Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN and host of the program goes solo for this study the hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”Turning now to LSB 379 we come upon a hymn originally titled "Adeste Fideles" in Latin. Its history is shrouded in mystery with a touch of political intrigue. It is believed to have been written by John Francis Wade, an English Catholic hymnist, in the 18th century but didn’t become popular until the 20th century. In this episode, Pastor Booe takes listeners through the history and meaning of this enduring Christmas carol. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/379Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 3791 O come, all ye faithful,Joyful and triumphant!O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;Come and behold HimBorn the king of angels;Refrain:O come, let us adore Him,O come, let us adore Him,O come, let us adore Him,Christ the Lord!2 Highest, most holy,Light of Light eternal,Born of a virgin, a mortal He comes;Son of the FatherNow in flesh appearing!3 Sing, choirs of angels,Sing in exultation,Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!Glory to GodIn the highest: [Refrain]4 Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,Born this happy morning;Jesus, to Thee be glory giv'n!Word of the FatherNow in flesh appearing! [Refrain]Text InformationFirst Line: O come, all ye faithfulTitle: O Come, All Ye FaithfulAuthor: John F. Wade, c. 1711-86Translator: Frederick Oakeley, 1802-80 (alt.)Refrain First Line: O come, let us adore HimMeter: Irregular meterLanguage: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 2:15Tune InformationName: ADESTE FIDELESComposer: John F. Wade, c. 1711-86Meter: Irregular meterKey: G MajorSource: The Hymnal, 1940 (Setting) Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/379

The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is.”With its deep theologically rich lyrics, “O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is” is a beautiful example of Lutheran hymnody. Written by Paul Gerhardt in the 1600s, the struggles of his life and his deep abiding faith in Christ come out clearly in this hymn. Join us as we discuss the beautiful imagery of this hymn and how it proclaims the good news that Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection were all out of his great love for you.Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 372Text InformationFirst Line: O Jesus Christ, Thy manger isTitle: O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger IsAuthor: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76Meter: 4 4 11 DLanguage: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 2:4-16; John 1:14; Matthew 20:28; John 17:23Source: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941 (Tr.)Copyright: Tr. © 1941 Concordia Publishing HouseTune InformationName: IN PARADISIUMComposer: Kenneth T. Kosche, b. 1947Meter: 4 4 11 DIncipit: 33212 34323 56714Key: D MajorCopyright: © 1996, Kenneth T. Kosche

The Rev. William Orr, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in St. Ann, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “It Came upon the Midnight Clear.”A Unitarian hymn in a Lutheran hymnal? Yes, sort of. This hymn was penned by a Unitarian Pastor, but neither the pastor himself nor the lyrics he wrote were very Unitarian. Turn with us to LSB 366, “It Came upon the Midnight Clear” and explore the history and the meaning behind this hymn. Listen and find out why our hymnals are filled with hymns from many different traditions. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/366Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 3661 It came upon the midnight clear,That glorious song of old,From angels bending near the earthTo touch their harps of gold:"Peace on the earth, goodwill to all,From heav'n's all-gracious king."The world in solemn stillness layTo hear the angels sing.2 Still through the cloven skies they comeWith peaceful wings unfurled,And still their heav'nly music floatsO'er all the weary world.Above its sad and lowly plainsThey bend on hov'ring wing,And ever o'er its babel soundsThe blessed angels sing.3 All you, beneath your heavy load,By care and guilt bent low,Who toil along a dreary wayWith painful steps and slow:Look up, for golden is the hour,Come swiftly on the wing,The Prince was born to bring you peace;Of Him the angels sing.4 For lo, the days have come to passBy prophets seen of old,When down into the circling yearsCame Christ as was foretold.His word of peace shall to the earthGod's ancient promise bring,And all who take this gift will hearThe song the angels sing.Text InformationFirst Line: It came upon the midnight clearTitle: It Came upon the Midnight ClearAuthor: Edmund H. Sears, 1810-76 (alt.)Meter: C M DLanguage: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 2:13-14; Isaiah 9:4-5; Genesis 11:9Topic: SocietyTune InformationName: CAROLComposer: Richard S. Willis, 1819-1900Meter: C M DKey: B♭ MajorLearn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/366

