Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord
02 February 2020
God Gives the Gift of a Child to Destroy Death
The Lord opened the barren womb of Hannah and gave her the gift of the son for whom she prayed, and in grateful response she presented and gave the child, Samuel, to the Lord’s service. “As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1.28). So, too, did Mary and Joseph present the Child promised from the fall, born of a virgin’s womb. The true offering wasn’t the turtledoves or young pigeons. It was the Child they carried. This Child has come to “destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Hebrews 2.14–15). Set free by His advent in our flesh and the promise of what He would do “in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2.17), Simeon and Anna rejoiced. We also rejoice, for we, too, can face death unafraid and “depart in peace” (St. Luke 2.29) when our time comes.
Parish News
Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God by Mr. & Mrs. Eric Crucitti in honor of Janet’s baptismal birthday.
Adult Bible Class meets Sunday at 9am in the Parish Center, studying the Gospel of St. Luke, chapter 1.
Coffee Break Bible Study meets Wednesday at 9am, after Matins is prayed at 8:30am. Studying the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 12.
Italian Evening Out hosted by our YPI youth is Saturday evening, February 22. See insert for details. Invite friends, relatives, or neighbors, as this is a great fundraiser for our youth to help pay for the Higher Things Conference this summer. Plan now to be there, and make your reservations!
Prepare for Next Sunday
Exodus 17.1–7; 1 Corinthians 9.24—10.5; St. Matthew 20.1–16
Hymns: 724 – 555 – TLH 267 – 566 – 640
Order of Daily Prayer
L Make haste, O X God, to deliver me.
R Make haste to help me, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Alleluia!
Psalm 97
Scripture Readings:
[S] from Divine Service
[M] St. Matthew 11.11-24; Genesis 33.1-20
[T] St. Matthew 12.1-21; Genesis 35.1-21
[W] St. Matthew 12.22-50; Genesis 37.1-36
[Th] St. Matthew 13.1-23; Genesis 39.1-23
[F] St. Matthew 14.1-36; Genesis 40.1-23
[S] St. Matthew 15.1-20; Genesis 41.1-37
Hymn of the Day or Month Sunday: In Peace and Joy I Now Depart (938)
Monday-Saturday: Seek Where You May to Find a Way (557)
Catechism (bulletin)
Apostles’ Creed
Kyrie: L Lord, have mercy upon us; R Christ, have mercy upon us; Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father
Collect of the Day (bulletin)
Luther’s Morning or Evening Prayer
L Bless we the Lord. R Thanks be to God.
