Sing to the Lord

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // This hymn connects the promises Christ speaks in this weekend’s Gospel text with the promise we are given in Holy Baptism. “Embraced into Christ the vine” we are joined to be “a branch of [the] life-giving Tree” of Christ. Stanza 2 // The sequence of summer, autumn, and winter is compared to seasons of life. Just as Christ says we are pruned to bear more fruit, so our Lord acts on our behalf that we might know and be sustained by the vine-grower and “shout for joy” at the good news He brings. Stanza 3 // The middle stages of life are described here as holding a “heavy harvest.” The burdens of responsibility - work, family, friends, relationships, our own needs, and the needs of others - can weigh heavily on us. Joined to the vine, Christ brings His gifts of “beauty, wisdom, and love.” Stanza 4 // Even in death, we are held and abide in Christ - the vine! This is thanks to the “promise of the spring” - the promise into which we are baptized and held in life and death, even as our lives wither, and must die. Perhaps most espeically in this time, God promises the fruit of faith! Stanza 5 // As much as this hymn is a prayer weaving together images of today’s reading and Holy Baptism, it is also a hymn of praise. By “word and water” we are revived to abide with Christ, and joined forever to His “Tree of Life” - His cross - by which we abide and live with God forever. OTHER SUGGESTIONS ELW 447 - O Blessed Spring - BERGLUND ELW 342 - There In God’s Garden - SHADES MOUNTAIN ELW 362 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - SONNE DER GERECKTIGKEIT ELW 377 - Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen! - EARTH AND ALL STARS ELW 379 - Now the Green Blade Rises - NOËL NOUVELET ELW 447 - O Blessed Spring - BERGLUND ELW 449 - We Know That Christ Is Raised - ENGELBERG ELW 758 - You Are the Way - DUNDEE LBW 148 - Now the Green Blade Rises - NOËL NOUVELET LBW 189 - We Know That Christ Is Raised - ENGELBERG LBW 210 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - SONNE DER GERECKTIGKEIT LBW 378 - Amid the Worlds Bleak Wilderness - GRANTON LBW 464 - You Are the Way - DUNDEE LSB 474 - Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen! - EARTH AND ALL STARS LSB 526 - You Are the Way - DUNDEE LSB 595/595a - O Blessed Spring - O WALY WALY LSB 603 - We Know That Christ Is Raised - ENGELBERG LSB 633 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - SONNE DER GERECKTIGKEIT RH 150 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - SONNE DER GERECKTIGKEIT

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // In this brief stanza, we are given purpose for singing - to “offer praise full of love” specifically to the “paschal victim” - that is, the victim of our Easter celebration, who laid his life down for our sake. The celebration of Easter is the two-fold nature of what it means to have a Good Shepherd - one who lays his life down and takes it up again. Stanza 2 // Singing this stanza alongside hearing Christ as “Good Shepherd” gives us a new angle from which to view this parable. With a temptation to figure out where we are present in our Lord’s teaching, this hymn tells us the “Shepherd” is also the “Lamb” who “has bled for the sheep!” The “sinless One” lays his life down and takes it up again, that sinners might live with him and no longer fear death. Stanza 3 // The “strife” which we celebrate is a contention between death and life - between all we turn to for protection - our health, our wealth, our employment, our family, our fame - and what Christ comes to give. He comes that “God and sinners [would be] reconciled” - that we would no longer fear God, but know and be known by the “Good Shepherd” who endures strife for our sake. Stanza 4 // The final stanza repeats the final words of the second stanza, as if to underscore the message of this parable - the “Good Shepherd” is the one who lays down his life for the sheep. He does not run from the attacks of the world, nor is he “hired” to fulfill a task or attempt to protect those who are His own. Christ has given Himself for sinners, that all people might listen to His voice and be known by God. OTHER SUGGESTIONS ELW 369 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR ELW 502 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ST. COLUMBA ELW 544 - Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing - ALLES IST AN GOTTES SEGEN ELW 657 - Rise, O Sun of Righteousness - SONNE DER GERECKTIGKEIT ELW 778 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - BROTHER JAMES’ AIR ELW 780 - Shepherd Me, O God - SHEPHERD ME ELW 782 - My Shepherd, You Supply My Need - RESIGNATION ELW 789 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY ELW 883 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - OLD HUNDREDTH LBW 128 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR LBW 196 - Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing - ALLES IST AN GOTTES SEGEN LBW 245 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - OLD HUNDREDTH LBW 451 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - BROTHER JAMES’ AIR LBW 456 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ST. COLUMBA LBW 481 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY LSB 463 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR LSB 709 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ST. COLUMBA LSB 710 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - BELMONT LSB 711 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY LSB 791 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - OLD HUNDREDTH RH 17 - All People That on Earth Do Dwell - OLD HUNDREDTH RH 198 - The King of Love My Shepherd Is - ST. COLUMBA RH 205 - Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - BRADBURY RH 209 - The Lord’s My Shepherd - BROTHER JAMES’ AIR

