Happy New Year! Advent marks the beginning of a new church year. As we begin this new church year, let’s take a moment to reflect on what it means to grow in our faith. This Advent, I’m excited to introduce a new feature in our bulletin: each week, you’ll discover a selection from Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, paired with a daily memory verse to help us apply God’s promises in our lives. This tool has been a trusted companion for generations of Christians – let it be yours too!
The Small Catechism is one of the treasures of our Lutheran tradition, given not just for pastors or scholars but for the whole church—especially households. Martin Luther wrote the Catechism in 1529 after seeing the deep spiritual need in the villages and towns of Germany. Luther called this situation “a deplorable, miserable condition,” and he responded by writing the Small Catechism.
Luther structured the Small Catechism around six chief parts:
1. The Ten Commandments, which show God’s will for our lives and our need for grace.
2. The Apostles’ Creed, a summary of who God is and what He has done for us.
3. The Lord’s Prayer, teaching us to call on God as our Father. 4. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism, where God claims us as His own.
5. The Sacrament of the Altar, where Jesus gives us His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.
6. Confession and Absolution, where we hear the freeing word of forgiveness.
These parts focus on what every Christian needs to know: the law that convicts us, the gospel that saves us, and the promises that sustain us. Beyond these six chief parts are additional resources designed to respond in faith to the knowledge of saving grace. These include:
A. Daily Prayers, to guide morning, evening, and mealtime prayers.
B. A Table of Duties to outline the responsibilities of various vocations.
C. Christian Questions with Their Answers for self-examination and trust in Christ’s promises.
Luther wrote this catechism after learning how poorly taught the people were. Many people didn’t know their Bibles let alone the basics of the Christian faith. Luther called this “a deplorable, miserable condition.” So, he wrote the Small Catechism to help instruct the people. He considered it one of his two best writings (the other being On the Bondage of the Will).
The Small Catechism remains a simple and powerful tool for living the faith. It’s small enough to carry in your pocket and deep enough to sustain a lifetime of learning. For parents, it’s a resource to teach their children the faith at home. For every Christian, it’s a guide to confessing and trusting in God’s promises daily.
In a time when we face countless distractions, the Catechism brings us back to the essentials. It reminds us that God comes to us in His Word and Sacraments, giving us everything we need for life and salvation.
Luther called the Small Catechism “the layperson’s Bible,” and it continues to serve as a lifelong resource for faith and prayer. This Advent, as we begin a new church year, let the Catechism remind you of God’s unchanging grace and truth. Let this new year inspire you to dive into the Small Catechism – may it help you grow in faith, teach your family, and confess with joy the good news of Jesus Christ.