do this time of the year, we can still be caught unprepared for Christmas. Because despite all the preparations we have in mind, Christ has more in mind for you in Advent and Christmas than cookies and glitter and ornaments – fun though these may be.

Tonight, Mary’s song – the Magnificat – reminds us that our preparations are not complete until Christ has prepared us for His Advent and His Christmas. For without Christ’s incarnation, all the other trappings of the holy days aren’t worth the cardboard tubes or boxes they came so carefully wrapped in.

Mary’s song prepares us for Mary’s Son, Jesus. He comes for us, to rescue us from sin and slavery, to defeat the devil and bring us home with him. Jesus comes, that’s what Advent means.

Jesus came in human flesh, the Mighty One was born in a lowly manger. God his strength in the delicate arms of an infant. The King of creation made his throne room in a feeding trough. The Savior of the world came swaddled in the things of his creation, a diapered divinity. He is Emmanuel, God with us. God for us. God who is one of us. Mary’s song prepares us to meet her Son, your Savior and hers…at Christmas and for Jesus’ second coming.

Yes, Advent is more than preparation for Christmas. In Advent we hear John the Baptizer’s warning cry: repent, prepare the way of the Lord. Leave behind your former way of life. Turn away from sin and death. Return to the Lord. The world may not end on December 21^st in Mayan calendar madness but it will end someday. Christ’s first coming was in lowliness and humility; his second coming will be in glory and power. But for the Christian there is no fear. Christ’s return is good news; we welcome his return. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, we pray. That’s why Advent is a season of waiting.

And as we wait, Christ comes, even now. Jesus comes to you in the Lord’s Supper, wrapped in the swaddling clothes of bread and wine, the bread of life is laid in the manger of your mouth. The Word made flesh continues to speak his word to you through the Scriptures and through the pastor’s word of absolution. Christ came as a child to make us his children in Holy Baptism. Christ comes for you here in this place, right where he has promised to dwell with you.

And as even as Mary was singing her song, God was preparing her to be the Mother of God. Don’t be fooled by this young woman’s humble upbringing or social status. There is more to Mary than meets the eye. For hidden under her humble flesh is a yet more humble Savior. And by his humiliation on the cross, we are exalted. Hidden under her lowly flesh are the mighty arms that will bear your sin and death on the cross. Hidden in her womb is God in human flesh. God has eyes and ears, toes and a real body.

As we continue to grieve the death of 20 children last week in Connecticut, Christ’s incarnation reminds us that God too was once a child for us and for all who suffer. God sucked his thumb. God dirtied his diaper. God learned his A, B, C’s; God was a teenager; God walked, talked, cried and laughed, lived and died – all so that we who sit in darkness and the shadow of death might have light and life by his innocent suffering and death.

Mary’s song prepares you to meet her Son. For she sang this song not for herself alone, but for us to sing after her. My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Tonight, that’s your song as well.

Because if you are lowly and downcast in guilt or shame– Christ has come to raise you up by taking your guilt and shame on himself.

If you are in need of mercy, seeing none around you in the world, Christ comes to be your mercy, for he has taken all the world’s hatred, sin and death on himself for you.

If you are broken by sin and suffering, your pride shattered by the terror of judgment, Christ comes as your Great physician of body and soul to bind your wounds in his and give you a new heart and a new hope, not in the world’s preparations, but in His coming for you in Bethlehem, on the cross, and the Last Day.

For he has helped his servant Israel and Mary and you in remembrance of His mercy. And in Christ’s birth, death and resurrection – you are prepared for whatever today or tomorrow brings.

 In the Name of + Jesus. Amen.

Nativityof Our Lord, Midnight: "Light in the Darkness"

+ Nativity of Our Lord – Midnight Mass – December 24^th, 2012 +

Redeemer Lutheran, HB

Series C: Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Darkness is the enemy’s territory. Darkness brings out the worst in mankind; sin increases like a swarming plague of cockroaches. Wicked men cloak themselves in shadows intent on chaos, confusion and calamity. Darkness, sin, and death go together.

Darkness deepened as Eden’s radiance shrouded Adam and Eve, and all of us in temptation, doubt, sin, and death, exiled in the valley of the shadow of death.

Darkness thickened as Cain murdered his brother and became an outcast.

Darkness saturated the world wit flood and judgment for man’s heart was a heart of darkness.

Darkness covered Mt. Sinai while the children of Israel carried on in lawlessness below.

Darkness filled the land for centuries as God’s prophets proclaimed and prepared the way of the Lord and then fell silent.

But all of that changes tonight. The lamp of God’s Word is not snuffed out. The smoldering wick bursts forth with light. The night of sin and death are over. The pure Light walks the earth; the Light of the World comes to sit in darkness and thereby swallows it up. The darkness is cast out by uncreated Light.

And so it’s no accident that God’s shines forth in the night, foreshadowing Christ’s divine rescue.

