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Pastors' Study Group in Plano
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[C] John of Damascus, Theologian and Hymnwriter
[C] John of Damascus, Theologian and Hymnwriter
December 4, 2020
John (ca. 675749) is known as the great compiler and summarizer of the orthodox faith and the last great Greek theologian. Born in Damascus, John gave up an influential position in the Islamic court to devote himself to the Christian faith. Around 716 he entered a monastery outside of Jerusalem and was ordained a priest. When the Byzantine emperor Leo the Isaurian in 726 issued a decree forbidding images (icons), John forcefully resisted. In his Apostolic Discourses he argued for the legitimacy of the veneration of images, which earned him the condemnation of the Iconoclast Council in 754. John also wrote defenses of the orthodox faith against contemporary heresies. In addition, he was a gifted hymnwriter (Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain) and contributed to the liturgy of the Byzantine churches. His greatest work was the Fount of Wisdom which was a massive compendium of truth from previous Christian theologians, covering practically every conceivable doctrinal topic. John's summary of the orthodox faith left a lasting stamp on both the Eastern and Western churches.
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[C] Nicholas of Myra, Pastor
[C] Nicholas of Myra, Pastor
December 6, 2020
Of the many saints commemorated by the Christian Church, Nicholas (d. A.D. 342) is one of the best known. Very little is known historically of him, although there was a church of Saint Nicholas in Constantinople as early as the sixth century. Research has affirmed that there was a bishop by the name of Nicholas in the city of Myra in Lycia (part of Turkey today) in the fourth century. From that coastal location, legends about Nicholas have traveled throughout time and space. He is associated with charitable giving in many countries around the world and is portrayed as the rescuer of sailors, the protector of children, and the friend of people in distress or need. In commemoration of Sinte Klaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas, in English Santa Claus), December 6 is a day for giving and receiving gifts in many parts of Europe.
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Advent 2 (B/V)
Advent 2 (B/V)
December 6, 2020
Populus Zion\rIntroit: Ps. 80:1, 3, 14, 17; antiphon: Is. 62:11b; 30:30, 29\rGradual: Ps. 50:2-3a , 5\rOld Testament: Mal. 4:1-6\rPsalm 50:1-15 (antiphon: v. 15)\rEpistle: Rom. 15:4-13\rProperVerse: Luke 21:26b-27\rGospel: Luke 21:25-36\r\rThe Lord Comes on the Last Day\rThe day on which our Lord returns will be a "great and awesome day" (Mal. 4:5). For He will come in a cloud with great power and glory. To the wicked and the proud, it will be a Day of judgment that will "set them ablaze" (Mal. 4:1). The signs preceding this Day will bring them fear and fainting. But to those who believe, who fear the name of the Lord, this Day is one to look forward to and rejoice in: ". . . straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28). Christ our Redeemer is coming; the Sun of Righteousness will bring healing in His wings. Let us, then, give attention to the words of the Lord, which do not pass away. Let us "through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures" (Rom. 15:4) be strengthened in our hope by the Holy Spirit and watch diligently for Jesus' coming. Then, by God's grace, we shall escape all these things that will come to pass and stand before the Son of Man.
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Sunday School
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Bible Study
Bible Study
December 6, 2020 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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Youth Christmas Party
Youth Christmas Party
December 6, 2020 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
St. John Lutheran Church, 6960 Parkwood Blvd Suite 200, Frisco, TX 75034, USA
Youth Christmas Party
Event Details Here: http://stjohnfrisco.org/event/youth-christmas-party/
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[C] Ambrose of Milan, Pastor and Hymnwriter
[C] Ambrose of Milan, Pastor and Hymnwriter
December 7, 2020
Born in Trier in A.D. 340, Ambrose was one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Church (with Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great). He was a prolific author of hymns, the most common of which is Veni, Redemptor gentium (Savior of the Nations, Come). His name is also associated with Ambrosian Chant, the style of chanting the ancient liturgy that took hold in the province of Milan. While serving as a civil governor, Ambrose sought to bring peace among Christians in Milan who were divided into quarreling factions. When a new bishop was to be elected in 374, Ambrose addressed the crowd, and someone cried out, Ambrose, bishop! The entire gathering gave their support. This acclaim of Ambrose, a 34-year-old catechumen, led to his baptism on December 7, after which he was consecrated bishop of Milan. A strong defender of the faith, Ambrose convinced the Roman emperor Gratian in 379 to forbid the Arian heresy in the West. At Ambrose's urging, Gratian's successor, Theodosius, also publicly opposed Arianism. Ambrose died on Good Friday, April 4, 397. As a courageous doctor and musician he upheld the truth of God's Word.
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Midweek Bible Study
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Men's Bible Study
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Elder Meeting
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Advent 3 (B/V)
Advent 3 (B/V)
December 13, 2020
Gaudete\rIntroit: Ps. 85:1-2, 6, 8; antiphon: Phil. 4:4-5\rGradual: Ps. 80:1-2\rOld Testament: Is. 40:1-8 (9-11)\rPsalm 85 (antiphon: v. 9)\rEpistle: 1 Cor. 4:1-5\rProperVerse: Ps. 80:2b\rGospel: Matt. 11:2-10 (11)\r\rJohn the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord\rThe voice of the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord . . ." (Isa. 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah's coming through repentance, for "all flesh is grass" (Isa. 40:6). Now He asks from prison, "Are you the one who is to come . . .?" (Matt. 11:2). Jesus' works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord's hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The "stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ's overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God's people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe.
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[C] Lucia, Martyr
[C] Lucia, Martyr
December 13, 2020
One of the victims of the great persecution under the Roman emperor Diocletian, Lucia met her death at Syracuse on the island of Sicily in the year A.D. 304, because of her Christian faith. Known for her charity, Santa Lucia (as she is called in Italy) gave away her dowry and remained a virgin until her execution by the sword. The name Lucia means light, and, because of that, festivals of light commemorating her became popular throughout Europe, especially in the Scandinavian countries. There her feast day corresponds with the time of year when there is the least amount of daylight. In artistic expression she is often portrayed in a white baptismal gown, wearing a wreath of candles on her head.
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Sunday School
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Bible Study
Bible Study
December 13, 2020 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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[C] Daniel the Prophet and the Three Young Men
[C] Daniel the Prophet and the Three Young Men
December 17, 2020
Daniel the prophet and the Three Young MenShadrach, Meshach, and Abednegowere among the leaders of the people of Judah who were taken into captivity in Babylon. Even in that foreign land they remained faithful to the one true God in their piety, prayer, and life. On account of such steadfast faithfulness in the face of pagan idolatry, the Three Young Men were thrown into a fiery furnace, from which they were saved by the Lord and emerged unharmed (Daniel 3). Similarly, Daniel was thrown into a pit of lions, from which he also was saved (Daniel 6). Blessed in all their endeavors by the Lordand in spite of the hostility of someDaniel and the Three Young Men were promoted to positions of leadership among the Babylonians (Dan 2:4849; 3:30; 6:28). To Daniel in particular the Lord revealed the interpretation of dreams and signs that were given to King Nebuchadnezzar and King Belshazzar (Daniel 2, 4, 5). To Daniel himself the Lord gave visions of the end times.
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[C] Adam and Eve
[C] Adam and Eve
December 19, 2020
Adam was the first man, made in the image of God and given dominion over all the earth (Gen 1:26). Eve was the first woman, formed from one of Adam's ribs to be his companion and helper (2:1824). God placed them in the Garden of Eden to take care of the creation as his representatives. But they forsook God's Word and plunged the world into sin (3:17). For this disobedience God drove them from the Garden. Eve had to suffer the pain of childbirth and be subject to Adam; Adam had to toil amid thorns and thistles and return to the dust of the ground. Yet God promised that the woman's Seed would crush the serpent's head (3:824). Sin had entered God's perfect creation and changed it until God would restore it again through Christ. Eve is the mother of the human race, while Adam is representative of all humanity and the Fall, as St. Paul writes, For in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive (1 Cor. 15:22).
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[C] Katharina von Bora Luther
[C] Katharina von Bora Luther
December 20, 2020
Katharina von Bora (14991552) was placed in a convent when still a child and became a nun in 1515. In April 1523 she and eight other nuns were rescued from the convent and brought to Wittenberg. There Martin Luther helped return some to their former homes and placed the rest in good families. Katharina and Martin were married on June 13, 1525. Their marriage was a happy one and blessed with six children. Katharina skillfully managed the Luther household, which always seemed to grow because of his generous hospitality. After Luther's death in 1546, Katharina remained in Wittenberg but lived much of the time in poverty. She died in an accident while traveling with her children to Torgau in order to escape the plague.
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Advent 4 (B/V)
Advent 4 (B/V)
December 20, 2020
Rorate Coeli\rIntroit: Ps. 19:1, 4-6; antiphon: Is. 45:8a\rGradual: Ps. 145:18, 21\rOld Testament: Deut. 18:15-19\rPsalm 111 (antiphon: v. 9)\rEpistle: Phil. 4:4-7\rProperVerse: Ps.40:17b\rGospel: John 1:19-28\r or Luke 1:39-56\r\rJohn the Baptizer Points Everyone to the Messiah\rThe coming of God in all His unveiled power at Mount Sinai was terrifying to the people of Israel. The thundering voice of the Lord puts sinners in fear of death (Deut. 18:15-19). God, therefore, raised up a prophet like Moses-the Messiah, the Christ. God came to His people veiled in human flesh. The skies poured down the Righteous One from heaven; the earth opened her womb and brought forth Salvation (Introit) through the blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of the Lord (Luke 1:39-56). The fruit of her womb is the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the One whose sandal strap John was not worthy to loose (John 1:19-28). In Jesus we are delivered from fear and anxiety. In Him alone we have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:4-7).
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Sunday School
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Bible Study
Bible Study
December 20, 2020 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] St. Thomas, Apostle (R)
[F] St. Thomas, Apostle (R)
December 21, 2020
Old Testament: Judges 6:36-40\rPsalm 136:1-4 (antiphon: v. 26)\rEpistle: Ephesians 4:7, 11-16\rGospel: John 20:24-29\r\rSt. Thomas, Apostle\rThe Church is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone" (Eph. 2:20). "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7). We have the testimony of the truth, so that the Church is not "carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning" (Eph. 4:14). As the Lord confirmed His truth to Gideon (Judges 6:36-40), so He does not turn away Thomas, but reveals His crucified and risen body to him, creating faith (John 20:27-28). Christ's wounds are the source of our redemption and peace. Strengthened by this, Thomas is said to have brought the Gospel to India and faced a martyr's death. Those who follow the Master will suffer on account of His Name (John 15:18-21). But by the confession of the truth, the body of Christ grows"up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ" (Eph. 4:15), whom Thomas praised as his"Lord" and his "God" (John 20:28).
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Christmas Eve Early (W)
Christmas Eve Early (W)
December 24, 2020
Introit: Ps. 24:1, 3-5; antiphon: Ps. 2:6-7\rGradual: Ps. 98:3b, 4a, 2\rOld Testament: Is. 7:10-14\rPsalm 110:1-4 (antiphon: v. 2a)\rEpistle: 1 John 4:7-16\rProperVerse: Ps. 2:7\rGospel: Matt. 1:18-25\r\rThe Word of the Lord Is Fulfilled in the Flesh of Jesus\rThough Ahaz would not ask, the Lord gives a sign to the house of David, that "the Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Is. 7:14). With this promise, He signifies that salvation is by His grace alone; it is no work or achievement of man, but the Lord's own work and free gift. The promise is fulfilled as the Son of God is conceived and born of the Virgin Mary, and the sign is received in faith by the house of David in the person of Joseph (Matt. 1:20-24). "Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary" (Nicene Creed), God is with us (Immanuel) in the flesh of Jesus, Mary's Son. Joseph believes that Word of God and so demonstrates a marvelous example in his immediate and quiet obedience, taking Mary to be his wife and caring for her in faith and love. He loves her because the love of God is manifest in this, that "the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world," "to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:9-10).
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Christmas Midnight (W)
Christmas Midnight (W)
December 24, 2020
Introit: Ps. 2:1-2, 4-6; antiphon: liturgical text\rGradual: Ps. 98:3b, 4a, 2\rOld Testament: Is. 9:2-7\rPsalm 96 (antiphon: v. 2)\rEpistle: Titus 2:11-14\rProperVerse: Ps. 95:1a, 6b\rGospel: Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)\r\rThe Light of Christ Shines Forth in the Darkness\rHeaven and earth rejoice on this night because the glory of the Triune God is manifested in the human birth of "our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). In Him, the Father's grace, mercy and peace rest upon the world. The silence of death is broken by this "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). And all we who have gone astray like lost and wandering sheep, who have "walked in the darkness" of doubt and fear and sinful unbelief, behold "a great light" in the nativity of Christ (Is. 9:2). In Him "the grace of God has appeared" (Titus 2:11). For this Child of Mary who is born for us, this dear Son of God who is given to us, will bear the burden of our sin and death in His own body on the cross. He thereby establishes a government of peace, "with justice and with righteousness," which shall have no end; not by any work of man, but "the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this" (Is. 9:7).
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Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols
Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols
December 24, 2020 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Christmas Dawn (W)
Christmas Dawn (W)
December 25, 2020
Introit: Ps. 93:1, 2, 5; antiphon: Is. 9:2a, 6a,c\rGradual: Ps. 118:26a, 27a, 23\rOld Testament: Micah 5:2-5a\rPsalm 80:1-7 (antiphon: v. 7)\rEpistle: Titus 3:4-7\rProperVerse: Ps. 93:1\rGospel: Luke 2:(1-14) 15-20\r\rThe Birth of the Good Shepherd Is Proclaimed to the Shepherds\rThe first ones to visit the infant Lord Jesus are lowly shepherds (Luke 2:15-20), for Christ came that the last may be first and that the humble may be exalted. Furthermore, Jesus Himself came to be a shepherd, the Good Shepherd who would lay down His life for the sheep. "He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord" (Micah 5:2-5). The babe in the manger whom the shepherds worship is He "whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." For in Christ Jesus, conceived and born of Mary, "the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared" (Titus 3:4). Like Mary, let us keep and ponder in our hearts these things that God has revealed to us through His Word. And like the shepherds, let us glorify and praise God for all the things we have heard and seen in Christ His Son.
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Christmas Day (W)
Christmas Day (W)
December 25, 2020
Introit: Ps. 98:1-4; antiphon: Is. 9:6\rGradual: Ps. 118:26a, 27a, 23\rOld Testament: Ex. 40:17-21, 34-38\rPsalm 2 (antiphon: v. 7)\rEpistle: Titus 3:4-7\rProperVerse: Liturgical text\rGospel: John 1:1-14 (15-18)\r\rThe Living and Life-Giving Word of God Dwells among Us in the Flesh\rIn the beginning God created all things through His Word, His Son. But man fell into sin, and with man all creation was cursed. Therefore, God spoke His Word again, this time into the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle of our human nature (Ex. 40:17-21, 34-38). "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:1-14). The Son of God took on our flesh and blood and died on the cross in order that we might receive the right to become the children of God through faith. Baptized into Christ's body, we are made partakers of a new Genesis, "the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:4-7). In Christ, the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man has truly appeared.
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Divine Service
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[F] St. Stephen, Martyr (R)
[F] St. Stephen, Martyr (R)
December 26, 2020
Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 24:17-22\rPsalm 119:137-144 (antiphon: v. 142)\rNew Testament: Acts 6:8-7:2a, 5160 \rGospel: Matthew 23:34-39\r\rSt. Stephen, Martyr\rThe Christ is born in the land of Judah, but His own people will not receive Him. As it was in the days of Joash, so it is also in the days of Herod and Pilate. The Lord "sent prophets among them to bring them back to the Lord. . . but they would not pay attention" (2 Chron. 24:19). As Zechariah was being stoned he cried out, "May the Lord see and avenge!" (2 Chron. 24:-22). But the infant Jesus has come to save and to forgive. Today, the Church remembers St. Stephen, the first martyr after Christ's ascension. His confession recalled the stiff-necked, uncircumcised hearts and ears of Judah that would not receive the Righteous One (Acts 7:51-52). But as his body was being stoned and his spirit received by the Lord Jesus, Stephen cried, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:59-60), bearing witness to the One who also said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). On the second day of Christmas, our thoughts are already directed to Christ's atoning death to save rebels like us, and to the vision Stephen saw: Heaven is open to us, Christ is reigning at God's right hand, and no sin, death, or foe can stop Him.
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Christmas 1 (W)
Christmas 1 (W)
December 27, 2020
Introit: Ps. 93:1, 3-4; antiphon: Ps. 93:5, 2\rGradual: Ps. 45:2a, 1b\rOld Testament: Is. 11:1-5\r or 2 Sam. 7:1-16\rPsalm 89:1-8 (antiphon: v. 8)\rEpistle: Gal. 4:1-7\rProperVerse: Ps. 93:1\rGospel: Luke 2:(22-32) 33-40\r\rThe Seed of David Comes to His Temple\rA Rod has come forth from the stem of Jesse (Is. 11:1-5)-the Seed of David whose kingdom shall be established forever (2 Sam. 7:1-16). In the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son Jesus to redeem us from the judgment of the Law (Gal. 4:1-7). Now He is presented in the temple in fulfillment of the Law and revealed to be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel" (Luke 2:22-40). Christ has enlightened us in baptism, giving us to be adopted as sons of God and heirs of eternal life. Receiving the Holy Sacrament of His body and blood, we are prepared to depart this world in peace, for our eyes have seen the salvation of God in Him.
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[F] St. John, Apostle and Evangelist (W)
[F] St. John, Apostle and Evangelist (W)
December 27, 2020
New Testament: Revelation 1:1-6\rPsalm 11 (antiphon: v. 4a)\rEpistle: 1 John 1:1-2:2\rGospel:John 21:20-25\r\rSt. John, Apostle and Evangelist\rSt. John the Evangelist put Christmas in one verse: "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Not martyred but still a witness, John was exiled to Patmos and died an old man, according to tradition. He bore witness "to the Word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw" (Rev. 1:2). Above all, he was an eyewitness of Christ who proclaims to us what he saw and heard concerning the "Word of Life" that was "made manifest" (1 John 1:1-3). "And we know that his testimony is true" (John 21:24). The readings today include John's testimony of Christ's atoning death and His third resurrection appearance (John 21:14). On the third day of Christmas, we find joy and gladness with John and all the apostles that "we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous," who is "the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:1-2).
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Bible Study
Bible Study
December 27, 2020 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 Holy Innocents, Martyrs (R)
[F] The Holy Innocents, Martyrs (R)
December 28, 2020
Old Testament: Jeremiah 31:15-17\rPsalm 54 (antiphon: v. 4)\rNew Testament: Revelation 14:1-5\rGospel: Matthew 2:13-18\r\rThe Holy Innocents, Martyrs\r"A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children" (Jer. 31:15). Herod rages and sends to kill all boys two years and younger (Matt. 2:16), desperate to destroy the newborn King of kings. The Church remembers these innocent victims as martyrs. They died for the One who came to die for them. This dark commemoration bears witness to the cruelty of sinful men and the world's hatred of Christ who has sanctified our fragile life even from His conception and birth. But the boy who escaped Bethlehem's bloody streets unscathed went on to face thorns, nails and spear for them and for us. He is the Lamb whose name is written with the Father's name on the foreheads of His baptized saints (Rev. 14:1). By His death He has redeemed an inheritance for Himself and brought peace at last by His blood. On the fourth day of Christmas, we sing "the new song" of the Lamb, of Christ the true martyr, whose death testifies that our redemption is won. We "follow the Lamb wherever He goes" (Rev. 14:4), for He will bring our tears to an end.
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[C] David
[C] David
December 29, 2020
David, the greatest of Israel's kings, ruled from about 1010 to 970 B.C. The events of his life are found in 1 Samuel 16 through 1 Kings 2 and in 1 Chronicles 1029. David was also gifted musically. He was skilled in playing the lyre and the author of no less than 73 psalms, including the beloved Psalm 23. His public and private character displayed a mixture of good (for example, his defeat of the giant Goliath, 1 Samuel 17) and evil (as in his adultery with Uriah's wife, followed by his murder of Uriah, 2 Samuel 11). David's greatness lay in his fierce loyalty to God as Israel's military and political leader, coupled with his willingness to acknowledge his sins and ask for God's forgiveness (2 Samuel 12; see also Psalm 51). It was under David's leadership that the people of Israel were united into a single nation with Jerusalem as its capital city.
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[F] New Year's Eve (W)
[F] New Year's Eve (W)
December 31, 2020
Old Testament: Isaiah 30:(8-14) 15-17\rPsalm 90:1-12 (antiphon: v. 17)\rEpistle: Romans 8:31b-39\r Gospel: Luke 12:35-40\r\rOur Times Are in His Hands\rThe Church and the world are awake, but for very different reasons. The world counts down to midnight; the Church watches eagerly for her Master who is "coming at an hour" we "do not expect" (Luke 12:40). For many, the changing year brings regrets, fears, and desperate wishes for improvement. The world delights in smooth talk and illusions of prosperity at any cost (Is. 30:9-10). It has already forgotten "the Holy One of Israel" born six days earlier (Is. 30:11). The Church ends the calendar year differently. "In returning and rest. . . in quietness and in trust," that is, in repentance and faith, for the Holy One saves us, and He is our strength (Is. 30:15). Our times are in His hands (Ps. 31:15), the hands of Mary's Son-God not only with us, but for us (Matt. 1:23). So, who could be against us? If God has given His Son, "how will He not also with him graciously give us all things?" (Rom. 8:31-32). The Church dresses for action not in fear, but in hope; Christ is coming to serve her with His gifts (Luke 12:37). Who is there to condemn us for the passing year? Christ has died, is raised, and intercedes for us! What distress will the new year bring? Nothing "can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:34-39)!
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