Week of Epiphany 1 - January 11-17, 2026

Theme: Jesus Had to Be in His Father’s House

Learn by Heart

Verse: 1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.

Hymn: “How Lovely Shines the Morning STar” | ELH #167:1-5

Listen to the tune here.

The Catechism: The Power of Baptism

The Power of Baptism

How can water do such great things?

It is not the water that does these things, but the Word of God which is in and with the water, and faith which trusts this Word of God in the water. For without the Word of God the water is simply water, and no baptism; but with the Word of God it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Spirit.

Where is this written?

St. Paul says in Titus 3:5-8, “According to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that having been justified by His grace, we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.”

Week of Christmas 2 - January 4-10, 2026

Theme: Blessing Is Given to Those Who Suffer with Christ

Learn by Heart

Verse: Acts 2:38-39

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Hymn: “How Lovely Shines the Morning STar” | ELH #167:1-3

Listen to the tune here.

The Catechism: The Nature and Blessings of Baptism

The Nature of Baptism

What is Baptism?

Baptism is not just plain water, but it is water used according to God’s command and connected with His Word.

What is that Word and command of God concerning Bap­tism?

Jesus says: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:18-20.

The Blessings of Baptism

What does Baptism give or profit?

Baptism delivers forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, just as the words and promises of God declare.

Which are these words and promises of God?

Christ our Lord says in Mark 16:16, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

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

Listen to the tune here.

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

Listen to the tune here.

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.