Into the dark and formless void of the deep, God’s first recorded word in Scripture breaks into the chaotic nothingness : “Let there be Light.”

In the midst of gloomy judgment clouds and murky abysmal waters, God’s holy ark was a floating city of light set upon the hills of the deep.

Into the night of Abraham’s despair, YHWH enlightened him with an everlasting promise: “Look up toward heavens, and count the stars if you are able to number them…So shall your descendants be.”

In the center of the camp of Israel the Lord dwelt with his people by the holy firelight of his presence.

Into the camp of the Midianites, Gideon – God’s faithful judge of old – beamed forth the light of deliverance with simple jars of clay while God routed his enemies.

And tonight, the fulfillment of God’s promises come to pierce the darkness of sin, death and the devil. Once again, God dwells with us in darkness.

For in the shadowy hills surrounding Bethlehem, there were shepherds watching their flocks by night.

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² 

Do not be afraid. We need to hear those words as much as the shepherds did. Christ’s holy light also reveals and exposes all of our lawless, sinful deeds. God’s fiery wrath blazes hot against sin. The radiance of God’s Law blinds us. But you need not cower in fear. Kneel in repentance, yes. Then rise in joy. Do not be afraid. Not tonight. Not ever again.

For tonight the Word made flesh speaks, breathing his Holy Spirit into the void and deep darkness of our sinful hearts: “Let there by life.” And it is so. 

Tonight, Jesus is his brother’s keeper; he is your keeper and brother, born in your human flesh to keep you from sin and death, sprinkling, washing and redeeming you by his blood that speaks a better word than Abel’s.

Tonight God’s holy ark is still surrounded by animals and straw, but it rests not upon the cresting waves of judgment, but beneath a baby, whose arms embrace your judgment in order to give Noah and you and the whole world, eternal rest in his holy ark, the Church.

Tonight, the light of God’s Law that exposes our sin is reflected in Christ’s perfect life lived on your behalf.  The fullness of time has come; Christ is born under the Law to redeem you from the law and to give you adoption as sons.

Tonight Abraham’s promised Son, the King of the nations is born and through baptism into his death and resurrection you are his descendants, his holy offspring – children of the Light.

Tonight, the Greater Gideon goes forth from his crib to route our Satanic oppressor, to break the yoke of sin’s burden and to trample death under his feet once and for all.

Tonight the Lord encamps and dwells in the midst of His people – not in the tent or the pillar of fire and cloud – but in the tabernacle of human flesh and in His holy temple of bread and wine.

Tonight, Christ is born in the darkness of a cave in order to bring the whole ruined world up again with him. To call us out of sinful darkness into His marvelous light.

And here’s the most remarkable thing of all: that this God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God comes down to earth from heaven in order to take earth into heaven with him. He becomes what you are – a child; so that you can become what he is – sons of the Father and heirs of heaven.

But don’t be disgusted that his first bedroom smelled of manure and hay. Don’t be scandalized by the weakness of this lowly infant. Of course, God could have come, incarnate as a majestic earthly king. But instead, he chose to be incarnate as man who weeps at Lazarus’ grave. Who sweats blood at Gethsemane. Who mourns over Jerusalem. Jesus bears your human weakness and frailty; your sin and death…for that is the kind of God-Man you needed.

Yes, this Christ child is no stranger to darkness. For that is why he was born. The light of Christmas shines all the way to the cross.  And there in the pitch black night of Good Friday – God works his greatest work for you. The Light of the world swallows up our darkness. Death is dead. Satan is cast out. Sin is defeated. And you are Forgiven. Redeemed. Rescued.

The same child laid in a manger for you was laid on the cross and in the tomb for you. But even the darkness of the grave could not hold him down. The Light of the World dawns once more from a cave with glorious resurrected light, victory over sin and death, and joy, the serious business of heaven.

The Advent season of sober reflection, expectation and waiting is over. The fast is ended; the feast is here. Raise your voices. Blow the trumpets. Sound the bells. Christ is born. God became Man.

No wonder the angels sang. But they do not sing alone; they sing for you…and with you. Tonight our voices join the angels and shepherds in triumphant joy. Tonight the vault of heaven sings with unrestrained joy. Heaven cannot contain its jubilation: Christ’s glory breaches the skies and fills the night and lights the earth. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.

Now, come, let us go…Not to Bethlehem of old…but to the new Bethlehem, Christ’s house of Bread… filled with His life-giving flesh and His precious blood given for you.

Come, let make haste to receive this holy food and this holy Savior – whom the Lord has made known to us.

And as we go, we sing the ancient hymn of evening light:

Joyous light of glory: of the immortal Father; heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ. We have come to the setting of the sun, and we look to the evening light. We sing to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: You are worthy of being praised with pure voices forever. O Son of God, O Giver of life: the universe proclaims your glory.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe, who led Your people Israel by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Enlighten our darkness by the light of your Christ; may his word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; for you are merciful, and your whole creation, and we, your creatures, glorify you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

A blessed Christmas to you…

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.