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[F] The Circumcision and Name of Jesus (W)
[F] The Circumcision and Name of Jesus (W)
January 1, 2021
Old Testament: Numbers 6:22-27\rPsalm 8 (antiphon: v. 9)\rEpistle: Galatians 3:23-29\rGospel: Luke 2:21\r\rJesus Blesses us with His Name and Saves us with His Blood\rOur newborn God keeps the Law for us and brings Abraham's promises to their fulfillment when He is circumcised. It is there that the Name above all names is "bestowed on Him" (Phil. 2:9), "the Name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb": Jesus, "the Lord saves" (Luke 2:21). He sheds the first drops of His precious blood in accordance with this Name and in anticipation of His cross, "for He will save His people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21). The law's captivity gives way to the freedom of faith in Christ Jesus, who cuts a new covenant in His blood to be received by faith, whether male or female, Jew or Greek (Gal. 3:23-28). His Name is given to us in Holy Baptism, and we are made sons of God and "heirs according to promise," true offspring of Abraham by faith (Gal. 3:29). Eight days after the celebration of our Lord's birth, a new "Year of our Lord" is begun in Jesus' holy Name and with His benediction. Jesus is the Lord, and by this Name we are blessed (Num. 6:22-27).
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[C] J.K. Wilhelm Loehe, Pastor
[C] J.K. Wilhelm Loehe, Pastor
January 2, 2021
Although he never left Germany, Johann Konrad Wilhelm Loehe, born in Fuerth in 1808, had a profound impact on the development of Lutheranism in North America. Serving as pastor in the Bavarian village of Neuendettelsau, he recognized the need for workers in developing lands and assisted in training emergency helpers to be sent as missionary pastors to North America, Brazil, and Australia. A number of the men he sent to the United States became founders of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Through his financial support, a theological school was established in Fort Wayne, Ind., and a teachers' institute in Saginaw, Mich. Loehe was known for his confessional integrity and his interest in liturgy and catechetics. His devotion to works of Christian charity led to the establishment of a deaconess training house and homes for the aged.
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2nd Sunday of Christmas (W)
2nd Sunday of Christmas (W)
January 3, 2021
Introit: Ps. 8:1, 4-6; antiphon: Ps. 8:2\rGradual: Ps. 106:47; Is. 63:16b\rOld Testament: Gen. 46:1-7\rPsalm 77:11-20 (antiphon: v. 13)\rEpistle: 1 Peter 4:12-19\rProperVerse: Ps. 145:21\rGospel: Matt. 2:13-23\r\rJesus Is the Perfect Israel\rIsrael and all his family went and dwelt in Egypt (Gen. 46:1-7). God made a great nation of him there, but that nation would prove unfaithful to the Lord. Therefore, the New Israel came. In fleeing the murderous Herod, our young Lord goes to Egypt (Matt. 2:13-23), that the prophecy might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my Son" (Hos. 11:1). Jesus brings to perfection what old Israel could not. He is the faithful Israel, the embodiment of the people of God. He offers His perfect and holy life in place of our own. He submits Himself to persecution and suffering in order to save us. Therefore, we should not think it strange when we who are in Christ experience trials because of the faith (1 Pet. 4:12-19). Rather, we rejoice to share in Christ's sufferings, knowing that we will also share in His glory.
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Bible Study
Bible Study
January 3, 2021 10:45 am - 11:45 am
6960 Parkwood Blvd, STE 200, Frisco, TX 75034, USA
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Youth Catechesis
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Epiphany (W)
Epiphany (W)
January 6, 2021
Introit: Ps. 72:1-2, 10-11; antiphon: Liturgical text\rGradual: Is. 60:6b, 1\rOld Testament: Is. 60:1-6\rPsalm 24 (antiphon: v. 7)\rEpistle: Eph. 3:1-12\rProperVerse: Matt. 2:2b\rGospel: Matt. 2:1-12\r\rThe Lord God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son\rThe Feast of the Epiphany centers in the visit of the Magi from the East. In that respect, it is a "Thirteenth Day" of Christmas; and yet, it also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season. While Christmas has focused on the Incarnation of our Lord-that is, on God becoming flesh-the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. For the Lord Himself has entered our darkness and rises upon us with the brightness of His true light (Is. 60:1-2). He does so chiefly by His Word of the Gospel, which He causes to be preached within His Church on earth-not only to the Jews but also to Gentiles (Eph. 3:8-10). As the Magi were guided by the promises of Holy Scripture to find and worship the Christ Child with His mother in the house (Matt. 2:5-11), so does He call disciples from all nations by the preaching of His Word, to find and worship Him within His Church (Is. 60:3-6). With gold they confess His royalty; with incense, His deity; and with myrrh, His priestly sacrifice (Matt. 2:11).
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Men's Bible Study
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Pastors' Study Group in Plano
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Installation of Church Officers
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Epiphany 1 (W)
Epiphany 1 (W)
January 10, 2021
Introit: Ps. 100; antiphon: Is. 6:1, Rev. 19:6\rGradual: Ps. 72:18, 3\rOld Testament: 1 Kings 8:6-13\rPsalm 50:1-15 (antiphon: v. 15)\rEpistle: Rom. 12:1-5\rProperVerse: Ps. 100:1-2a\rGospel: Luke 2:41-52\r\rThe Glory of the Lord Returns to the Temple in the Boy Jesus\rIn the days of Solomon, the Lord dwelt among His people in the temple. The glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord in the form of a cloud (1 Kings 8:6-13). Now Jesus, who is the glory of the Lord in the flesh, enters the temple to show that He Himself is the everlasting temple and dwelling place of God (Luke 2:41-52). Our young Lord, true man, subject to Mary and Joseph, reveals Himself also to be true God, whose father is not Joseph but the Almighty Father in heaven. Jesus does this at the time of the Passover. For He came to be the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Even as He was found by His parents after three days, so He would later rise from the dead on the third day that the favor of God might rest also upon us. It is by these mercies of God that we present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God through Christ (Rom. 12:1-5).
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Baptism of Our Lord (W)
Baptism of Our Lord (W)
January 10, 2021
Introit: Ps. 89:1, 26-28; antiphon: Liturgical text, Ps. 89:20\rGradual: Ps. 72:18-19\rOld Testament: Joshua 3:1-3, 7-8, 13-17\r or Is. 42:1-7\rPsalm 85 (antiphon: v. 9)\rEpistle: 1 Cor. 1:26-31\rProperVerse: Ps. 143:10\rGospel: Matt. 3:13-17\r\rIn His Baptism, Jesus Takes His Place with Sinners\rOur Lord Jesus is baptized "to fulfill all righteousness" (Matt. 3:13-17). He partakes of a baptism for sinners in order that He might be our substitute and bear the judgment we deserve. In the water, Jesus trades places with us. Our sin becomes His sin. His righteousness becomes our righteousness. Our glory, therefore, is in "Christ Jesus, who became to us . . . righteousness and sanctification and redemption" (1 Cor. 1:26-31). Jesus is the "chosen" One sent from the Father to release us from the prison house of sin and death (Is. 42:1-7). Baptized into Christ, we also become the chosen ones, beloved of the Father. We cross the Jordan with Jesus (Joshua 3) through death into the promised land of new life with God.
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[C] Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nissa, Pastors and Confessors
[C] Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nissa, Pastors and Confessors
January 10, 2021
Basil and the two Gregorys, collectively known as the Cappadocian Fathers, were leaders of Christian orthodoxy in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) in the later fourth century. Basil and Gregory of Nyssa were brothers; Gregory of Nazianzus was their friend. All three were influential in shaping the theology ratified by the Council of Constantinople of 381, which is expressed in the Nicene Creed. Their defense of the doctrines of the Holy Spirit and Holy Trinity, together with their contributions to the liturgy of the Eastern Church, make them among the most influential Christian teachers and theologians of their time.
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Bible Study
Bible Study
January 10, 2021 10:45 am - 11:45 am
6960 Parkwood Blvd, STE 200, Frisco, TX 75034, USA
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Youth Catechesis
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Elder Meeting
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Epiphany 2 (G)
Epiphany 2 (G)
January 17, 2021
Introit: Ps. 66:1-5, 20; antiphon: Ps. 66:4, 92:1\rGradual: Ps. 107:20-21\rOld Testament: Ex. 33:12-23\r or Amos 9:11-15\rPsalm 67 (antiphon: v. 1)\r or Psalm 111 (antiphon: v. 9)\rEpistle: Eph. 5:22-33\r or Rom. 12:6-16\rProperVerse: Ps. 148:2\rGospel: John 2:1-11\r\rJesus' First Miracle Reveals God's Glory\rThe coming of the Messianic kingdom means the restoration of creation. The sign of this restoration is that "the mountains shall drip sweet wine" (Amos 9:11-15). When the elements of a fallen creation fail and run short at a wedding feast, our Lord Jesus steps in to restore creation and miraculously changes water into an abundance of the very best wine (John 2:1-11). With this sign, Christ manifests His glory. The "back" of God (Ex. 33:12-23) is revealed to those who believe. The hour will come when Jesus will again manifest His glory by taking creation's curse into His own body to release us from its power. The Bridegroom will give His life for the Bride (Eph. 5:22-32), and from His side will flow water and blood, the holy sacraments by which she is cleansed and made one with Him. Through this sacrificial love of Christ we are enabled to "love one another with brotherly affection . . ." and to "outdo one another in showing honor" (Rom. 12:6-16).
