Readings
* Psalm 85
* Proverbs 30:1–33
* John 20:19–31
* Augsburg Confession, XVII–XIX
Festival
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. The birth of St. John the Baptist was announced, by an angel, to his father, Zechariah. Initially unbelieving, Zechariah was struck mute until his son was born, but then proclaimed a hymn of praise, the Benedictus — which traditionally serves as the Gospel Canticle in the Church’s Service of Morning Prayer. John’s life is known from all four of the Gospels. Preaching and baptizing in the wilderness near the Jordan River, John prepared the way for the Messiah — Christ. Upon seeing Christ, John announced to the crowds: “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world!” Martyred by the Herodians, whose immoral lifestyle he denounced, John is remembered for his preaching which pointed to the coming Messiah, the Lamb Who takes away the sins of the world.
Reader
Corey J. Mahler
Copyright Notices
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all quotations from the Lutheran Confessions are from Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, copyright © 2005, 2006 by Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. All rights reserved. To purchase a copy of Concordia, call 800-325-3040.
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