The Rev. David Boisclair, senior Pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn, “Away in a Manger.”Flip the page in your Lutheran Service Book to hymn 365: “Away in a Manger.” The history behind this hymn is muddled. Some believed it was written by Martin Luther, but most historians attribute its origin to German Lutherans in Pennsylvania around 1885. In this episode, we will explore what we know about this simple, poignant hymn and hold up what it teaches against the Scriptures. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/365Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 3651 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.2 The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stayClose by me forever and love me, I pray.Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.Text InformationFirst Line: Away in a manger, no crib for a bedTitle: Away in a MangerMeter: 11 11 11 11Language: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 2:7; Mark 10:14-16; Matthew 1:23; Matthew 28:20Source: Little Children's book, Philadelphia, 1855 (Sts. 1-2); Vineyard Songs Louisville, 1892 (St. 3, alt.)Tune InformationName: CRADLE SONGComposer: William J. Kirkpatrick, 1838-1921Arranger: James E. Engel, 1925-89Meter: 11 11 11 11Key: F MajorCopyright: Setting © 1993 Mrs. James E. EngelLearn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/365

The Rev. George Ruwisch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Nashua, NH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “Silent Night, Holy Night.”Open your hymnals to page 363 and grab a candle, it’s time to study “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Whether sung in English, German, or both, this hymn has been a perennial favorite among Christians. Jesus’ birth in a stable surrounded by animals likely wasn’t as silent as this carol suggests, but it certainly was holy! In this episode, learn more about how this cherished hymn came to be and how it can help us reflect on the significance of Christ’s coming that first Christmas! Learn more: https://hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/363Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 3631 Silent night, holy night!All is calm, all is brightRound yon virgin mother and child.Holy Infant, so tender and mild,Sleep in heavenly peace,Sleep in heavenly peace.2 Silent night, holy night!Shepherds quake at the sight;Glories stream from heaven afar,Heav'nly hosts sing, Alleluia!Christ, the Savior is born!Christ, the Savior is born!3 Silent night, holy night!Son of God, love's pure lightRadiant beams from Thy holy faceWith the dawn of redeeming grace,Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.Text InformationFirst Line: Silent night, holy night!Title: Silent Night, Holy NightAuthor: Franz Joseph Mohr, 1792-1848Translator: John F. Young, 1820-85Meter: 66 88 66Language: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 2:7-16; Colossians 1:13Tune InformationName: STILLE NACHTComposer: Franz Xaver Gruber, 1787-1863Meter: 66 88 66Key: B♭ MajorSource: Traditional settingLearn more: https://hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/363

The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”It’s time to head into Bethlehem with hymn LSB 361: “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Written by an Episcopal Priest inspired by his own visit to Bethlehem in 1865, this contemplative and peaceful carol has become one of the most popular Christmas hymns of our time. Come learn how this Christmas hymn urges us to reflect on the birth of Jesus. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/361Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 3611 O little town of Bethlehem,How still we see thee lie!Above thy deep and dreamless sleepThe silent stars go by;Yet in thy dark streets shinethThe everlasting light.The hopes and fears of all the yearsAre met in thee tonight.2 For Christ is born of Mary,And gathered all aboveWhile mortals sleep, the angels keepTheir watch of wond'ring love.O morning stars, togetherProclaim the holy birth,And praises sing to God the kingAnd peace to all the earth!3 How silently, how silentlyThe wondrous gift is giv'n!So God imparts to human heartsThe blessings of His heav'n.No ear may hear His coming;But in this world of sin,Where meek souls will receive Him, stillThe dear Christ enters in.4 O holy Child of Bethlehem,Descend to us, we pray;Cast out our sin, and enter in,Be born in us today.We hear the Christmas angelsThe great glad tidings tell;O come to us, abide with us,Our Lord Immanuel!Text InformationFirst Line: O little town of BethlehemTitle: O Little Town of BethlehemAuthor: Phillips Brooks, 1835-93Meter: 86 86 76 86Language: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 2:1-15; Luke 1:68-75; Ephesians 3:16-19; Micah 5:2Notes: Alternate tune: FOREST GREENTune InformationName: ST. LOUISComposer: Lewis H. Redner, 1831-1908Meter: 86 86 76 86Key: F MajorSource: Service Book and Hymnal, 1958, alt. (Setting)Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/361

