Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

Today, my husband and I celebrate two birthdays.

For 44 years, since my husband first joined the United States Marine Corps, we have been observing the birth of United States Marine Corps. We usually celebrate on the Saturday closest to the birthday with dinner and the traditional cake ceremony with other Marines and families from the area. We no longer stay for music or dancing. Being with friends for the ceremony and dinner fill us up. I do my dancing to the sound of the piano or organ the next day. And... let, me tell you! Bertha and Linnea can make those old Lutheran hymns most danceable!

Yes, thanks to these two wonderful musicians (and Leslie who fills in at times) I have learned to love Lutheran hymns. There was a time, when I was young, that I felt they were kind of ho hum. Maybe, it was the musicians; maybe, it was just me.

Today, even as I honor my husband and the birth of the United States Marine Corps today, I thank God for the birth of another mighty warrior, Martin Luther. His battle was against false teachings prevalent in the church at the time. There remains false teachings in the church on earth today. Let down your guard and the devil sneaks them right back in. The battle continues; the battle against forces that would dilute or change the word of God to the harm of all whom God has called; to the harm of all who unknowingly follow false teachers and prophets.

"A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side,
the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth, his name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours,
thru him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever."
                        Martin Luther

Happy Birthday!

God's Peace - Pr. J