9th Day of Christmas - J. K. Wilhelm Loehe, Pastor
Although he never left Germany, Johann Konrad Wilhelm Loehe, born in Fuerth in 1808, had a profound impact on the development of Lutheranism in North America. Serving as pastor in the Bavarian village of Neuendettelsau, he recognized the need for workers in developing lands and assisted in training emergency helpers to be sent as missionary pastors to North America, Brazil and Australia. A number of the men he sent to the United States became founders of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Through his financial support, a theological school was established in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and a teachers institute in Saginaw, Michigan. Loehe was known for his confessional integrity and his interest in liturgy and catechetics. His devotion to works of Christian charity led to the establishment of a deaconess training house and homes for the aged. [From "
Commemorations Biographies," Lutheran Service Book, LCMS Commission on Worship]
Devotional Reading for: 1/2/2007
Associated Scripture Readings:
Luke 2:25-38 Psalm 27Waiting for the Consolation
Wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you. Proverbs 20:22
Much of our life is spent waiting—waiting in line, waiting in traffic, waiting for the weekend. When we’re sick, we wait for test results, a diagnosis, and prescriptions. When we’re lonely, we wait for mail to come, family to call, or friends to drop by. Simeon knew what it meant to wait. Day by day, year by year, Simeon waited for the consolation of Israel, the coming of the Christ. He hoped in God’s promises and trusted in His Word. And Simeon was not disappointed. Before he died, he held the infant Jesus in his arms. By faith, he was given to see that this regular-looking baby was the salvation of both Jew and Gentile. Now he could depart in peace, for he had seen the Prince of Peace, who would reconcile God and fallen man through the cross. Simeon teaches us how to wait for the Lord, patiently relying on His sure promises. We sing Simeon’s words right after Holy Communion. For in this Sacrament we are given to see God’s salvation by faith. We take up into our hands and bodies the very same Christ that Simeon held, receiving Jesus’ true body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins. This is the consolation of God’s people as we await His return.
Lord Jesus, grant me to wait for You patiently and to endure in the faith to the end. In Your name. Amen.