Week of Christmas 1 - December 28, 2025 - January 3, 2026

Theme: In the Face of Evil, the Word of God Is Fulfilled

Learn by Heart

Verse: Matthew 7:7-8

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Hymn: “How Lovely Shines the Morning STar” | ELH #167:1

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The Catechism: The Seventh Petition and Conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer

The Seventh Petition

But deliver us from evil.

What does this mean?

We pray in this petition, as the sum of all, that our Father in heaven would deliver us from every evil of body and soul, property and honor; and at last, when the hour of death shall come, grant us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.

The Conclusion

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for­ever and ever. Amen.

What does “Amen” mean?

Amen means that we should be sure that these petitions are acceptable to our Father in heaven and are heard by Him; for He himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. Amen, Amen: that is, Yes, Yes, it shall be so.

Week of Advent 4 - December 21-27, 2025

Theme: The Savior Is Sent

Learn by Heart

Verse: Psalm 51:5

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,

and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Hymn: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” | ELH #110:1, 6

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The Catechism: The Fifth and Sixth Petitions of the Lord’s Prayer

The Fifth Petition

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who tres­pass against us.

What does this mean?

We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look upon our sins, or deny our prayer because of them; for we are not worthy of anything we ask, neither have we deserved it. But we pray that He would give us everything by grace, for we daily sin much and deserve nothing but punishment; and we on our part will forgive from the heart and willingly do good to those who sin against us.

The Sixth Petition

And lead us not into temptation.

What does this mean?

God certainly tempts no one to sin, but we pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world and our own flesh may not deceive us nor lead us into false belief, despair and other shameful sin and vice; and though we are tempted by them, that we may still in the end overcome and retain the victory.

Week of Advent 3 - December 14-20, 2025

Theme: Jesus Is the One Who Is to Come

Learn by Heart

Verse: 1 Timothy 6:8, 10a

But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.... For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.

Hymn: “Hark, a Thrilling Voice Is Sounding!” | ELH #96:1, 2, 5

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The Catechism: The Fourth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer

The Fourth Petition

Give us this day our daily bread.

What does this mean?

God certainly gives daily bread without our prayer, even to all the wicked; but we pray in this petition that He would lead us to acknowledge this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

What is meant by daily bread?

Daily bread includes everything needed for this life, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, fields, cattle, money, goods, God-fearing spouse and children, faithful workers and rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, order, honor, true friends, good neighbors, and the like.

Week of Advent 2 - December 7-13, 2025

Theme: Signs Foretell Jesus’ Return

Learn by Heart

Verse: 1 Peter 5:7-8

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Hymn: “On Jordan’s Bank the Herald’s Cry” | ELH #106:1-3

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The Catechism: The Second & Third Petitions of the Lord’s Prayer

The Second Petition

Thy Kingdom come.

What does this mean?

The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.

How does God’s kingdom come?

The kingdom of God comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and live godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

The Third Petition

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

What does this mean?

The good and gracious will of God is certainly done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done also among us.

How is God’s will done?

God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil counsel and will of the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh which would not let us hallow His name nor let His kingdom come. God’s will is done when He strengthens and keeps us steadfast in His Word and faith until our end. This is His good and gracious will.

Week of Advent 1 - November 30-December 6, 2025

Theme: The Marriage Feast Draws Near

Learn by Heart

Verse: 1 John 3:2

Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

Hymn: “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” | ELH #91:1-2

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The Catechism: The Introduction and First Petition of the Lord’s Prayer

The Introduction

Our Father, Who art in heaven.

What does this mean?

With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father, and that we are His true children, so that we may ask Him with all boldness and confidence, as children ask their dear father.

The First Petition

Hallowed be Thy name.

What does this mean?

God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be holy among us also.

How is God’s name hallowed?

God’s name is kept holy when His Word is taught in its truth and purity, and we as the children of God live holy lives according to it. This grant us, dear Father in heaven! But he who teaches and lives contrary to the Word of God dishonors God’s name among us. From this preserve us, heavenly Father!