And how many there are who call themselves Christians and count themselves among humanity’s noble, among the elect, who put their trust in such false Christs and saviors, false prophets and zealots. They seek their salvation in power and prestige from the world, in vainglory and luxury, or in the wisdom of this world, in […]

Even he denies Christ who denies any truth of the Gospel, though it seems ever so unimportant, and  helps to confirm any error, though it seems ever so harmless. How important this is for our day! Not a few suppose that they are faithful confessors because they have not denied that Christ is the Son […]

THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT The ancient Church called this last Sunday before the Holy Nativity the Preparation. The Propers reflect the eager expectation of the faithful. “Let the earth open and bring forth salvation!” “Stir up Thy power and come!” “The Lord is at hand!” “The Lord is nigh!” “There standeth one among you.” […]

In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit Saint Paul asks in Romans chapter ten, how shall they hear without a preacher? How shall the priests and Levites sent from the Jews hear? They come to John the Baptizer with open mouths and closed ears. They ask […]

Two introits are given in the texts of the common service for the Annunciation. The first corresponds to non-martyr virgins in the Roman liber usualis. The second is the introit for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Rorate coeli with a different verse. It is this second introit that is attested to in early Lutheran chant sources […]