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Podcast by Christina Smet
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Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church in Vienna, Virginia is a parish in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church and a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Worship at St. Athanasius is according to the history Liturgy of the Church. Services at St. Athanasius are not designed for entertainment or sensation, but to prepare broken repentant sinners to receive these gifts of Word and Sacrament, and to know the truth of the incomparable riches of the grace showered on us by our gracious ...
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The Gentle and Lowly podcast is a 14-day audio devotional exploring the heart of Christ for sinners and sufferers. Join Dane Ortlund each day for a brief Scripture reading as well as a devotional meditation on a different aspect of the heart of Christ, as he helps you discover afresh not just what Jesus has done for you but how he feels about you as his beloved.
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The devastating wildfires in California bring to mind the fragile, unpredictable nature of life. Homes and dreams reduced to ash are heartbreaking reminders that this world isn’t as stable as we often think. In moments like these, some question God, while others wrongly blame the victims. But the truth is, God’s ways are beyond our understanding, a…
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On Friday, a sudden snowstorm swept through my neighborhood, reminding me of how the Jewish Christians must have felt when Paul’s radical teaching hit them like a derecho. Paul declared that Gentiles were fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of God’s promises—no distinction, no separation. This message was revolutionary. In Jesus, …
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In this episode, I reflect on a moment that often gets overshadowed by Christmas celebrations but is incredibly significant: Jesus’ circumcision on the eighth day. It’s the day God not only gave Him His name—Jesus, meaning “Savior”—but also placed our names on Him. This act symbolizes Jesus stepping into our place, living on our behalf, keeping the…
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Have you ever thought about how much our hands express—how they touch, create, and connect? In the Christmas story, hands play a surprising role. From Thomas, who couldn’t wait to touch Jesus’ hands and believe, to Simeon, who longed to hold the baby Messiah, hands tell a story of faith, love, and salvation. Jesus came with hands—tiny newborn hands…
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The birth of Jesus is depicted in many ways, but have you ever considered His manger as an altar? From the moment of His birth, Jesus was offered as a sacrifice for the sin of the world—a sacrificial Lamb who came to destroy the works of the devil and bring us life. This is the glory of Christmas: that the Creator came in love to serve the creature…
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The joy of Christmas is almost here, and it’s a joy we need in a world so often marked by sorrow and struggle. But let’s remember: this joy isn’t fleeting—it’s the eternal joy of God fulfilling His promise to save us. John the Baptist was the first to leap for joy at the coming of Jesus, and his joy wasn’t diminished by life’s hardships or even dea…
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Once He Came in Blessing: Joy Beyond Comparing
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As we journey through Advent, we reflect on the incredible truth: Jesus came to redress our sins, not by punishing us, but by taking the punishment Himself. He brings hope and freedom, replacing our despair and bondage. Yet His work didn’t stop there. He still comes to us today, gently leading us as a Good Shepherd, feeding us not only with earthly…
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Ever feel like life isn’t working out? Whether in relationships, faith, or circumstances, we often wonder where God is or if He’s even with us. John the Baptist might have felt this way in prison, yet he sent his disciples to Jesus for clarity: Are you the one? Jesus’ answer reminds us that God is always faithful. He’s working, even when we can’t s…
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Once He Came in Blessing: Now He Gently Leads Us
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Last week, we celebrated the Good News that Jesus, the holy Son of God, came lowly to restore us to His image through His cross, granting us hope and freedom. This week, we reflect on how He now gently leads us. Unlike flawed earthly leaders, Jesus is the faithful Good Shepherd, guiding us through this life’s wilderness toward Paradise, feeding us …
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This week, we prayed, “Stir up our hearts, O Lord,” reminding us that true readiness for Jesus’ coming starts with repentance. Like a pot of soup that needs stirring, our hearts must be stirred to bring hidden sins to the surface—not to shame us, but so Jesus can forgive and transform us. John the Baptist called for repentance to prepare the way fo…
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Once He Came in Blessing: All Our Sins Redeeming
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Advent reminds us why Jesus came: not to teach us how to live or reveal our potential, but to save us by fulfilling God’s Word. In the synagogue, Jesus proclaimed, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” He didn’t just speak of salvation—He embodied it, coming in the likeness of man to redress our sins and clothe us with His righ…
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As Advent begins, we pray, “Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come,” a cry for rescue from the perils of sin that plague every heart and home. Like a 9-1-1 call, we trust in the sure promise of Jesus, who already came to save us—not with flashing lights or sirens, but humbly, riding on a donkey to face the fire of God’s wrath on the cross. Even as ev…
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Tonight, we reflect on Paul’s powerful call to Timothy: first of all, pray. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, understood firsthand the transformative power of prayer and God’s mercy. Perhaps prayers from those he once hunted played a role in his redemption—a living testament to God’s desire for all to be saved. Paul urges us to pray not just f…
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Today’s episode unpacks how we endure life’s troubles—not by our strength, but through Jesus. The disciples were shaken when Jesus predicted the Temple’s destruction, but He reminded them that true hope isn’t in lifeless stones, but in Him, the living Temple. Jesus warned of troubles—false teachings, wars, disasters, and family divisions—but pointe…