The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics.Turning now to LSB 357, we come to the ancient and beautiful Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” With lyrics tracing back in one form or another for over 1200 years, this hymn is based on the great ‘O Antiphons’ of the church which recall the Old Testament promises of the Messiah’s coming. This episode explores the history behind the hymn and reflects on its deep and contemplative meaning. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/357Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 3571 O come, O come, Emmanuel,And ransom captive Israel,That mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appear.Refrain:Rejoice! Rejoice!EmmanuelShall come to thee,O Israel!2 O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,Who ord'rest all things mightily;To us the path of knowledge show,And teach us in her ways to go. [Refrain]3 O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's heightIn ancient times didst give the LawIn cloud and majesty and awe. [Refrain]4 O come, Thou Branch of Jesse's tree,Free them from Satan's tyrannyThat trust Thy mighty pow'r to save,And give them vict'ry o'er the grave. [Refrain]5 O come, Thou Key of David, come,And open wide our heav'nly home;Make safe the way that leads on high,And close the path to misery. [Refrain]6 O come, Thou Dayspring from on high,And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,And death's dark shadows put to flight. [Refrain]7 O come, Desire of nations, bindIn one the hearts of all mankind;Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,And be Thyself our King of Peace. [Refrain]Text InformationFirst Line: O come, O come, Emmanuel,Title: O Come, O Come, EmmanuelTranslator: John Mason Neale, 1818-66 (alt.)Refrain First Line: Rejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelMeter: L M and refrainLanguage: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14; Isaiah 11:1-11; Matthew 1:23Source: Latin, c. 12th cent.; Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Köln, 1710Tune InformationName: VENI EMMANUELArranger: C. Winfred Douglas, 1867-1944Meter: L M and refrainKey: e minorLearn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/357

Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.

The Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.”Turn to page 356 in your hymnals because we are kicking off our countdown to Christmas with “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.” Let God prepare your hearts this Advent as we explore the history behind the hymn and then, stanza-by-stanza, examine the themes and message of the lyrics against Scripture. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for this seasonal favorite. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/356.Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.Lutheran Service Book 3561 The angel Gabriel from heaven came,With wings as drifted snow, with eyes as flame:"All hail to thee, O lowly maiden Mary,Most highly favored lady." Gloria!2 "For know a blessed mother thou shalt be,All generations laud and honor thee;Thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,Most highly favored lady." Gloria!3 Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head;"To me be as it pleaseth God," she said."My soul shall laud and magnify God's holy name."Most highly favored lady, Gloria!4 Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was bornIn Bethlehem all on a Christmas morn,And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:"Most highly favored lady." Gloria!Text InformationFirst Line: The angel Gabriel from heaven came,Title: The Angel Gabriel from Heaven CameParaphraser: Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924Meter: 10 10 11 7 3Language: EnglishPublication Date: 2006Scripture: Luke 1:26-38; Isaiah 7:14Topic: Feasts and FestivalsSource: Basque, c. 18th cent.Tune InformationName: GABRIEL'S MESSAGEArranger: C. Edgar Pettman, 1865-1943Meter: 10 10 11 7 3Key: g minorSource: Basque, c. 18th cent.Copyright: Setting © 1955, ren. 1983 E. H. Freeman, ltd; admin Hal Leonard CorporationLearn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/356

The Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Micah 7.In this final chapter, the prophet laments the corrupt state of society, and highlights the prevalence of deceit, oppression, and untrustworthiness among people. Amid this darkness, Micah expresses unwavering trust in God's faithfulness and mercy, encouraging hope in divine redemption. The chapter contrasts the flaws of humanity with the constancy of God's character, emphasizing His forgiveness and ability to restore. It ultimately ends on a note of assurance, expressing confidence in God's eventual vindication and His promise to shepherd His people with compassion, leading them to a place of restoration and prosperity.Micah, one of the few prophets of his time still faithful to God in Israel, rebukes the societal injustices of the Israelites and pronounces judgment on the wickedness of the religious and political leaders of the time. Notably, Micah is the prophet who foretells that the future messianic ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus not only fulfilled that prophecy, but he embodies Micah's call for justice, mercy, and humility, bringing restoration and reconciliation through his life, death, and resurrection.