All Saints Day (observed)
All Saints Day, (Observed November 06, 2022)
- Divine Service 4
Readings
Psalm 149 (sermon text)
Sermon
Psalm 149 urges us to sing a new song in the Lord. We can find the old song in Revelation 4 and Isaiah 6 sung by angelic choirs praising God for the creation. But when Isaiah saw such a holy sight in heaven, he broke down and declared he was sinful. He was unholy compared to God’s holiness. We can feel the same, especially when we approach Christ’s presence in the Lord’s Supper. Does that mean we should sing a dirge as our new song? No, that does not come up when we receive communion. Instead, we find prayers of repentance and thanksgiving. The new song appears in Revelation 5 where the heavenly host is crying out in thanksgiving for Christ’s sacrifice. He has purified his whole Church across heaven and earth by his blood. We can come before him and receive his blessings because he has made us holy.