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In today’s episode, I explore how true role models are not always the ones we expect. In Jesus’ time, people looked up to the religious leaders, the scribes, and Pharisees, who were outwardly pious but lacked true faith and integrity. In contrast, Jesus directs our attention to a poor widow, unseen by others, who quietly offers her last two coins—a…
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In this episode, I explore the promises of God in contrast to the world’s empty guarantees. On All Saints Day, we’re reminded that true peace, healing, and hope aren’t found in politicians or worldly ideals but in God’s enduring promises. Unlike a fleeting “utopia,” God promises us a real place where we’ll be with Him, free from sin and suffering. …
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In this episode, I reflect on our fears, both personal and global, and challenge listeners to reconsider what truly matters. While we fear things like political tensions, wars, natural disasters, and loss, there’s a greater tragedy: not knowing the hope and love of our Savior. Drawing from Revelation, I explore how the message of the angels encoura…
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In this episode, I explore Jesus' statement, "How difficult it is for the wealthy to enter God's kingdom." This message challenges our desire for ease in faith, as we often choose convenience over commitment. Jesus teaches that true faith isn't about shortcuts but about following Him, even when it's hard. When the disciples ask, "Then who can be sa…
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In this episode, I reflect on the big issues dominating the news—elections, war, and natural disasters—and how they all raise the question, “What’s life going to be like now?” With real-world problems weighing on us, the Gospel story of a rich man asking Jesus how to inherit eternal life might seem irrelevant. But Jesus’ response shows it’s deeply …
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Today, I want to start at the end—with the image of children being brought to Jesus in the Gospel. The disciples tried to push them away, likely annoyed by their disruptions, but Jesus wasn’t having it. He welcomed the children because they see the world differently—through eyes of wonder and curiosity. Jesus uses this to teach us something deeper …
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A father in distress brings his demon-possessed son to them, and they failed. They couldn't cast it out. They had done so before. Not too long before this, Jesus had sent the disciples out two-by-two, and specifically with authority over unclean spirits. But how quickly things change. That's the scene Jesus steps into. So this father turns to Jesus…
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Be opened, Jesus said. And this man's ears were opened. Imagine what that must have been like. The joy. These miracles of Jesus were truly life-changing. There's an isolation that comes with these disabilities, try as we might to overcome it. If people don't want to be called disabled, we can certainly use different words. But, on a deeper level, t…
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Most people know the story of David and Goliath. They know of the story. But they don't know the story. What they know is the little guy beats the big guy. And that has become a well-known image in our world today. But there is much more to this story than that. It is about God fighting for His people, and faith in God, that He will do so. Saul put…
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So, gifts. That's been the focus these past three weeks. The funny thing about gifts, though, is that they can make us uncomfortable. Gifts are supposed to have no strings attached, and they often don't. Or they're not intended to. So it is with Jesus and His gifts. There are truly no strings attached. Jesus simply wants to give, and for all people…
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Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink... Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever. Do you take offense at this? Jesus asked. Yes, they did. And many left. It is offensive, scandalous, a hard saying. Whoever feeds on this bre…
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Today, Jesus continues His program and teaching on the food that builds the Church. Bread that, as we heard today, one may eat of it and not die. The food that builds the church. But I think we're sometimes like the people in Jesus' day, who were thinking with their stomachs. Jesus said, this is the will of my Father, not that we have a good and co…
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It doesn't matter how old you are, whether you're a one-year old or ninety years old. Everyone gets hangry. You're not yourself. That's how important food is to us. Which God knew. And hangry is what the people of Israel became in the wilderness. They got irritable and bad-tempered. They grumbled and complained. But God didn't snap back at them. He…
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People often wonder what heaven will be like. The Bible tells us a little about that, but not much. I suspect because we wouldn't understand anyhow. There is a whole, big, glorious eternity waiting for us, when we, like Nancy receive our birthdays into heaven. Which is why even in the midst of tears and sadness today, there is joy.…
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So that day, right after feeding the 5,000, the disciples get into the boat to go to the other side. Business as usual. Jesus goes off by Himself to pray. Business as usual. the storm is calmed by Jesus. Business as usual. The crowds follow Jesus and He heals them. Business as usual. And even Jesus walking on the water, business as usual... for Jes…
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Who was in the crowd that day? Well, they are undoubtedly just like the group that has come here today. People struggling with issues in their lives. And when Jesus went ashore and saw them, that great crowd of people like that, He had compassion on them. Because when He looked out at that crowd, when He looks at you now, He doesn't see strugglers,…
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If John wanted to save his head, all he had to do was shut his mouth. Easy, but not good. To love your neighbor as yourself meant that John had to speak. But a glorious inheritance was waiting for John, as we heard in the reading from Ephesians today. What he did not receive on earth, he was given now in heaven. John knew this, was sure of it, that…
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It was supposed to be a day, it should have been a day, that left everyone feeling good. The whole town coming out, to see Jesus and listen to Him preach. But Jesus didn't say what they expected Him to say. So what did Jesus say? What did He say that was so offensive? We're not told here, in the reading we heard today, but Mark tells us earlier wha…
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There are three questions asked in the Holy Gospel we heard today. Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith? And, who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him? The disciples were still learning. They had seen Jesus do wonderful, marvelous things, but nothing like this. This was nature. Unco…
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The kingdom of God is unpredictable. From our perspective, anyway. Because that means I'm not in control. That's what Jesus is teaching in the parables we heard today. Sometimes you are surprised. Sometimes what you get is unexpected, and so unpredictable. The alternative, then, is to live by faith, not sight. But to live by faith is to admit and a…
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We do not lose heart. That's what Paul said today in the Epistle. Ever know someone like that? Someone who, no matter what's happening around them, no matter what's happening to them, they somehow remain confident, they don't give up, they don't give in to despair, they stay optimistic. And Paul knows. He knows the weight. But then that weight was …
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There are four words you never want to hear. Four words that cause a lot of heartache -- you're not good enough. That thought is all over the readings we heard today. Now, we confess that every week. But when we confess our sins at the beginning of the service each week, it isn't just this sin or that sin that you are confessing -- that you just me…
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The untrained eye misses a lot of things. This is true for ears, too. Now, look around. In the world. Even in this congregation. What do you see? What do you hear? What does God see? What does God hear? A valley of dry, dead bones. People who were full of life, but who sin has dried up and robbed of life. Which is really the true miracle of Penteco…
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Today we get to listen to Jesus pray. And when you pray, sometimes you pray a prepared prayer, like the Lord's Prayer. But sometimes you just pray what's on your heart. And then sometimes, we get to listen to someone else praying. And those times can be precious. So to get to hear Jesus pray... we shouldn't underestimate that.…
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The Ascension of Our Lord is both one of the most important -- and most forgotten -- days in the life of the church. It is the completion of the resurrection. Jesus ascends into heaven not for Himself, but for us, that we, too, ascend. To give you hope. The hope that we need. No life, no situation, is beyond hope or help. Because Jesus is on the th…
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Jesus wants you to bear fruit. This is not a new teaching of Jesus. He did not leave it up to us to figure out what a good work is and what it is not. He told us, in Ten Commandments. Ten Commandments which tells us not only what not to do, but also tells us those good works we are to do. So how's your fruit? God's original vine, Old Testament Isra…
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Do we even need a Good Shepherd anymore? Don't put me in your box... or your pasture. I'm free. Time to put the Good Shepherd out to pasture. But do sheep make good shepherds? Or are we being duped? Because that happens a lot these days, doesn't it? Maybe I could use some help. but not too much! I still want to be free! To do what I want. So, who t…
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A lot can change in two months. In the reading from Luke it was Easter evening, the disciples were afraid and hiding, and their hearts were troubled and doubting. But in the reading from Acts, approximately two months later, how different the disciples are! But what changed? The pure spiritual milk that caused them to grow up was the Law of Moses, …
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Jesus knew exactly what they needed. Those disciples who were consumed by guilt, confused, and afraid. They should have done more. What did the future now hold for them? Would they be stoned or crucified? But Jesus knew exactly what they needed. First is forgiveness for their guilt and shame. But still more they needed, Jesus knew. They needed inst…
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The women went to the tomb. They expected death. Of course they did. So when they get to the tomb and the stone is rolled away and dead is not there, they are confused, they are alarmed, they are scared. What happened to death? They hope, they want to hope, that the message of the angel might be true. That there might be life... Death is what we se…
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You have heard, O child of God, the story of your God this night. But these are not just the story of your God. These are your stories. Which is why we remember and celebrate Baptism this night. For Baptism is what makes these stories your stories. And baptized into Christ, you are baptized into HIs story, His history. But not only that -- this too…
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I don't know if you ever paid much attention to the first part of the first sentence of the Old Testament reading we heard tonight. We hear it every year, but like me, you maybe just skipped over it. Because what comes after it is so vivid, so striking. All that Jesus did. All that happened to Him. Oppressed, judged, and taken away. But it all star…
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At the Passover, it was all about the lamb. The lamb that was slain, the lamb whose blood was poured out and painted on their doors to protect them from the angel of death that passed through the land of Egypt that very night, and the lamb that was them eaten. Every year after that, God commanded the people of Israel to keep this feast. And so they…
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Who would you die for? A family member or loved one? Maybe. Someone who risked their life for you? Perhaps. A stranger? Probably not. Someone who hurt you or a loved one? Absolutely not! That's what makes tonight's Word of God and what Jesus did so incredible. Christ died for the weak, the ungodly, sinners, and enemies. To not only make us His own,…
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Many people want to make a name for themselves. They want people to remember them after they die. But we have seen in recent years how poor and fickle that can be. Those once considered heroic are now deemed shameful. Very few are those who will be able to survive such a purge. But we heard of such a one tonight. This woman who gave a flask of very…
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And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way Jesus breathed his last, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God! For now, God has highly exalted Him. God has bestowed on Him the name that is above every name. For He is not dead, but alive! Risen from the tomb in which Joseph laid him. So we do not confess with the centurion, …
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