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Bible Study
Bible Study
January 17, 2021 10:45 am - 11:45 am
6960 Parkwood Blvd, STE 200, Frisco, TX 75034, USA
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Youth Catechesis
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[F] The Confession of St. Peter (W)
[F] The Confession of St. Peter (W)
January 18, 2021
New Testament: Acts 4:8-13\rPsalm 118:19-29 (antiphon: v. 26)\rEpistle: 2 Peter 1:1-15\rGospel: Mark 8:27-35 (36-9:1)\r\rLosing Ourselves in the Confession of the One Name of Salvation\rSt. Peter speaks for all disciples when he confesses, "You are the Christ" (Mark 8:29). This confession is the bedrock of the Church, which Christ Himself builds (Matt. 16:18), for "this Jesus," the stone rejected by earthly builders, "has become the cornerstone" (Acts 4:11). This was a scandal even to Peter. The Christ must suffer, be rejected, be killed, "and after three days rise again" (Mark 8:31), for through this work of salvation received by faith, God's "precious and very great promises" are granted, "so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). Wherever Jesus is the Christ, His disciples deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow Him (Mark 8:34). They have been cleansed from their former sins and increase in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love, effective and fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-9). All who trust in Jesus, the Christ of Peter's confession, will save their life, though for His sake they lose it (Mark 8:35). "For there is no other name. . . by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
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Bible Class
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[C] Sarah
[C] Sarah
January 20, 2021
Sarah was the wife (and half-sister) of the Hebrew patriarch Abraham (Gen. 11:29; 20:12). In obedience to divine command (Gen. 12:1), she made the long and arduous journey west, along with her husband and his relatives, from Ur of the Chaldees to Haran and then finally to the land of Canaan. She remained childless until old age. Then, in keeping with God's long-standing promise, she gave birth to a son and heir of the covenant (Gen. 21: 1-3). She is remembered and honored as the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, the second of the three patriarchs. She is also favorably noted for her hospitality to strangers (Gen. 18:1-8). Following her death at the age of 127, she was laid to rest in the Cave of Machpelah (Gen. 49:13), where her husband was later buried.
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Transfiguration (W)
Transfiguration (W)
January 24, 2021
Introit: Ps. 84:1-2a, 4, 10-11; antiphon: Ps. 77:18\rGradual: Ps. 45:2a, 110:1\rOld Testament: Ex. 34:29-35\r or Ex. 3:1-14\rPsalm 2 (antiphon: v. 7)\rEpistle: 2 Peter 1:16-21\rProperVerse: Ps. 96:2-3\rGospel: Matt. 17:1-9\r\rJesus Is Transfigured and Manifests His Glory\rThe Lord appeared to Moses in the light of the burning bush (Ex. 3:1-14). Later Moses' face would shine with the light of God's glory when he came down from Mount Sinai (Ex. 34:29-35). At the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared with the One who is the Light of Light Himself (Matt. 17:1-9). Jesus' glory as God shines with brilliant splendor in and through His human nature. By this epiphany, our Lord confirmed the prophetic word (2 Pet. 1:16-21), revealing that He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He manifested His majesty as the eternal Son of the Father, and He wonderfully foreshowed our adoption as sons (Collect). We who have been baptized into Christ's body are given a glimpse of the glory that we will share with Him in the resurrection on the Last Day.
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[F] St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor (W)
[F] St. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor (W)
January 24, 2021
New Testament: Acts 16:1-5\rPsalm 71:15-24 (antiphon: v. 6)\rEpistle: 1 Timothy 6:11-16\rGospel: Matthew 24:42-47\r\rSt. Timothy, Pastor and Confessor\rOur Master, Jesus Christ, "is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matt. 24:44). He sets the servants of His Word as the watchmen and overseers of His household (Matt. 24:45). He commands them to keep, guard, and "fight the good fight of the faith" entrusted to them (1 Tim. 6:12), "each according to his ability" (Matt. 25:15). Just as Christ "made the good confession" before Pilate (1 Tim. 6:13), so His servants stand before the Church and the world, and by their preaching the Lord strengthens faith and grants increase to His Church (Acts 16:5), the "pillar and buttress of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15). St. Timothy, Paul's friend and son in the faith, is an example of such a faithful and wise servant, set over the household of God in Ephesus to nourish in "righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness" (1 Tim. 6:11). The Lord still appoints men like Timothy to bear fruit that will abide (John 15:16), so that the whole household may confess and bear witness to the One "who gives life to all things" (1 Tim. 6:13).
