Tag: Evangelical Lutheran Worship

THE DIVINE FIRE

In every Lutheran Church sanctuary there’s a special lamp (often with a red glass shell) that burns steadily in the chancel area near the altar. This lamp is known primarily as the “Sanctuary Lamp” (also known as the “Eternal Flame”) and it’s a quiet but powerful symbolic witness. Far from mere decoration, this lamp carries deep biblical roots and rich spiritual meaning for us today — especially as we prepare to celebrate Pentecost Sunday.

The Sanctuary Lamp is no modern invention; its origins reach back to the very commands God gave in the Old Testament. In Exodus 27:20–21, the Lord instructed Moses: “You shall further command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of beaten olives for the light, so that a lamp may be set up to burn continually… Aaron and his sons shall tend it… It shall be a perpetual ordinance to be observed throughout their generations by the Israelites.”

This perpetual lamp stood in the Wilderness Tabernacle and later in the Jerusalem Temple. It burned as a visible sign of the Lord’s abiding presence. In Jewish tradition, this lamp is called the “Ner Tamid” (meaning Eternal Light) and is still found today in synagogues near the ark that holds the Torah scrolls. It proclaims that the Holy One, the Maker of the Universe, is forever present and will honor his covenant promises.

From the beginning of the Church of Jesus Christ, Christians carried this ancient biblical symbol into the worship life of the Church. In Lutheran congregations, the Sanctuary Lamp burns in the chancel area near the altar to emphasize the real and true presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar (a.k.a. Holy Communion). Therefore, in addition to declaring the steady presence of God’s Holy Spirit, this special lamp also quietly testifies to the real presence of Christ in, with and through his Holy Supper given and poured out for us.

Consequently, Lutheran sanctuaries have long cherished this symbol as part of our “catholic” (meaning universal) Christian Faith. The red glass of the lamp often evokes biblical images of God’s Eternal Fire manifested to Abraham as a mystical firepot and flaming torch, and manifested to Moses as a burning bush that was not consumed. And for all those J.R.R. Tolkien fans, it brings to mind Tolkien’s fantasy writings in which he references God’s “Flame Imperishable” that refers to the primordial Divine Fire of God Almighty at the center of creation — at the center of all that is, both seen and unseen. Moreover, the red glass and glow of the Sanctuary Lamp remind us of the Fire of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

As we approach Pentecost Sunday in this Year of Our Lord 2026, the Sanctuary Lamp highlights rich meaning for us. On that first Pentecost over two thousand years ago, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples “with a sound like a mighty rushing wind” and appeared as “tongues of fire” that rested on each of them (Acts 2:2–3). This is the birthday of the Church of Jesus Christ! What began in the Wilderness Tabernacle and Jerusalem Temple has now burst forth as the Living Fire of the Holy Spirit poured out on all baptized believers in Christ!

So, the Sanctuary Lamp burning beautifully in our Mt. Olive sanctuary illustrates this Pentecostal reality. For indeed, the Holy Spirit sent by the Risen Christ now dwells perpetually in his Holy Universal Church. He enlightens our minds with his Holy Scriptures, kindles true faith within our hearts by his grace, and empowers us with his Holy Gospel to let our light shine in his name. The red glow of the Sanctuary Lamp invites us to remember that the same Holy Spirit who set the Apostles ablaze at Pentecost still burns brightly among us, within us, and through us, comforting the sorrowful, strengthening the weak, and uniting us as One Body in Christ.

On Pentecost Sunday, when we hear again those ancient events of wind and fire, I invite you to be sure to direct your gaze toward the Sanctuary Lamp during worship that Sunday morning. See in its steady flame the promise that God’s presence is not seasonal or occasional — it is eternal. The lamplight that shone in the Tabernacle, that filled the Temple, and that shines near the altar of Christian congregations throughout the world, signifies the Living Light that shines in every baptized believer through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

May you always let the Sanctuary Lamp remind you of the long history of salvation, giving thanks that the God who commanded the lamp to first burn in the Wilderness Tabernacle is the same Lord and Savior who says to us today, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). May the Sanctuary Lamp continually stir in us a deeper awareness of Christ’s presence, especially in his Holy Word and Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, and may the Holy Spirit strengthen and keep our hearts burning within us with the faith, hope and love of Jesus Christ until he returns in glory.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love!

Together in Christ, Pastor Tim

BAPTISMAL EVANGELISM

I recently read the Epistle of First Peter, and the words “Baptism now saves you” really stood out to me (see 1 Peter 3:18-22). As a result, I’ve been thinking a lot recently about our commission and ministry from our Lord Jesus Christ to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18-20). And of course, our baptizing ministry to and for all peoples and nations is preferably done within the assembly of worship.

