Reflections

December 8, 2025

Today's Reading: Malachi 4:1-6

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 24:14-25:12; Obadiah 1-21; 1 John 2:15-29

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes." (Malachi 4:5)

"On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true." (End of the Explanation of the Third Article) 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

We look forward to the coming of the Day of the Lord. A day when all evil will end. A day when those arrogant, who are sure they know better than to believe in God, will come face to face with Him. A day of fire for the sinful world. So that sin, death, and the devil have roots to take hold any longer. On that day, we will go out leaping with joy at the resurrection, the forgiveness of sins, our salvation, and eternal life with God. And all that's left which is wicked will be ash under our feet. 

We are ready for the Last Day, to be sure. But there is another day that has already happened. A day where evil ended, because it was conquered. A day when the arrogant, who were sure they knew better than God, saw God face to face. A day of fire, as the wrath of God over the world's sin burned brightly. And by this day, by the death of God on this day, sin, death, and the devil have no way for roots to take hold any longer. 

On that day, that great and awesome day of the Lord, Jesus Christ died on His cross. We call that day Good. What Jesus won for us on that day causes us to go out leaping with joy. Joy over the forgiveness of all our sins. Joy that He has saved us. Joy that eternal life has been made ours. Joy, because resurrection is coming. All promises made by the God who keeps His every promise. Elijah was indeed sent before that day. Jesus Himself will show us that John the Baptizer is the Elijah who was to come. And that same John the Baptizer has likewise made the way ready for Jesus to come to us. 

From God's perspective, these two are the same day. And we can see them that way as well. We look forward to the coming Day of the Lord. We look back at the already arrived Day of the Lord. And on both days, we rejoice that Jesus Christ has paid for our sin, conquered our death, defeated that devil, and saved us forever. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Behold the Lamb of God That bears the world's transgression, Whose sacrifice removes The devil's dread oppression. Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away our sin, Who for peace and joy Will full atonement win. (LSB 346:3)

Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 7, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 21:25-36

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 24:1-13; 1 John 1:1-2:14

"Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Where is God? The nations are in distress, the earth roars with violence, people are fainting with fear, the powers are shaken. Where is God? My home breaks, disaster takes away what I have, fear haunts my waking moments, and the social pressure is more than I can bear. Where is God? I struggle with my sin, my temptation abounds, I endure the disgrace of those who have sinned against me, I am ashamed. Where is God? Diseases rampage, wars rage incessantly, my body breaks, those I love die. Where is God?

We ask, because we have heard that God loves us, that God delivers us, that God saves us. If we are going through these things, we assume that He must not really be here, or else we wouldn't go through them at all. Even though our Lord has told us directly that we would. The Lord says, "the wickedness of man [is] great upon the earth, and that every intention of his heart was only evil continuously." However, we still can't figure out why the world has so much evil in it. The Lord said, "For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it." Yet we are frustrated that nothing we do seems to change anything. Jesus said, "Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." And for the life of us, we cannot figure out why the world seems to want us dead, and will do anything to accuse us of the worst.

Jesus also said, "Take up your cross and follow me." Where is God? He is found in the suffering, the struggles, the shame, the death. "When you see these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Jesus is found at the cross. And it's there where our sins are counted His, and He pays for them in full. It's there where our shame is counted as His, and He bears it publicly, humiliated before all for our sake. And when you face the things of this world, which will always be there, you never face them alone. Your redeemer is with you. Jesus is with you. And these things are not the proof of God's absence. Just the opposite. He's telling you to take them as proof of His presence. "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows." 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of your only-begotten Son, that by His coming we may be enabled to serve you with pure minds; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for the Second Sunday in Advent)

Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 6, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 2 - Psalm 80:1, 3, 14, 17; antiphon: Isaiah 62:11b; 30:30, 29

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 14:1-23; 2 Peter 3:1-18

“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your salvation comes.’ The Lord will cause his majestic voice to be heard, and you shall have gladness of heart. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved! Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see. But let your hand be on the man of your right hand, the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself! Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your salvation comes.’ The Lord will cause his majestic voice to be heard, and you shall have gladness of heart.” (Introit for the Second Week of Advent)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God is present with His people. That promise runs all the way through Holy Scripture. It especially runs through tomorrow’s Introit from Psalm 80 and the parts of Isaiah that comfort us today. Loneliness is a powerful feeling. It’s hard when you feel abandoned by your friends and misunderstood by your parents. When it seems that God is far away from you, you can also feel a spiritual loneliness that is really discouraging.  

In those times of loneliness, Scripture leads us to call on God, “Look at me and don’t forget me! Save me! Restore me! Don’t go away, but stay here with me!” That’s the prayer of Psalm 80. Hear the Word of God. Call out to your dear Heavenly Father as one of His dear children. You are not alone, because God is with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Hope in the Lord and in His plentiful redemption!

When you feel alone and when you wonder if God really does care about you, remember that He has baptized you, placing His own name on you. Remember that He speaks His Word in your ears to remind you that you are forgiven and that you belong to Him. Remember that He has broken His own body and shed his blood for you, and gives you that Gift in Holy Communion. You are not alone, because your Lord, Jesus Christ, draws near to you and is present with you. He will remain with you until the Last Day, when He will take you to Himself. The Lord is always with you, no matter what!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God Himself is present: Let us now adore Him And with awe appear before Him. God is in His temple; All within keep silence; Humbly kneel in deepest rev’rence. He alone On His throne Is our God and Savior; Praise His name forever! (LSB 907:1)

Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 5, 2025

Today's Reading: Isaiah 11:1-12:6

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 11:1-12:6; 2 Peter 2:1-22

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“Salvation” is a powerful word, but you might not use it every day. We’re more familiar with the verb “to save” and with the noun “savior,” but to say that God is our salvation is unique. Salvation is what God accomplishes and brings. The Savior brings salvation. Isaiah doesn’t just say that God brings salvation, but that God is salvation. In other words, this isn’t something God simply accomplishes, but salvation is God’s identity (along with many other important things!)

Isaiah lived in a chaotic world. The politics were complicated. Life was dangerous. Things were confusing. Where would God’s people find help? Their kings hadn’t been great. Other nations were attacking them and trying to take advantage of them. Was there hope that things would get better? Isaiah promised that there would be a branch from the stump of Jesse. There would be a descendant from King David who would do great things for God’s people. “Great things” sells that promise short. The One who is coming would not be corrupt, but would do everything right. The peace would be so profound that wolves and lambs would lie down next to each other, and the lambs wouldn’t get eaten! There would be no danger, even to the point that toddlers could play over snake dens without getting bitten! God’s people who had been carried away would be brought back home. Everything would be restored!

Who would do this? No mere human king. No political or military leader could pull this off. This is the work of God Himself. God is the salvation of His people. God is the hope of the hopeless, the strength of the weak, and the perfection of the imperfect. 

That’s great news, because life today can be chaotic as well. Politics, health, safety, emotions, families, and so many other things are difficult, challenging, and messed up. Both in the days of Isaiah and today, God is the salvation of His people. God shows up with healing and forgiveness and restoration and righteousness, and He makes all things right, just the way they should be by His very presence. God comes to you as your salvation. In the middle of chaos, trust in the Lord your God because He is your salvation.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Since Christ has full atonement made And brought to us salvation, Each Christian therefore may be glad And build on this foundation. Your grace alone, dear Lord, I plead, Your death is now my life indeed, For You have paid my ransom. (LSB 555:6)

Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 4, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism - Table of duties: To Employers and Supervisors

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 10:12-27a, 33-34; 2 Peter 1:1-21

“Masters, do the same to [your bondservants], and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.” (Ephesians 6:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Well, this is an awkward bit of the Catechism to discuss in reflections geared toward youth, isn’t it? The “bondservants” described in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians can also be understood as slaves or indentured servants. That’s not how things work around you, though. These words are appropriate not only for people who supervise indentured servants, but also for bosses, teachers, supervisors, and anyone who holds a position of authority.

That’s not too many high-school students, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Are you a captain on your sports team? Do you babysit? Are you sometimes left in charge of your younger siblings? If you’re an older student in your school, how do you treat younger students? Do you take advantage of others? Are you bossy when you babysit or pushy to your teammates? When you serve in those places of honor and respect, do you treat those around you lovingly?

This encouragement has a deeper significance than “be nice to others.” While “it’s nice to be nice,” God created all people. Those with authority and those under authority have the same heavenly Master, and God doesn’t play favorites. A threatening, belligerent boss doesn’t honor God when he or she mistreats their employees. A rude or quarrelsome teacher doesn’t honor God by their actions. A condescending babysitter or trainer at a part-time job doesn’t honor people created by God. God has every right to judge you for how you treat others, including those whom you supervise in any capacity.

The way that you treat others is imperfect. Have you threatened, patronized, or been rude to others? Well, since you have a pulse - probably. What hope is there for you? Jesus shed His blood on the cross to cover even those sins, and the fruit of the Spirit fills you with strength to love others in a more excellent way. Your sin is forgiven, and when you have influence and authority over others, use it in service to them, as you are one of God’s gifts to the people He created.

God loves everyone He has made. God calls you to love and respect the people He made, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because He has given supervisors and bosses and babysitters and team captains to the people He has created.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The humble heart and lowly God raises up on high; Beneath His feet in terror The haughty soul shall lie. The heart sincere and right, That heeds God’s invitation And makes true preparation— It is the Lord’s delight. (LSB 354:3)

Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 3, 2025

Today's Reading: Romans 13:(8-10) 11-14

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 9:8-10:11; 1 Peter 5:1-14

“Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:11-12)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Perhaps you remember the story of Paul Revere, the Boston silversmith who warned the American revolutionaries that, “The British are coming! The British are coming!” If you don’t remember Paul Revere, you might remember that student in your elementary classroom who stood in the doorway when the teacher left the room. As the rest of the class got up to their shenanigans, the lookout would loudly whisper, “Shhh! The teacher’s coming back!”

Holy Scripture doesn’t need Paul Revere or the classroom lookout because the Holy Spirit inspired St. Paul to write that it’s time to wake from sleep. There is no time for sleepiness, laziness, or shenanigans for God’s people. The Lord’s salvation is near at hand, and Christ is returning soon. Live like Jesus is coming in glory soon! Live as one of the Christians who is forgiven by Jesus and for whom Jesus died.

It’s hard to live in a constant state of readiness. Have you ever had a class at school where your teacher warned you that you could have a pop quiz at any time? It was really stressful, wasn’t it? Or if you have a job, you know how nerve-wracking it can be when your boss watches your normal tasks and then asks to have a private chat.  

You are covered by the grace of Christ. That doesn’t mean that you can let your guard down or live in a spiritually lazy way. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith. (Hebrews 12:2) Live out your faith because you are a beloved child of God. Jesus is coming back. Yet, your life of faith isn’t something you need to do because you are afraid of God, but because that is who God has made you to be. While it can be hard to remain dedicated to the loving service that God has called you to do, don’t grow weary. Don’t give up. Don’t stop serving and loving your neighbors. After all, God put those people in your life for you to love. He has also called you to love Him with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul. As hard as it is, simply do that until the day that Jesus returns in glory.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

As we worship, grant us vision, Till Your love’s revealing light In its height and depth and greatness, Dawns upon our quickened sight, Making known the needs and burdens Your compassion bids us bear, Stirring us to tireless striving, Your abundant life to share. (LSB 848:3)

Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 2, 2025

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 8:9-9:7; 1 Peter 4:1-19

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” (Jeremiah 23:5-6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

These days, there aren’t very many kings in the world. Sure, there’s a King of Great Britain and the British Commonwealth, but where else are there kings? Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Monaco, and Morocco are some current monarchies as well, for your trivia background information. Still, “kings” sound foreign to most people today. But the Lord’s promise through Jeremiah is more than talking about a monarchial form of government, but the establishment of the “once-for-all-ruler-over-all-things.”  This is not a promise about another monarch or king in the world, but the ultimate ruler over all things.  

The righteous Branch of David is not just another ruler. He is the be-all, end-all ruler. All authority in heaven and on earth is given to Him. (Matthew 28:18) He is before all things; in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17) In him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28) There is no one like Jesus Christ, the righteous Branch. The justice and righteousness that He brings are no mere human ideal, but the very justice and righteousness of God.

Jesus has come. The Lord is our righteousness. Jesus, the righteous Branch, has made you righteous by His grace. In a human court, a judge will declare an accused person “not guilty” if there isn’t enough evidence to convict them of a crime. Notice, though, that there is a big difference between “not guilty” and “innocent.” Someone who didn’t commit a crime isn’t guilty of that crime, but they aren’t innocent. But when Jesus, the ruler and judge of all things, comes, He is our righteousness. Jesus doesn’t declare you “not guilty” nor “innocent” but rather “righteous.” By the grace of God that covers you, Jesus says that, because of His grace, you are just the way you are supposed to be. He has claimed you as His own. That’s the only authority that matters. Live as a subject in God’s Kingdom, because “The Lord is Our Righteousness” (that is, Jesus Christ) is your King.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lo, how a rose e’er blooming From tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming As prophets long have sung, It came, a flow’ret bright, Amid the cold of winter, When half-spent was the night. (LSB 359:1)

Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

December 1, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 21:1-9

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 7:10-8:8; 1 Peter 3:1-22

“And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’” (Matthew 21:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Wait, how did a Holy Week reading break into December? Palm Sunday happened the week of Good Friday and Easter, not four weeks before Christmas. Maybe the Bible-reading calendar (the lectionary) goofed up! Don’t worry. This is not a mistake. At the beginning of this new Church year, we are supposed to hear about Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem as King, about Jesus' appearance as Savior, and recognize Jesus’ presence not only in Jerusalem but with the whole Church. That day, Jesus entered on a humble donkey to the shouts of the crowds. During this season of Advent, we also look at how Jesus was born and laid in a manger at Christmas, and how Jesus will come again in glory on the Last Day.

What those events all have in common is that Jesus is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. In Jerusalem, the crowds shouted the Hebrew word “Hosanna!” which means “Save us now!”  Psalm 118:25 teaches us to pray like this, and it continues to be the prayer of Christ’s Church today.  

In Advent, in Holy Week, and for every day throughout the year, you need Jesus. You need a Savior. The world threatens you, the Devil attacks you, and your own sinful flesh and mind try to get you to doubt God. You fall into sin; no matter how hard you try, you cannot live perfectly. By yourself, you are a lost cause. You can’t do what God has called you to do in His Law. That’s why He has come. He has come to save you. The Lord of all, present in the manger. The One who humbly rode a donkey into Jerusalem as an answer to prayer. The One who was subject to death, even death on a cross, for your forgiveness. The One who rose from death to give you the promise of everlasting life with Him. Jesus has come to save you.

Keep praying! Keep singing with the crowds, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Save us now, Lord!”  Confess your faith in Jesus, your Savior. He has come to rescue you from sin and every evil. Rejoice, because He is the Savior you need, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing; For Christ is our Redeemer, The Lord of heav’n our King. Oh, may we ever praise Him With heart and life and voice And in His blissful presence Eternally rejoice!” (LSB 443:3)

Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

November 30, 2025

Today's Reading: John 1:35-42a

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 6:1-7:9; 1 Peter 2:13-25

“One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ)” (John 1:40-41)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Andrew told his brother that they had found Jesus, the Messiah. It seemed that way. They believed the Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would come. Now, they had found Him! Except that Jesus hadn’t been lost. Instead of Andrew and Simon finding Jesus, Jesus came and found them. Jesus, the all-knowing Lord, walked past John the Baptist while he was teaching, and John pointed out Jesus, the Lamb of God. When Andrew followed Him, Jesus invited Andrew to “come and see” where Jesus was staying and what Jesus was doing. In other words, Jesus invited Andrew to follow Him.  

Sometimes, it’s easy for people, including you, to think that they’ve “found Jesus” or “got Jesus.” From our perspective, that’s what it seems like. Yet, it’s not that we find Jesus, but that Jesus finds us. In the Small Catechism about the Creed’s Third Article, we confess, “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.”  We who cannot believe in Jesus as Lord or come to Him don’t find. Instead, Jesus and the Holy Spirit find us!

That’s great news, because it takes the burden off you. It can be tempting to think that you need to find Jesus or that you need to make sure that you are following Jesus the right way. Don’t be confused: you aren’t in charge of God’s grace. Jesus isn’t lost, and Jesus doesn’t need finding. You were lost, but Jesus has found you and called you His own new creation, baptized into His name and an heir of eternal life with Him! Jesus now invites you to “come and see” His gracious work for you because of His great love for you!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, by Your grace, the apostle Andrew obeyed the call of Your Son to be a disciple. Grant us also to follow the same Lord Jesus Christ in heart and life, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Author: Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you’ll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

November 29, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 1 - Psalm 25:4-5, 21-22; antiphon: Psalm 25:1-3a

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 5:1-25; Amos 1:1-9:15; 1 Peter 2:1-12

“Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.” (Psalm 25:22)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Advent strikes a truer chord in the Psalms. We wait for the God who has made great promises. Let me not be put to shame. By the devil, who prowls about like a lion seeking to devour me. By the world, who finds little worth in everything I call precious. By myself, because if I’m being honest, the devil and the world will probably ignore me, except for the fact that I take shelter under a God whose law I make a mockery of. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. Even when his troubles are himself. 

Advent is a season of penitential hope. And we treat those two things like oil and water. Real hope has no shame. The truly penitent are too downcast to dare to hope. To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul anyway. My escape from shame isn’t myself. It’s my God. It’s yours. He advents to take away your sin, to bear your shame, and promises to return in glory at last to put right everything shameful that the devil, the world, and my own sinful flesh can do wrong. So we wait in penitent hope. That’s the right kind. We won’t be lost to dwelling in our shame. We’ll take it to the Jesus who advents to bear it upon a cross, who advents to meet us at the altar with forgiveness for all of our sins, and who advents at last to free us from this vicious cycle of daily dying and rising to sin. On the Last Day, we’ll only rise. 

Instead of a focus only on what’s wrong, Advent says God will show up to be what’s right. Our Redeemer. He invites everyone with shame. Bring the shame from all you’ve done. All the shame from what’s been done to you. All the shame the world heaps on you, and all the devil can stir up, too. Gather it up and take it to where God advents to join you to Himself at His table, where He feeds you with His Body and Blood and joins you to angelic hosts and all the company of heaven who sing hymns just because they see you with them at the feast. The mark of freedom from shame isn’t a perfect life. It’s one of waiting for the God who takes shame away. Indeed, none who wait for Christ shall be put to shame.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Come, Thou precious Ransom, come, Only hope for sinful mortals! Come, O Savior of the world! Open are to Thee all portals. Come, Thy beauty let us see; Anxiously we wait for Thee. (LSB 350:1)

Author: Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week’s readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.