Prepare for The Sunday of John’s Testimony (12/22)

Dec 20

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Within the liturgy for each Lord’s day, we receive the Word of God through uniquely appointed readings, psalms, hymns, and prayers. This week we will pray the Divine Service Setting Three (audio of this liturgy). We will also celebrate the rite of Holy Baptism for Margaret and Shirley Chevrier.

Each week will also begin with a brief catechesis on each part of the liturgy of the Divine Service. The following guide will help you to prepare to hear and sing the Propers, i.e. the varied texts and hymns for this week.

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).

Collect of the Day: Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Readings:

Introit: Ps. 19:1, 4-6; antiphon: Is. 45:8a
Gradual: Ps. 145:18, 21
Old Testament: Deut. 18:15-19
Epistle: Phil. 4:4-7
Proper Verse: Ps.40:17b
Gospel: John 1:19-28 or Luke 1:39-56