CrossAlone Lutherans – Page 69 – Continuing the 20th Century Luther Renaissance

Epiphany 5: “The light shines in the darkness.” The bodily word of his Supper

January 29, 2020May 31, 2020 admin

In this season of Epiphany we celebrate the coming of the light: John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”

It is not news to say that secularism is on the rise and Christianity on the decline in the West, to say nothing of the deadly persecution of Christians happening in parts of the world. Is this a new Dark Ages? Today whether you are driving through city or countryside, it is not uncommon to see churches that have been closed and converted into “event centers” or “real estate offices” or “community centers,” and the like.

Epiphany 4: “The light shines in the darkness.” Baptism, God’s magic.

January 22, 2020May 31, 2020 admin

In this season of Epiphany we celebrate the coming of the light: John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”

We set the stage last week by focusing on God hidden in light inaccessible. Like Moses, we are blinded by the light of his holiness and almightiness. As is written in Isaiah:

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

Epiphany 3: John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.”

January 15, 2020May 31, 2020 admin

“God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform.”

You probably know this line? But maybe not where it is from. It is the first line of a hymn written by an eighteenth century Englishman, William Cowper, who struggled with mental illness much of his life. Even so, he wrote: “God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform.” Ways beyond his understanding. Ways that none of us can understand.

The prophet Isaiah wrote: “Truly thou art a God who hidest thyself” (Isa. 45:15 KJV; see 45:1-15, especially verse 7). When life takes a tragic turn, where is God? In dark times – whatever they may be, this word from Isaiah strikes home.; Why does the Lord permit this tragedy, this illness, this disability, this horror?

Epiphany 2: “The light is the life” (John 1:4)

January 8, 2020January 8, 2020 admin

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Have you ever been to naturalization ceremony for new citizens? Or seen one on TV?

In Canada citizenship ceremonies happen at NHL games. A red carpet is laid out on the ice. The new immigrants walk out to the middle of the arena. The official reads some words and pronounces the new immigrants to be Canadian citizens. The crowd stands, cheers, and hollers: “Welcome to Canada!” One immigrant said the relief, joy, and sense of belonging she felt that day are unforgettable.

An outline for an Epiphany sermon

December 30, 2019December 30, 2019 admin

A beginning:

Epiphany is the 6^th of January in the Western calendar. Epiphany means “shining forth.” End of the 12 days of Christmas. In the early Church this was “their Christmas Day.” This tradition continued for a couple of hundred years. Early Christians celebrated the coming of the light in this world of meaningless and hopelessness.