Worship Service on 1/22/2023

Today's readings tied together with the text from Is 9:1–4 remind us of Dr. Luther’s catechetical words: “The Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith” as he does throughout his Kingdom on earth. The text is a clear theological statement of the change God brings about in the lives of his people—changing them from one end of the continuum to the other: “darkness/light,” “shadows/shining light,” “complacency/joy and happiness,” “burdened/released,” “oppression and exploitation/victory.” God is the author and finisher of this entire process. All of the readings underscore God’s doing for his people what they could never do for themselves and always in sight of the victorious reward ahead.