Easter Season | 2nd Sunday 07 Apr 2024: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31 ~ “Blessed are those who believe without seeing.”

Easter Season | 2nd Sunday 07 Apr 2024

+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery
established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all
who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body
may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jesus said to Thomas,
“You believe because you’ve seen me.
Blessed are those who haven’t seen me
but believe.”
(John 20:29)

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Jesus Is Risen (feat. Ileia Sharaé) Lyric Video | Church of the City

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Reading from Acts of the Apostles: Acts 4:32-35 (GW)

The Believers Share Their Property

4:32 The whole group of believers lived in harmony. No one called any of his possessions his own. Instead, they shared everything.

With great power the apostles continued to testify that the Lord Jesus had come back to life. ⌞God’s⌟ abundant good will  was with all of them. None of them needed anything. From time to time, people sold land or houses and brought the money to the apostles. Then the money was distributed to anyone who needed it.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 133 – “See How Good It Is” / Wendell Kimbrough feat. Sandra McCracken

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Reading from the Letters: 1 John 1:1-2:2 (GW)

John’s Reason for Writing

1:1 The Word of life existed from the beginning. We have heard it. We have seen it. We observed and touched it. This life was revealed to us. We have seen it, and we testify about it. We are reporting to you about this eternal life that was in the presence of the Father and was revealed to us. This is the life we have seen and heard. We are reporting about it to you also so that you, too, can have a relationship with us. Our relationship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that we can be completely filled with joy.

Through Jesus We Have a Relationship with God

1:5 This is the message we heard from Christ and are reporting to you: God is light, and there isn’t any darkness in him. If we say, “We have a relationship with God” and yet live in the dark, we’re lying. We aren’t being truthful.

But if we live in the light in the same way that God is in the light, we have a relationship with each other. And the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from every sin. If we say, “We aren’t sinful” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we’ve done wrong. If we say, “We have never sinned,” we turn God into a liar and his Word is not in us.

My dear children, I’m writing this to you so that you will not sin. Yet, if anyone does sin, we have Jesus Christ, who has God’s full approval. He speaks on our behalf when we come into the presence of the Father. He is the payment for our sins, and not only for our sins, but also for the sins of the whole world.

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It Was Finished Upon That Cross (Official Lyric Video) – CityAlight

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Reading from the Gospels: John 20:19-31 (GW) 

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

20:19 That Sunday evening, the disciples were together behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jews. Jesus stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you!” When he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were glad to see the Lord.

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” After he had said this, he breathed on the disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whenever you forgive sins, they are forgiven. Whenever you don’t forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus Appears to Thomas

20:24 Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, who was called Didymus, wasn’t with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord.”

Thomas told them, “I refuse to believe this unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my fingers into them, and put my hand into his side.”

A week later Jesus’ disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Take your hand, and put it into my side. Stop doubting, and believe.”

Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus said to Thomas, “You believe because you’ve seen me. Blessed are those who haven’t seen me but believe.”

Jesus performed many other miracles that his disciples saw. Those miracles are not written in this book. But these miracles have been written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and so that you will have life by believing in him.

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Profession of Faith: The Nicene Creed  – Glenn Packiam / Integrity Music

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

+ O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly pray for all sorts and conditions of men; that you would be pleased to make your ways known to them, your saving health to all nations. More especially we pray for your holy catholic Church, that it may be so guided and governed by your good  Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate, [especially throughout the Holy Land]; that it may please you to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we pray for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

+ Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Resurrection of the Lord | Easter Sunday 31 Mar 2024: Mark 16:1-8; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4 ~ Alleluia. Christ is risen!

The Resurrection of the Lord | Easter Sunday 31 Mar 2024

+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening prayer:

O God, who for our redemption
gave your only begotten Son to die upon the Cross,
and by his glorious resurrection delivered us
from the devil and the power of death:
Grant us grace to die daily to sin,
that we may live with him in the joy of his resurrection;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever. Amen.

“[Jesus from Nazareth]
has been brought back to life.
He’s not here.
Look at the place where they laid him.”
(Mark 16:6)

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“Christ Arose” by 100 Voice Mass Choir for Classic Hymns album ” He Is Alive”

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Reading from the Gospels: Mark 16:1-8 (GW)

Jesus Comes Back to Life

16:1 When the day of rest—a holy day, was over, Mary from Magdala, Mary (the mother of James), and Salome bought spices to go and anoint Jesus.

On Sunday they were going to the tomb very early when the sun had just come up. They said to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away. It was a very large stone. As they went into the tomb, they saw a young man. He was dressed in a white robe and sat on the right side. They were panic-stricken.

The young man said to them, “Don’t panic! You’re looking for Jesus from Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been brought back to life. He’s not here. Look at the place where they laid him. Go and tell his disciples and Peter that he’s going ahead of them to Galilee. There they will see him, just as he told them.”

They went out of the tomb and ran away. Shock and trembling had overwhelmed them. They didn’t say a thing to anyone, because they were afraid.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 “Give Thanks To The Lord” (For He Is Good)Francesca LaRosa (Official Lyric Video)

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Profession of Faith: The Nicene Creed | ACNA | BCP2019

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, visible and invisible.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
+ For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
+ For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
+ On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
+ He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],†
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
+ We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
+ We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

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Because He Lives (Hebrew and English!) LIVE at the Garden Tomb, Jerusalem Easter

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Reading from the Letters: Colossians 3:1-4 (GW) 

Live as God’s People

3:1 Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above—where Christ holds the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne. Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things. You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Christ is your life. When he appears, then you, too, will appear with him in glory.

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In Christ AloneMichael W. Smith / Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Lord hear our prayers:

    • For the peace of the whole world, and for the well-being and unity of the people of God….
    • For church leaders and their congregants around the world….
    • For all those who proclaim the Gospel at home and abroad; and for all who teach and disciple others….
    • For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith….
    • For our nation, for those in authority, and for all in public service….
    • For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity….
    • For all those who have departed this life in the certain hope of the resurrection….

+ Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May the risen Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Holy Week | Palm Sunday 24 Mar 2024: Mark 11:1-10; Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11 ~ “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Holy Week | Palm Sunday 24 Mar 2024

+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God,
in your tender love for us you sent your Son
our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon himself
our nature, and to suffer death upon the Cross,
giving us the example of his great humility:
Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering,
and come to share in his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Those who went ahead and those who followed him
were shouting, “Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes
in the name of the Lord!

Mark 11:9

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Be Thou my Vision – Celtic Worship // St Laurence’s Church Chorley

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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 11:1-10 (GW)

The King Comes to Jerusalem

11:1 When they came near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead of him. He said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As you enter it, you will find a young donkey tied there. No one has ever sat on it. Untie it, and bring it. If anyone asks you what you are doing, say that the Lord needs it. That person will send it here at once.”

The disciples found the young donkey in the street. It was tied to the door of a house. As they were untying it, some men standing there asked them, “Why are you untying that donkey?” The disciples answered them as Jesus had told them. So the men let them go.

They brought the donkey to Jesus, put their coats on it, and he sat on it. Many spread their coats on the road. Others cut leafy branches in the fields and spread them on the road. Those who went ahead and those who followed him were shouting,

“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is our ancestor David’s kingdom that is coming!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

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All Glory, Laud and Honor | Palm  Sunday | Christian Hymn | Sunday 7pm Choir

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 50:4-7 (GW) 

The Lord’s Servant Trusts in the Lord’s Help

50:4 The Almighty Lord will teach me what to say,
so I will know how to encourage weary people.
Morning after morning he will wake me
to listen like a student.
The Almighty Lord will open my ears.
I will not rebel, nor will I turn away ⌞from him⌟.
I will offer my back to those who whip me
and my cheeks to those who pluck hairs out of my beard.
I will not turn my face away from those who humiliate me
and spit on me.

The Almighty Lord helps me.
That is why I will not be ashamed.
I have set my face like a flint.
I know that I will not be put to shame.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 22 Poor Bishop Hooper

My God my God why have you forsaken me?
Why have you abandoned me?
My God my God why are You so far away
When I plead and plead

My God my God every day I call to you
Still You’re never answering
My God my God every night I know You hear my voice
But I can’t quite seem to find relief

Yet You are holy enthroned in praise
Israel they trusted You and they were saved
They cried out to You and were shown the way
Up out of darkness, up out of darkness into the place You made

My God my God they’ve pierced my hands my feet
I can see the people counting up my bones
My God my God they’ve divided what I own
Among themselves and gambled for my clothes

My God my God I’m captivated by a thirst
That ties my tongue and dries up all the strength inside of me
My God my God though I don’t know of who I sing
Or what these lines so true foresee would You come quickly

Yet You are holy enthroned in praise
Israel they trusted You and they were saved
Could I cry out to You in the very same way
Bring me up out of darkness, up out of darkness
Up out of darkness into the place You made

But He has not despised me
Or left me in affliction
He did not hid his face from me
He did not hide his face
The humble will eat and be satisfied
Those who seek the Lord will praise him
The families of all nations
The ends of the earth remember
And people yet unborn proclaim
He alone has all dominion

He did not hide his face
He did not hide his face

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A Reading from the Letters: Philippians 2:6-11 (GW) 

2:6 Although he was in the form of God and equal with God,
[Jesus] did not take advantage of this equality.
Instead, he emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant,
by becoming like other humans,
by having a human appearance.
He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,
death on a cross.
This is why God has given him an exceptional honor—
the name honored above all other names—
so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth,
and in the world below will kneel
and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord
to the glory of God the Father.

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At the Name of Jesus // ILP music

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift justice and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Deliver the hostages from captivity and restore their souls. Destroy every stronghold of the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East. And grant your heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, diplomatically – and especially to those who will restore Israel spiritually – through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May Christ, who bore our sins on the cross,
set us free to serve him with joy.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Christmas Day | Monday 25 Dec 2023: Isa 52:7-12; Ps 98; Heb 1:1-12; John 1:1-18 ~ The Son’s glory is full of kindness and truth.

Christmas Day | Monday 25 Dec 2023

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty God,
you have given your only-begotten Son
to take our nature upon him,
and to be born of a pure virgin:
Grant that we, who have been born again
and made your children by adoption and grace,
may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the same Spirit
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

“The Word became human and lived among us.
We saw his glory. It was the glory
that the Father shares with his only Son,
a glory full of kindness and truth.”
(John 1:14)

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Joy to the World2023 St. Olaf Christmas Festival (Massed Choir & St. Olaf Orchestra)

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From the Prophets: Isaiah 52:7-12 (GW)

52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger
who announces the good news, “All is well.”
He brings the good news,
announces salvation,
and tells Zion that its God rules as king.
Listen! Your watchmen raise their voices
and shout together joyfully.
When the Lord brings Zion back,
they will see it with their own eyes.
Break out into shouts of joy, ruins of Jerusalem.
The Lord will comfort his people.
He will reclaim Jerusalem.
The Lord will show his holy power to all the nations.
All the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

Run away! Run away!
Get away from there!
Do not touch anything unclean.
Get away from it!
Make yourselves pure,
you Levites who carry the utensils for the Lord’s temple.

You will not go away in a hurry,
nor will you go away quickly.
The Lord will go ahead of you.
The God of Israel will guard you from behind.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 98 (All the Ends of the Earth)Francesca LaRosa

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From the Epistles: Heb 1:1-12 (GW)

God Has Spoken to Us Through His Son

1:1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors at many different times and in many different ways through the prophets. In these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. God made his Son responsible for everything. His Son is the one through whom God made the universe. His Son is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact likeness of God’s being. He holds everything together through his powerful words. After he had cleansed people from their sins, he now holds the honored position—the one next to the majestic God [the Father] on the heavenly throne.

God’s Son Is Superior to the Angels

1:4 The Son has become greater than the angels since he has been given a name that is superior to theirs. God never said to any of his angels,

“You are my Son.
Today I have become your Father.”

And God never said to any of his angels,

“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son.”

When God was about to send his firstborn Son into the world, he said,

“All of God’s angels must worship him.”

God said about the angels,

“He makes his messengers winds.
He makes his servants flames of fire.”

But God said about his Son,

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter in your kingdom is a scepter for justice.
You have loved what is right and hated what is wrong.
That is why God, your God,
anointed you, rather than your companions, with the oil of joy.”

God also said,

“Lord, in the beginning you laid the foundation of the earth.
With your own hands you made the heavens.
They will come to an end, but you will live forever.
They will all wear out like clothes.
They will be taken off like a coat.
You will change them like clothes.
But you remain the same, and your life will never end.”

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O Come All Ye FaithfulNorthern Baptist Association

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From the Gospels: John 1:1-18 (GW)

The Word Becomes Human

1:1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was already with God in the beginning.

Everything came into existence through him. Not one thing that exists was made without him.

He was the source of life, and that life was the light for humanity.

The light shines in the dark, and the dark has never extinguished it.

God sent a man named John to be his messenger. John came to declare the truth about the light so that everyone would become believers through his message. John was not the light, but he came to declare the truth about the light.

The real light, which shines on everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into existence through him. Yet, the world didn’t recognize him. He went to his own people, and his own people didn’t accept him. However, he gave the right to become God’s children to everyone who believed in him. These people didn’t become God’s children in a physical way—from a human impulse or from a husband’s desire ⌞to have a child⌟. They were born from God.

The Word became human and lived among us. We saw his glory. It was the glory that the Father shares with his only Son, a glory full of kindness  and truth.

(John declared the truth about him when he said loudly, “This is the person about whom I said, ‘The one who comes after me was before me because he existed before I did.’ ”)

Each of us has received one gift after another because of all that the Word is. Laws were given through Moses, but kindness and truth came into existence through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. God’s only Son, the one who is closest to the Father’s heart, has made him known.

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Light of the WorldLauren Daigle [Landon Gingerich]

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error,  direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

+ Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ O God, our heavenly Father: Pour out your Spirit on your faithful people in the Middle East, that your Son’s life-giving Gospel may be preached to every tribe and nation. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Set free the hostages, and deliver from bondage every person captivated by the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East. And finally, grant heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, diplomatically, and especially those who will restore Israel spiritually, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May God, who has called us out of darkness
into his marvelous light,
bless us and fill us with peace.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Christmas Eve | Sunday 24 Dec 2023: Isaiah 62:11-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:8-20 ~ “Glory to God in the highest heaven!”

Christmas Eve | Sunday 24 Dec 2023

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

O God, you have caused this holy night
to shine with the brightness of the true Light:
Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth,
may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven;
where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

“Today your Savior, Christ the Lord,
was born in David’s city.”
(Luke 2:11)

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Once In Royal David’s City (Christmas Carols on ITV 2018)

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From the Prophets: Isaiah 62:11-12 (GW)

62:11 The Lord has announced to the ends of the earth:
“Tell my people Zion,
‘Your Savior is coming.
His reward is with him,
and the people he has won arrive ahead of him.’ ”

They will be called Holy People, Those Reclaimed by the Lord,
and you will be called Sought After, a City Not Deserted.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 97 ~ Ian White

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From the Epistles: Titus 3:4-7 (GW)

3:4 However, when God our Savior made his kindness and love for humanity appear, he saved us, but not because of anything we had done to gain his approval. Instead, because of his mercy he saved us through the washing in which the Holy Spirit gives us new birth and renewal. God poured a generous amount of the Spirit on us through Jesus Christ our Savior. As a result, God in his kindness  has given us his approval and we have become heirs who have the confidence that we have everlasting life.

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Gloria/Angels We Have Heard on High ~ (Casting Crowns)

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From the Gospels: Luke 2:8-20 (GW)

Angels Announce the Birth of Jesus

2:8 Shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem. They were taking turns watching their flock during the night. An angel from the Lord suddenly appeared to them. The glory of the Lord filled the area with light, and they were terrified. The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy. Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in David’s city. This is how you will recognize him: You will find an infant wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, a large army of angels appeared with the angel. They were praising God by saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those who have his good will!”

The angels left them and went back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has told us about.”

They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph with the baby, who was lying in a manger. When they saw the child, they repeated what they had been told about him. Everyone who heard the shepherds’ story was amazed.

Mary treasured all these things in her heart and always thought about them.

As the shepherds returned to their flock, they glorified and praised God for everything they had seen and heard. Everything happened the way the angel had told them.

O Holy Night – Fellowship Creative

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Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

Restore us again, O God of hosts;
show us the light of your countenance
and we shall be saved.
Bless and keep us, this night and always.

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen