Nunc Dimittis

What a great way to end 2007 and prepare for 2008 -- I'm learning something new. That seems to be a daily occurrence lately. For many decades I said the Nunc Dimittis at church and had no idea what it was or where came from. It came after communion. I just said it.

Part of the message during the service this Sunday was a reading in Luke 2:33-38.

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."

From the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod: https://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/Worship/litgloss.pdf

Nunc Dimittis (noonk di-MIT-iss)

Latin for "now dismiss." These are the words spoken by Simeon as he held the 40-day-old Jesus in his arms (Luke 2:25—35). One of the New Testament canticles, it was traditionally used in the daily service of Compline and as an alternate to the Magnificat in Vespers. In the Lutheran Church it is also appointed for use following the distribution of the Lord’s Supper.

For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunc_dimittis

Happy Baptism Day Jill

I wanted to wish our daughter Jill a Happy Baptism Day. Jill was baptized on December 30, 1979 at New Home Lutheran Church in Mitchell, SD. We celebrated today by lighting her baptism candle and eating cake. And we sang Happy Baptism Day to the tune of Happy Birthday.

http://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/LCMS/wa_baptism.pdf

The Lutheran Difference -- Holy Spirit

I will be co-leading a new study for women in January. The study is the Holy Spirit from the Lutheran Difference series. (http://www.cph.org/). It is helpful to understand what the Lutheran Church teaches regarding the Holy Spirit as there are many different understandings amongst denominations. It can be confusing. From the study:

"As Lutherans interact with other Christians, they often struggle to explain their beliefs and practices. Although many Lutherans have learned the “what” of Lutheran doctrines, they do not always understand the “why.” Based on God's Word as faithfully reflected in the Lutheran Confessions, this study will help you to state clearly what you believe."

Contents

• About This Series
• Student Introduction
• An Overview of Christian Denominations
• Lutheran Facts
• The Spirit Speaks
• The Spirit of God
• Life-giving Spirit
• The Spirit of Holiness
• Baptized in the Spirit
• The Fruit and Gifts of the Spirit
• Leader Guide Introduction
• Answers
• Appendix of Lutheran Teaching
• Glossary

Study includes leader guide, glossary of terms, comparison sections showing the beliefs of various denominations and church bodies, and an appendix of orthodox Lutheran teaching.

Behold, Lord .....

"Behold, Lord, here is an empty cask that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in faith; strengthen me. I am cold in love; warm me, and fill me with fire that my love may flower out over my neighbor. I do not have a firm, strong faith; I doubt at times and cannot fully trust God. O Lord, help me; increase my faith and trust for me. In You is locked the treasure of all my possessions. I am poor; You are rich and You come to have mercy upon the poor. I am a sinner; You are righteous. I pour forth a stream of sin; but in You are all fullness and righteousness."

Martin Luther

Revelation, A LifeLight Bible Study

I will starting a new Bible next week called Revelation and it is part of the LifeLight series. It is written by Lutherans and published by Concordia. (http://www.cph.org/) The topics are:

• Understanding the Book of Revelation Rev 1:1-8
• The Triumphant Christ Speaks to His Church Rev 1:9-3:22
• Our Victorious Lord Leads through Trouble to Triumph Rev 4-7
• The World Shaken, God's Kingdom Stands Firm Rev 8-11
• Christ's Victory over Satan and His Hosts Rev 12-14
• Praise for God and Armgeddon for the World Rev 15-16
• The Agony of the Wicked and the Ecstasy of the Saved Rev 17-19
• The Millennium and the Doom of Satan Rev 20
• Our Victorious Lord Reigns Forever Rev 21-22
  
  

Luke 2:10-11

From the Word of God ....

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. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (New King James)

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (King James)

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (NIV)

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (English Standard Version)

but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (New Living Translation)

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2007

It's that special day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Our celebration began last night when we went to church to sing Christmas carols, listen to the Christmas story from Luke and receive the Sacrament. These are my children -- Alex and Jill. Jill used to get pj's for Christmas, but now it's just Alex. This year it was camouflage pj's.

At 6:30 a.m. I put our traditional Christmas casserole in the oven and started lighting the Christmas tree lights (we have 3 trees) and candles through the house. At 6:45 a.m. my son Alex (age 10) came downstairs very excited. Even though he knows Santa isn't real and it's all about Jesus, he still gets excited for the presents.

At 8 a.m. everyone came downstairs to began the day in earnest. First, it's coffee and mimosas. We settled on the sofa to watch a video called "The Story of the Birth of Jesus" from Tommy Nelson. Then the gift opening began and took less than 20 minutes. As everyone enjoyed their gifts we gobbled down the Christmas casserole.

The gifts are opened, coffee is gone, our stomachs are full, the wrapping paper is in the garbage. The last event of the morning is cake. We always make a birthday cake for Jesus in a heart shaped pan. This year Alex chose confetti cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.

Merry Christmas!

The Nativity -- Our Family

For the last few years we have had our family picture taken at our church's Christmas Extravaganza. However we didn't make it this year. So here are the pictures from past years.

Winter Solstice

http://www.winbuzz.com/

It's December 22, 2007 and the Winter Solstice. This is the shortest day of the year and it's a new moon also. That means no moonlight. Many cultures have celebrated or continue to celebrate this day in a variety of ways.

Some examples are: The Dōngzhì Festival or The Winter Solstice Festival(Chinese: 冬至; Pinyin: dōng zhì; "The Extreme of Winter") is an important festival celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians during the dongzhi solar term on or around December 21 when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest; i.e., on the first day of the dongzhi solar term.