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The good news of Easter is not only that Christ rose from the dead, but that God’s people are brought forth “joy from sadness” - just as He promised throughout all of Scripture. It is the “faithful” who raise the “strain of triumphant gladness” this Easter day - those “full of faith” that God has worked throughout history, and is at work today in the good news of Jesus Christ. Stanza 2 // All that troubles our soul - whether the reality of death, sin, or other darkness in this life - flies away because of Christ our Light, to whom we offer “laud and praise.” Stanza 3 // The “Queen of Seasons” is the season of Easter - 50 Days of celebration at the good news of our Lord’s resurrection. This hymn stanza gives purpose to our celebration. We rejoice in this way not only to rehearse the good news of Jesus Christ once a week, but because Christ comes to us now to “render” - that is, give, make, provide - joy. This is the “royal feast of [all] feasts” that has no end! Stanza 4 // The One whom death could not hold appears to His disciples and to those gathered in worship to bring “peace, which…passes human knowing.” Though we crucified our Lord, laid Him in a tomb, set soldiers at the gate, nothing will keep Christ from giving His promise of life. Stanza 5 // A word of praise almost interrupts the thoughts of this Trinitarian stanza. When we see God at work throughout Scripture that we might be forgiven, our praise cannot be contained. OTHER SUGGESTIONS ELW 363 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER ELW 381 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - FRED TIL BOD ELW 382 - Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! - MORGENLIED ELW 384 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - PUER NOBI LBW 132 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER LBW 154 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - ERSCHIENEN IST DER HERRLICH TAG LBW 338 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - FRED TIL BOD LSB 487 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER RH 155 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The peace of God is a peace given by the Risen Christ to his frightened followers. In him, we have the peace of God and the good news our Lord brings during the Easter season. This is particularly in contrast with the peace the world gives - and Christ points out - He does not give as the world gives! Sometimes, this comes from stereotypical ideas of peace, or political promises we know will be broken. Sometimes, it is dressed up in Christian platitudes. When the Risen Christ bestows or gives the peace of God, we have joy. Stanza 2 // Though this could be seen as a greeting and farewell commonly spoken in Christian circles, it is helpful to recognize our Lord’s promise in the simple sentence he offers this weekend: “Peace be with you.” This peace goes with us! Christ’s peace that welcomes us as God’s children into this world, goes with us through life, and carries us beyond death. OTHER SUGGESTIONS ELW 381 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - FRED TIL BOD ELW 363 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER ELW 375 - Alleluia! Christ Is Arisen - SANTO DOMINGO ELW 384 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - PUER NOBIS ELW 386 - O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing - O FILII ET FILIAE ELW 390 - The Risen Christ - WOODLANDS ELW 470 - Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether - UNION SEMINARY LBW 132 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER LBW 139 - O Sons and Daughters of the King - O FILII ET FILIAE LBW 154 - That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright - ERSCHIENEN IST DER HERRLICH TAG LBW 338 - Peace, to Soothe Our Bitter Woes - FRED TIL BOD LSB 470/471 - O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing - GELOBT SEI GOTT // O FILII ET FILIAE LSB 472 - These Things Did Thomas Count as Real - REALITER LSB 487 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER RH 151 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today - ORIENTUS PARTIBUS RH 155 - Come, You, Faithful, Raise the Strain - GAUDEAMUS PARITER

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The Risen Lord is celebrated not only because He rose from the dead - though this is a miracle! - but because He is the same who “suffered to redeem our loss.” This makes Easter “our triumphant, holy day” and the reason Christians gather to celebrate each Sunday. Stanza 2 // The reason for our singing and exuberant praise is for and because of Christ, who “endured the cross and grave” that sinners might be “redeemed and saved.” Stanza 3 // The pain Christ endured - our sin, nailed to the cross - obtained for us salvation. Our sin no longer belongs to us, but was taken on by the victorious King, whom angels and saints delight to worship. We join with the saints and angels in a melismatic, repeated text: “Alleluia!” This is an added dimension of praise, where words cannot adequately express joy. Stanza 4 // The Church sings hymns of praise to God “eternally” because we know his “eternal” love in Christ. This does not mean hymn marathons have to take place - though some congregations do things like this! Here, the Church is all those who know the good news of Jesus’ resurrection - in heaven and earth - and worship Father, Son, and Holy Ghost on Easter morning, every Sunday, and all eternity. OTHER SUGGESTIONS ELW 365 - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - EASTER HYMN ELW 361 - The Day of Resurrection! - ELLACOMBE ELW 362 - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing - SONNE DER GERECHTIGKEIT ELW 365 - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - EASTER HYMN ELW 366 - The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done - VICTORY ELW 367 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - LASST UNS ERFREUEN ELW 370 - Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands - CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN ELW 371 - Christians, to the Paschal Victim - VICTIMAE PASCHALI ELW 372 - Christ Is Arisen - CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN ELW 376 - Thine Is the Glory - JUDAS MACCABAEUS ELW 378 - Awake, My Heart, with Gladness - AUF, AUF, MEIN HERZ ELW 382 - Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! - MORGENLIED ELW 385 - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! - GELOBT SEI GOTT ELW 391 - This Joyful Eastertide - VRUECHTEN ELW 619 - I Know That My Redeemer Lives - DUKE STREET LBW 128 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR LBW 129 - Awake, My Heart, with Gladness - AUF, AUF, MEIN HERZ LBW 131 - Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! - MORGENLIED LBW 134 - Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands - CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN LBW 135 - The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done - VICTORY LBW 136 - Christ Is Arisen - CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN LBW 137 - Christians, to the Paschal Victim - VICTIMAE PASCHALI LBW 138 - He Is Arisen! Glorious Word! - WIE SCHÖN LEUCHTET LBW 143 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - LASST UNS ERFREUEN LBW 144 - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! - GELOBT SEI GOTT LBW 145 - Thine Is the Glory - JUDAS MACCABAEUS LBW 149 - This Joyful Eastertide - VRUECHTEN LBW 151 - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - EASTER HYMN LBW 352 - I Know That My Redeemer Lives - DUKE STREET LSB 457 - Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - EASTER HYMN LSB 458 - Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands - CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN LSB 459 - Christ Is Arisen - CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN LSB 460 - Christians, to the Paschal Victim - VICTIMAE PASCHALI LSB 461 - I Know That My Redeemer Lives - DUKE STREET LSB 462 - All the Earth with Joy is Sounding - MICHAEL LSB 463 - Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! - LLANFAIR LSB 464 - The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done - VICTORY LSB 465 - Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds - LASST UNS ERFREUEN LSB 467 - Awake, My Heart, with Gladness - AUF, AUF, MEIN HERZ LSB 475 - Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! - GELOBT SEI GOTT LSB 477 - Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven - HYMN TO JOY

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // Christ was crucified not only by enemies or “foes” but by His own! This echoes the first chapter of St. John’s Gospel - the Word was not received by His own people. It is this lack of offense [save for our sin] which demands the poet begin this chorale not with a text of praise or prayer, but of wonder. Stanza 2 // It is easy to listen to the Passion account and push everything to the past - the guilty must have been Judas, Pilate, or the crowd. But Christ comes to save us from sin, and does so by taking the sin of the world to the cross. Stanza 3 // Christ is the “Good Shepherd” who lays down his life for His sheep. While we [as helpless sheep] could do nothing, God interceded for our atonement. Stanza 4 // This stanza places the death of Christ in the context of His life and our own. Jesus’ incarnation, sorrow, offering of his life, death, and passion are all for “our salvation.” This same “offering” we give today - bread and wine - are sometimes called the Church’s sacrifice. In this, God gives the same - new life and salvation. Stanza 5 // God’s constant love - “unswerving” the hymn says - is our joy and adoration, even as we remember our Lord’s death. At the cross, we stand empty - unable to offer anything to Christ - yet Christ gives everything He has to us. OTHER SUGGESTIONS ELW 349 - Ah, Holy Jesus - HERZLIEBSTER JESU ELW 342 - There in God’s Garden - SHADES MOUNTAIN ELW 345 - Jesus, I Will Ponder Now - JESU KREUZ, LEIDEN UND PEIN ELW 349 - Ah, Holy Jesus - HERZLIEBSTER JESU ELW 351/352 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN ELW 355/356 - Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle - PANGE LINGUA // FORTUNATUS NEW ELW 750 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB ELW 811 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ LBW 93 - Jesus, Refuge of the Weary - O DU LIEBE MEINER LIEBE LBW 102 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ LBW 112/113 - Jesus, in Thy Dying Woes - ACK VAD ÄR DOCH LIVET HÄR LBW 114 - There Is a Green Hill Far Away - WINDSOR LBW 116/117 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN LBW 118 - Sing, My Tongue - FORTUNATUS NEW LBW 123 - Ah, Holy Jesus - HERZLIEBSTER JESU LBW 124/125 - The Royal Banners Forward Go - HERR JESU CHRIST, WAHR MENSCH UND GOTT // VEXILLA REGIS LBW 325 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB LSB 423 - Jesus, Refuge of the Weary - O DU LIEBE MENIER LIEBE LSB 439 - O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken - HERZLIEBSTER JESU LSB 422 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ LSB 447 - Jesus in Your Dying Woes - SEPTEM VERBA LSB 448 - O Darkest Woe - O TRAURIGKEIT LSB 449/450 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN LSB 451 - Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted - O MEIN JESU, ICH MUSS STERBEN LSB 453 - Upon the Cross Extended - O WELT, ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN LSB 454 - Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle - FORTUNATUS NEW LSB 455 - The Royal Banners Forward Go - VEXILLA REGIS NOVA LSB 708 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB RH 52 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ RH 133 - Ah, Holy Jesus - HERZLIEBSTER JESU RH 149 - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // Martin Luther rewrote this first stanza and added two more. God’s mercy is given to those who - weak in soul and in need of forgiveness - bow before God in thanksgiving and faith. The body and blood Christ gives to His people is the same “born of Mary” who “carried our sins and sorrows” and “pleads for us” in all “trial, fear, and need.” The cry for mercy is one offered in faith that God will do these things for us, even as he comes to us now in body and blood. Stanza 2 // This seems like a stanza eager to jump to Good Friday, but we sing of Christ’s death because of the blessing it is to those who receive the Sacrament in faith! We are bound to Christ and one another in our Lord’s love, and it is His death we proclaim in the Sacrament - given “for you for the forgiveness of sin.” We know God’s love in his body and blood given for us. In this forgiveness, our debt is paid, and God promises peace. Stanza 3 // This is a prayer for the Church today, that we would live in “love and union” around the “blest communion” given by God. We also pray for the Spirit’s presence, that we might be “remade” [or perhaps reformed] into our Lord’s Church, by which we are given faith, peace, and unity in Christ’s death and resurrection. OTHER SUGGESTIONS ELW 499 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENEDEIET ELW 347 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE ELW 358 - Great God, Your Love Has Called Us - RYBURN ELW 462 - Now We Join in Celebration - SCHMÜCKE DICH ELW 468 - Around You, O Lord Jesus - O JESU, ÄN DE DINA ELW 480 - O Bread of Life from Heaven - O WELT, ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN ELW 488 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH ELW 494 - For the Bread Which You Have Broken - OMNI DIE ELW 499 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENDEIET LBW 122 - Love Consecrates the Humblest Act - TWENTY-FOURTH LBW 127 - It Happened on That Fateful Night - BOURBON LBW 199 - Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior - ADORO TE DEVOTE LBW 200 - For the Bread Which You Have Broken - OMNI DIE LBW 203 - Now We Join in Celebration - SCHMÜCKE DICH LBW 208 - Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared - DU LEBENSBROT, HERR JESU CHRIST LBW 215 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENDEIET LBW 222 - O Bread of Life from Heaven - O WELT, ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN LBW 224 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH LBW 226 - Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord - COENA DOMINI LSB 617 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENDEIET LSB 618 - I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table - ICH STERBE TÄGLICH LSB 619 - Thy Body, Given for Me, O Savior - ICH STERBE TÄGLICH LSB 620 - Jesus Comes Today with Healing - ALLES IST AN GOTTES SEGEN LBW 622 - Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared - DU LEBENSBROT, HERR JESU CHRIST LBW 623 - Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray - HERR JESU CHRIST, DICH ZU UNS WEND LSB 627 - Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior - JESUS CHRISTUS, UNSER HEILAND LSB 628 - Your Table I Approach - ST. MICHAEL LSB 630 - Now, My Tongue, the Mystery Telling - GRAFTON LSB 636 - Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness - SCHMÜCKE DICH LSB 637 - Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord - OLD 124TH LSB 640 - Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior - ADORO TE DEVOTE RH 86 - O Lord, We Praise You - GOTT SEI GELOBET UND GEBENDEIET ACS 963 - Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior - JESUS CHRISTUS, UNSER HEILAND

