Think back to the warm, tender confidence stirred in your heart as you hear the account of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Eve! Remember the joy of trumpets and choirs proclaiming the good news of his resurrection! Through the Gospel, the Holy Spirit draws our eyes to Jesus Christ—our Redeemer, our risen Savior, and our gracious Lord.
In keeping with historic Christian worship, confessional Lutheran churches commonly hear three Scripture lessons in the Divine Service (wherein Christ serves us through His Word and Sacraments). These readings give worshipers a balanced exposure to God’s Word and help the congregation hear the message of Scripture throughout the church year.
After the Old Testament and Epistle lessons, the Verse of the Day—often framed by alleluias—turns our attention toward the words and works of Christ in the Gospel lesson. When the Gospel is announced, the congregation traditionally sings, “Glory be to You, O Lord,” an exclamation of praise as our Lord Jesus comes to us in his Word.
Many of these readings are arranged in a three-year lectionary (from the Latin lectionarium, “a book of lessons”), with each year giving special attention to one of the synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, or Luke.
Out of reverence for Christ and His Gospel, we often stand to hear the Gospel lesson. This posture is not commanded by God, but in Christian freedom we gladly use it to confess that Jesus’ words and works stand at the center of our faith! By faith we recognize the voice of our Good Shepherd, focus our attention, and receive His saving message with joy!