Yule was the winter solstice celebration of the Scandinavian Norse mythology and Germanic pagans.

Yaldā also known as Shab-e Cheleh is celebrated on the eve of the first day of the winter (21th December) in the Iranian calendar, which falls on the Winter Solstice. It celebrates the birth of Sun god Mithra.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Solstice_Celebrations

Christmas Nail for You

This is the third year that I have made Christmas Nails for friends and family. The Christmas Nail is a vivid reminder of what God's Gift to man really was and is. I saw a similar ornament, but decided it would be more meaningful if I created my own.

So I brought large spikes at the hardware stores for about 14¢ each and tied a small message with a red ribbon on each spike. The Christmas Nail is designed to sit quietly in the tree as a reminder. It could easily be something you leave out year round as a powerful reminder.

Last Minute Gift Idea

Only 3 days until Christmas. If you need a great gift idea -- I have one! Concordia Publishing House (http://www.cph.org/) has a wonderful devotional based on the writing of Martin Luther. It's called Through Faith Alone.


Today's devotion (December 21):

The Glory of the Lord

An angel from the Lord suddenly appeared to them. The glory of the Lord filled the area with light, and they were terrified.

Luke 2:9

******

First of all, the event described in this passage wasn't merely one person telling another some good news. But an angel came from heaven and announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds. No human being knew anything about it. Second, notice that Christ was born at midnight. This shows that the world was dark at his coming and human reason on its own can't recognize Christ. Heaven must reveal it. Third, the bright light, which surrounded the shepherds, shows that something completely different than the light of reason is needed.

Luke says, "The glory of the Lord filled the area with light." He calls this light the glory of the Lord. Why? He does this to emphasize the mystery and show us the nature of the gospel. It is a heavenly light that teaches Christ alone.

This light from heaven shines around us through the apostles and their followers who now preach the gospel. The angel in this story is like all of the preachers of the gospel, and the shepherds are like all listeners. Accordingly, the gospel comes from heaven and doesn't tolerate any other teachings added to it, for human teaching is earthly light and human glory. It lifts up human glory and praise and makes people arrogantly rely on their own efforts. But the gospel teaches everyone to trust in Christ. So rely completely on God's kindness and goodness. Glorify Christ and be bold in him.

How well do you know your geography?

I attended the National Geography Bee at my son's school today. He was one of the representatives for the 5th grade. Unfortunately the students confirmed what seems to be the norm in America. Students don't know their geography! I suspect the students' parents don't know their geography either.

Test yourself: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee/

I've placed this link on the right side of my blog so readers can test themselves anytime they visit my blog.

The Everlasting Angel and the Mountains of Fire

I'm reading a new book that we will be giving to our 10 year old son for Christmas. It's called The Everlasting Angel and the Mountains of Fire written by Peter M. Kurowski and Elizabeth R. Scheperle.

It is a historical fiction book aimed at young teens, but adults would enjoy it also. The story is about the Angel of the Lord (The Everlasting Angel) in the Old Testament. The story follows Zarak has he journeys through real Old Testament events and places. There are many characters that you'll recognize like Sarah, Abraham and Hagar and others who are fictional like Zarak, Mo and Gunk. The story is a blend of truth, humor, and suspense.

I heard an interview by Pastor Tom Baker of one of the authors on Law and Gospel http://www.kfuoam.org/LG_Nov_06.htm. It's a wonderful interview.

The book can be ordered at http://www.lawgospel.com/cgi-bin/order.aspx.

From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

We attended Carols by Candlelight at Our Shepherd Lutheran in Birmingham, MI last night. Our son attends Our Shepherd Lutheran School. (http://www.ourshepherd.net/)

Even though it was snowy and cold, the church was filled. We listened to many different choirs sing Christmas carols and hymns for 2 hours by candlelight. It was delightful.

We sang many stanzas of Martin Luther's From Heaven Above to Earth I Come. I have not heard or sung that hymn since about 2000.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/fromheav.htm

From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

1. "From heaven above to earth I come
To bear good news to every home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
Whereof I now will say and sing:

2. "To you this night is born a child
Of Mary, chosen virgin mild;
This little child, of lowly birth,
Shall be the joy of all the earth.

3. "This is the Christ, our God and Lord,
Who in all need shall aid afford;
He will Himself your Savior be
From all your sins to set you free.

4. "He will on you the gifts bestow
Prepared by God for all below,
That in His kingdom, bright and fair,
You may with us His glory share.

5. "These are the tokens ye shall mark:
The swaddling-clothes and manger dark;
There ye shall find the Infant laid
By whom the heavens and earth were made."

6. Now let us all with gladsome cheer
Go with the shepherds and draw near
To see the precious gift of God,
Who hath His own dear Son bestowed.

7. Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes!
What is it in yon manger lies?
Who is this child, so young and fair?
The blessed Christ-child lieth there.

8. Welcome to earth, Thou noble Guest,
Through whom the sinful world is blest!
Thou com'st to share my misery;
What thanks shall I return to Thee?

9. Ah, Lord, who hast created all,
How weak art Thou, how poor and small,
That Thou dost choose Thine infant bed
Where humble cattle lately fed!

10. Were earth a thousand times as fair,
Beset with gold and jewels rare,
It yet were far too poor to be
A narrow cradle, Lord, for Thee.

11. For velvets soft and silken stuff
Thou hast but hay and straw so rough,
Whereon Thou, King, so rich and great,
As 'twere Thy heaven, art throned in state.

12. And thus, dear Lord, it pleaseth Thee
To make this truth quite plain to me,
That all the world's wealth, honor, might,
Are naught and worthless in Thy sight.

13. Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for Thee.

14. My heart for very joy doth leap,
My lips no more can silence keep;
I, too, must sing with joyful tongue
That sweetest ancient cradle-song:

15. Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto us His Son hath given!
While angels sing with pious mirth
A glad new year to all the earth.

Notes: #85 in _The Handbook to The Lutheran Hymnal_
Text: Luke 2: 1-18
Author: Martin Luther, 1535
Tune: Vom Himmel hoch, da komm' ich her
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1855, alt.
1st published in: "Geistliche Lieder" Leipzig, 1539

Sound Doctrine -- Essential

This pastor is Southern Baptist, but he is right on target with so much of what he has to say.

That's Your Opinion.....

St Lucia Day

December 13 is St. Lucia Day.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Lucy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Lucy%27s_Day

Luther's Rose

The Luther Rose

Prince John Frederick, who was the protector of Martin Luther, commissioned a seal for Luther which he would wear as a ring. Luther wrote this letter to Lazarus Spengler of Nuremburg, who was designing the ring.

Grace and peace in Christ, Honored and Dear Lord and Friend,

Since you wish to know whether they have designed my seal the way I wanted it, I will tell you how I originally planned my coat-of-arms as a symbol of my theology.

The first thing should be a cross, black, on a heart retaining the natural red color, to remind me that it is faith in the Crucified One that saves us. A person can only become righteous when he believes with his whole heart. And though this is a black cross, mortifying the flesh and purposely inflicting pain, it does not change the color of the heart or destroy its nature. It does not kill, but instead it preserves life: for the just shall live by faith, that is, faith in the Crucified One.

This heart should be set in the middle of a white rose, to show that this faith yields joy, peace, and comfort such as the world cannot give. This rose is white instead of red, because white is the color of spirits and angels.

This white rose is placed on a field of heavenly blue, because such spiritual joy and faith are a beginning of heavenly joys to come, which even now are possessed by faith and understood in hope, although they cannot yet be seen by the human eye.

Encircling this field is a ring of gold, to signify that the bliss of heaven endures forever and is more precious than all earthly pleasures and possessions, even as gold is the most precious of metals.

May Christ our dear Lord be with your spirit until it is safe in Heaven.

Amen

Doctrine is Life and I'm the Mom

Gottesdienst

Gottesdienst

Any German speakers? What does this word mean? Gottesdienst translates as God's Service. It's a word I've only learned recently, but it has a long history. The more I am learning about it, the more appealing it is becoming. It brings to mind the concept of AWE vs WOW. (http://maryellynatthecross.blogspot.com/2007/11/awe.html)

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_Service

The term "Divine Service" is somewhat unique to Lutheranism, and it reflects the theology of justification held by Lutherans. The term comes from the German word Gottesdienst (God service), and is significant because it reflects the Lutheran belief that the main actor in the Divine Service is God himself and not man. The connotation of the term is that the Word and Sacrament (the two parts of the Divine Service) are gifts that God gives to his people, and therefore Lutherans emphasize God's work rather than that of man. The term Mass was used by early Lutherans but such use has dwindled since then. Also, Lutherans have historically used the term to distinguish the Divine Service with Protestant Worship, where often the focus is on the worshipper bringing praise and thanksgiving to God.

This is a great website from a church that teaches about liturgy and the Small Catechism.

http://www.trinitynotl.ca/liturgy.html

If You Love Christ Then You'll Love Doctrine

A Gift of God

I'm rereading The Fire and the Staff by Klemet Preus. This book examines Lutheran theology in practice. Here are some thoughts on doctrine.

Doctrine seems to be a 8 letter word -- a double 4 letter word for many. Everyone has doctrine. There is ONE doctrine with many facets. Facets are articles of faith such as baptism, the Lord's Supper, predestination, good works and the list goes on.

Doctrine is and must be pure. True and pure doctrine is based on the Word of Christ and it is certain. In fact, Paul turned the world completely upside down with his doctrine and so did Martin Luther. They both had complete certainty about their beliefs.

A thought to ponder and treasure in your heart:

Doctrine is a gift of God.

A couple of quotes from Martin Luther regarding doctrine from Luther's Works:

"Doctrine must be one eternal and round golden circle, in which there is no crack; if even the tiniest crack appears, the circle is no longer perfect."

"With the utmost rigor we demand that all the articles of Christian doctrine, both large and small -- although we do not regard any of them as small -- be kept pure and certain. This is supremely necessary. For this doctrine is one our only light, which illumines and directs us and shows you the way to heaven."

Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was attacked by the Japanese. The attacking planes came as a complete surprise. The planes arrived in two waves; the first hit its target at 7:53 AM, the second at 8:55. By 9:55 it was all over. By 1:00 PM the carriers that launched the planes from 274 miles off the coast of Oahu were heading back to Japan. 2,403 died, 188 planes were destroyed 8 battleships were damaged or destroyed.

There is an interactive map and timeline at

http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/pearlharbor/.

Other websites:
http://pearlharborattacked.com/
http://teacher.scholastic.com/pearl/

Bible Studies and Doctrine -- does it matter?

Does doctrine matter when a church chooses Bible Studies?

I think it does. After all, doesn't doctrine drive what is in the Bible Study? For example, wouldn't a Baptist understand the Bible verse in Revelation about door knocking differently than a Lutheran? I sure hope so! And what do the various denominations understand about how faith is created or what do they believe about Holy Communion and Holy Baptism or the end times. Does it matter -- it sure does!!!

One of the Bible studies that I have seen at a Lutheran church is Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. I have not taken the course and mostly likely will not. I'm more interested in what the Lutheran Church teaches, not the Southern Baptists or the Charismatics or the non-denominations or anyone else. This study is available through Lifeway Christian Resources which is Southern Baptist in orientation. Sounds good sort of, but here's information about what Priscilla Shirer believes: (http://www.goingbeyond.com/statement.asp)

We believe that such salvation with its forgiveness of sins, its impartation of a new nature, and its hope of eternal life, is entirely apart from good works, baptism, church membership or man's effort and is of pure grace.

We believe that a true believer is eternally secure, that he cannot lose his salvation, but that sin may interrupt the joy of his fellowship with God and bring the loving discipline of his heavenly Father. We believe that all who receive Christ become joint heirs with Him, and at death, their spirits depart to be with Christ in conscious blessedness. We believe that at rapture, their bodies will be raised to the likeness of the body of His glory and dwell forever in divine presence.

We believe that it is the goal of every Christian to become a disciple of Christ by growing toward spiritual maturity through the knowledge of and obedience to the Word of God and submission to the Holy Spirit, who indwells and seals all believers at the moment of salvation. Believers must seek the fullness of the Spirit since it is His influence that will bring about victorious Christian living on earth.

A well-informed Lutheran should have huge problems with 'once saved, always saved' as starters. Guess baptism isn't a means of grace. I suspect that 'receive Christ' means making a decision. What about the rapture? There's a problem there. Growing towards spiritual maturity -- what's that mean? What the heck is 'seek the fullness of the Spirit'?

So my question to any Lutheran church using this study is:

Shouldn't we be teaching members about how Lutherans discern the voice of God? Although the answer is pretty clear -- God speaks very plainly and clearly through the means He has established --- the Scriptures and in the Lord's Supper and in Holy Baptism.

Historic Trinity

The Women of Wittenberg visited Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit. The church as been in existence since 1850. We experienced what a real Lutheran church looks and feels like. This was a place to experience AWE. The sanctuary was amazing with the stained glass, the pews, the pipe organ, and the carvings. The best place to find out more about Historic Trinity is to visit or at the very least go the website:

http://www.historictrinity.org/

Happy St. Nicholas Day

December 6 is St. Nicholas Day. We celebrate St Nicholas Day by opening a present and filling a stocking with gold chocolate coins. We read books about St Nicholas. The Saint Who Became Santa Claus by Evelyn Bence (I can't find it online). Another great book is The Real Santa Claus: Legends of Saint Nicholas by Mariana Mayer .

This is a tradition we started when Alex was 3 years. I want Alex to know who St Nicholas is and how he turned into Santa Claus over time. Santa Claus is fun, but I think too much emphasis is placed on gifts, Santa Claus and busyness during December. We want Alex to know that Christmas is not all about Santa Claus, but about the celebration of the birth of Christ.

There is lots of information on the Internet about St Nicholas. My favorite website is http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=23.

This is the Russian Winter Icon of St. Nicholas.

Advent Hymns

I posted these hymns last year, but basically didn't keep up with the postings. So I'm bringing it to the present. These are two of my favorite Advent Hymns. A funny thing happened to me. I was raised in a church that had an organ and we sang mostly hymns. I NEVER realized how powerful the words of the hymns. That is until now.

Have a listen and sing along! (use the Back button on your browser to return to the blog.)

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Unknown author in the 12th Century, translated by John M. Neale (1818-1866) Tune, French Processional, 15th Century http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/c/ocomocom.htm

Fling Wide the Door
Georg Weissel, 1590-1635
trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Gracia Grindal, 1978.
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/w/fwdtdoor.htm

To Have Historic Liturgy or Not to Have It

That's a big question in my mind right now. We attended the Lutheran church that is affiliated with our son's school this morning. It is a traditional liturgicalLutheran church. We have been attending a praise and worship style church which doesn't use the full historic liturgy for about 7 years. I have enjoyed the music and messages at my current church, but it felt very comfortable to be in a traditional Lutheran church again. I have been reading about liturgy and I am finally understanding what happens in a traditional liturgy. Having been away from liturgy for a season and having matured in my understanding of life I find tremendous comfort in saying familiar words.

Everything I am finding in my reading and listening says that God primarily gives to me and then I respond. In fact in many LCMS churches worship is called the Divine Service -- God serving me through His Word and the Lord's Supper. I found this great illustration from a church in Canada. (http://www.goodshepherd.nb.ca/liturgy/)

First Sunday in Advent

Tomorrow is the first Sunday in Advent -- December 2, 2007 for this year. It's snowing outside, but by morning it will be a rainy, sloppy mess. The Christmas lights are up outside. We've started decorating the house. Both trees are up and the lights are on. The ornaments are still waiting to be hung. The Nativity is on the fireplace hearth, but Baby Jesus won't appear until Christmas.

After the trees and lights are done, the first thing that happens at our house is the Advent Calendar goes on the wall. We have a wooden Advent calendar. At the top is the Nativity scene and on the bottom are small doors with wooden ornaments inside. Each day Alex opens a door and places an ornament in the Nativity scene.

The Church Year

In the Lutheran church we follow the church year and the colors on the altar change. Each Sunday has a name. Here are the major seasons of the church year: (from http://www.lcms.org/)

THE TIME OF CHRISTMAS
Advent Season
First Sunday in Advent
Second Sunday in Advent
Third Sunday in Advent
Fourth Sunday in Advent
Christmas Season
The Nativity of Our Lord
Christmas Eve
Christmas Midnight
Christmas Dawn
Christmas Day
First Sunday after Christmas
Second Sunday after Christmas

Epiphany Season
The Epiphany of Our Lord
First Sunday after the Epiphany The Baptism of Our Lord
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany
Last Sunday after the Epiphany The Transfiguration of Our Lord

THE TIME OF EASTER
Pre-Lent Season Septuagesima
Sexagesima
Quinquagesima
Lenten Season
Ash Wednesday
First Sunday in Lent
Second Sunday in Lent
Third Sunday in Lent
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Holy Week
Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday
Monday in Holy Week
Tuesday in Holy Week
Wednesday in Holy Week
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Season
The Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Vigil
Easter Dawn
Easter Day
Easter Evening/Monday
Easter Tuesday
Second Sunday of Easter
Third Sunday of Easter
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sixth Sunday of Easter
The Ascension of Our Lord
Seventh Sunday of Easter

Pentecost
Pentecost Eve
Day of Pentecost
Pentecost Evening/Monday
Pentecost Tuesday

THE TIME OF THE CHURCH
The Season of the Holy Trinity

The Holy Trinity
First through the Twenty-sixth Sunday after Trinity
Last Sunday of the Church Year

Advent

I'm a Lutheran, therefore I celebrate Advent. I discovered last year that many Christians don't know what Advent is. I thought everyone celebrated Advent.

From the LCMS website: (http://www.lcms.org/)

Q. Why does the church year begin at Advent, what is the history of Advent, and what is the history behind the Advent candles and wreath?

A. The word "advent" is from the Latin word for "coming," and as such, describes the "coming" of our Lord Jesus Christ into the flesh. Advent begins the church year because the church year begins where Jesus' earthly life began--in the Old Testament prophecies of his incarnation.

After Advent comes Christmas, which is about his birth; then Epiphany, about his miracles and ministry; then Lent, about his Calvary-bound mission; then Easter, about his resurrection and the sending of the apostles; and then Ascension (40 days after Easter) and Pentecost, with the sending of the Holy Spirit.

The first half of the church year (approximately December through June) highlights the *life* of Christ. The second half (approximately June through November) highlights the *teachings* of Christ. The parables and miracles play a big part here. That's "the church year in a nutshell," and it should help reveal how Advent fits into "the big picture."

Advent specifically focuses on Christ's "coming," but Christ's coming manifests itself among us in three ways--past, present, and future. The readings which highlight Christ's coming in the past focus on the Old Testament prophecies of his incarnation at Bethlehem. The readings which highlight Christ's coming in the future focus on his "second coming" on the Last Day at the end of time. And the readings which highlight Christ's coming in the present focus on his ministry among us through Word and Sacrament today.

The traditional use of Advent candles (sometimes held in a wreath) originated in eastern Germany even prior to the Reformation. As this tradition came down to us by the beginning of this century, it involved three purple candles and one pink candle.

The purple candles matched the purple paraments on the altar (purple for the royalty of the coming King).

The pink candle was the third candle to be lit (not the fourth) on Gaudate Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. "Gaudate" means "Rejoice!" in Latin, and is the first word of the traditional Introit for that day (TLH, p. 54) which is taken from Philippians 4:4. ("Rejoice! . . . the Lord is near"). Hence a "pink" candle was used to signify "rejoicing." Some also included a white "Christ candle" in the middle to be lit during the 12 days of Christmas (December 25-January 5).

The concept of giving each candle a name, i.e., Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherd and Angel, etc., is a relatively novel phenomenon and probably originates with certain entrepreneurial publishers seeking to sell Advent candles and devotional booklets.

There are many beautiful customs and traditions surrounding Advent, as well as a load of history concerning its development.

This is a website with lots of great 'stuff':

http://www.teachingmom.com/features/adventday1.html

Ask Yourself....

I'm taking a course called Crossways. http://www.crossways.org/ It's a 2 year overview of the Bible. We just completed Exodus and Leviticus which deals quite a bit with the law-codes of the Jewish people. The law-codes are often misunderstood by people today. The law-codes can be categorized in 3 ways:

• The Ceremonial law which Jesus fulfilled.
• The Civil law which doesn't govern the children of God since Christ
• The Moral Law which is the 10 Commandments. The Moral Law appears in Jesus' teachings in expanded ways. The Moral Law is written in the hearts of men. Luther tells us that the Moral Law has 3 purposes -- to curb our sinful behavior, to act as mirror that shows us our sin, to guide our behavior.

There is a wonderful quote in the book that a person can ask themselves everytime they do something.

"If everyone were to do what I plan to do, or to live as I choose to live, what would happen to the human race? If the answer is that it would harm or destroy the human race, no person has a right to perform that action or pursue that lifestyle."

A Chinese proverb states, "When a butterfly flaps its wings in China, it affects the weather patterns around the planet."

Bible Studying

Bible Studying

Now that I am not a homeschooling mom I have time to pursue a few things that I love. First, I'm co-leading 2 Bible studies and participating in a third one. Some weeks I feel like I've bitten off more than I can chew...but I chew well and I'm blessed in the midst of my being overwhelmed at times.

I've participated in plenty of studies over the years. Sometimes they were produced by the Lutheran church and other times they were not. While I enjoyed all the various studies -- I think there is danger for a Lutheran to be involved in non-Lutheran Bible studies. It seems that any Bible study will be driven by doctrine even those produced by non-denominational publishing houses. For a Lutheran, most doctrine will be in disagreement in some way with what we believe.

I'm currently leading a study on Daniel for the God's Word for Today series. I am grateful for the leader notes which help me to teach with proper understanding. Daniel is particularly open to lots of interesting interpretation which would not be in a agreement with the LCMS. I believe that is important to teach correctly. As a layperson I'm limited in my knowledge and need leader notes

I'm participating in an overview of the Bible called Crossways. Although it is written by a Lutheran (ELCA) pastor, correction is still needed as there are Bible interpretation problems (historical-critical). The fortunate part of the Crossways class is that a well-trained staff person is leading it and is capable of making corrections. He has the leader notes PLUS the knowledge.

Sanctifi-who????

Sanctifi-who????

Sanctification is not exactly a common everyday word. I remember hearing it when I was growing up, but no one clearly defined it for me. Guess they assumed I knew what it meant or perhaps they didn't know what it meant either! That's unfortunate as it's an essential part of doctrine.

The dictionary defines it in this way:

(http://www.thefreedictionary.com/sanctification)
1. To set apart for sacred use; consecrate.
2. To make holy; purify.
3. To give religious sanction to, as with an oath or vow: sanctify a marriage.
4. To give social or moral sanction to.
5. To make productive of holiness or spiritual blessing.

As a theological category, sanctification defines the Christian life lived as a result of justification (see "Justification"). While justification and sanctification must be distinguished and not confused, they can never be divided. While justification is a completed work in Christ, sanctification is progressive. (from the Dictionary of Theological Terms by Don Matzat)

The various denominations have different definitions. I'm interested in the Lutheran understanding.

From the Good News Magazine: (the complete chart can be read at http://www.mtio.com/articles/bissar10.htm)

Sanctification is that act of God WITHIN the sinner which God works with the new man in a lifelong process of restoration.

From Scripture:

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Philippians 2:12-3

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Philippians 3:12

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

Colossians 3:2-5

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age....

Titus 2:11-12

Believing God -- Reflections

Beth Moore Bible studies are very popular at many churches. In fact in past years I did some of her studies. She is a very engaging presenter and touches the hearts of many women. I think that is why she is so popular at churches , even Lutheran churches.

However for a Lutheran her theology is 180 degrees in the opposite direction. It's subtle. I did the study Believing God about 3 or 4 years ago and even wore the blue wristband for the entire study. This morning I went back to look through the study and in particular to note what I had highlighted. I was surprised at what I read:

From the workbook Believing God

Page 10:

"This faith-action refers to the exercise of belief that leads to salvation. Every Christian heard the Gospel message at some point and chose to believe and receive it. Because we exercised this faith-action, we immediately became Christ's" [Jesus saves objectively and it's outside of me.]

"Our glorious faith walk began with an act of faith that brought us into relationship with Jesus Christ as our Savior, but it doesn't end there." [The Holy Spirit creates faith, not me.]

Page 18:

"That means the more we believe God, the more we are likely to see and experience His intervening power." [Justification is instanteous and I am a sinner and saint at the same time. Daily I remember my baptism when the Holy Spirit created faith and washed me white as snow. ]

Page 19:

"Faith is the primary means by which we place our hand in the outstretched hand of God and join Him." [God reaches out and grabs me.]
Page 41:

"Without a doubt, the foremost fundamental of faith is believing that God is who He says He is. It is foundational to all other areas of faith." [The fundamental truth is that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to died on the cross for my sins and then He rose to defeat death so that I can have eternal life in heaven with the Father.]

Page 75:

"Faith means believing that blessing never fails to follow obedience, no matter the sacrifice." [Really????]

Page 116:

"Scripture tells us if Christ's words dwell in us, we can use our mouths to speak or pray over situations, and the Holy Spirit will often bring powerful results." [Christ is in me and you can't split the Trinity as this implies. Is this implying that my words have power or that there is a Wordless Spirit?]

The Book of Concord

I discovered the Book of Concord about 4 years ago after being a Lutheran for half a century. I vaguely remember hearing The Augsburg Confession somewhere in the past, but my pastors over the years never talked about it, nor did my Sunday School teachers, nor my confirmation teachers, nor my parents.

Finally....the pastor at my church talked about it. My husband bought the Red copy of it. Now I know what it is and how essential it is to a proper understanding of being Lutheran. And I discovered it's not that hard to read.

So exactly what is the Book of Concord????? Go to http://www.bookofconcord.org/ and you can read the book for yourself.

From http://www.bookofconcord.org/ website:

"The Book of Concord contains documents which Christians from the fourth to the 16th century A.D. explained what they believed and taught on the basis of the Holy Scriptures. It includes, first, the three creeds which originated in the ancient church, the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. It contains, secondly, the Reformation writings known as the Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope, Luther's Small and Large Catechisms, and the Formula of Concord.

The Catechisms and the Smalcald Articles came from the pen of Martin Luther; the Augsburg Confession, its Apology, and the Treatise were written by Luther's co-worker, the scholarly Phillip Melanchthon; the Formula of Concord was given its final form chiefly by Jacob Andreae, Martin Chemnitz, and Nickolaus Selnecker. "

Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving

"The National Thanksgiving Proclamations

National Thanksgiving Proclamations proclaim thanks for God’s providence in the events of the nation and, as President Washington explained in his Thanksgiving Proclamation, "for the many signal favors of Almighty God" in the lives of the people.

As congress recognized the importance of Thanksgiving observance, President George Washington issued a national Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789. He wrote, "Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country...for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed...and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions—to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually...To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us—and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best."

In 1789 Washington designated a national thanksgiving holiday for the newly ratified Constitution, specifically so that the people may thank God for "affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness" and for having "been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed... "

The first official Thanksgiving Proclamation made in America was issued by the Continental Congress in 1777. Six national Proclamations of Thanksgiving were issued in the first thirty years after the founding of the United States of America as an independent federation of States. President George Washington issued two, President John Adams issued two, President Thomas Jefferson made none and President James Madison issued two. After 1815 there were no more Thanksgiving Proclamations until the Presidency of Lincoln, who made two during the Civil War.

President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a Federal holiday as a "prayerful day of Thanksgiving" on the last Thursday in November. Since then every U.S. President has always made an official Thanksgiving Proclamation on behalf of the nation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt set the date for Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November in 1939 (approved by Congress in 1941)."

Thanksgiving at the Whitehouse: http://www.whitehouse.gov/holiday/thanksgiving/2007/

The Proclamation for 2007: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/11/20071115-5.html

The Sunday AWE Returned to Church

This morning at church our pastor was finishing a 6 week series on worship. Last week's topic was "Awe" as in Wow vs Awe.

Just as the Worship Team began to sing the opening song, there was a noise in the sound system and the microphones were gone. In an auditorium that has over 1000 seats that's a problem. Pastor's comment after trying to pray with a microphone that was not behaving properly was perfect. He calmly said this is most appropriate after last week's message. It will be AWE today. And indeed there was AWE and a makeshift microphone setup. And mostly importantly we heard that God gives to us and we had Holy Communion.

Thankfulness in the Word

God's Word is filled with thankfulness. There are so many beloved verses.

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

1 Chronicles 29:13

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Psalm 7:17

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:30

We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 75:1

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:26

The Four Freedoms

This week is Thanksgiving Week. It's a unique American Holiday that celebrates the blessings we have in the United States. Last year in our homeschool I learned about Norman Rockwell and his famous paintings called The Four Freedoms. I was initially drawn to the painting called Freedom from Want -- it reminds me of Thanksgiving. Actually there are 4 paintings:

Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Religion
Freedom from Want
Freedom from Fear

The Four Freedoms were goals that President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke in the State of the Union Address in 1942. It is often referred to as the Four Freedoms speech. Roosevelt listed four points as fundamental freedoms humans "everywhere in the world":

Freedom of speech and expression
Freedom of every person to worship God in his own way
Freedom from want
Freedom from fear

Norman Rockwell painted the series in 1943, during World War II. He completed the series in seven months. The Saturday Evening Post published them in 1943. As Thanksgiving approaches there is so much to be thankful for. I am incredibly blessed to be an American.

AWE

My pastor preached a message at church last weekend that resonated with me in a profound way. The message was based on Acts 2:42-47.

The Fellowship of the Believers

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The title of his message was " Awe." Pastor's message talked about what often happens in church and described it as being WOW. That's not Women of Wittenberg, but rather WOW as in the music was great or the pastor had a good message or I really got something out the service. He described WOW as entertain me; give me what I want; make it big; MAN-ufacture it; something's going on around me; and we add.

He contrasted that with AWE. AWE means change me (redemption); give me what I need; GOD-breathed; something's happening TO and IN me; God adds.

Which brings me to The Fire and the Staff, Lutheran Theology in Practice. (http://www.cph.org/cphstore/product.asp?part_no=155060).


For the last 3 months I have been thinking about buying this book, but hesitated as it didn't fit into the budget. But today I got it. I spent 2 hours sipping coffee at the local Panera's as I skimmed through the book. It dealt directly with the issue at hand for me -- WOW vs AWE.

I love to read about theology (new development in the last few years) and Pastor Preus says I am a theologian because I am reading this 350+ page book on theology. In the beginning of the book is a short story about an old Norwegian woman (that could be me!) who loves to read her Bible and study books on Lutheran theology. She was asked why she does this and her reply was "Lebre er Liv" which means "Doctrine is life."

Happy Birthday Martin Luther

German reformer Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, Germany on November 10, 1483!

"Our faith is an astounding thing—astounding that I should believe him to be the Son of God who is suspended on the cross, whom I have never seen, with whom I have never become acquainted."

http://www.educ.msu.edu/homepages/laurence/reformation/Luther/Luther.htm

Worship

What is Worship?

I have attended church for as long as I can remember. I always went and it didn't feel right if Sunday morning didn't include church. I maintain that even more strongly today. For a variety of reasons I am on a quest to better understand what worship is. Since Lutheran is my church of choice, it is Lutheran worship I read about.

Worship is not as the dictionary defines it. For many worship means coming together with other Christians to sing praises to God and thank him for what He has done in our lives. In other words it's in one direction and that is the worshiper gives to God. There are numerous verses in the Bible which talk about our responding to God with praises, but that's not the primary 'thing' that occurs when you come to worship in a Lutheran church.

Worship in a Lutheran church is God GIVING the gift of forgiveness of sins and eternal life through the means He has set up. The means are Word and Sacrament. Within the worship service, called the Divine Service in some Lutheran congregations, are many places where God GIVES. And there is a place for the children of God to respond with thanks and praise.

