The Lord be with you
During the 1520’s, Martin Luther and others went on a tour of churches that had joined the Reformation movement. All of the visitors were scandalized by how little was know by priest and laity alike. To help rectify this condition for the laity, Martin Luther wrote his Small Catechism. It has never been out of print since first being published. It is just that good.
However times change so, to meet the needs of a changing culture, each generation has expanded Luther’s Catechism, unpacking its truths for a new generation. The 2017 edition of the Small Catechism is a welcome addition to this tradition, keeping the six chief parts just as Luther penned them, but adding, in a second half, and explanation fit for our times. This includes devotional material like prayers, Psalms and hymns, historical and liturgical information, well over a thousand scripture references, and more.
One feature that is not obvious is that, thanks to the internet, far more individuals “in the trenches” have had a chance to review and comment on this edition than ever before. As pastors and members of the laity reviewed the proposal, they took notes and sent the notes into Concordia Publishing House. These notes were then used to make the final revisions. What we are receiving, then, is not just the work of a select few scholars, but the corporate effort of all who wanted to participate (like we did here at Our Redeemer).
The regular price for this piece of gold is $15.99, but there is a special introductory price of $14.99. A form/poster has been posted in our narthex so you can sign-up to purchase a copy at this reduced price. A copy of the new catechism is also available for your inspection.
We will need your orders no later than Sunday, Christmas Eve, December 24, so we can get them to Concordia Publishing House before the cut-off date.
Advent Blessings,
Pastor