Church Calendar

Color: Blue

Old Testament: Malachi 4:1–6
Psalm: Psalm 50:1–15; antiphon: v. 15
Epistle: Romans 15:4–13
Gospel: Luke 21:25–36
Introit: Psalm 80:1, 3, 14, 17; antiphon: Isaiah 62:11b; 30:30, 29
Gradual: Psalm 50:2–3a, 5
Verse: Luke 21:26b–27

The Lord Comes on the Last Day
 
The day on which our Lord returns will be a “great and awesome day” (Mal. 4:5). For He will come in a cloud with great power and glory. To the wicked and the proud, it will be a Day of judgment that will “set them ablaze” (Mal. 4:1). The signs preceding this Day will bring them fear and fainting. But to those who believe, who fear the name of the Lord, this Day is one to look forward to and rejoice in: “. . . straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). Christ our Redeemer is coming; the Sun of Righteousness will bring healing in His wings. Let us, then, give attention to the words of the Lord, which do not pass away. Let us “through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures” (Rom. 15:4) be strengthened in our hope by the Holy Spirit and watch diligently for Jesus’ coming. Then, by God’s grace, we shall escape all these things that will come to pass and stand before the Son of Man.

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: Blue

Old Testament: Isaiah 40:1–8
Old Testament: Isaiah 40:1–11
Psalm: Psalm 85; antiphon: v. 9
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:1–5
Gospel: Matthew 11:2–11
Gospel: Matthew 11:2–10
Introit: Psalm 85:1–2, 6, 8; antiphon: Philippians 4:4–5
Gradual: Psalm 80:1–2
Verse: Psalm 80:2b

John the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord
 
The voice of the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord . . .” (Isa. 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah’s coming through repentance, for “all flesh is grass” (Isa. 40:6). Now He asks from prison, “Are you the one who is to come . . .?” (Matt. 11:2). Jesus’ works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord’s hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ’s overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God’s people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe.

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: Red

Old Testament: Judges 6:36–40
Psalm: Psalm 136:1–4; antiphon: v. 26
Epistle: Ephesians 4:7, 11–16
Gospel: John 20:24–29
Introit: Psalm 89:1, 5, 15–16; antiphon: Psalm 31:14
Gradual: Romans 10:15b, 18b; Isaiah 52:7b, alt.
Verse: John 20:29b

St. Thomas, Apostle
 
The Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20). “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph. 1:7). We have the testimony of the truth, so that the Church is not “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning” (Eph. 4:14). As the Lord confirmed His truth to Gideon (Judges 6:36–40), so He does not turn away Thomas, but reveals His crucified and risen body to him, creating faith (John 20:27–28). Christ’s wounds are the source of our redemption and peace. Strengthened by this, Thomas is said to have brought the Gospel to India and faced a martyr’s death. Those who follow the Master will suffer on account of His name (John 15:18–21). But by the confession of the truth, the Body of Christ grows “up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:15), whom Thomas praised as his “Lord” and his “God” (John 20:28).

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: Blue

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15–19
Psalm: Psalm 111; antiphon: v. 9
Epistle: Philippians 4:4–7
Gospel: John 1:19–28
Gospel: Luke 1:39–56
Introit: Psalm 19:1, 4–6; antiphon: Isaiah 45:8a
Gradual: Psalm 145:18, 21
Verse: Psalm 40:17b

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).

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: White

Old Testament: Isaiah 7:10–14
Psalm: Psalm 110:1–4; antiphon: v. 2a
Epistle: 1 John 4:7–16
Gospel: Matthew 1:18–25
Introit: Psalm 24:1, 3–5; antiphon: Psalm 2:6–7
Gradual: Psalm 98:3b–4a, 2
Verse: Psalm 2:7

The Word of the Lord Is Fulfilled in the Flesh of Jesus
 
Though Ahaz would not ask, the Lord gives a sign to the house of David, that “the Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Is. 7:14). With this promise, He signifies that salvation is by His grace alone; it is no work or achievement of man, but the Lord’s own work and free gift. The promise is fulfilled as the Son of God is conceived and born of the Virgin Mary, and the sign is received in faith by the house of David in the person of Joseph (Matt. 1:20–24). “Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary” (Nicene Creed), God is with us (Immanuel) in the flesh of Jesus, Mary’s Son. Joseph believes that Word of God and so demonstrates a marvelous example in his immediate and quiet obedience, taking Mary to be his wife and caring for her in faith and love. He loves her because the love of God is manifest in this, that “the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world,” “to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9–10).

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: White

Old Testament: Isaiah 9:2–7
Psalm: Psalm 96; antiphon: v. 2
Epistle: Titus 2:11–14
Gospel: Luke 2:1–14
Gospel: Luke 2:1–20
Introit: Psalm 2:1–2, 4–6; antiphon: Liturgical Text
Gradual: Psalm 98:3b–4a, 2
Verse: Psalm 95:1a, 6b

The Light of Christ Shines Forth in the Darkness
 
Heaven and earth rejoice on this night because the glory of the Triune God is manifested in the human birth of “our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). In Him, the Father’s grace, mercy and peace rest upon the world. The silence of death is broken by this “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). And all we who have gone astray like lost and wandering sheep, who have “walked in the darkness” of doubt and fear and sinful unbelief, behold “a great light” in the nativity of Christ (Is. 9:2). In Him “the grace of God has appeared” (Titus 2:11). For this Child of Mary who is born for us, this dear Son of God who is given to us, will bear the burden of our sin and death in His own body on the cross. He thereby establishes a government of peace, “with justice and with righteousness,” which shall have no end; not by any work of man, but “the zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” (Is. 9:7).

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Old Testament: Exodus 40:17-21; Exodus 40:34-38
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2040%3A17-21%3B%20Exodus%2040%3A34-38

Epistle:Titus 3:4-7
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus%203%3A4-7

Holy Gospel:Luke 2:15-20
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202%3A15-20

Collect:
Most merciful God, You gave Your eternal Word to become incarnate of the pure Virgin. Grant Your people grace to put away fleshly lusts, that they may be ready for Your visitation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Amen.

Color: White

Old Testament: Micah 5:2–5a
Psalm: Psalm 80:1–7; antiphon: v. 7
Epistle: Titus 3:4–7
Gospel: Luke 2:15–20
Gospel: Luke 2:1–20
Introit: Psalm 93:1–2, 5; antiphon: Isaiah 9:2a, 6a, c
Gradual: Psalm 118:26a, 27a, 23
Verse: Psalm 93:1

The Birth of the Good Shepherd Is Proclaimed to the Shepherds
 
The first ones to visit the infant Lord Jesus are lowly shepherds (Luke 2:15–20), for Christ came that the last may be first and that the humble may be exalted. Furthermore, Jesus Himself came to be a shepherd, the Good Shepherd who would lay down His life for the sheep. “He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord” (Micah 5:2–5). The babe in the manger whom the shepherds worship is He “whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” For in Christ Jesus, conceived and born of Mary, “the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared” (Titus 3:4). Like Mary, let us keep and ponder in our hearts these things that God has revealed to us through His Word. And like the shepherds, let us glorify and praise God for all the things we have heard and seen in Christ His Son.

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: White

Old Testament: Exodus 40:17–21, 34–38
Psalm: Psalm 2; antiphon: v. 7
Epistle: Titus 3:4–7
Gospel: John 1:1–18
Gospel: John 1:1–14
Introit: Psalm 98:1–4; antiphon: Isaiah 9:6
Gradual: Psalm 118:26a, 27a, 23
Verse: Liturgical Text

The Living and Life-Giving Word of God Dwells among Us in the Flesh
 
In the beginning God created all things through His Word, His Son. But man fell into sin, and with man all creation was cursed. Therefore, God spoke His Word again, this time into the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle of our human nature (Ex. 40:17–21, 34–38). “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1–14). The Son of God took on our flesh and blood and died on the cross in order that we might receive the right to become the children of God through faith. Baptized into Christ’s body, we are made partakers of a new Genesis, “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4–7). In Christ, the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man has truly appeared.

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: Red

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 24:17–22
Psalm: Psalm 119:137–144; antiphon: v. 142
Second Reading: Acts 6:8—7:2a, 51–60
Gospel: Matthew 23:34–39
Introit: Psalm 31:1, 3, 5; antiphon: Revelation 7:14b
Gradual: Psalm 34:9, 19, alt.
Verse: Psalm 116:15

St. Stephen, Martyr
 
The Christ is born in the land of Judah, but His own people will not receive Him. As it was in the days of Joash, so it is also in the days of Herod and Pilate. The Lord “sent prophets among them to bring them back to the Lord … but they would not pay attention” (2 Chron. 24:19). As Zechariah was being stoned, he cried out, “May the Lord see and avenge!” (2 Chron. 24:22). But the infant Jesus has come to save and to forgive. Today, the Church remembers St. Stephen, the first martyr after Christ’s ascension. His confession recalled the stiff-necked, uncircumcised hearts and ears of Judah that would not receive the Righteous One (Acts 7:51–52). But as his body was being stoned and his spirit received by the Lord Jesus, Stephen cried, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:59–60), bearing witness to the One who also said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). On the second day of Christmas, our thoughts are already directed to Christ’s atoning death to save rebels like us, and to the vision Stephen saw: Heaven is open to us, Christ is reigning at God’s right hand, and no sin, death or foe can stop Him.