In worship, Christ is encountered. In the liturgy, Christ is present and self-giving, and he is ever-addressing his people. By the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, the Son of God is active and present through his Word and Sacraments. Consequently, a blessed assurance and confidence runs high within Lutheranism concerning the purpose of gospel proclamation and liturgical worship. In particular, according to the Word of God, Christ and his salvation are reliably encountered in Holy Baptism, in Holy Communion, and in the Holy Scriptures.

In the Old Testament, Psalm 105:1-6 declares the following… “O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he has uttered, O offspring of his servant Abraham, children of Jacob, his chosen ones.”

In this biblical song of praise, the “deeds” that are to be made known to the “peoples” (i.e., the unbelieving Gentile nations) are referring to the deeds of God in and through his Covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God’s great covenantal acts are to be made known to the nations, to both believers and unbelievers, through our shared liturgical life by “singing” and “praising” and “telling” and “remembering” God’s deeds of creation and salvation. And the purpose of such liturgical worship by the People of Israel was not merely for historical remembrance but for an encounter with the Lord God himself.

All of this is only intensified in the New Covenant. Our Lord Jesus performs his words, deeds, miracles and judgments in and through the worshiping assembly of his Church. In fact, Martin Luther comments on Psalm 105 by saying there are two things that belong to the true Christian believer: [1] The true believer has an illumined recognition of the Lord’s words and deeds (they have ears to hear and eyes to see the spiritual reality of things), and [2] The true believer has God-given affections for the Lord Jesus who is powerfully present in his Word and Sacraments. Therefore, liturgical worship is not merely a ‘style of worship’ but a whole theology of worship. Unbelievers hear the good news, and believers are conformed to the likeness of the Lord God whom they worship. In the liturgical assembly, Christ is present both to make disciples and to deepen discipleship. And it’s been said that the most solid and unwavering means of God-inspired, liturgical and missional activity comes by way of the Covenant of Holy Baptism.

In the great and global story of Christianity throughout the ages, neither door-to-door canvassing, nor tent revivals, nor even having stadium crusades have been the greatest vehicle of Christian evangelization. In every age of the Church of Jesus Christ, it’s Holy Baptism — particularly infant baptism — that has been the overwhelmingly greatest means of increasing, growing and expanding the Church globally. Since ancient days, Christians have babies and then bring those babies to Christ (in faith) to receive Christ’s saving Covenant of Holy Baptism, so that those infant children might one day grow to accept and affirm God’s baptismal grace and salvation for themselves by faith.

Through baptizing adults and children and infants alike, the Lord Jesus has built into the New Covenant of Holy Baptism an evangelistic feature that ensures the propagation of faith and salvation in which the Lord himself does all the saving work and receives all the glory. So, if we desire to see growth for congregations of the Church in our land, then every single one of us (both pastors and parishioners) would do well to ask people if they or their children have been baptized. And with this one simple evangelistic question, we will find that a great deal of gospel discussions will follow. In addition, we need to especially encourage married couples to bring their children to the waters of Holy Baptism.

A grace-filled theology and practice of Holy Baptism keeps the Church evangelistic and mission minded. Baptism is a mighty deed of the Lord, a miraculous act, and an absolving judgment — giving us much about which to praise and adore him. God’s grace in Christ alone fills our mouths with true praise, and our worship liturgy gives us the Bible-based words to do so. Furthermore, the evangelism of Holy Baptism is especially powerful when it takes place during our Sunday morning worship service, and it’s been too long (way too long) since the Sacrament of Holy Baptism has been administered at Mt. Olive.

I have to say that a lot of my best evangelistic moments have started with asking either of these simple questions: “Are you baptized?” and “Has your child been baptized?” So let us all commit to asking these simple evangelistic questions among the people of our relational circles more often. And let us always pray to God for guidance concerning who and when to ask these questions.

Together in Christ’s Mission, Pastor Tim

PASTOR TIM’S ANNUAL REPORT

Over the past several years at Mt. Olive, we’ve been engaging with our community in new ways, especially through our annual Vacation Bible School and Trunk or Treat events. We are also in the beginning stages of a new relationship with Trail Life USA. And with Justin Tagawa’s input on our church council, we are looking into new ways we can utilize our church property for mission and ministry within our Crescenta Valley community.

In addition to all of this, we’ve started an outreach Bible study at Panera Bread Restaurant in La Cañada every third Saturday at 8:30am. We also have a Meetup.com page for this special Bible study, and we’ve had three Bible study participants join us from this social media page so far.

Regarding worship, we are rotating between three liturgies throughout the year: ELW 2, ELW 4 (which is basically LBW 2), and Victory Feast. Jim Tagawa has formed the Cross Street Kids group with our little ones, and they have presented various musical offerings for worship several times this past year. We continue to be blessed to have Sean Paxton and Angela Zelaya direct our choirs. Rita Kubela and the Sanctuary Decorations Committee continue to decorate the sanctuary for our annual cycles of worship. Furthermore, we are also holding joint worship services with Lutheran Church in the Foothills (LCIF) for Ash Wednesday and Thanksgiving Eve each year on a rotating basis.

Lastly but most importantly, we continue to faithfully offer Christ to and for all people. Our clear message to the Crescenta Valley community continues to be the following:

God loves you, and he has poured out his love for you in and through Jesus Christ. By his sacrificial death and resurrection life, Christ renews your life.

At Mt. Olive Lutheran Church we continue to proclaim Christ crucified for us and for all people. Visitors to Mt. Olive find God with his people. Every Sunday morning at 9:30am they find a grace-filled encounter with God through the Holy Word and Blessed Sacrament of Jesus our Lord, as well as through sacred prayers, time-honored hymns and spiritual songs. Moreover, every week at our midweek Bible study, and every third Saturday at our outreach Bible study at Panera, people find personal connection and spiritual relationship with each other around the Word of God within the Holy Scriptures.

May the love, grace and peace of Christ our Lord be with all of you!

Respectfully Submitted in the Name of Jesus Christ, Pastor Tim

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

Last week (as of the writing of this article) I traveled to Wisconsin to officiate at my oldest first cousin’s memorial service. My cousin Nanette suffered so much from her rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 30 until her death at 73. In fact, this disease most definitely shortened her longevity in this life probably by decades. However, Nanette always managed to count her blessings and genuinely appreciate the good times. She showed us all that each day we have a choice to make: to give in or to keep on trucking. Regardless of our circumstances, we can either choose to number our liabilities, or choose to count our blessings and get up to fight on for another day.

My cousin Nanette was also known for her beautiful stained glass artwork, and I think this art form is a wonderful metaphor for her life despite the rheumatic disease that she struggled with. Just as she took fragile broken pieces of glass to make her stained glass art, she faced the debilitating brokenness of her own body to make out of it a beautiful life together with her friends and family.

Interestingly, stained glass has a long and storied history. In fact, colored glass has been produced since ancient times. From the Egyptians to the Phoenicians to the Romans, these ancient civilizations excelled at the manufacture of small colored glass objects. But it was Christian civilization that embraced the stained glass art form in a grand and monumental way.

Evidence of stained glass windows in churches and monasteries in Great Britain can be found as early as the 7th Century AD. The earliest known reference dates from 675 AD when workmen were imported from France to glaze the windows of the monastery of St. Peter at Monkwearmouth (what a name!) in England. Interestingly, the glass industry established by the Romans in Syria continued during the later Islamic era with major centers of manufacture in cities like Damascus. However, it was the gothic style of Medieval Christendom that elevated (both literally and figuratively) the artistry of stained glass to its historical pinnacle. Gothic Cathedrals are skeletal structures (like dry bones) on the outside, but, with high vaulted ceilings and entire walls of colorful stained glass, they are buildings of heavenly light on the inside. Their purpose was to uplift the worshipper to be spiritually raptured up toward heaven by the beautiful and enchanting light streaming through the stained glass, reminding them of God’s pure Light, the Light of Christ.

You know recently, I saw a gravestone (not my cousin’s) that had a symbol etched into it that I was not familiar with. I looked it up, and the symbol is a stylized Thor’s Hammer. Now, I’m pretty sure that the deceased person with the Thor’s Hammer symbol on his gravestone was not a practitioner of Norse Paganism. I’m fairly certain that it’s simply an expression of Scandinavian ethnic pride. And of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with having ethnic self-esteem and pride. However, be that as it may, I must say as a Christian that I would not want my last testimony on my grave marker to be merely a statement of ethnic identity. Having the Light of Christ my Savior in my life surpasses all the earthly distinctions that identify me, and this is what I would want my last testament to be.

As the Apostle Paul writes: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ…” (from Philippians 3:3-9).

At the beginning of the Easter Vigil service each year (as we observed several months ago) when we enter into the darkened church building with our lit handheld candles, we exclaim three times (at the back, middle and front of the church), “The Light of Christ! Thanks be to God!” And the reason we exclaim this three times, dear brothers and sisters, is to emphasize that we have the all-surpassing Light of Christ our Lord! We have the Eternal Light of the grace, faith, hope and love of Jesus the Son of God. So, whether in our life or in our death, why on Earth would we ever uplift any symbol or identity or whatever above the symbols and blessedness of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord?

“Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness. Christ, be our light!” (from hymn #715 of the ELW hymnal).

Together in Christ, Pastor Tim