+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence
Christ, our God, in whom the fullness of the divine nature dwells, took on the frailty of our human nature and was born as the new man, alleluia.
Morning Reading: Isaiah 45:22-23 (NLT)
“Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. I have sworn by my own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to me.”
Jesus Christ, the King
Morning 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.
Morning Prayer
The Word of God was manifested in the flesh, lowly and meek yet all-powerful. Only Son of God, we bow before You and pledge our allegiance.
+ Redeemer of all mankind, You came into our lives – may we constantly be aware of Your saving presence.
+ You manifested to us the faithfulness of God – may we faithfully follow Your light of illumination and guidance.
+ You let us see the Father’s love for us – may we freely love others with the loving-kindness You have shown us.
+ You came to establish Your Kingdom and live among us – may we live joyfully as citizens of heaven and heirs of the King.
Almighty God, the light of a new star in heaven heralded Your saving love. Let the light of Your salvation dawn in our hearts and keep them always open to Your life-giving grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
“He Shall Reign Forevermore”
In the bleak mid-winter, all creation groans | For a world in darkness, frozen like a stone | Light is breaking, in a stable | For a throne
And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore | And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore | Unto us a child is born | The King of kings and Lord of lords | And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
If I were a wise man, I would travel far | And if I were a shepherd, I would do my part | But poor as I am | I will give to Him my heart
Here within a manger lies | The One who made the starry skies | This baby born for sacrifice | Christ, the Messiah | Into our hopes, into our fears | The Savior of the world appears | The promise of eternal years | Christ, the Messiah
Blessing
The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening Sentence and Prayer:
On this first Sunday of 2016: we give thanks for the year gone by, and ask for God’s continuing care and protection as we face this new year, not knowing what it will bring.
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God most high, You light the way for all who seek You. Fill us with joy as we behold Your glory, and humble us in worship before You. Arise and shine once again in our darkness, and may nations and kings come into Your radiant light. May Your justice and righteousness reign in the coming year, and all the godly flourish and prosper. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “We Three Kings of Orient Are” – Jennifer Avalon
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 60:1-6 (NLT)
“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.
“Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home. Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands. Vast caravans of camels will converge on you, the camels of Midian and Ephah. The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense and will come worshiping the Lord.
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A Reading from Psalms: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 (NLT)
Give your love of justice to the king, O God, and righteousness to the king’s son. Help him judge your people in the right way; let the poor always be treated fairly.
May all the godly flourish during his reign. May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more. May he reign from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.
The western kings of Tarshish and other distant lands will bring him tribute. The eastern kings of Sheba and Seba will bring him gifts. All kings will bow before him, and all nations will serve him.
He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them.
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“Jesus Shall Reign” – Sean Dayton
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A Reading from the Letters: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 (NLT)
You know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me.
God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT)
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
The Star of Bethlehem Gustave Doré (1832-1883)
King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”
Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
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Hymn: “A Christmas Alleluia” – Chris Tomlin, Lauren Daigle, Leslie Jordan
Alleluia, alleluia | Christ, the Savior of the world | He has come! | Alleluia, alleluia | To the highest name of all | Alleluia!
The heavens roar, the angels sing | All glory to our God and King! | O night divine forever more | Alleluia!
You’re the highest name of all | Alleluia!
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Intercessions:
Merciful God: You save all who cry out for help. Come to us now as we begin a new year.
+ For the people of all nations, that they may hear and believe the Good News of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the rulers of all nations, that they come into the light of Christ and govern with justice and compassion…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the Jewish people, our brothers and sisters, that through their faithfulness to Your word, they too may reach Your Kingdom…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people of all faiths and of none, especially Muslim people, that they may discover the grace and truth of Your Son, Jesus Christ and grow in love…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have been driven from their homes by war and violence, that they may receive Your help and protection and return home in peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those in our midst who are sick or in sorrow, that our support may remind them of Your unfailing love and compassion…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our friends and relatives who have died in Christ, that eternal rest and peace may be theirs…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our own needs, for our families, and for those who have asked for our prayers…. Lord, hear us.
O God, You rule the earth with justice: help us all according to our needs, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”
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Benediction:
He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:15b-16)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening Sentence and Prayer:
As we continue our Christmas celebration, we honor the Holy Family of Jesus and entrust our families to God’s care in the New Year.
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As Your sons and daughters, O loving God, we come before You in thanksgiving, called and united by Your eternal Word. Teach us to ponder the mystery of Nazareth, that we may always find in You the source of our strength and the unity of our families. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “O Come All Ye Faithful” at Westminster Abbey
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A Reading from the Old Testament: 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28 (NLT)
[Hannah presents her child to the Lord, just as Mary and Joseph later did for Jesus.]
In due time Hannah gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the Lord for him.”
The next year Elkanah and his family went on their annual trip to offer a sacrifice to the Lord and to keep his vow. But Hannah did not go. She told her husband, “Wait until the boy is weaned. Then I will take him to the Tabernacle and leave him there with the Lord permanently. ”
When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. They brought along a three-year-old bull for the sacrifice and a basket of flour and some wine. After sacrificing the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. “Sir, do you remember me?” Hannah asked. “I am the very woman who stood here several years ago praying to the Lord. I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord , and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshiped the Lord there.
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A Reading from Psalms: Psalm 105:1-9 (NLT)
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord . Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, you children of his servant Abraham, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.
He is the Lord our God. His justice is seen throughout the land. He always stands by his covenant— the commitment he made to a thousand generations. This is the covenant he made with Abraham and the oath he swore to Isaac.
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“Give Thanks to the Lord (Psalm 105)” – Sean Dayton
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A Reading from the Letters: 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24 (NLT)
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.
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And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 2:41-52 (NLT)
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends.
When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”
“But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he meant.
Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart.
Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.
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Hymn: “Savior of the World” – Hillsong
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Intercessions:
God looks with love on all of creation: let us approach His throne of grace with confidence:
+ For all the members of the Christian family – that joy and peace may be theirs through the Christmas celebration…. Lord, hear us.
+ For homeless families, and refugees – that they may be protected and provided for…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the families in our communities – that the Word made flesh may be at the centre of every home…. Lord, hear us.
+ For familes where there is hurt or difficulty – that those who have suffered may find healing…. Lord, hear us.
+ For Christians facing persecution, that Saint Stephen, the first martyr, may inspire them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people who are sick, and for all our families and friends in hospital or living in nursing homes – that we may not forget to pray for them and honour them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died recently, especially from conflict in the Middle East, and for all we have known who have died during the year 2015 whom we remember now – that the light of heaven may be theirs. Lord, hear us.
God our creator, Your strength sustains Your people all their days: hear our prayers and stay with us throughout the New Year, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “God rest ye merry gentlemen” – Mercy Me
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Benediction:
(May you) grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening Prayer:
God our Redeemer, who prepared the blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of Your Son: Grant that, as she looked for His coming as our Savior, so we may be ready to greet Him when He comes again as our Judge; who is alive and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
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Hymn: “O Come All Ye Faithful” – Casting Crowns
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Micah 5:1-4a (NLT)
Mobilize! Marshal your troops! The enemy is laying siege to Jerusalem. They will strike Israel’s leader in the face with a rod.
Bethlehem Market Place in 1900 Munir Alawi
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies until the woman in labor gives birth. Then at last his fellow countrymen will return from exile to their own land.
And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
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A Reading from Psalms: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 (NLT)
Show us your mighty power. Come to rescue us! Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.
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… that you yourself have planted, this son you have raised for yourself. For we are chopped up and burned by our enemies. May they perish at the sight of your frown.
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Then we will never abandon you again. Revive us so we can call on your name once more. Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.
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“Restoration (Psalm 80)” – James Block
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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 10:5-10 (NLT)
That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God,
“You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God — as is written about me in the Scriptures.’”
First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses). Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 1:39-45 (NLT)
“Visitation” Mariotto Albertinelli, 1503 Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence.
A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
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Hymn: “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem”
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Intercessions:
God our Savior: we pray for the Church and for the world.
+ For all who fear God and believe in You, Lord Christ – that our divisions may cease, and that all may be one as You and the Father are one…. Lord, hear our prayer.
+ For those who do not yet believe, and for those who have lost their faith – that they may receive the light of the Gospel…. Lord, hear our prayer.
+ For the peace of the world – that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples…. Lord, hear our prayer.
+ For those in positions of public trust – that they may serve justice, and promote the dignity and freedom of every person…. Lord, hear our prayer.
+ For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger – that they may be relieved and protected…. Lord, hear our prayer.
+ For our faith communities – that we may be delivered from hardness of heart, and show forth thy glory in all that we do…. Lord, hear our prayer.
+ For all who have commended themselves to our prayers; for our families, friends, and neighbors – that being freed from anxiety, they may live in joy, peace, and health…. Lord, hear our prayer.
+ For all who have died in Christ, and those whose faith is known to thee alone – that, with all the saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal…. Lord, hear our prayer.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of all the saints, we commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life to Christ our God…. For Yours is the majesty, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, now and for ever. Amen.
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Hymn: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” – King’s College Choir
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Benediction:
(May you) grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Traditionally, today is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing.’ The reason for celebration is that the day of the Lord’s coming is nearer.
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening Prayer:
Almighty God, You sent your Son into a world where the wheat must be winnowed from the chaff and evil clings even to what is good. Let the fire of Your Spirit purify our hearts and consecrate our lives so that we may find our peace in You and You may delight in us. Grant this through Him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “O Come O Come Emmanuel” – Enya
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A Reading from the Old Testament: Zephaniah 3:14-18a (NLT)
[Zephaniah appeals for joy. The Lord is in the midst of the people, so there is no need for fear.]
Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! For the Lord will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy. And the Lord himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster.
On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, “Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid! For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
“I will gather you who mourn for the appointed festivals; you will be disgraced no more.
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A Reading of a Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-6 (NLT)
See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.”
With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”
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“Made me glad” – Hillsong
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A Reading from the Letters: Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)
[Be happy, says Paul, and be considerate: the Lord is very near.]
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again — rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 3:10-18 (NLT)
[John the Baptist announces the Good News, and declares he is not the Messiah.]
St. John the Baptist Preaching Mattia Preti, c. 1665 Museum of Fine Arts, San Francisco
The crowds asked, “What should we do?”
John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”
He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”
“What should we do?” asked some soldiers.
John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am — so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.
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Hymn: “God is the strength of my heart”
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Intercessions:
Lord God: You are our strength and our salvation – hear our prayers.
+ For all who follow Christ – that we may have joy as we prepare for the Lord’s coming…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer from hunger and want – that we may generously share what we have…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all whose hearts are broken – that we may remember them and befriend them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For refugees and all who are far from home – that they find comfort and peace at Christmas…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those suffering from the devastation of terrorism – that they may find strength and courage in You, God…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those we love and people who are in any kind of need – that You, God, may be with them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died in Christ – that the peace and joy of eternal life may be theirs…. Lord, hear us.
God our Savior, we rejoice in Your mighty deeds, help us now through these troubled times, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Gaudete” – Steeleye Span
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Benediction:
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Peanut Gallery 