The Lutheran church enjoys a long tradition of identifying one “Hymn of the Week” for every Sunday of the church year. Such a hymn should reflect the unifying theme of the service, and is intended to be sung on that Sunday every year. In this series, Pastor Nathanael Mayhew gives us a brief overview of the Hymns of the Week for the coming month.
The Season of Christmas (continued) Although the month of December has ended, the season of Christmas continues. Christmas is not just a one-day celebration.
January 1 The ancient church gathered on the first day of the year, not to celebrate a new year, but to continue the celebration of Christmas with the Festival of the Circumcision and Naming of the Christ-Child. This service is still full of meaning for us today as it focuses on the meaning of the name Jesus and that He was placed under the Law for sinners. The hymn for this festival is “Jesus! Name of Wondrous Love” (TLH 114; LSB 900), which reviews why the name Jesus was given to the Christ-Child, and how He accomplished salvation for fallen humanity.
January 5 At first it might seem strange to sing a Reformation hymn during Christmas. But when we realize that the Second Sunday after Christmas focuses on God’s protection of His Son, and those who are His children by faith, the connection becomes more clear. “Thine Honor Save, O Christ, Our Lord” (TLH 265) is a prayer to our Savior to defend His church from its spiritual enemies.
The Season of Epiphany Epiphany is a Greek word which means “to show, reveal, or make manifest.” During the season of Epiphany, we celebrate the revelation of Jesus as true God. Epiphany focuses on the Baby in Bethlehem Who reveals Himself as the Savior of the world, Who comes with power and loving concern for sinners, a Savior Who is both true God and true Man, made under the Law for us.
January 6 The Festival of Epiphany is celebrated on the twelfth day of Christmas, January 6th. On this day we contemplate the journey of the Wise Men to visit the Savior of all people. In Nicolai’s hymn “How Lovely Shines the Morning Star” (TLH 343; LSB 395), we confess Jesus as the God-Man and Savior of all. Take note of the constant imagery of light, which reminds us of the star and reinforces one of the major themes of Epiphany.
January 12 On the First Sunday after Epiphany, we reflect on Jesus, the Son of God, as He appears in His Father’s house as a twelve-year-old boy. Although He was “found in appearance as a man,” (Philippians 2:8) yet God’s glory was manifested in Him. The hymn for this Sunday is “Within the Father’s House” (TLH 133; LSB 410), which reminds us that there are things hidden from mankind which can only be known through the revelation of God in His Word.
January 19 The revelation of God’s glory in Jesus through His first miracle is the focus of the Second Sunday after Epiphany. The miracles of Jesus remind us of God’s love for us and assure us of His power over every trial we might face in this life. Wordsworth’s “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise” (TLH 134; LSB 394) reviews the entire season of Epiphany and concludes by looking ahead to Christ’s ultimate revelation on Judgment Day. What joy is ours through Christ’s powerful work for sinners!
January 26 Jesus demonstrates His great love for us in our need and suffering. On the Third Sunday after Epiphany, we contemplate other miracles which Jesus performed, such as His healing of the sick. Yet Jesus was not the Savior of the body alone. He came to save both our body and soul for eternity. In our hymn of the week, “All Praise to God, Who Reigns Above” (TLH 19; LSB 819), we praise the Triune God for His love and power with the confidence that He hears our prayers and delivers us in our time of need!
is a pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota.