Home > Reading > NALC Devotion – January 8, 2017

hebrews1-2

Today’s readings: Isaiah 40:1-11; Hebrews 1:1-12; John 1:1-7, 19-20, 29-34

The liturgy of the church is rich with Scripture, and today’s readings are an example. During both Matins (Morning Prayer) and Vespers (Evening Prayer), after the lesson is read, the lector says, “In many and various ways God spoke to his people of old by the prophets” and then the people respond, “But now in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,” which comes from the first chapter of Hebrews. During the Holy Communion liturgy, we sing the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), recalling the words of John, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

As we gather together in worship, God comes to us in His gifts of Word and Sacrament. We are told that God has now spoken to by His Son: His Son, Jesus, who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. We, like John, can bear witness to this Good News, that in Christ we are fully and freely forgiven, for in Jesus our sin has been taken away. We are now privileged to point to Christ and share with the world that He is the Lamb for us.

Prayer: Jesus, Lamb of God, having taken away our sin, make us bold to testify like John, and share the Good News. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Keith Falk, Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Edmond, OK.

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