Here's a wonderful 2 hour interview about The Myths of Worship:

Myths About Worship Part 1
Myths About Worship Part 2

On Being Lutheran

I am proud to be a Lutheran. I was blessed to be born into a Lutheran family, but it's only in recent years that I have understood what it means to be Lutheran in this evangelical society and often secular society we live in. I have had many stops along the way that have helped me in more fully understanding what it is I believe. I'm grateful to the people who believe(d) differently than me as they unknowningly spurred me on as we have engaged in lively email discussions. Sometimes the discussions go wrong, but I grow nevertheless!

Thanks to the Internet pastors who encourage me, preach to me, and teach me. I listen to them on the Internet. (Update: I can't listen to my favorite Lutheran radio show anymore because it was unexpectedly cancelled on Holy Tuesday!)

http://augsburg1530.wordpress.com/(Why did they cancel Issues Etc?????)

http://www.kfuoam.org/ (Used to be Lutheran radio at its best -- streams live on the Internet. You can still listen to Law and Gospel with Pastor Baker.

http://wittenbergmedia.org/ (Archives of Issues Etc programs)

http://www.whitehorseinn.org/ (4 Reformation pastors from different denominations)

The bloggers:

http://cyberbrethren.typepad.com/
http://www.extremetheology.com/
http://weedon.blogspot.com/
http://www.geneveith.com/

Summer 2008 Update: I can listen to all kinds of Lutheran radio now! Issues Etc has returned in a new and improved format. In addition I have now have Lutheran Public Radio. Check out this wonderful list for your listening pleasure:

http://www.piratechristianradio.com/
http://www.issuesetc.org/
http://www.fightingforthefaith.com/
http://www.godwhisperers.com/


Another new development is Brothers of John the Steadfast.

http://www.steadfastlutherans.org/


Now that I have an ipod, I can listen to Christ-centered, cross-focused 'radio' all day long.

WOW

WOW

The Women of Wittenberg

Desiring to learn about and help others understand Lutheran doctrine in this mixed up Christian world we live in.

Away We Go

Well....it's been 8 months and I have done nothing with this blog. Quite a bit has happened in that time.

First, Alex has returned to school and now attends Our Shepherd Lutheran School. It's been the right thing to do for him. Homeschooling was a great adventure and I'm glad we did it for 2 years. That has allowed me to return to active Bible study at church. I'm thrilled about that.

Second, I'm finding that I want to know more about what it means to be a Lutheran and have my eyes clearly focused on the Triune God -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

So my prayer is that my blogging this time will be to the Glory of God.

An Interesting Exchange

I had an interesting exchange this week with a Lutheran pastor friend regarding faith. I asked my friend about a Lutheran Church which is clearly out of the mainstream. The church is Ebenezer Lutheran Church in San Francisco. www.herchurch.org. This church is heavily influenced by feminist theology as well as alternate lifestyles. The church talks about God/dess and uses a goddess rosary. The goddess rosary has a silver goddess icon in place of the traditional cross . I stumbled on the website as I was reading other blogs.

I shouldn't be wasting time and energy on this church, but what was distressing to me was the response from my Lutheran pastor friend. His initial response was that there is room for all kinds of Christians in the Lutheran Church. I am in agreement on that. However, it took several emails before he admitted he was not very comfortable with the church and that the Lutheran Church which I am a member 0f (Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) is 'judgmental with their orthodox theology' which excludes women from full participation in the church. By that I think he means that the LCMS doesn't ordain women. If you are familiar with the Lutheran Church than you'll guess that my friend is a pastor at an ELCA church.

Depending on how you handle the authority of Scripture you can come to different conclusions. So I am happy to be a member of a Lutheran church which follows orthodox theology. It's very plain for me: The Bible IS the Word of God and God didn't make mistakes. For my pastor friend, the Bible CONTAINS the Word of God which then puts him in the position of having to decide what part did God write and what is a mistake -- what is believable and what is impossible. Did God create the universe or did man come from apes or was Noah just a great story or was Mary really a virgin or did Jesus really rise from dead? How do you choose?

Stop and consider what it means to question the Bible!

In The Wilderness

Jesus begins his public ministry with 40 days in the wilderness. The story is recorded Matthew 4 (NIV):

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

I am challenged to reflect on what tempts me and how I will face the temptations. The temptations are numerous and often I forget to look to Jesus first and instead, I surrender to the temptation. Temptations can take many forms. It can be idolatry, pride, sexual, money, food, bad language, poor entertainment choices, and the list goes on and on.

The good news is that the High Priest, Jesus, in his state of humilation was truly hungry and tired. He never summoned his divine powers, but was human. He knows the full weight of temptation, but never surrended. He used the Word. My hope is that in times of temptation I can look to the Word for strength and guidance.

I now have a small rock with several of my toughest temptations written on it in a number 2 pencil sitting on top of a piece of paper with Scripture. It's a visual reminder. My prayer during the Lent and beyond is to feast on God's Word often.

Lent

As a Lutheran, I observe Lent. This is the 40 day period before Easter, excluding the Sundays. It is a time to feast on the Word of God.

It is a time of preparation for the celebration of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with Holy Week. It is penitential and reflective as I prayerfully consider the meaning of Christ's suffering and death for my salvation.

The word "Lent" comes from the middle English "lente" (springtime) and the old Anglo-Saxon word "lengten" (the time when days grow longer).

By the second century, Christians were preparing for the festival of Easter with a two-day fast. In the third century this was extended to all of Holy Week and, by the first Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 325 A.D., a forty-day period of fasting was being observed. The Lenten period always had, and still has, an emphasis on baptism, for it was the period when new Christians were prepared for their baptism at the Easter Vigil. It is a time for us to affirm who we are, and whose we are.