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: White

First Reading: Revelation 1:1–6
Psalm: Psalm 11; antiphon: v. 4a
Epistle: 1 John 1:1—2:2
Gospel: John 21:20–25
Introit: Psalm 92:1–5; antiphon: John 20:31
Gradual: Psalm 119:105, 103; 45:1a, c
Verse: John 21:24a, c

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
 
St. John the Evangelist put Christmas in one verse: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Not martyred but still a witness, John was exiled to Patmos and died an old man, according to tradition. He bore witness “to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw” (Rev. 1:2). Above all, he was an eyewitness of Christ who proclaims to us what he saw and heard concerning the “word of life” that was “made manifest” (1 John 1:1–3). “And we know that his testimony is true” (John 21:24). The readings today include John’s testimony of Christ’s atoning death and His third resurrection appearance (John 21:14). On the third day of Christmas, we find joy and gladness with John and all the apostles that “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous,” who is “the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1–2).

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: Red

Old Testament: Jeremiah 31:15–17
Psalm: Psalm 54; antiphon: v. 4
Epistle: Revelation 14:1–5
Gospel: Matthew 2:13–18
Introit: Psalm 31:1, 3, 5; antiphon: Revelation 7:14b
Gradual: Psalm 71:4a, 5a, 6a, b, 8
Verse: Psalm 116:15

The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
 
“A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children” (Jer. 31:15). Herod rages and sends to kill all boys two years and younger (Matt. 2:16), desperate to destroy the newborn King of kings. The Church remembers these innocent victims as martyrs. They died for the One who came to die for them. This dark commemoration bears witness to the cruelty of sinful men and the world’s hatred of Christ, who has sanctified our fragile life even from His conception and birth. But the boy who escaped Bethlehem’s bloody streets unscathed went on to face thorns, nails and spear for them and for us. He is the Lamb whose name is written with the Father’s name on the foreheads of His baptized saints (Rev. 14:1). By His death, He has redeemed an inheritance for Himself and brought peace at last by His blood. On the fourth day of Christmas, we sing “a new song” of the Lamb, of Christ the true martyr, whose death testifies that our redemption is won. We “follow the Lamb wherever he goes” (Rev. 14:3, 4), for He will bring our tears to an end.

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: White

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 7:1–16
Old Testament: Isaiah 11:1–5
Psalm: Psalm 89:1–8; antiphon: v. 8
Epistle: Galatians 4:1–7
Gospel: Luke 2:33–40
Gospel: Luke 2:22–40
Introit: Psalm 93:1, 3–4; antiphon: vv. 5, 2
Gradual: Psalm 45:2a, 1b
Verse: Psalm 93:1

The Seed of David Comes to His Temple
 
A Rod has come forth from the stem of Jesse (Is. 11:1–5)—the Seed of David whose kingdom shall be established forever (2 Sam. 7:1–16). In the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son Jesus to redeem us from the judgment of the Law (Gal. 4:1–7). Now He is presented in the temple in fulfillment of the Law and revealed to be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:22–40). Christ has enlightened us in baptism, giving us to be adopted as sons of God and heirs of eternal life. Receiving the Holy Sacrament of His body and blood, we are prepared to depart this world in peace, for our eyes have seen the salvation of God in Him.

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Color: White

Old Testament: Isaiah 30:15–17
Old Testament: Isaiah 30:8–17
Psalm: Psalm 90:1–12; antiphon: v. 17
Epistle: Romans 8:31b–39
Gospel: Luke 12:35–40
Introit: Psalm 98:1–3; antiphon: Psalm 124:8
Gradual: Psalm 90:12, 14
Verse: Psalm 103:17a

The Lord Comes by Way of the Cross to Serve Us at His Table in Peace
 
When we despise the Lord’s Word “and trust in oppression and perverseness and rely on them” (Is. 30:12), we face catastrophe. Our idolatry “is smashed so ruthlessly” (Is. 30:14), so that we are called to repentance. The Lord calls us by the cross, “like a signal on a hill” (Is. 30:17), to return to Him and rest in His salvation. For “he who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all” graciously provides us with all good things in Him (Rom. 8:32). Since “Christ Jesus is the one who died,” who is risen from the dead and seated at God’s right hand, “interceding for us” (Rom. 8:34), “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37). It is in that hope that we live “like men who are waiting for their master” (Luke 12:36). He daily awakens us by His preaching of repentance, raises us by His Word of forgiveness and keeps our lamps burning by the grace of His Gospel. He comes to us by way of the cross, in order to bless us and serve us at His table in peace.

Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship