Children in the Divine Service

One of the things I love is to hear our congregation's children in the liturgy. They don't always say it exactly right, or at exactly the right times, but to hear them learning and taking part is, well, awe-inspiring. This is truly the faith being passed down to the next generation.

And so I love it when I hear them say "Lord, have mercy" after everyone else has said it! I love hearing a loud "Amen!" I love hearing them say the Lord's Prayer, AND having the rest of the congregation slow down for them! I love hearing the "Alleluias" and to hear them singing the Words of Institution with me. Those words were some of the first of the liturgy that my children learned. And what a great memory! All parents remember their children's first words - mama, or papa, or whatever. What were your children's first liturgical words? Could there be any better ones than "This is my body?" I also love it when they respond to questions in the sermon.

So parents, don't worry when your child speaks out in church! Of course, if they're being disruptive, that must be dealt with, that they learn how we act in God's house, the same as they learn how to act at home, in school, and in all sorts of places. But if they're just trying to take part, let them speak! Loudly! Is it in not quite the right place? That's alright; they'll learn soon enough. Enjoy them and their faith speaking to their Father who gave it.

Favre is Now a Verb

Brian Cashman, GM of the NY Yankees, has told Andy Pettitte "don't Favre us" with his decision to retire or not. As one who long ago grew tired of Favre and his on again/off again antics, I applaud this new verb!

favre - v., (1.) one who cannot make up his mind; (2.) one who constantly changes his mind; (3.) one who endlessly strings others along with his dithering.

Tee hee.

Stayin' Home

The annual Theological Symposia is taking place at our Ft. Wayne seminary this week. Ever since I started back to school, I haven't been able to attend. This will be the third year in a row that I've missed (the first of those three I was about to travel to Kenya and so couldn't go.) Though I do not miss the travel, I do miss being with my brother pastors, feasting on the presentations, and visiting with many dear professors. I'll try to find the time this week to listen to some on their live internet feed - we'll see. I do very much enjoy my Ph.D. classes and am learning lots - I just wish I could do both. Soon I'll finish the classwork. Then I will return . . .

The Peasant Family 2010 Christmas Picture

Back Home

Well, had a nice few days to relax with family. Yes, we did drive into the snow on Sunday. Everything was fine until we hit NJ, then the interstate was snow covered and dicey. What usually takes us an hour in NJ took two and a half! But we made it safe and sound, then the next day helped my father-in-law dig out. Now we're back home and getting ready for church tonight and Sunday. I'll post more later. A great New Year to you all.

A Peaceful Night

I like Christmas night . . . after the services are over, thinking back over the past two days, the words, the music, the meaning . . . relaxing and enjoying the day. I tried to stay up for the Vatican's midnight mass last night, but couldn't make it.

This year the day is not quite so peaceful, however. For tomorrow is Sunday and there is the Divine Service to be ready for. I was not quite done, so still some work to do. Then also traveling to see family right after the service, and so getting the kids packed and ready to go, organizing, loading. Oh, and did I mention my wife is working tonight? Oh, and did I mention it's supposed to snow tomorrow, starting at daybreak, and that we'll be driving into it as both our van and the storm travel north? It's gonna be a looong day tomorrow . . . so even though the "5-hour energy" drink is one of the vilest tasting things on earth, I'll chug one after the Divine Service to keep me going as I drive, as my wife sleeps in the back seat, as the kids bounce off the walls of the van with excitement, and as the snow blankets the road!

See ya' Friday when we get back!

But I must say, despite all that awaits tomorrow, it's still Christmas, and Christ is born! Our services were small (my folks mostly go away for the holidays) but good, as we rejoiced in the birth of the Lord.

I leave you, then, with one of my favorite Christmas hymns, by Paul Gerhardt:

O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is

My paradise at which my soul reclineth.

For there, O Lord, Doth lie the Word

Made flesh for us; here in Thy grace forth shineth.

He whom the sea And wind obey

Doth come to serve the sinner in great meekness.

Thou, God's own Son, With us art one,

Dost join us and our children in our weakness.

Thy light and grace Our guilt efface,

Thy heav'nly riches all our loss retrieving.

Immanuel, Thy birth doth quell

The pow'r of hell and Satan's bold deceiving.

Thou Christian heart, Whoe'er thou art,

Be of good cheer and let no sorrow move thee!

For God's own Child, In mercy mild,

Joins thee to Him; how greatly God must love thee!

Remember thou What glory now

The Lord prepared thee for all earthly sadness.

The angel host Can never boast

Of greater glory, great bliss or gladness.

The world may hold Her wealth and gold;

But thou, my heart, keep Christ as thy true treasure.

To Him hold fast Until at last

A crown be thine and honor in full measure.

[LSB #372 (c) 1941 Concordia Publishing House]

A Blessed Christmas to All