A few months ago, the idea was suggested that we celebrate
our 80
th anniversary this spring.
December 11 marked 80 years since this congregation was first
founded.
That’s a long time.
And yet it’s young enough to be remembered by
several of our oldest members.
There is
a lot to celebrate here.
How many of you,
and your children have been baptized here and confirmed here?
How many of you were married here?
How many of you, in sadder times, looked at
the face of a beloved husband or wife or mother or child for the last time here
– and yet received here the certain consolation that you would see them again?
And this is all because here it is that we
hear the word of God.
We celebrate 80
years of God doing what God does.
He
calls us, gathers us, enlightens and sanctifies us – by His word.
He fills our greatest need.
How many of you having been burdened by sin, or
having been stiff-necked and bitter at God, or perhaps filled with doubt and
unanswered questions – how many of you, having been reproved by the law and
persuaded of your sin, were then compelled to confess them
here to a gracious God, only then to be served
by that gracious God through the preaching of your crucified Savior
Jesus Christ?
How many of you, having
been fed with His very body and blood have received what Jesus
secured for you in His resurrection?
—How many of you have thus been strengthened
and preserved in the one true faith?
That’s what God does here.
That’s
what we celebrate.
He forgives your sin
and gives you life everlasting.
Joy,
O joy, beyond all gladness!
Christ hath done away with sadness!
Hence, all sorrow and repining,
For the Son of grace is shining.
