The Word

Grace, mercy, and peace – As I write this letter, I am sitting in Luther Hall on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  This is the annual meeting of Vicarage Supervisors. Why am I here? It is not required, but it is beneficial. Beneficial for me… Read More»

Greetings … from the land of the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, from the land flowing with milk and honey, from the land of Joshua, Caleb, the Judges, and Samuel, from the land of the United Kingdom, Saul, David, and Solomon, from the land of the Divided Kingdom, Israel to… Read More»

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, When I arrived at Our Redeemer Lutheran, there were “Colorado Peaches” signs outside the church. Those signs later were removed and the peach truck arrived. Those signs for “Colorado Peaches” have now returned to the property. Wow! I can’t believe that I have served… Read More»

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ – It is the time of year for graduations.  Keynote speakers are lining up at college graduations, while preschoolers are practicing lining up for their graduations.  Valedictorians are practicing their words of wit, while seminary students are thrilled to hear the words, “You graduated,”… Read More»

I sat to the side of the sanctuary.  I arrived early, and not only did I observe the pews fill up with well-dressed people, but I could feel the excitement in the air.  It was palpable.  As the organ bellowed notes, the men and women present belted out the hymn.… Read More»

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! Two-thousand years ago, Jesus changed the world. He changed the world for the better. Far better. When Jesus became Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and made man, the world was in need of a savior. Some people… Read More»

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: Tonight I watched the Disneyland 60th Anniversary television special. I remember that as a teenager I watched the Disneyland 25th Anniversary special. I had been to Walt Disney World several times in my life by then, but I could not imagine going to Disneyland.… Read More»

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Ashes show our need for Jesus. Ash Wednesday falls on February 10th this year and that day marks the beginning of the season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, Christians receive ashes upon their forehead to serve as a symbol of our repentance and of… Read More»

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: So have you made up your mind? Are you going to set a New Year’s resolution? Have you spent time sitting and pondering? Excellent ideas can come to people as they sit, think, and dream – what kind of house to buy or build,… Read More»

O come, O come, Emmanuel! We are now entering the Advent season, which is the beginning of the Christian church year. During Advent, Christians wait and sing with joy and anticipation of Emmanuel’s (“God with us”) second coming as judge of the world on the Last Day. Throughout the Advent… Read More»