Ignorance is bliss. Our excuses for remaining uninformed, even when supported by an aphorism, fall apart in the light of the truth. Willful ignorance is not a virtue. Indeed, it goes hand in hand with unbelief.

That is among the lessons flowing from the Magi and Herod. The Magi follow the star, knowing what is true. The One who has been born is King, worthy of being worshiped. Herod, on the other hand, gets the right information from others about where the birth of the King took place, but he remains aloof to the truth. Instead of paying homage, he plots to kill.

Ignorance is not bliss. It destroys faith because faith feeds on the truth. Ignorance also robs us of joy, especially when it comes to the truth of who Christ is. The Magi know who He is, so they rejoice greatly.

We join them in rejoicing because the truth has been given us. Jesus comes,

Lying helpless in a manger, poor and bare and lowly,

To set you free from all your sorrow wholly.

Genesis 19:30-20:18

Freedom from Sin - Romans 6:1-23

Genesis 18:1 - 19:29

While there were many observances regarding Thanksgiving, the first historic proclamation was issued by President George Washington on the 3rd of October, 1789.  According to it, November 26 was declared as 'a day of public thanksgiving and prayer'.  The day was to be observed by people by thanking God and being grateful for His favors.  The seventeenth century witnessed a common practice for individual colonies to observe days of thanksgiving throughout each year.  It was a day set aside for prayer and fasting, not a day marked by plentiful food and drink as is today's custom.  Later in the 18th century, each of the states periodically would designate a day of thanksgiving in honor of a military victory, an adoption of a state constitution or an exceptionally bountiful crop.  Such a Thanksgiving Day celebration was held in December of 1777 by the colonies nationwide, commemorating the surrender of British General Burgoyne at Saratoga. On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a fresh proclamation calling for the observance of the fourth Tuesday of November as a national holiday.

Not just on Thanksgiving, but every day, God gives us a reminder that our lives are sustained from outside ourselves.  We do not energize our own bodies but receive food from God’s gracious hand; and we do not save ourselves but rely on God’s gift of grace given in Jesus Christ.  So, on this day and always, we turn in gratitude to the One who is the very Bread of Life. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness in providing all we need to sustain us in body and spirit!  Amen.

While there were many observances regarding Thanksgiving, the first historic proclamation was issued by President George Washington on the 3rd of October, 1789.  According to it, November 26 was declared as 'a day of public thanksgiving and prayer'.  The day was to be observed by people by thanking God and being grateful for His favors.  The seventeenth century witnessed a common practice for individual colonies to observe days of thanksgiving throughout each year.  It was a day set aside for prayer and fasting, not a day marked by plentiful food and drink as is today's custom.  Later in the 18th century, each of the states periodically would designate a day of thanksgiving in honor of a military victory, an adoption of a state constitution or an exceptionally bountiful crop.  Such a Thanksgiving Day celebration was held in December of 1777 by the colonies nationwide, commemorating the surrender of British General Burgoyne at Saratoga. On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a fresh proclamation calling for the observance of the fourth Tuesday of November as a national holiday.

Not just on Thanksgiving, but every day, God gives us a reminder that our lives are sustained from outside ourselves.  We do not energize our own bodies but receive food from God’s gracious hand; and we do not save ourselves but rely on God’s gift of grace given in Jesus Christ.  So, on this day and always, we turn in gratitude to the One who is the very Bread of Life. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness in providing all we need to sustain us in body and spirit!  Amen.

2 Corinthians

“FIT” is a year-long theme for our life together at Faith Lutheran Church. It is a journey of exploration—what it means to be healthy in body, mind, and spirit. We are examining whole-person wellness, understanding that when one area of life is out of balance, all other areas feel the impact. Spiritual fitness affects physical fitness; financial health impacts relational health, and so on.

Throughout the year are series within the series, as we explore the nuances of fitness in Christ. Our November series is called, “I Am Second.” A significant attribute of the healthiest of disciples is a tendency toward humility—putting others ahead of self. This short series explores Christ’s call to his followers to consider their own lives relative to (1) God and His mission, (2) others and their needs, and (3) Christ and His glory.

Jesus calls us to follow His example of laying down our own lives for the sake of others. Paul also reminds us to “Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). He further states that Christ “is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). Today we celebrate Christ the King! He is the Son of God, the sure foundation of our faith, the Head of the Church, and the exalted Messiah given the name that is above all other names. (Philippians 2:10) Clearly, we are all second to Christ and His glory!