“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night showeth knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2
Much can be learned about a man from his works — His skill and his workmanship. Consider the heavens — the sun, the moon, and the stars. What do they say to us about the Creator? They glorify Him and reveal His unfathomable wisdom and His limitless power. Each day and each night testify to God’s wisdom and strength. If only we would listen and seek Him!
O all-wise and all-powerful God, grant that we consider Your works and glorify Your name, trusting in You and the salvation You have provided for us in the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1883 Webster Version of the Bible.]
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
God the Son, the creator of all, took on human flesh and blood and was born into this world of the Virgin Mary to be our Savior. The Apostle John and his fellow disciples saw the glory of Christ Jesus — the same glory possessed by God the Father — in Jesus’ mighty works, His transfiguration, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus brings us God’s undeserved love and mercy, and He brings God’s truth, which reveals our sins but also forgiveness and life through faith alone in Christ Jesus.
Grant, dear Jesus, that we recognize You as the only-begotten Son of the Father, come into this world a true man that You might atone for our sins and grant to all who trust in You eternal salvation. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1883 Webster Version of the Bible.]
“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” Ephesians 1:11-12
We who trust in Christ for forgiveness and life have an inheritance in God’s heavenly kingdom and are among those predestined by God’s gracious will to trust in Christ and to be preserved in that faith through hearing God’s Word. This brings Him praise and glory for the salvation He has so mercifully bestowed upon us in Christ Jesus, our Savior.
We thank and praise You, O God, for graciously sending Your Son to redeem us, for choosing us to be Your own, bringing us to faith in Christ Jesus, and preserving us in that faith through hearing Your Word. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1883 Webster Version of the Bible.]
“While he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take to thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21
As the angel of the Lord told Joseph, Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus is the promised Messiah and Savior, true God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, and true man, born of Mary. This occurred because Mary, Joseph’s betrothed wife, yet a virgin, was conceived by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit and gave birth to a Son who would save His people from their sins by making atonement for the sins of all when He died on the cross.
O Holy Spirit, grant that I understand Your Word and trust that Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of man, who came into this world to redeem me from sin and death and to give me eternal life in His kingdom. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1883 Webster Version of the Bible.]
“… Having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him …” Ephesians 1:9-10
Through the preaching of the Gospel, God makes known to us the mystery of His will, His divine plan to save us from eternal death and damnation by sending His only-begotten Son to die for us and atone for our sins and then rise again so that we might trust in Him, be pardoned, and be gathered together in Christ’s Church and receive everlasting life — all for Jesus’ sake and through faith in Him!
Grant that I hear and believe Your saving Word, O God, and trust in Christ Jesus, my Savior. In His name, I pray. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised 1883 Webster Version of the Bible.]
