Christmas is a time of celebration that the Savior of the Nations is born! His name is revered throughout the earth as we rejoice in God’s promises fulfilled. Isaiah 9:6–8 is an incredibly well-known verse about Christ’s birth. Read Luther’s commentary on these verses from Luther’s Works, Volume 16: Lectures on Isaiah Chapters 1–39 below.
Have there been times in your life when you’ve felt like you were at your breaking point? There have been many times in my life when I’ve felt overwhelmed to the point of questioning...
First impressions matter. That’s why planning a kickoff event can be rather stressful, particularly for a youth ministry. To cut through the stress and noise, focus everything you do at...
The first Lutherans to immigrate to the United States faced many uphill battles, even in their own home country. Yet, they held fast to the Gospel and knew that in order to continue their...
We are always confessing something. Whatever we do, whatever we say, we confess. Perhaps that seems like an exaggeration, because when we hear the word confess, we usually limit that to...
As the father and his young adult daughter sat down to talk, she tried to express what she was going through, saying: I’m so confused about who I am and where I’m going in life. When...
My college roommate decided she could be more productive if she slept every other night. That’s an extra eight hours every other day to get things done, right? Sounds great in theory. But...
The little children in our schools and ministries are very precious to God. He calls them by name just as He calls us. It is a blessing to be a part of God’s family and share the Good...
The liturgical colors are those colors that are used for paraments, vestments, and accessories such as banners and other decorations. Color is an adjunct to the worship of the Church but...
When Christ the King Lutheran Church and School in Southgate, Michigan, began sharing Arch® Books at their food pantry, they weren’t sure what to expect. What they’ve seen since has been...
The historical contours of 1 Peter are tolerably distinct; we can answer with considerable assurance most of the questions that historical inquiry raises concerning it. The Second Letter...
Have you ever been reading the Bible and come across a verse that was confusing? Or have you ever seen or heard someone quote a Bible verse and weren’t quite sure if it was being used...
In my early years of motherhood, I was often given books on Christian parenting, and, diligent and determined to do everything in my power to provide the best possible start for my...
“God Shed His Grace on Thee” from Edwin T. Childs brings together thirteen rich hymn settings based on national hymns. Written for manuals and mostly two pages each, these pieces are...
It can happen at any time: Feelings of weakness and brokenness take over in hospital waiting rooms, just before a big presentation, or after unexpected phone calls. When the realities of...
In August 2018, I moved abroad for my dream job as an international missionary. When asked how long I’d be there, I’d reply that I’d stay until I retired or God called me elsewhere. Eight...
Lutheran schools have a unique calling: to teach every subject in the light of God’s Word. That work depends on teachers who are not only skilled educators but also are confident in the...
God gives us powerful gifts in His Word, ones that can be used to openly share His soul-saving news of salvation for all believers. Read an excerpt from Martin Luther’s preachings...
Paul Gerhardt (1607–76) is in a tier only shared with Martin Luther as one of the most beloved and celebrated Lutheran hymnwriters in the church. May 27 marks 350 years since his passing...
During my time in full-time church ministry, both as a director of Christian education and now as a pastor, I’ve thought a lot about confirmation—and I’d guess most church workers have...
Christ gives His true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins, the strengthening of faith, and the uniting of His people around the altar in the gift of Holy Communion. The music...
