Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Feb. 10th

Jesus Manifests His Divine Glory by Forgiving Sins

When Isaiah beheld the glory of the Holy Triune God in the Temple, he confessed that he was lost because he was sinful and unclean. If even the holy angels cover their faces in the presence of “the King, the Lord of hosts,” then how could Isaiah stand before Him? (Is. 6:1–5). The glory of the Lord, however, was manifested precisely in His forgiving of Isaiah’s sins. He touched Isaiah’s mouth with a burning coal from the altar of incense, and sanctified his lips for the proclamation of His Word (Is. 6:6–9). Similarly, when Simon Peter witnessed the glory of God in the miraculous catch of fish, he was brought to his knees and confessed, “I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8). Yet, the Lord Jesus did not depart from him, but calmed his fear and raised him up with His gracious forgiveness (Luke 5:10). With this same forgiveness and love, Christ gathers people from every nation into His Church and pours out His Spirit upon them. The gifts of that same Spirit are manifested in the speaking and hearing of the Gospel for the building up of the Church (1 Cor. 14:12).

OLD TESTAMENT             Isaiah 6:1–8 (9-13)

EPISTLE                   1 Corinthians 14:12b–20

HOLY GOSPEL                   Luke 5:1–11

HYMN OF THE DAY         Hail to the Lord’s Anointed   398

COLLECT OF THE DAY

O Lord, keep Your family the Church continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace, we may ever be defended by Your mighty power; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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Annual Pork Sausage Dinner – Feb. 24th

The Bethlehem Mens’ Club will hold the annual Pork Sausage Dinner on February 24th with serving from noon – 4.

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 3rd

Jesus Has Authority to Forgive Your Sins and Give You Life

Jesus was sent to “preach the good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43). His preaching is an epiphany or manifestation of God, because His Word reveals the authority of His Cross and Resurrection, by which He has atoned for the sins of the world. By the preaching of His Gospel in every place, He silences the unclean spirits and casts out demons, heals the diseases of body and soul, and restores life and health to His creation (Luke 4:40–41). For the sake of His divine love, He is “patient and kind” toward us; He “bears all things,” “endures all things,” and “delivers up His body” to save us (1 Cor. 13:3–4, 7). So also for the sake of His love, He calls and sends His prophets, as ministers of His Word, “to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jer. 1:10).

OLD TESTAMENT   Jeremiah 1:4–10, 17–19

EPISTLE     1 Corinthians 12:31b–13:13

HOLY GOSPEL    Luke 4:31–44

COLLECT OF THE DAY 

Almighty God, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.