Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church - Olive Branch, MS

Color: Blue

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15–19
Psalm: Psalm 111; antiphon: v. 9
Epistle: Philippians 4:4–7
Gospel: John 1:19–28
Gospel: Luke 1:39–56
Introit: Psalm 19:1, 4–6; antiphon: Isaiah 45:8a
Gradual: Psalm 145:18, 21
Verse: Psalm 40:17b

John the Baptizer Points Everyone to the Messiah
 
The 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).

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Exodus 15

1 Thessalonians 5

Acts 9:10-25

Color: Blue

Old Testament: Isaiah 40:1–11
Psalm: Psalm 85; antiphon: v. 9
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:1–5
Gospel: Matthew 11:2–11
Introit: Psalm 85:1–2, 6, 8; antiphon: Philippians 4:4–5
Gradual: Psalm 80:1–2
Verse: Psalm 80:2b

John the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord
 
The 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.

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Exodus 14:21-15:6

1 Thessalonians 3-4

Acts 9:1-9

Color: Blue

Old Testament: Malachi 4:1–6
Psalm: Psalm 50:1–15; antiphon: v. 15
Epistle: Romans 15:4–13
Gospel: Luke 21:25–36
Introit: Psalm 80:1, 3, 14, 17; antiphon: Isaiah 62:11b; 30:30, 29
Gradual: Psalm 50:2–3a, 5
Verse: Luke 21:26b–27

The Lord Comes on the Last Day
 
The 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.

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Exodus 14:1-20