Reformation day

To much of the world, this day has become a day to celebrate evil and the dead. But a few know that today should really be the celebration of the anniversary of something much better.
Martin Luther was born to a wealthy family, and had good schooling. He planned to be a lawyer, much to his father's delight, as the job paid well. But one day, as he was heading back to school from a visit to his parents, he was caught in a thunderstorm. He promised "St. Anne" that he would become a monk if he lived. He kept his promise- he felt it was a sign from God. But, he felt that something was missing in his walk with God. Later, he came to see that it was grace! He couldn't earn his salvation; it was a gift.
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle church in Wittenburg. (I posted these theses in my last post, if you haven't seen it.) Although he was not the first reformer, he was one of the first to make the reformation public.
Martin Luther headed the translation of the Latin bible into German, and wrote many letters, books, and hymns, including "A Mighty Fortress is Our God". He also became the Father of six children, three boys and three girls born to him and his wife Katie, a former nun.
Our family has celebrated reformation day for years- we started a year or two before we found out were the evil roots of Halloween came from, and what it stood for. We no longer participate in Halloween and that leaves us with more time to learn... We usually read Luther's 95 Theses, the book "Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World", and look at pictures of the church he nailed the theses to, of his house at Eisleben (he was born and died in Eisleben, although he left!), and other things. We usually do our Christmas "kick off" today, too, but we did that last night. We did get a movie about Martin Luther, that we'll watch sometime soon, if not today. I hope it's truthful ;). Nothing bugs me more than a movie that doesn't tell the truth, especially if it is about history- it's bad enough in a movie based off a fiction book ;). Mommy researched it, so we're pretty sure this movie will be fairly accurate :).
Although Martin Luther and those who believed as he did were persecuted, they stood firm in their faith in God, and did so much for the freedom of future generations! Praise God for his many blessings, and for the way he uses people he has drawn to himself to do his work. May he receive all the glory!

A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe—
His craft and pow’r are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not His equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right man on our side,
The man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He—
Lord Sabaoth His name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
We tremble not for him—
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure:
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow’rs,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,

This mortal life also—
The body they may kill;
God’s truth abideth still:
His kingdom is forever.

                                                                  ~Martin Luther, 1483-1546