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

Listen to the tune here.

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!

Week of the Last Sunday - November 23-29, 2025

Theme: The Marriage Feast Draws Near

Learn by Heart

Verse: Ephesians 2:1

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins

Hymn: “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying” | ELH #544:1

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The Catechism: The Third Article of the Creed

The Third Article

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; just as He calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives me and all believers all our sins; and at the last day He will raise up me and all the dead, and will give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.

Week of 2nd-Last Sunday - November 16-22, 2025

Theme: God Works Salvation in the Earth

Learn by Heart

Verse: John 3:16

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

Hymn: “IN Peace and Joy I Now Depart” | ELH #48:1-4

Listen to the tune here.

The Catechism: The Third Article of the Creed

The Third Article

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; just as He calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives me and all believers all our sins; and at the last day He will raise up me and all the dead, and will give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.

Week of 3rd-Last Sunday - November 9-15, 2025

Theme: God Works Salvation in the Earth

Learn by Heart

Verse: John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Hymn: “I Walk in Danger All the Way” | ELH #252:1, 2, 5

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The Catechism: The Second Article of the Creed

The Second Article

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

What does this mean?

I believe that Jesus Christ is true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary; and that He is my Lord, Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood, and with His innocent suffering and death; in order that I might be His own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness; just as He is risen from the dead, lives, and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.