That year was filled with life’s ups and downs, good and not so good days. Yet through it all her, faith did not waver and she continued to trust in Jesus and express His love to others.

As Jesus came into the world not to be served but to serve and lay down his life as a ransom for many, so too a Christian father serves his family, his wife, and their child(ren).

At this time of year, we reflect and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Mary’s son and Mary’s Lord and Savior. We join the angels in praising God for this newborn child and prepare for His return when He will restore those who trust in Him to the way it was prior to Eve’s fall into sin in the new heavens on the new earth!

Lutheranism desire to maintain whatever best contributes to good order, peace, and harmony in the church.

The Bible reveals the Sacraments to be the means with which God distributes his grace and promises. God attaches his word of promise to the element of the Sacrament.

The Latin word "Sacrament" means mystery. God's gifts are given in God's mysterious ways. He offers, gives, and seals the forgiveness of sins earned by Jesus Christ.

Repentance, in other words, is not about paying God off or making some satisfaction for our sins. Repentance is recognizing the reality of our sin and turning to God, in faith, for his mercy. 

Confession has two parts. The first is that we confess our sins. The other is that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from the confessor, as from God Himself, and in no way doubt but firmly believe that our sins are forgiven before God in Heaven.

Based on His words, we Lutherans believe, teach, and confess that, of the bread, it is what Jesus said it is, namely "This is my body." And of the wine, "This is my blood."

Holy Baptism works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.