Learning the Faith by Heart
Speaking, Praying, and Singing God’s Word Together
The Week of Jan 5 – Jan 12
Preparing for the Baptism of Our Lord
Hymn of the Week: To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord (407)
Psalmody for Matins: Psalm 72:1-11 (Mon); 29 (Thurs)
GLCA Learn by Heart Hymn: Baptized into Your Name Most Holy (LSB 590, ss 1,4)
Catechism/Bible Verse Memory: Office of the Keys (LSB, pg. 326)
Monday: The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord – Matthew 2:1-12
The season of Epiphany gets its name from the Greek word for “manifestation”. It remembers the “epiphany” (the revealing or manifestation) of the Messiah to the Magi and to us Gentiles (non-Jews). The Feast of the Epiphany is also known as the “Gentile Christmas”. Why is that an appropriate way of thinking about the holy day?
Tuesday: Catechism Bible Story – John 20:21-23
This passage is the “divine command” of Christ to which the Catechism specifically refers under the Office of the Keys. Jesus sends Pastors to forgive the sins of repentant sinners and withhold forgiveness from the unrepentant by the authority of Jesus’ command. The Father sent Jesus to forgive. Jesus sends His ministers to forgive. Your pastor is commanded by Jesus to forgive you. Where do you hear about this in the Divine Service? What words does the pastor say? (Hint: look on page 151 of your hymnal)
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Wednesday: Old Testament – Isaiah 43:1–7
These verses are often printed on Baptism banners, cards, and gifts. Why do you think these verses are so appropriate to celebrate a Baptism? Can you think of any other verses you might put on a Baptism banner?
Thursday: Holy Gospel – Luke 3:15–22
The Baptism of our Lord is an “Epiphany” of the one true God in the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. In divine mercy, He takes His place with sinners and takes their sin upon Himself. “When all the people were baptized,” Jesus submitted Himself to a Baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:21). He had no sins of His own, but He took the sins of the world upon Himself so He could be punished for them in your place! What does this reveal about who God is to us?
Friday: Epistle – Romans 6:1–11
Although Jesus had no sins of His own, He took His stand with sinners in His Baptism and took the sins and mortality of the world upon Himself. Read the words of LSB 404, “Jesus, Once with Sinners Numbered” as a prayer.
The Order of Meditation and Prayer
The sign of the cross + may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism
Invocation
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in the God the Father Almighty…
Catechism Memory/Bible Verse Memory: Office of the Keys (LSB, pg. 326)
What is the Office of the Keys?
The Office of the Keys is that special authority which Christ has given to His church on earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold forgiveness from the unrepentant as long as they do not repent.
Where is this written?
This is what St. John the Evangelist writes in chapter twenty: The Lord Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:22–23)
Bible Reading for the Day (From Upcoming Readings for Sun, Portals of Prayer, or other Daily meditation)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn of the Week
To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord (407)
Family Prayers
For___________________, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Collect of the Day for the Epiphany of Our Lord: O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen