Archive for December, 2009
January 3, 2009: The Boy Jesus in the Temple
The text for this lesson is Luke 2:41–52.
Key Points
- As a boy, Jesus was found in His Father’s house. In God’s house, I hear His Word, see that Jesus is my Savior, and receive His gifts of forgiveness and salvation.
- Law: Because of sin, I, like Jesus’ parents, do not understand what God says to me.
- Gospel: God makes His Word clear to me through the power of the Holy Spirit.
December 27, 2009: The Birth of Jesus
The text for this lesson is Luke 2:1–20.
Key Points
- A Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.
- Law: Because of my sin, I fear God as the shepherds did.
- Gospel: God’s Son, Jesus, takes away my fear and offers me true peace.
December 20, 2009 – The Birth of John
The text for this lesson is Luke 1:57–80.
Key Points
- Zechariah spoke God’s Word announcing that John would give people knowledge of salvation in the forgiveness of sins. God speaks through His Holy Word to give me knowledge of salvation and forgiveness through Jesus, His Son.
- Law: God wants me to listen and obey Him, following His ways.
- Gospel: God looks at me through the obedience of Christ and is pleased.
December 13, 2009: The Birth of Jesus Foretold
The text for this lesson is Luke 1:26–38.
Key Points
- God favored Mary because of Christ, choosing her to be the mother of the Savior. God favors me because of Christ, choosing me to be His child.
- Law: Like Mary, I deserve nothing from God because of my sinfulness. God grants me unmerited grace and favor because of His Son. God must punish sin.
- Gospel: In His mercy, God sends His Son to take my punishment upon Himself. Because of my sin, I was separated from God. Because of God’s grace and favor, the Lord is with me. On my own, I am sinful and not blessed. Christ blesses me with His presence, just as He did Mary and Elizabeth.
December 6, 2009: The Birth of John Foretold
The text for this lesson is Luke 1:5–25.
Key Points
- God in His mercy promised to send John to prepare sinful people for the coming of the Lord.
- Law: God in His Word calls us to repentance, declaring us righteous because of Jesus. Law/Gospel Points Zechariah and Elizabeth were ordinary people, sinful just as I am. I need to repent and return to the Lord.
- Gospel: I, like them, stand righteous before God in spite of my sin, being justified by Christ, the Righteous One. God forgives me for Jesus’ sake, drawing me to Him through His Word and Sacraments.