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Bible Study
Bible Study
January 24, 2021 10:45 am - 11:45 am
6960 Parkwood Blvd, STE 200, Frisco, TX 75034, USA
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Youth Catechesis
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[F] The Conversion of St. Paul (W)
[F] The Conversion of St. Paul (W)
January 25, 2021
New Testament: Acts 9:1-22\rPsalm 67 (antiphon: v. 5)\rEpistle: Galatians 1:11-24\rGospel: Matthew 19:27-30\r\rGod's Enemies are Conquered by the Revelation of Grace in Christ\rChrist brings about a great reversal in St. Paul. "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy" (Gal. 1:23). The enemy of the Gospel becomes its foremost preacher, and the last of the Apostles becomes the first (Matt. 19:30). Paul is God's "chosen instrument. . . to carry [His] name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:15). The conversion of Paul is only a more dramatic example of what God does in revealing Christ to us. The bondage of our sin makes saving faith impossible. "I believe that I cannot. . . believe" (SC III,3). But even this is no obstacle for our Lord's grace in Christ and the Holy Spirit's power through the Gospel. Baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, and hearing the Word of Christ, our ears are opened and our spiritual blindness is lifted (Acts 9:17-19). It is dangerous to be a traitor to Christ's enemies-"I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My name" (Acts 9:16)-but everything that is left behind is "rubbish" compared to "the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:8) and the eternal life that we, with St. Paul, will at last inherit (Matt. 19:29).
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[F] St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor (W)
[F] St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor (W)
January 26, 2021
New Testament: Acts 20:28-35\rPsalm 71:1-14 (antiphon: v. 17)\rEpistle: Titus 1:1-9\rGospel: Luke 10:1-9\r\rSt. Titus, Pastor and Confessor\r"Faith," "the knowledge of the truth," and "the hope of eternal life" are manifested daily among us in His Word through the preaching of the Gospel of Christ Jesus (Titus 1:1-3). The times seem desperate: "fierce wolves" are among us, "not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:29) and "the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few" (Luke 10:2). The Lord, however, is diligent to build and care for the Church "which he obtained with His own blood" (Acts 20:28). We are not to fear, but rather to"pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest" (Luke 10:2). Send us faithful laborers! Preserve all pastors and teachers, that they "hold firm to the trustworthy Word as taught" so that they, like St. Titus, "may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it" (Titus 1:9)! Give us ears to hear their preaching in repentance and faith. Preserve them from falsehood, greed, and unholy living. We commend them to You and the Word of Your grace (Acts 20:32), that "when the chief Shepherd appears," (1 Peter 5:4) He may declare, "Well done, good and faithful servant. . . Enter into the joy of your master" (Matt. 25:21).
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[C] John Chrysostom, Pastor
[C] John Chrysostom, Pastor
January 27, 2021
Given the added name of Chrysostom, which means "golden-mouthed" in Greek, Saint John was a dominant force in the fourth-century Christian church. Born in Antioch around the year 347, John was instructed in the Christian faith by his pious mother, Anthusa. After serving in a number of Christian offices, including acolyte and lector, John was ordained a presbyter and given preaching responsibilities. His simple but direct messages found an audience well beyond his home town. In 398, John Chrysostom was made Patriarch of Constantinople. His determination to reform the church, court, and city there brought him into conflict with established authorities. Eventually, he was exiled from his adopted city. Although removed from his parishes and people, he continued writing and preaching until the time of his death in 407. It is reported that his final words were: "Glory be to God for all things. Amen."
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Men's Bible Study
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Faith Free Conference
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Septuagesima (G)
Septuagesima (G)
January 31, 2021
Introit: Ps. 18:1-2a, 27, 32, 49; antiphon: Ps. 18:5-6a\rGradual: Ps. 9:9-10, 18-19a\rOld Testament: Ex. 17:1-7\rPsalm 95:1-9 (antiphon: v. 6)\rEpistle: 1 Cor. 9:24-10:5\rTract: Ps. 130:1-4\rGospel: Matt. 20:1-16\r\rGrace Alone\rThe people of Israel contended with the Lord in the wilderness (Ex. 17:1-7). They were dissatisfied with His provision. In the same way, the first laborers in the vineyard complained against the landowner for the wage he provided them (Matt. 20:1-16). They charged him with being unfair, but in reality he was being generous. For the Lord does not wish to deal with us on the basis of what we deserve but on the basis of His abounding grace in Christ. The first-those who rely on their own merits-will be last. "For they were overthrown in the wilderness" (1 Cor. 10:5). But the last, those who rely on Christ, will be first. For Christ is the Rock (1 Cor. 9:24-10:5). He is the One who was struck and from whose side blood and water flowed that we may be cleansed of our sin.
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Bible Study
Bible Study
January 31, 2021 10:45 am - 11:45 am
6960 Parkwood Blvd, STE 200, Frisco, TX 75034, USA
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Youth Catechesis
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