From Catechumens to Confirmands
110 weeks ago, the eight young people you see here today dressed in white robes, began a journey that finds its second milestone achieved on this day of the observance of the Reformation. The first milestone for most of these youth was met about 11 weeks into their period of instruction leading to Confirmation - First Communion. Since that time the pastor and the youth have been learning about God’s Love, God’s Law, Obedience, The Sacraments, The Gospel, The Bible, The books and characters of the Bible, the doctrines of the Lutheran faith, and about their own faith, their relationship with the Lord, and what God desires for them in the high calling of their daily life.
Today we celebrate the achievement of these youth in passing the second milestone, the rite of Confirmation. By their confirmation today, these bright young Christians declare that they are Christians who have been baptized, confess the faith, and are in communion with Christ and His Church. The rite of Confirmation emphasizes God’s work in Baptism, the gift of faith, and the benefits of the Lord’s Supper for all who believe in Christ and the words of His testament.
Red is the color for this day. Red reminds us of the Holy Spirit descending on Christ's followers in tongues of fire on Pentecost. The power of the Holy Spirit led Luther to learn the gospel, moved him to post his Ninety-five Theses, and inspired him and his colleagues to correct the errors and reform the Christian church. The Holy Spirit comes still...to us... in the means of grace to forgive sins and strengthen faith and in the lives of these fine young people of Mt. Olive. Let us give thanks to God for all He has done.
Today we celebrate the achievement of these youth in passing the second milestone, the rite of Confirmation. By their confirmation today, these bright young Christians declare that they are Christians who have been baptized, confess the faith, and are in communion with Christ and His Church. The rite of Confirmation emphasizes God’s work in Baptism, the gift of faith, and the benefits of the Lord’s Supper for all who believe in Christ and the words of His testament.
Red is the color for this day. Red reminds us of the Holy Spirit descending on Christ's followers in tongues of fire on Pentecost. The power of the Holy Spirit led Luther to learn the gospel, moved him to post his Ninety-five Theses, and inspired him and his colleagues to correct the errors and reform the Christian church. The Holy Spirit comes still...to us... in the means of grace to forgive sins and strengthen faith and in the lives of these fine young people of Mt. Olive. Let us give thanks to God for all He has done.
