PEANUT GALLERY: On 28 March (1st Monday of Easter), we will begin a new weekday format including “The Essential One-Hundred Bible Reading Plan.” On weekends, we will revert back to the lectionary readings that relate to Easter and then Pentecost. God willing, we will complete this new Bible Reading Plan in 20 weeks, on Sunday, 14 August.
WHY THE CHANGE? The purpose is to give us an overview of God’s Word, both Old and New Testaments, without getting lost in the minutia. The E100 Reading Plan, designed by Scripture Union, is simple and achievable.
The Essential 100 (E100®) is a carefully selected list of short Bible passages — 50 from the Old Testament and 50 from the New Testament. Most are about 1-2 chapters in length, just the right amount for a busy person to read in a few minutes. The readings cover all major types of biblical writing, including the Historical Books, Poetry and Wisdom, the Prophets, the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles and Revelation. They’re organized into 20 sets of 5 readings each, so you can easily get the big picture of the Bible without getting bogged down.
PEANUT GALLERY: Please note that the resources available through Scripture Union are not required to follow along with us here. However, you may find them helpful personally, for use church-wide, or for use in a small group.
PEANUT GALLERY: On 28 March (1st Monday of Easter), we will begin a new weekday format including “The Essential One-Hundred Bible Reading Plan.” On weekends, we will revert back to the lectionary readings that relate to Easter and then Pentecost. God willing, we will complete this new Bible Reading Plan in 20 weeks, on Sunday, 14 August.
WHY THE CHANGE? The purpose is to give us an overview of God’s Word, both Old and New Testaments, without getting bogged down in the minutia. The E100 Reading Plan, designed by Scripture Union, is simple and achievable.
WHAT IS THE E100 READING PLAN?
The Essential 100 Reading Plan (The E100) is an effective Bible reading program built around 100 carefully selected short Bible passages — 50 from the Old Testament and 50 from the New Testament. It enables participants to get the big picture of God’s Word and in the process develop a daily Bible reading habit.
Our prayer is that God will use this reading plan to ignite a Bible reading revival.
PEANUT GALLERY: Please note that the resources available through Scripture Union are not required to follow along with us here. However, you may find them helpful personally, for use church-wide, or in a small group.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening sentence
When the right time came, God sent his Son….
__________
“Almost there” – Michael W Smith / Amy Grant
Evening Reading: Luke 2:1-7 NLT
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
“Silent Night” – Celtic Woman
Evening Reading: Galatians 4:4-7 NLT
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
Evening Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 NLT
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
“O Holy Night” – Josh Groban
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Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God: You emptied Yourself to assume the condition of a slave. You were tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. You, alone, were born to save us.
+ Coming into our world, Lord Jesus, You open the new age which the prophets foretold. In every age, may the Church come again to new birth.
+ You took on our human weakness. Be the eyes of the blind, the strength of the weak, the friend of the lonely.
+ Lord, You were born among the poor: show them Your love.
+ Your birth brings eternal life within man’s reach; comfort the dying with hope of new life in heaven.
+ Gather the departed to Yourself; and make them radiant in Your glory.
Fill us with confidence, Lord God, when Your Only-Begotten Son comes as our judge. We welcome Him with joy as our redeemer: year by year renew that joy, as we await the fulfillment of our redemption by Jesus Christ our Lord, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
__________
Canticle
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation. For he has shown me such favor – me, his lowly handmaiden. Now all generations will call me blessed, because the mighty one has done great things for me.
His name is holy, his mercy lasts for generation after generation for those who revere him. He has put forth his strength: he has scattered the proud and conceited, torn princes from their thrones; but lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
“Ave Maria”
Blessing
To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. (John 1:12-13 NLT)
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening sentence
“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:14 NLT)
__________
Morning Reading: Luke 2:1-21 NLT
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
The Adoration of the Shepherds Guido Reni, ca 1600 Certosa di San Martino, Naples
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior — yes, the Messiah, the Lord — has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.
__________
Prayer:
Lord Jesus: we welcome You into our hearts and minds – be born again in our lives today.
+ Drive away our fears and anxieties – that we may delight in the wonders of Your glory .
+ Purify our hearts – that our motivations and actions may be pleasing to You.
+ Grant us Your peace – that we may reflect Your calm presence in the raging storms.
+ Fill us with joyful expectation – that we may eagerly await the celebration of Christmas.
+ Keep us ever alert and watchful – that we may be prepared for Your immanent Return.
Lord Jesus – Savior, Messiah – You are the light of the world and the hope of nations. Reveal Your glory, once again, to all Your people at Christmas – that we may find hope and help in our time of need. Amen.
__________
“Angels from the Realms of Glory” – Fountainview Academy
_________
Canticle
Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.
Blessing
He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people. (Revelation 22:20-21 NLT)
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening sentence
“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” (Mark 1:2-3 NLT)
__________
Morning Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 NLT
The Dream of Saint Joseph Anton Raphael Mengs – circa 1773-1774 Kunsthistorisches Museum (Austria – Vienna)
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
__________
Prayer:
Immanuel, Jesus Savior: we wait expectantly for Your return – deliver us from evil and restore all creation to its intended perfection.
+ Thank You for loving each one of us personally in spite of ourselves.
+ Forgive us our abuse of freedom and release us from our bondage to sin.
+ Renew in us a joyful spirit that we may sing Your praises, especially as we celebrate Your birth.
+ Give us a humble heart and willing spirit that we may obey You, no matter how improbable the circumstances.
We offer You our lives today, Lord. You alone are worthy of our worship, be glorified in us Christ Jesus, only Son of the Father, who reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.
__________
“God with us” – Mercyme
_________
Canticle
Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.
Blessing
He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people. (Revelation 22:20-21 NLT)
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Peanut Gallery 