Advent Devotions
All are invited as we Make Room this Advent season.
Martin on Music
Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Carol Swanson.
Martin Luther loved music. As a 16th century reformer of theology, he also composed liturgy and hymns in German for the people. I’m sharing Luther’s words on “Music” I found in one of our PoP library books.
Music is one of the loveliest and most glorious gifts of God. Satan hates it because it has great power to dispel temptations and evil thoughts. The devil does not wait on this lady. Music is one of the finest arts. The music makes the words live. It drives away the spirit of sadness, as is seen in the story of King Saul.
Music is the best balm for a sad heart, for it restores contentment and quickens and refreshes the heart.
Music is a glorious gift of God, very much like theology. I would not part with my little gifts of music for anything in the world. We ought to teach the young this art, for it makes fine and clever people.
“O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth” (Psalm 96:1), for God has made our hearts and minds joyful through his beloved Son, whom he gave for us and for our redemption from sin, death, and the devil. Whoever earnestly believes this cannot help speaking and singing joyfully about it so that others may hear it and discover the cause. But if we do not sing and speak about it, that is a sign that we do not believe in it, and have not entered into the new and joyful testament but are still under the old, tedious testament.
–Preface to the Babst Hymnal. LW 53:334; WA 35:477
This quote is from Day by Day WE Magnify You, Daily Readings for the Entire Year: Selected Writings of Martin Luther, edited by Marshall D. Johnson (p 206) It closes with this prayer:
For the soaring melodies of praise, for the joy of singing and making music, I thank you, O God. Amen.
Previously…
Live with Love
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Milt Warkentien. What do you think of when you think of Jesus? For me LOVE is first and foremost. Jesus had love for all people but wasn’t afraid to speak up for justice. Following Jesus seems so simple, but in reality,...
Called to Deeper Waters
Yesterday, we listened to Jesus’ call to the disciples in Luke 5:1-11. So too, Jesus challenges us to leave behind the familiar and step boldly into God’s transformative work. When Peter follows Jesus, he leaves behind his livelihood to embrace a mission of justice, compassion, and inclusion. This same call reaches us today, urging us to respond in ways that reflect God’s love for the world. Here are the four ways I suggested that we can respond to Jesus’ call to deeper waters…
The Unity That Challenges Us All
In her sermon during the Jan. 21 Service of National Prayer and referencing Jesus’ own preaching, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde reminded us that unity is not achieved through avoidance of conflict or shallow consensus. Instead, it requires the hard work of seeking justice for the marginalized, reconciling with those we’d rather avoid, and being courageous enough to disrupt systems that perpetuate inequality.
Jesus Brings Life
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Joyce Armstrong. Luke 7:1-17 Our verses today show us two ways Jesus brought life to people. The first person we meet is a Roman centurion, stationed in Capernaum – who was in charge of one hundred men. Apparently, he was one...