Epiphany 2023 (Observed)| Matthew 2:1-12| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| January 8, 2023 The Epiphany story of the wise men, or literally translated magi visiting Jesus is filled with the unexpected. It is unexpected that Gentiles, foreigners from the east would come to Jerusalem seeking to worship the “King of the Jews.” It…
Christmas Day 2022| John 1:1-18| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God….
Christmas Eve 2022| Luke 2:14| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.” Luke 2:13-14 Peace on earth. What peace on earth? Wars continue to…
Advent 4| John 1:19-28| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| December 18, 2022 No, no, no. That’s what John answers to the messengers of the Pharisees. “I’m not the Christ.” Well, we knew that already. “I’m not Elijah.” Wait, but doesn’t Jesus tell us that John is Elijah? (Matthew 11:13 and 17:11-13) Indeed, he…
Advent 3| Matthew 11:2-10| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| December 11, 2022 While John was in prison, he heard of Jesus’ wonderful works, so he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And this poses a question for…
Advent 2| Luke 21:25-36| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| December 4, 2022 Why do we celebrate Christmas? Why do we teach our children that God became a human and lay down His little head to sleep on a pillow of straw in a manger? Why do we teach them the angels’ song, “Glory…
Matthew 21:1-9| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| November 27, 2022 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You by Paul Gerhardt is the perfect Advent hymn. Advent means coming or arrival. We Christians anticipate Jesus’ return. So, the hymnist asks the important question, “O Lord, how shall I meet You, how [shall I] welcome…
Last Sunday of the Church Year| Matthew 25:1-13| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| November 20, 2022 We Christians are of all people greatly privileged, because we do not need to be afraid of Christ’s return. Last week, we heard of Jesus’ lesson of the final judgment when he would separate all nations before…
Second to Last Sunday of the Church Year| Matthew 25:31-46| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| November 13, 2022 The Gospel lesson appointed for the second to last Sunday in the Church Year focuses on the final judgment, which everyone should contemplate with great sobriety. Although many scoff and doubt that Christ will ever…
All Saints Day (Observed)| Matthew 5:1-12| Pastor James Preus| Trinity Lutheran Church| November 6, 2022 The theme that seems to permeate through every text for All Saints Day is now, and not yet. We are God’s children now, St. John says. Yet, what we will be has not yet appeared (1 John 3:1-3). St….