Commemoration of Martin Luther (Birth)
November 10
Observed November 13, 2016
by Pastor Timothy Appel, Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas

Remembering Jesus
Text: Hebrews 13:7
Objects: picture of you as a baby; picture of Martin Luther; picture of Jesus as a baby; picture of Jesus on the cross; picture of a baptismal font
Summary: We remember Martin Luther’s birth in order to help us remember Jesus as our only Savior.

Do you remember the day of your birth? I imagine a lot of you know what day your birthday is. But do you remember the day of your birth in the same way you remember what you ate for breakfast this morning? You probably don’t. I don’t either. But my parents wanted me to know about the day of my birth. That’s why they told me stories about the day I was born. They also showed me pictures from when I was a baby. Take a look at this one. Show picture. I imagine your parents have shown you some of your baby pictures. Pictures like this help us to remember. Those memories are important for us so that we know more about ourselves and our families.
Memories are important for us in the Church too. Hebrews 13:7 tells us: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” That’s why I want to show you a picture of a man named Martin Luther. Show picture of Martin Luther. His birthday was November 10, 1483. That’s more than five hundred years ago! Because of that, I don’t have his baby picture to show you, but I imagine he looked like most babies. 
Here are a few things I’d like you to remember about him: Remember that Martin Luther grew up in Germany. Remember that he became a pastor. Remember that God used Martin Luther as a pastor to help the Church at that time remember something. God used Martin Luther to help the Church remember that our salvation is a free gift of God. We don’t have forgiveness because we earn it. We have forgiveness because Jesus has died and risen for us.
That’s what God used Martin Luther to help the Church remember, and that’s why we remember his birth today. We remember Martin Luther in order to help us remember Jesus as our only Savior. Let me show you Jesus’ baby picture. Show picture of baby Jesus. I’m showing you this picture because remembering all that Jesus has done is the most important thing for you to remember. Remember that Jesus was born for you. Remember that Jesus has lived a perfect life for you. Remember that Jesus has died for you. Show picture of Jesus on the cross. Remember that Jesus has risen for you. Remember that Jesus has baptized you and made you His child. Show picture of baptismal font or, if close by, point to the font. Remember that Jesus speaks His Word to you in the Bible. Remember that Jesus will return and give you eternal life. Remember that Jesus is your Savior! 
Close with prayer. Dear Jesus . . . help us to remember . . . all that You have done for us. . . . In Your name we pray. . . . Amen.

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Acknowledgments
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