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // This is the picture we most often paint in our mind on Palm Sunday - Sunday of the Passion. Christ rides into Jerusalem surrounded by cries of “hosanna” complete with palm branches and scattered garments - a greeting fit for the King! One word cuts across this imagery in this stanza - the “Savior” is “meek” - submissive, easily imposed upon. His arrival - while heralded by all others - is in direct contrast to what we create [and re-create] at the start of Holy Week. Stanza 2 // This stanza will not let us run from the reality of this day and the reason our Lord enters the city in triumph. He comes to “die” and reign in “triumph o’er captive death and conquered sin.” Jesus’ arrival with palm branches is described as “lowly pomp.” It is secondary to his purpose - to “take captivity captive” - and triumph over death. Stanza 3 // The adoration of the angels is mentioned here, but not for the reasons we might expect. They watch “with sad and wondering eye” to see the Son of God give His life for the sake of the world. Stanza 4 // The pain Christ meekly assumes this week is “mortal pain” - not only because he endures the pain of the cross as man, but because he bears our sin and is crucified by our hands. The power he brings is one to reign over all things - death and sin. This is his majesty - that through death our death would be conquered. OTHER SUGGESTIONS ELW 346 - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! - THE KING’S MAJESTY ELW 340 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON ELW 342 - There in God’s Garden - SHADES MOUNTAIN ELW 343 - My Song Is Love Unknown - LOVE UNKNOWN ELW 344 - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN ELW 345 - Jesus, I Will Ponder Now - JESU KREUZ, LEIDEN UND PEIN ELW 346 - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! - THE KING’S MAJESTY ELW 347 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE ELW 416 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON LBW 94 - My Song Is Love Unknown - LOVE UNKNOWN LBW 105 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON LBW 108 - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN LBW 109 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE LBW 115 - Jesus, I Will Ponder Now - JESU KREUZ, LEIDEN UND PEIN LBW 121 - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! - THE KING’S MAJESTY LSB 430 - My Song Is Love Unknown - LOVE UNKNOWN LSB 436 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE LSB 438 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON LSB 440 - Jesus, I Will Ponder Now - JESU KREUZ, LEIDEN UND PEIN LSB 441 - Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! - WINCHESTER NEW LSB 442 - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN LSB 443 - Hosanna, Loud Hosanna - ELLACOMBE LSB 444 - No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet - KINGSFOLD RH 127 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON RH 135 - A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth - AN WASSERFLÜSSEN BABYLON RH 145 - Go to Dark Gethsemane - GETHSEMANE RH 146 - All Glory, Laud, and Honor - VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The imagery present in John 12:24 is given poetic voice in this stanza. Through the mystery of death and life - things discarded by the world but given new life by God - we have “faith in our deepest darkness, and life in our night and death.” Stanza 2 // The faith of which Jesus speaks and this hymn helps us sing is not only a picture, but a specific promise. Our death comes in the waters of baptism, where we are baptized into the glory of which Christ speaks in this weekend’s Gospel text. The result is not only a promise of praise and eternal life, but “heaven’s praise [begun] here” where Christ is “near us, deep in our night and death.” Stanza 3 // This stanza tells us the natural result of the promise given - the dying one rises to bear much fruit! Today, that fruit is Christ himself, given to us as the “bread of life.” In Him, we rejoice with all the baptized - the “unceasing praise of the ages” - who have been raised from death to life. Other Suggestions ELW 330 - Seed That in Earth Is Dying // SÅKORN SOM DØR I JORDEN ELW 321 - Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church - OLD 124TH ELW 330 - Seed That in Earth Is Dying - SÅKORN SOM DØR I JORDEN ELW 334 - Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery - THOMAS ELW 416 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON ELW 442 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL ELW 448 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - LAND OF REST ELW 451 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE ELW 660 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER LBW 101 - O Christ, Our King, Creator, Lord - OAKLEY LBW 179 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON LBW 194 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL LBW 195 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - PERRY LBW 377 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER LSB 512 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON LSB 591 - This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now - DAMASCUS ROAD LSB 596 - All Christians Who Have Been Baptized - NUN FREUT EUCH LSB 598 - Once in the Blest Baptismal Waters - WER WEISS, WIE NAHE LSB 601 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL LSB 837 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER RH 74 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE RH 75 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL RH 127 - At the Name of Jesus - KING’S WESTON RH 269 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // Because this is a Scripture passage we’ve heard many times in life [and many times in the lectionary] it is helpful to hear and sing of God’s love in new ways. This hymn helps us hear John 3:16 in what might be a new way. God’s love is seen in Christ “bearing the dreadful curse” for our soul! The curse of sin is our own. Christ comes to make it his own, that we might have his gift of forgiveness and new life. Stanza 2 // “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world” says the famous Scripture passage. This is not only good news because we do not wish to know the wrath of God, but [as this stanzas points out] we were fairly well condemned without God’s help! Though we were utterly helpless, Christ became helpless for us, laying aside his power and glory to forgive those who were condemned. Stanza 3 // More than a simple hope that singing might take place in all congregations, we join with the “millions” of sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. This is the theme of the Church - week after week, Sunday after Sunday - who stand in need of the “wondrous love” God gives. Stanza 4 // The song we sing today is one that does not end! The Son came that we might have life eternal, and sing today in faith, and forever in glory around the throne of the Lamb. OTHER SUGGESTIONS: ELW 666 - What Wondrous Love Is This // ᴡᴏɴᴅʀᴏᴜꜱ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ELW 321 - Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church - OLD 124TH ELW 323 - God Loved the World - ROCKINGHAM OLD ELW 339 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN ELW 442 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL ELW 451 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE ELW 456 - Baptized in Water - BUNESSAN ELW 660 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER ELW 666 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE ELW 803 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG ELW 848 - Give to Our God Immortal Praise! - DUKE STREET LBW 96 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN LBW 192 - Baptized into Your Name Most Holy - O DASS ICH TAUSEND ZUNGEN HÄTTE LBW 194 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL LBW 292 - God Loved the World - DIE HELLE SONN LEUCHT LBW 377 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER LBW 385 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE LBW 482 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - ROCKINGHAM OLD LBW 520 - Give to Our God Immortal Praise! - DUKE STREET LSB 420 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN LSB 425/426 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG // ROCKINGHAM OLD LSB 543 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE LSB 571 - God Loved the World So That He Gave - st. crispin LSB 590 - Baptized into Your Name Most Holy - O DASS ICH TAUSEND ZUNGEN HÄTTE (DRETZEL) LSB 601 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL LSB 837 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER RH 12 - Give to Our God Immortal Praise! - DUKE STREET RH 74 - We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus - OUIMETTE RH 75 - All Who Believe and Are Baptized - ES IST DAS HEIL RH 132 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG RH 218 - Christ, the Life of All the Living - JESU, MEINES LEBENS LEBEN RH 254 - What Wondrous Love Is This - WONDROUS LOVE RH 269 - Lift High the Cross - CRUCIFER

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // This prayer is especially effective as we stand in worship and sing in light of this weekend’s Gospel text. Christ does not simply lose his mind over money, but demands that worship give the “splendor of God’s love” in prayer and praise. Stanza 2 // The love of money, attendance, attraction, or having something to sell in the name of God is not new - nor has it been driven from Christian congregations today! These exist because of what this hymn calls a “fruitless fear.” By the Spirit’s power, we are given a promise beyond all of these concerns - one that gives assurance of God’s mercy in the midst of sin. Stanza 3 // The life Christ gives to His people is in direct contrast [and perhaps opposition] to all the worldly wealth we might accumulate, whether money or influence. This is joy in all its fullness - one in the waters of Baptism in which we are killed and raised to life - all with a Word from God killed and raised from the dead. This is what the Psalmist says - in God’s presence is “fullness of joy!” Stanza 4 // Even as we continue to search for answers in life - sometimes choosing convenience over Christ - God gives us a promise of grace. This is a repeated and undeserved favor, that we will see God face-to-face in worship around the throne of Almighty God. Other Suggestions

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // This first stanza can sound a little bit like doubting, obstinate Peter - “Lord, this should never happen to you!” Instead of joining with Peter, it recognizes the “surpassing value” of knowing Christ as Lord - that heaven itself would be empty without God’s promise. In this Word, we place all our trust. Stanza 2 // Because God gives everything we have, we can [and should] praise God in all times and places, even as we are reminded of this weekly in the context of Holy Communion. As Peter’s rebuke shows, we need to pray these words: “Give strength and patience unto me to follow!” This means, behind, after our Lord. When Peter wants to tell Jesus where to go, Christ puts him in his place - a follower - to death and resurrection. Stanza 3 // This glorious picture of heaven pairs especially well with this weekend’s first reading from Genesis, and is itself a glorious picture of the place to which we follow our Lord! When Christ hears and attends to this prayer - we are assured a place in Abraham’s bosom and all the faithful - and know complete joy in Christ, the One we follow through death to life. OTHER SUGGESTIONS: ELW 750 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart // ʜᴇʀᴢʟɪᴄʜ ʟɪᴇʙ ELW 667 - Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said - BOURBON ELW 750 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB ELW 799 - Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake - MACHS MIT MIR, GOTT ELW 802 - Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus - LASSET UNS MIT JESU ZIEHEN ELW 803 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG ELW 806 - O God, My Faithful God - O GOTT, DU FROMMER GOTT ELW 811 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ LBW 102 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ LBW 325 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB LBW 398 - “Take Up Your Cross,” the Savior Said - NUN LASST UNS DEN LEIB BEGRABEN LBW 455 - “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake - MACHS MIT MIR, GOTT LBW 482 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - ROCKINGHAM OLD LBW 487 - Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus - LASSET UNS MIT JESU ZIEHEN LBW 504 - O God, My Faithful God - WAS FRAG ICH NACH DER WELT LSB 422 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ LSB 425/426 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG // ROCKINGHAM OLD LSB 685 - Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus - LASSET UNS MIT JESU ZIEHEN LSB 688 - “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake - MACHS MIT MIR, GOTT LSB 696 - O God, My Faithful God - O GOTT, DU FROMMER GOTT LSB 708 - Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart - HERZLICH LIEB RH 52 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - DER AM KREUZ RH 132 - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - HAMBURG RH 238 - O God, My Faithful God - O GOTT, DU FROMMER GOTT

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // As much as we hear of Christ’s temptation and might admire his fortitude, this stanza is a challenge, that across the forty days of Lent, we might turn toward our Lord, who comes to free us from all temptation and deliver us from all evil. Stanza 2 // Christ’s battle with Satan is not over trite temptations, but includes the allure of twisting God’s Word to suit His own needs. The second half of this stanza - a prayer that we would put our trust in God’s Word - exists that we would put our trust in what God has said about us rather than what the world or others may tempt us to believe. Stanza 3 // In what can sound like we need to deny ourselves Dove chocolate or our favorite dish across forty days, this is a prayer to fix our mind not on earthly matters, but on the gifts Christ gives from above - water and Word, bread, wine, body, and blood. This is denial of self that we might have a new identity - one forgiven by God. Stanza 4 // This hymn helps us sing and look beyond this particular day on the Church calendar, and even beyond Lent. God is with us in all temptation, all trial, and all difficulty - even death - that when the “final Easter” dawns, we will praise Christ with all the saints in heaven. OTHER SUGGESTIONS: ELW 319 - O Lord, throughout These Forty Days // ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ELW 321 - Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church - ᴏʟᴅ 124ᴛʜ ELW 325 - I Want Jesus to Walk with Me - SOJOURNER ELW 503/504 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ ELW 517 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ ELW 618 - Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ ELW 624 - Jesus, Still Lead On - SEELENBRÄUTIGAM ELW 629 - Abide with Me - EVENTIDE ELW 705 - God of Grace and God of Glory - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ ELW 769 - If You But Trust in God to Guide You - WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT ELW 796 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ LBW 99 - O Lord, throughout These Forty Days - CAITHNESS LBW 228/229 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ LBW 230 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ LBW 272 - Abide with Me - EVENTIDE LBW 308 - God the Father, Be Our Stay - GOTT DER VATER WOHN UNS BEI LBW 343 - Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ LBW 415 - God of Grace and God of Glory - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ LBW 450 - Who Trusts in God, a Strong Abode - WAS MEIN GOTT WILL LBW 453 - If You But Trust in God to Guide You - WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT LBW 507 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ LSB 418 - O Lord, throughout These Forty Days - CAITHNESS LSB 424 - O Christ, You Walked the Road - SOUTHWELL LSB 655 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ LSB 656/657 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ LSB 718 - Jesus, Lead Thou On - SEELENBRÄUTIGAM LSB 728 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ LSB 750 - If Thou But Trust in God to Guide Thee - WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT LSB 850 - God of Grace and God of Glory - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ LSB 878 - Abide with Me - EVENTIDE LSB 918 - Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ RH 62 - Abide with Me - EVENTIDE RH 71 - Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word - ᴇʀʜᴀʟᴛ ᴜɴꜱ, ʜᴇʀʀ RH 169/170 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - ᴇɪɴ ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɢ RH 191 - How Firm a Foundation - ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ RH 221 - Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah - ᴄᴡᴍ ʀʜᴏɴᴅᴅᴀ RH 222 - If You Will Trust in God to Guide You - WER NUR DEN LIEBEN GOTT RH 237 - Jesus, Still Lead On - SEELENBRÄUTIGAM

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // The first stanza sings of a strange glory. It is one we “share” as the Church - but a glory we have a difficult time describing or explaining! Instead, we share in the glory of a Savior who speaks that we might listen - he will rise from the dead for our sake. Stanza 2 // The contrast in this short stanza is more than a retelling of Scriptural events. Instead, this places Christ above all those who came before - both those who gave the Law and spoke as prophets. The Lord [who can have casual conversation with such dignitaries] is the beloved Son of God. Stanza 3 // If we wonder what purpose the Transfiguration of Our Lord serves each year, it is to know the indescribable glory God has prepared for us in Christ! Jesus “deigns” - that is, stoops down and comes to us today - that we might know His promise of “joy…in [the] perfect love of God.” Stanza 4 // Perhaps this stanza is a commentary on our worship of Almighty God. Sometimes, whether musician, pastor, or Sunday school teacher, we can feel a need to have all the answers, when God knows we struggle to find the proper words! We see this in Peter’s babbling about dwellings, when Christ has much more important work to accomplish. Instead, this stanza acknowledges the mystery of this story - and we respond in song. Stanza 5 // These words of prayer are sung in the light of those who live knowing the Lord as One who was raised from the dead. The glory we sing of in this stanza is not that we would experience the Transfiguration again, but that God would grant us to see the glory of Christ risen for our salvation. OTHER SUGGESTIONS: ELW 316 - Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair // ᴅᴇᴏ ɢʀᴀᴄɪᴀꜱ ELW 308 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ ELW 315 - How Good, Lord, to Be Here! - ᴘᴏᴛꜱᴅᴀᴍ ELW 317 - Jesus on the Mountain Peak - ʙᴇᴛʜᴏʟᴅ ELW 318 - Alleluia, Song of Gladness - ᴘʀᴀɪꜱᴇ, ᴍʏ ꜱᴏᴜʟ ELW 553 - Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies - ʀᴀᴛɪꜱʙᴏɴ ELW 631 - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - ʜʏꜰʀʏᴅᴏʟ ELW 838 - Beautiful Savior - ꜱᴄʜöɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ʜᴇʀʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ LBW 76 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ LBW 80 - O Wondrous Type! Oh, Vision Fair - ᴅᴇᴏ ɢʀᴀᴄɪᴀꜱ LBW 89 - How Good, Lord, to Be Here! - ᴘᴏᴛꜱᴅᴀᴍ LBW 265 - Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies - ʀᴀᴛɪꜱʙᴏɴ LBW 315 - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - ʜʏꜰʀʏᴅᴏʟ LBW 518 - Beautiful Savior - ꜱᴄʜöɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ʜᴇʀʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ LSB 395 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ LSB 414 - ‘Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here - ᴘᴏᴛꜱᴅᴀᴍ LSB 415 - Jesus on the Mountain Peak - ꜱᴇᴡᴀʀᴅ LSB 416 - Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory - ʟᴏᴠᴇ’ꜱ ʟɪɢʜᴛ LSB 417 - Alleluia, Song of Gladness - ʟᴀᴜᴅᴀ ᴀɴɪᴍᴀ LSB 537 - Beautiful Savior - ꜱᴄʜöɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ʜᴇʀʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ LSB 700 - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - ʜʏꜰʀʏᴅᴏʟ LSB 873 - Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies - ʀᴀᴛɪꜱʙᴏɴ RH 14 - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - ʜʏꜰʀʏᴅᴏʟ RH 129 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ RH 164 - Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies - ʀᴀᴛɪꜱʙᴏɴ RH 252 - Beautiful Savior - ꜱᴄʜöɴꜱᴛᴇʀ ʜᴇʀʀ ᴊᴇꜱᴜ

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // Brief accounts of Scripture heard during this time of year can sound like interesting past events, miracles Jesus performed for people in a certain time and place. And, this hymn can sound like a listing of such events! The key phrase in this stanza is the third: “Praise the One who preached the Gospel, healing ev’ry dread disease.” Christ’s healing of “every disease” comes through the preaching of the Gospel, giving hope beyond disease, death, and all earthly affliction. Stanza 2 // This stanza continues a listing of Jesus’ miraculous work, including a reference to our Lord who “drove out demons…” In this way, we direct praise and thanksgiving for Christ’s past action proclaimed in this weekend’s Gospel text, giving thanks for all of the ways our Lord has shown himself to have power over all powers and circumstances we cannot overcome. Stanza 3 // If some have referred to John 3:16 as the “Gospel in a nutshell” this final stanza provides the same in the form of a hymn. This too begins as a past event, calling Jesus’ the One who “suffered [and rose] in our place.” But, this stanza will not leave us in past events! Because of our Lord’s work, we know God’s favor, and sing for “joy and gladness.” In this promise, we are united as baptized and forgiven sinners in our Lord’s death and resurrection. OTHER SUGGESTIONS: ELW 843 - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness // ɴᴇᴛᴛʟᴇᴛᴏɴ ELW 308 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ ELW 332 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ᴛʜɪʀᴅ ᴍᴏᴅᴇ ᴍᴇʟᴏᴅʏ ELW 607 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛᴏʀ ELW 611 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ᴋɪɴɢꜱꜰᴏʟᴅ ELW 617 - We Come to You for Healing, Lord - ᴍᴀʀᴛʏʀᴅᴏᴍ LBW 76 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ LBW 497 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ᴋɪɴɢꜱꜰᴏʟᴅ LSB 395 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ LSB 699 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ꜱᴀʀᴀʜ-ᴇʟɪᴢᴀʙᴇᴛʜ LSB 849 - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness - ʙᴇᴀᴄʜ ꜱᴘʀɪɴɢ RH 129 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ RH 185 - Come, Ye Disconsolate - ᴄᴏɴꜱᴏʟᴀᴛᴏʀ RH 241 - I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - ᴋɪɴɢꜱꜰᴏʟᴅ

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // This paraphrase of Psalm 72 helps us answer the question present at the conclusion of this weekend’s Gospel: “What is this new teaching with authority?” Just as Christ demonstrates in the synagogue, He comes today to “break oppression, set captives free, take away transgression, and rule in equity.” Stanza 2 // As perplexed as those in this weekend’s Gospel reading appear, they have one thing right! They recognize Jesus’ “authority” in the world. This stanza points out the equally shocking way in which our Lord uses the authority he possesses. He comes to “rescue” all who suffer, to “help the poor and needy” and give strength to the weak. In Christ, we have “songs” in the midst of “sighing,” our “darkness” is turned to “light,” and our “condemned and dying souls” are called “precious” in the eyes of God. Stanza 3 // In what can sound like a poetic description of spring, this hymn gently announces the true authority of Christ! When the One with “all authority” arrives, life is given! In this life, “peace” is announced, and “righteousness” flows freely to those in need. Stanza 4 // During this Time after Epiphany, the fourth stanza places this weekend’s account of authority and healing in the context of Christ as a revelation to all people. When Christ comes with authority to forgive, rulers of the world [with only worldly authority] bring gifts, powerful nations of the world bow in adoration, and God’s people lift their voice in song! In contrast to the kingdoms and powers of the world, our Lord’s reign and authority knows no end. As those who live in this kingdom, this is good news for us today! OTHER SUGGESTIONS: ELW 311 - Hail to the Lord’s Appointed // ꜰʀᴇᴜᴛ ᴇᴜᴄʜ, ɪʜʀ ʟɪᴇʙᴇɴ ELW 434 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ ELW 757 - All My Hope on God Is Founded - ᴍɪᴄʜᴀᴇʟ ELW 811 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - ᴅᴇʀ ᴀᴍ ᴋʀᴇᴜᴢ ELW 877 - Praise the Almighty! - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ᴏ ᴍᴇɪɴᴇ ꜱᴇᴇʟᴇ ELW 880 - O God beyond All Praising - ᴛʜᴀxᴛᴇᴅ ELW 886 - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - ᴀᴢᴍᴏɴ LSB 87 - Hail to the Lord’s Anointed - ꜰʀᴇᴜᴛ ᴇᴜᴄʜ, ɪʜʀ ʟɪᴇʙᴇɴ LBW 102 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - ᴅᴇʀ ᴀᴍ ᴋʀᴇᴜᴢ LBW 530 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ LBW 539 - Praise the Almighty! - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ᴏ ᴍᴇɪɴᴇ ꜱᴇᴇʟᴇ LBW 559 - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - ᴀᴢᴍᴏɴ LSB 422 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - ᴅᴇʀ ᴀᴍ ᴋʀᴇᴜᴢ LSB 797 - Praise the Almighty! - ʟᴏʙᴇ ᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇʀʀᴇɴ, ᴏ ᴍᴇɪɴᴇ ꜱᴇᴇʟᴇ LSB 398 - Hail to the Lord’s Anointed - ꜰʀᴇᴜᴛ ᴇᴜᴄʜ, ɪʜʀ ʟɪᴇʙᴇɴ LSB 528 - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - ᴀᴢᴍᴏɴ LSB 832 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ RH 30 - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing - ᴀᴢᴍᴏɴ RH 52 - On My Heart Imprint Your Image - ᴅᴇʀ ᴀᴍ ᴋʀᴇᴜᴢ RH 268 - Jesus Shall Reign - ᴅᴜᴋᴇ ꜱᴛʀᴇᴇᴛ

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // Our Lord’s call comes not only to disciples in this weekend’s Gospel reading, but “daily” to those burdened by the toils of the world. This means his call is for today! Christ’s word to “follow” sounds over the “wild, restless” sea. This is not simply a reference to those who find their employment in the fishing business, but speaks to Jesus’ call over our daily difficulties. Stanza 2 // When Christ’s call to follow came to Andrew, Scripture says he “immediately” left his net and followed the Lord. This stanza points out everything disciples leave behind: “home” [family], “toil” [work], and “kindred” [friends], for the sake of God’s call. While we might espouse similar priorities in day-to-day life, those writing hymns know we need to pray these words together as Christian people, that the good news of Christ might have priority over all other things. Stanza 3 // If we are wondering where “home, toil, and kindred” rank on God’s flow chart of priorities, this stanza calls each of these and all worldly treasures “vain” [or empty] idols - those things which keep us from hearing Christ’s call to follow. Stanza 4 // The first three stanzas might give us the idea the call of the Christian is one to misery, but this stanza acknowledges the truth of life. We live with “joys, concerns, work, leisure, cares, and pleasures.” Jesus’ word to “follow [or love] me” comes in the midst of these, that we might do the work God gives each day with the love our Savior freely gives. Stanza 5 // Whether an account of Scripture or today, we hear Christ’s call to follow because Jesus has “mercy!” Stanza-by-stanza, this hymn points out our daily failings to love Christ more than family, friends, work, financial success, and other worldly concerns. The good news in this hymn is found between these often unfulfillable demands. As we struggle and sin daily, Jesus comes with a call to follow each day, forgiving in mercy, that we might be freed to serve and love our Lord. OTHER SUGGESTIONS: ELW 696 - Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult - ɢᴀʟɪʟᴇᴇ ELW 420/421 - By All Your Saints - ᴋᴜᴏʀᴛᴀɴᴇ // ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ʟʏɴɴ ELW 665 - Rise, Shine, You People! - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ ELW 669 - Rise Up, O Saints of God! - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ ELW 685 - Take My Life, That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ ELW 799 - Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ ELW 825 - You Servants of God - ʟʏᴏɴꜱ LBW 177/178 - By All Your Saints in Warfare - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ʟʏɴɴ LBW 252 - You Servants of God - ʟʏᴏɴꜱ LBW 383 - Rise Up, O Saints of God! - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ LBW 393 - Rise, Shine, You People! - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ LBW 406 - Take My Life, that I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ LBW 455 - “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ LBW 494 - Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult - ɢᴀʟɪʟᴇᴇ LSB 517/518 - By All Your Saints in Warfare - ᴋɪɴɢ’ꜱ ʟʏɴɴ LSB 688 - “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ LSB 783 - Take My Life, That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ // ʜᴇɴᴅᴏɴ LSB 825 - Rise, Shine, You People! - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ RH 184 - Jesus Calls Us; o'er the Tumult - ɢᴀʟɪʟᴇᴇ RH 233 - Take My Life, That I May Be - ᴘᴀᴛᴍᴏꜱ

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // While the invitation we hear this week from Philip to Nathaniel is that he “come and see” Christ, this brief hymn delivers our Lord’s promise of life - a continual invitation - to know the Lord. It is a prayer - that in leaving the altar and Holy Communion - God would bring us to see “greater things.” In one sense, this hymn prays for the joys of heaven, where the celestial chorus sings the praise of Christ for all eternity. This is a wonderful picture about which to sing! But, the hymn also prays that God’s peace would remain with us today in those God has made His people. OTHER SUGGESTIONS: ELW 501 - Come with Us, O Blessed Jesus - ᴡᴇʀᴅᴇ ᴍᴜɴᴛᴇʀ ELW 308 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ ELW 309 - The Only Son from Heaven - ʜᴇʀʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛ, ᴅᴇʀ ᴇɪɴɪɢ ɢᴏᴛᴛꜱ ꜱᴏʜɴ ELW 310 - Songs of Thankfulness and Praise - ꜱᴀʟᴢʙᴜʀɢ ELW 314 - Arise, Your Light Has Come - ꜰᴇꜱᴛᴀʟ ꜱᴏɴɢ ELW 665 - Rise, Shine, You People - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ ELW 799 - Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ LBW 76 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ LBW 86 - The Only Son from Heaven - ʜᴇʀʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛ, ᴅᴇʀ ᴇɪɴɪɢ ɢᴏᴛᴛꜱ ꜱᴏʜɴ LBW 90 - Songs of Thankfulness and Praise - ꜱᴀʟᴢʙᴜʀɢ LBW 219 - Come with Us, O Blessed Jesus - ᴊᴇꜱᴜ, ᴊᴏʏ ᴏꜰ ᴍᴀɴ’ꜱ ᴅᴇꜱɪʀɪɴɢ LBW 393 - Rise, Shine, You People - wᴏᴊᴛᴋɪᴇᴡɪᴇᴄᴢ LBW 455 - Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake - ᴍᴀᴄʜꜱ ᴍɪᴛᴛ ᴍɪʀ, ɢᴏᴛᴛ LSB 395 - O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright! - ᴡɪᴇ ꜱᴄʜöɴ ʟᴇᴜᴄʜᴛᴇᴛ LSB 402 - The Only Son from Heaven - ʜᴇʀʀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛ, ᴅᴇʀ ᴇɪɴɪɢ ɢᴏᴛᴛꜱ ꜱᴏʜɴ

ZACHARY'S NOTES: Stanza 1 // Baptism is God’s gift, worth more than all the treasures of earth. This is not hymn hyperbole, but the blessing of the Sacrament. In it, we have salvation given freely to sinners, and a promise lasting to eternity. Stanza 2 // Baptism is not only a gift to be remembered and celebrated each year around this time, but a gift to be used! The latter portion of the stanza is a rhetorical question: “Should a guilty conscience seize me?” The response is Luther’s own: “I am baptized!” Stanza 3 // The promise of Baptism is not only one given to sinners, but one sinners can speak [or in this case] sing directly to Satan! Where St. Paul’s words may be confusing and tongue-twisting, this hymn echoes the promise Paul and Christ repeat: “Against [Satan’s tyranny] God unites with us in our Lord’s death and resurrection. Stanza 4 // Though stanzas two and three tell us to use this gift of Baptism in life, the promise God gives is that the same gift can be used in death! When we can longer speak, God’s Word speaks for us and [as this stanza says], faith’s “assurance brightly flashes” giving us life beyond death and immortality to a mortal body. Stanza 5 // In Christ, we “sleep secure” with the promise of our Lord. Washed in water and God’s Word, the refrain of this hymn is our hope: “I am baptized into Christ! I am a child of paradise!” OTHER SUGGESTIONS: