"2015: Looking back / looking forward" by Alex JoynerPhoto: Bigstock/hadrianHow do you measure a year?In “Seasons of Love,” the centerpiece song of the Broadway musical Rent, lyricist Jonathan Larson asks us to consider, “Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes / How do you measure, measure a year?” The song goes on to list possible units of measure (sunsets, cups of coffee, moments of laughter or strife, and so forth). So how do you measure a year of our lives?
If the year in question is 2015, do we measure it by the bookends of terrorist violence in Paris (Charlie Hebdo and the Bataclan) or the high moments of wonder (a flyby of Pluto and a lunar eclipse)? Is the measure of the year the racial politics of American policing or the ephemeral joy of pop culture moments (anybody remember “left shark” at the Super Bowl halftime performance)?
Christians see much deeper meaning in the passing of time. Even in years when it seems that the world has regressed or humanity is existentially threatened, there’s a larger narrative at work for those who are shaped by the mystery of faith recited in many churches during the Great Thanksgiving before Communion: “Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.” How do we look back on the significant events of 2015 in light of that affirmation, and how does this shape the way we look ahead to 2016?
Photo: BigstockParis and San BernardinoOn January 7, gunmen inspired by the Islamic State that controls parts of Syria and Iraq attacked the offices of a satirical magazine that had published cartoons of the prophet Muhammad. Twelve people were killed. The Charlie Hebdo assault in the center of Paris came in broad daylight and was accompanied by hostage dramas in other parts of the city. The attack raised fears of terrorist violence in Western countries. While there were other smaller incidents through the year, the November 13 assaults in the same city — at sidewalk cafes, a stadium and the Bataclan concert hall — left over 125 dead and galvanized world attention. Terrorists also struck in other parts of the world, notably Nigeria, where the Boko Haram group was active.
In the United States, on December 2, a man and his wife killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California, in what was being investigated as a terrorist incident. It was the largest such incident in the United States since the September 11, 2001, attacks, which prompted Jeh Johnson, secretary of Homeland Security, to tell The New York Times, “We have moved to an entirely new phase in the global terrorist threat and in our homeland security efforts.” Even so, for all the outsized attention these attacks receive, U.S. deaths due to terrorist attacks (including not just jihadists but also white supremacists and other right-wing extremists) since 9/11 number only 93, according to statistics from the New America research organization.
The continuing crisis in SyriaThe terrorist threat led many world leaders to focus military attention on the situation in Syria where the Islamic State has taken hold of parts of the country. Russia, France, Great Britain and the United States all conducted bombing campaigns in Syria, which has been wracked by war for several years. When Germany joined the U.S.-led coalition in December, German justice minister Heiko Maas said, “We must stop this terrorist gang of murderers. That will not be achieved with military action alone, but neither would it be achieved without.”
Some 12 million Syrians and an additional three million Iraqis have been displaced by fighting in their countries. Refugees fleeing the war zone began flooding into Europe this summer, creating the greatest migration crisis on that continent since World War II. Germany was preparing to receive over 800,000 of the refugees by the end of the year. The European Methodist Council responded to the challenge with a pastoral letter that said God calls the church “to welcome those who arrive as our fellow pilgrims.”
Syrian refugees leaving Hungary on October 6, 2015. Photo: BigstockMeanwhile, the U.S. decision to receive a much smaller number of Syrian refugees (an estimated 10,000 in 2016) was met with opposition by some presidential candidates and governors. “Texas will not accept any Syrian refugees,” Texas governor Greg Abbott announced on Twitter following the November Paris attacks. “I demand the U.S. act similarly. Security comes first.”
Security and gun violence
Security was much on the minds of Americans this year as gun violence continued to take lives. As reported on the Vox website, each year guns account for about 33,000 deaths through homicide, suicide, and accidents — far more than through acts of terrorism.
Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC / Photo: jalexartis via Flickr / CC 2.0Conversations about the relative merits of gun control and deterrence through greater gun ownership followed high-profile shootings in Charleston, South Carolina; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Roseburg, Oregon; and Colorado Springs, Colorado. Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. urged students at the Christian school to carry arms on campus. “I always thought that if more good people had concealed-carry permits, then we could end those Muslims before they walk in and kill,” Falwell said, later clarifying that he meant Muslims who perpetrated attacks. United Methodist pastor Jason Micheli took a very different tack in considering gun control, saying, “It’s not a question of what’s constitutional, legally allowed or what the Founders envisioned; it’s a question of how we as Christians live as a peaceful alternative to State, placing our identity in Christ above all worldly loyalties.”
And in other news
Other events of the year offered different possibilities for peace and unity. Despite much opposition, the United States and five other world powers approved an agreement with Iran aimed at limiting that nation’s nuclear program. Pope Francis made a six-day visit to the United States in September, during which he emphasized opposition to the death penalty, support for interfaith tolerance, and advocacy for the environment and the needs of the poor. At the same time, he drew large, admiring crowds.
A giant mural in New York City dedicated to the pope's visit. Photo: BigstockAnd in the far reaches of space, probes brought back magnificent close-ups of lonely Pluto and signs of flowing water on Mars. Meanwhile, in late June, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling legalizing same-sex marriage throughout the United States.
‘Christ must control your hearts’If the future has been ensured by the action of God in the cross and resurrection, then Christians can grasp the hope of each moment. Colossians 3:3-4 puts it starkly: “You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.”
If we’re relying on external events to assure us of this hope, then we’ll always be at the mercy of the latest news report of a mass shooting or the latest cute cat video to determine our mood and our actions. Instead, Colossians goes on to say, “The peace of Christ must control your hearts — a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people” (3:15). If Jesus Christ is Lord, then the way to respond to any year is with acts shaped by love.
In “Seasons of Love,” the song with which we began, Larson doesn’t leave the audience hanging. “How do you measure a year in the life?” he asks. His response? “How about love?” So how about it?
Be sure to check out FaithLink, a weekly downloadable discussion guide for classes and small groups.
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"The radicalization of Mary" by Kira SchlesingerSaint Mary statue in Nativity scene at Florence Piazza Duomo. Bigstock/heavyrobbieIn the wake of the mass shooting in San Bernardino, “radicalization” became the latest media buzzword. The talking heads on cable news speculated about when and how the shooters were radicalized and how or if the government could thwart these radicalizing forces. On the other hand, some American politicians proposed barring all members of a particular religion from entering the country, even refugees, using disturbingly fascist rhetoric — a radical solution to the problem of radicalization. But from a Christian point-of-view, the use of the word “radical” calls to mind Inigo Montoya from the movie "The Princess Bride": “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”
Image courtesy The Princess Bride via FacebookMaryAnn McKibben Dana’s blog post “A Curriculum for Radicalization” points out that there is nothing truly radical about either extremists or fundamentalists because they are still playing by the rules of this world. Using the language of war and violence, inciting fear and terror, and pitting groups of people against one another based on differences in color or religious belief is nothing new in human history. Unfortunately, people have been acting like this for a long, long time, even religious people.
What the world needs is people who are truly radicalized, who do not accept the state of the world as it is, and who are willing to risk their comfort and safety to do a new thing. The world needs people who are committed to dismantling the logic of violence through vulnerability and waging peace.
The very word “radical” comes from the Latin radix meaning “root.” Christian radicals are rooted in the story of God’s salvation through Israel and through Christ whereby God reveals the new thing that God is doing in the world. Those of us who follow the Revised Common Lectionary may have heard that in church on Sunday in Mary’s song, the Magnificat (Luke 2:46-55). The new, radical thing that God is doing includes bringing down the powerful and lifting up the lowly, filling the hungry with good things and sending the rich away empty.
Throughout Scripture, we get a taste of what is truly radical. The Word becoming flesh in the person of Jesus of Nazareth is radical. A Messiah born to a Jewish virgin in a crowded, backwater, Roman-occupied town is radical. John the Baptist’s preaching of sharing our coats and food with those who have none is radical. Jesus’ mission and ministry of healing the sick and dining with outcasts and sinners is radical. A Savior submitting to crucifixion and death in order to overcome violence and the grave is radical. The Holy Spirit pouring out on all people and nations is radical.
Grace and forgiveness are radical. Violence is not. Sharing bread and wine at a communion table in spite of our divisions is radical. Welcoming strangers into our midst is radical. The Kingdom of God is radical precisely because it upends and subverts the way we think the world should work, and it is that kingdom that comes into being in the birth of Jesus Christ. May we join with Mary this Christmas and celebrate God’s radical work in the world by committing to being radical Christians.
"Grace for Bristol Palin" by David Person
"7 common ways leaders waste time and energy"
by Ron Edmondson
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"If the goals you set for the new year fail, this could be why"
by Len Wilson
What the world needs is people who are truly radicalized, who do not accept the state of the world as it is, and who are willing to risk their comfort and safety to do a new thing. The world needs people who are committed to dismantling the logic of violence through vulnerability and waging peace.
The very word “radical” comes from the Latin radix meaning “root.” Christian radicals are rooted in the story of God’s salvation through Israel and through Christ whereby God reveals the new thing that God is doing in the world. Those of us who follow the Revised Common Lectionary may have heard that in church on Sunday in Mary’s song, the Magnificat (Luke 2:46-55). The new, radical thing that God is doing includes bringing down the powerful and lifting up the lowly, filling the hungry with good things and sending the rich away empty.
Throughout Scripture, we get a taste of what is truly radical. The Word becoming flesh in the person of Jesus of Nazareth is radical. A Messiah born to a Jewish virgin in a crowded, backwater, Roman-occupied town is radical. John the Baptist’s preaching of sharing our coats and food with those who have none is radical. Jesus’ mission and ministry of healing the sick and dining with outcasts and sinners is radical. A Savior submitting to crucifixion and death in order to overcome violence and the grave is radical. The Holy Spirit pouring out on all people and nations is radical.
Grace and forgiveness are radical. Violence is not. Sharing bread and wine at a communion table in spite of our divisions is radical. Welcoming strangers into our midst is radical. The Kingdom of God is radical precisely because it upends and subverts the way we think the world should work, and it is that kingdom that comes into being in the birth of Jesus Christ. May we join with Mary this Christmas and celebrate God’s radical work in the world by committing to being radical Christians.
"Grace for Bristol Palin" by David Person
Bristol Palin/Instagram
Dear Bristol Palin:
A wave of sympathy rolled through my body as I read this provocative headline: “Abstinence-only advocate Bristol Palin gives birth to 2nd out-of-wedlock child.” No baby deserves to be labeled like this as it comes into this world.
Labeling you may be fair — more on that in a moment — but labeling your baby is not. Though I am part of the so-called “lame-stream media” as your mother describes us, I still feel it was unfair to label your newborn Sailor Grace that way. I am sorry that happened.
As for labeling you, well, as Jesus once said: “Whoever among you is guiltless may be the first to throw a stone at her. (John 8:7 NET).” I’m betting none of us in the media or the general public qualify.
From what I’ve seen, we all struggle to reconcile belief with action. And from what I’ve seen, most of us fail many more times than we succeed.
Politicians like your mom are fair game. So are many other appointed leaders. But you, in my opinion, are still young at 25 and deserve some compassion as you navigate life’s choices — especially since you had to finish growing up in the glare of a spotlight that you didn’t seek.
I also suspect — though you may not agree — that you are a target for some not just because of your politics but because you are a young woman. And we in the media — liberal and conservative — can be ruthlessly, mercilessly scrutinizing of famous females.
Ask President Barack Obama’s daughters. Or former President Bush’s daughters. Or the daughters of former Presidents Clinton and Carter.
Ask presidential candidate Ted Cruz’s daughters.
So regardless of what we say or write about you, don’t give our criticisms or praise more consideration than they are due. (And that includes this open letter to you. Value it or not as you see fit.)
And just so you know, I’m a liberal independent, not a conservative Republican. I didn’t vote for John McCain and your mom in 2008, and have been critical of both in my work as a commentator and columnist.
It’s also not likely that you and I would agree on politics, based on what I’ve read about your views. But political differences don’t change the fact that you are a young woman as deserving of grace and compassion as any of us.
Yes, we all should challenge ourselves to be the best we can be — and be accountable when we aren’t — but we also must allow ourselves time and space to grow, especially when we are young. Self-improvement is a lifetime process.
So be gentle with yourself. Live your life. Be a great mom. Raise your two beautiful children. Ignore the hyped-up headlines. Eventually, we in the media will move on to something else.
Meanwhile, Sailor Grace and Tripp will continue to be the gifts to you God intended them to be. And that will always matter more than any headlines, good or bad.
Sincerely,
David Person
"7 common ways leaders waste time and energy"
by Ron Edmondson
Wasting time and energy may be one of my biggest pet peeves as a leader. Some days I leave work and feel I never got off a treadmill. It’s physically and mentally draining.
Does it ever happen to you?
It can be frustrating to feel your most valuable commodity — time — has been wasted, or that you invested good energy on the wrong things.
I firmly believe when we get rid of some common drains on our time and energy, we dramatically improve our performance as leaders. With this in mind, I’ve observed in my own personal development some ways to eliminate time and energy wasters.
Here are seven common wastes of time and energy in leadership:
Focusing too much attention on the naysayers.
I have found that worrying over what critics are saying, especially the ones I have learned I will likely never make happy, delays progress and takes time and energy from me. Plus, it only detracts my focus from the positive people who believe in the vision and are supportive. Every decision a leader makes will make some happy and some unhappy. I need to be humble, make sure I’m not making decisions alone, and filter through the constructive criticism I need to hear — but then give my best attention to moving forward.
Refusing to delegate.
When I make every decision, or become too controlling as a leader, I rob myself and our team of valuable extra time and energy a talented team could have provided. I feel overwhelmed more quickly, the team feels underappreciated and we fail to accomplish as much as we should.
Second-guessing decisions.
Sometimes I can wear myself out wrestling over a decision, even though I know I’ve covered all the bases I can — I've prayed, sought wise counsel, followed my gut. It’s often best just to make the decision. If I’m wrong, I find it's better to work to make better decisions moving forward rather than being timid about my next decision or living in a pity party of the bad ones already made.
Trying to have all the ideas.
Many leaders feel they have to be the originator of all the creativity of a team. Some do it it of pride and some mistakenly believe it’s what a leader must do. They waste time brainstorming alone and the energy created by expanding the creative process. Consequently, the best ideas often never surface. Original thoughts, better than ours, are usually in the room or the organization if we will welcome them to the table. This preserves my time and energy for more efficient uses and allows me to concentrate on things only I can do.
Living with bad structure.
Let’s face reality. Over time, rules take on a life of their own. What was once created to improve efficiency actually begins to slow progress and waste valuable time. Plus, bad structure is an energy-drainer. Change the rules — or, if possible, drop them. We need healthy guidelines, but the fewer restrictions we place on people the better they can perform — and you often free up valuable space for people to actually enjoy their work. Morale boosters are always good for productivity.
Disorganization.
Many leaders feel overwhelmed because they don’t have good organizational skills. Learning how to better handle routine tasks such as processing emails, calendaring, and scheduling work flow each week will drastically improve time efficiency and energy to do more work. Begin each day with a checklist of “must do” activities. Take time to plan out your week. Work from a predetermined schedule as much as possible. Learn the value of NO and use it. Being organized helps handle interruptions, which naturally come for all of us.
Completing tasks not helpful in my overall productivity.
This could be any number of things. Even reading a book, for example. Perhaps a silly example, but I have discovered sometimes I can read too much. It may sounds strange, but really it’s because I read things I didn’t need to read. I start a book and within the first chapter I know it’s not helpful, or even enjoyable, but my sense of completion wants to finish. It would be better to put it aside and pick up another book.
Take the novel-length email I just received: I try to determine first if I’m the one who should respond. Many times I’m not. Before I read and try to process, I pass it on to someone more suitable.
It could be attending a meeting or supervising a project. Whatever it is, if I am not the best person for the job or it is just a time or energy waster, the sooner I say no or hand off the task, the more time and energy I preserve for other tasks I should be doing.
What time or energy wasters have you seen in leadership?
Ron Edmondson blogs at RonEdmondson.com.
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"If the goals you set for the new year fail, this could be why"
by Len Wilson
I am excited about setting some creative goals for the new year. In previous years, a lot of my big plans carried over, but this year, I feel a sense of division and newness and freedom to think about new ideas and plans. What should I focus on? As I have dreamed, I have realized there’s one mistake I need to avoid making, so I thought I’d share it with you too.
The reason most goals don’t work is not that they’re too big. It’s that they’re too vague.
Say you want to write a book. You could write down a goal,
I will write a book.
That’s great, a big worthy goal, but when you say that, what does it mean? For most people such a goal is abstract to the point of being worthless. I have written books, yet I have never defined “write a book” as a goal. On the other hand, I have made this, related task a goal:
In 2016 I want to write a book proposal.
That’s specific, and something I know how to do.
Or say you want to write a book, but you aren’t familiar with book proposals, and aren’t sure where to start. Perhaps until I wrote this you didn’t even know that a proposal is a step in the book-writing process. So you could write as a 2016 goal,
I want to learn how to write a book proposal.
Or even more basic,
I want to learn the steps involved in getting a book published.
Depending on your familiarity with your goal, you might be able to name specific steps.
If you know exactly what your goal takes, write down every step in the process to achieve the goal. For each, decide a reasonable plan – time involved, resources needed, people needed, etc.
Writing down every step may reveal gaps in your knowledge.
You may realize that you’re missing some steps to be able to execute your plan. Likely, this will be the case — if your goal is big enough, you’re likely not going to know exactly what it takes.
If you don’t have a clear path in your head for how to get from where you are to where you want to be, your dreams and goals aren’t going to work.
On the other hand, don’t limit yourself by your familiarity. If you only do the things you’re familiar with, you won’t grow much. Rather, recognize that learning is a big part of any creative process.
Here are a few takeaways:
- Identify your big goal(s) for the year.
- Ask yourself, do I know every major step involved in reaching this goal?
- What learning do I need to do in order to know the major steps?
Len Wilson is the author of Think Like a 5 Year Old: Reclaim Your Wonder & Create Great Things from Abingdon Press. He blogs at LenWilson.us.
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"Incarnation is squishy"
by Dave Barnhart
Nativity: Byzantine mosaic style, c. 1150 / Meister der Palastkapelle in Palermo
Being an adult is not for the squeamish. If I had to estimate the amount of time as a total number of days I will have spent cleaning up bodily fluids at the end of my life — blood, urine, poo, vomit, etc. — I’m sure it would be the equivalent of a nice vacation. Nurses and teachers, who clean up more often than I do, I take my hat off to you.
As I’m on the floor toweling up the remnants of my dog’s recent leavings, I can’t help become somewhat reflective about Christmas. One of the aspects of God becoming flesh in Jesus Christ was an acceptance of becoming 60% water. The effect of being incarnate as a mammal is that you are constantly leaking, which often means that someone has to clean up after you.
Yes, I know that the messiness of Incarnation is a religious trope these days. We all have heard that Mary treasured the talk of shepherds in her heart while she was dealing with diapers and trying to figure out the rhythms of breastfeeding.
But as I get older, it strikes me that one of the most poignant aspects of being an incarnated human being, a creature who knows the world mediated through its own flesh, is that we are constantly leaking and disintegrating. We are organized entropy, taking in energy and matter, organizing it briefly to be part of our story, and then releasing it back into the world. It’s a precarious existence. We work very hard to create the illusion that it is solid, stable, predictable, that we are somehow in control of our environment and our bodies. But the reality is that we are mostly fluids. And we leak. All the time.
For one thing, we sweat. We are apparently the mammals most adept at sweating. Some argue that our ability to cool off with sweat allowed us to become highly-evolved pack animals. We ran down our prey until they died of exhaustion. Since we were able to cool our brains, they grew larger as we developed language to coordinate our strategies. So when God chose to become incarnate, God chose to become a sweaty God: Sweating from exertion, or embarrassment, or just existing while giving off a whiff of microbial B.O. The Bible even talks about Jesus’ sweat. Apparently he was an active prayer warrior, pouring out his heart until his sweat became like drops of blood (Luke 22:44).
We cry. We leak out of our eyes when we are sad, or happy, or taste bittersweet moments that are just too poignant for words. We cry when we feel physical pain. So God chose to become a crying God, one who wept at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35), who certainly wept in pain at the crucifixion, who probably shed tears when his friends abandoned him, or perhaps even angry tears when religious leaders tried to shame him.
We excrete. There’s no shame in it, because, as the children’s book says, “Everyone poops.” We have to get rid of the stuff our body doesn’t use, and we require fluid to aid the process. We have to urinate to clean our blood. Jesus used this basic understanding of physiology in his own preaching. Salt that has lost its saltiness isn’t even fit for the manure pile (Luke 14:35) — which is a pretty shocking metaphor and a stern warning for those of us who lose our flavor. And we aren’t made clean by what we eat or the religious purity regulations we observe, because everything we eat gets turned into poop (Mark 7:19). Rather, it’s our words — which come out of our mouths, and not the other end — that make us clean.
We salivate. When the smell of sautéing onions or barbecue or roast vegetables with spices hits our noses, our digestive enzymes start cranking. Our bodies add fluid to our food to help it process more efficiently. Jesus used his own spittle twice in the Bible to assist healing (Mark 7:33 and John 9:6).
And we bleed. Some of us bleed regularly, others of us bleed occasionally. We bleed when we are wounded, when we give birth, when we donate blood. As Christians, we tell a story about Jesus’ last supper, when he passed a cup to his disciples and said, “This is my blood of the new covenant. Drink it, and remember me” (1 Corinthians 11:24). The people of Jesus’ day knew that blood, being the life-force, belonged to God, and with it they made atonement, sanctified people and places and gave thanks. Jesus’ own blood, like the blood of the Passover lamb, set us free from the power of sin and death.
When we talk about Incarnation, we often speak about flesh as if it is a solid thing. In fact, our experience of being flesh is very fluid. We are nurtured in the water of a womb and our first food is often breastmilk. Incarnation is squishy.
Being a human is not for the squeamish. At Christmas, instead of being disgusted by our bodily existence, we rejoice that we are made in God’s image. We celebrate the Incarnation. We tell of a God who entered our world as a human, practically leaking divinity out of his very pores.
Dave Barnhart is the pastor of Saint Junia UMC in Birmingham, Ala.
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"5 things the church can learn from ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’"
by David DornThere are at least five things that the American church can learn from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. What others things did I miss? David Dorn is the Lead Contemporary Pastor for Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler, Texas. He is also the author ofReclaiming Anger, Under Wraps Youth Study and the founder of The PREPOSTEROUS Project.
"What are blessings?" by Jill M. Johnson
A tradition of blessingsWorking at a church has its communication requirements just like any other job, and we send a lot of emails and letters. The stewardship of words is very important to me, so I try to be intentional with my “complimentary close” and avoid traditional terms such as sincerely or regards. There’s nothing wrong with these closings, but since I’m called to shine a light on the activity of Christ’s kingdom in our world, I usually pick a word such aspeace or grace before signing my name. Lately, I find myself gravitating to the word blessings as a closing. But what exactly do I mean when I use that language? What happens to my heart and mind when someone writes or speaks that word to me?
The terms blessing and bless permeate Scripture. In the Old Testament alone, the word blessing is used more than 600 times and is deeply rooted in God’s covenant relationship with the Hebrew people. Our foundational stories in Genesis 1 tell us that God created great creatures of sea and land, blessed them (verse 22), and then created male and female humans in the image of God and blessed them as well (verses 27-28). Our origins begin not with a curse but with a blessing.
Dictionary.com defines the noun blessing as “a favor or gift bestowed by God” and the verb bless as “to bestow good of any kind upon.” In the Old Testament, we find different kinds of blessings, such as a father blessing his family, a ruler blessing his subjects and priests set apart to pronounce blessings in God’s name. According to the online resourceBibleStudyTools.com, three themes are present in these Old Testament blessings: “the greater blesses the lesser”; “the blessing as a sign of special favor . . . intended to result in prosperity and success”; and, finally, the blessing as an appeal for God’s blessing (“May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful” [Genesis 28:3, NIV]).
GotQuestions.org states, “The Hebrew word most often translated as ‘bless’ is barak, which can mean to praise, congratulate, or salute” and, in some instances, is “used to mean a curse.” Its root word is related to the knee and means to kneel in a humble position before God. Jewish writer and professor Brian Tice explains that the Hebrew word blessed “conveys the idea of being strengthened, of our weakness being compensated for with God’s strength.” Tice states that since the knee “is one of the weakest parts of the body,” a blessing from God empowers us “to be able to do what is not within our natural capabilities.” This was a revelation for me. Perhaps rather than using the word blessings as I close my emails, I will offer, “May God strengthen you in your weakest places.”
Blessing God
In the King James Version of Psalm 66:8 (“O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard”) and Psalm 103:2 (“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits”), we read examples of a person blessing God. Used in adoration or gratitude, “these occurrences of ‘bless’ are usually translated ‘praise’ . . . in modern versions” of the Bible, according to BibleStudyTools.com. Yet the Jewish tradition to this day continues to place a strong emphasis on Hebrew blessings, short prayers spoken to God to offer thanks for daily events.
Hebrew blessings start with “Blessed art Thou” and are said throughout the day over numerous, seemingly minor occurrences such as eating, washing one’s hands, putting on new clothes, seeing a rainbow, hearing thunder, smelling spices, waking up and going to bed. The talmudic rabbis believe that it was forbidden to enjoy such things without saying a blessing, stating, “If you enjoy something in this world without saying a blessing, it is as if you stole it” (Talmud Berachot 35A).
Spiritual blessingsIn the New Testament, the theme of blessings continues but more often with an emphasis on spiritual rather than material blessings — for example, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3, NIV). Paul also encourages the Corinthians, as they navigate how to be Christ’s followers in a hostile environment, to respond with a blessing when cursed and to endure being harassed (1 Corinthians 4:12).
We see Jesus takes the word blessed and, as is his usual practice, flips its meaning. In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, the Greek word makarios is used for “blessed” and means a happy state. Happy are those who, regardless of material wealth, find fulfillment in God. Mourning, poverty, hunger, mercy, peace and even persecution become gifts for the children of God. The Greek word eulogeo is also used for “bless” in the New Testament, meaning a good word, a good report from others or a blessing over our food. This is where the word eulogycomes from, when we speak well of someone who has passed away.
Counting our blessingsGratitude is essential to spiritual formation and growth; and counting, naming and claiming our blessings are powerful ways to be aware of and thankful for the life and love God has given us. Sometimes using the word blessed is just the easiest way to express with joy that something or someone in our lives is good and that “every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above” (James 1:17).
Yet I’m still amazed at how many of us throw this term around casually, ultimately devaluing its meaning. At church last week, I overheard someone in the hallway say, “We’ve been blessed to have a second home on the lake.” Did he just mean lucky? Did he believe all the cards he was dealt worked out well for him, or was this truly a statement of gratitude? Was he willing to share this blessing? I then walked into another room to see a newborn baby with a knit cap on his head with the word blessed at the top. Is this baby more special than others? Is he the next Messiah? Or perhaps his parents just felt immensely thankful to have him.
The power of blessingsFor the ancients, a blessing had great power and words had energy, emanating from deep within the soul. Once spoken, a blessing could not be taken back. As Frederick Buechner wrote, “Words spoken in deep love or deep hate set things in motion within the human heart that can never be reversed.” Yet sometimes, we use the phrase bless your heart to convey contempt or pity, or to vaguely cover up an insult (especially in the South!). “Those children just don’t know how to behave, but she’s a single mom, bless her heart.” “Oh, you’re late again to the meeting? Well, bless your heart, it must be hard to drive that old, unreliable car.” In our modern culture, a word that should be reserved for sacred moments has become an ordinary slogan carelessly spoken from our mouths, touted on Facebook, and plastered on clothing, jewelry and home decorations.
In his book Life of the Beloved, Henri J. M. Nouwen says that to give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can give. It goes beyond offering praise or recognizing someone’s talents, but should rather shine a light on a person’s belovedness. For Nouwen, being blessed is an ongoing gift from a loving Creator “who will never leave us alone,” not an occasional nod of approval from a distant God. “The blessings that we give to each other,” Nouwen writes, “are expressions of the blessing that rests on us from all eternity. It is the deepest affirmation of our true self.”
Be sure to check out FaithLink, a weekly downloadable discussion guide for classes and small groups.
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"Moving into 2016: God is with us" by Rose Taylor
A year consists of 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, and more than 31,000,000 seconds. World, national, state and local events currently are being reviewed and evaluated in the media; and reporters, politicians, as well as ordinary folk are speculating as to whether or not the year will be classified as the best, good, or bad.
So far the months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, and seconds of 2015 have been filled with ups, downs, twists, turns, trepidation and fear. Extreme violence, hateful political exchanges and devastating poverty have been among the issues at the forefront of this year. Overwhelming negativity has tried to dominate the news, but mercifully stories of community service, kindness and great generosity have served as a welcome relief from the proverbial bad news. As public events are reviewed, let’s remember to conduct a more personal review of the events that have taken place in our individual lives.
God is with us
A year can be experienced as going by quickly or slowly, depending upon what is happening in a person’s life and his or her anticipation or dread of those events. When troubles and frustrations are present, one month can seem as long as 52 weeks. When life is running smoothly, 525,600 minutes can seem as short as one day. It is wise for Christians to conduct a personal review of the year in light of Christ’s presence and nature. It is helpful that Christmas comes so close to the end of the year and the approach of a new one. The close proximity reminds us that another name for Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God is with us” — through each of the 31,000,000+ seconds. Scripture records Jesus teaching that there would be trouble in the world, but that we should not be dismayed because he has overcome the world. As we look back over the past year and gain closure regarding the public and personal events of 2015, remember that the same Savior who was with us during 2015 will be with us as we move with hope into 2016. Matthew 29:20 reminds us, “Look, I myself [Jesus] will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”
Question of the day: What will you remember most about 2015, and why?
Focal Scriptures: Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to Adonai! Call on his name!
Make his deeds known among the peoples.
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him,
talk about all his wonders.
Luke 15:17 “At last he came to his senses and said, ‘Any number of my father’s hired workers have food to spare; and here I am, starving to death! 18 I’m going to get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired workers.” ’ 20 So he got up and started back to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him warmly.
Philippians 3:13 Brothers, I, for my part, do not think of myself as having yet gotten hold of it; but one thing I do: forgetting what is behind me and straining forward toward what lies ahead,
For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.
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"This Sunday, January 3, 2016Epiphany Sunday / 2nd Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
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Lectionary Texts:
Isaiah 60:1 “Arise, shine [Yerushalayim],
for your light has come,
the glory of Adonai
has risen over you.
2 For although darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness the peoples;
on you Adonai will rise;
over you will be seen his glory.
3 Nations will go toward your light
and kings toward your shining splendor.
4 Raise your eyes and look around:
they are all assembling and coming to you;
your sons are coming from far off,
your daughters being carried on their nurses’ hips.
5 Then you will see and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with delight;
for the riches of the seas will be brought to you,
the wealth of nations will come to you.
6 Caravans of camels will cover your land,
young camels from Midyan and ‘Eifah,
all of them coming from Sh’va,
bringing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of Adonai.
Psalm 72:(0) By Shlomo:
(1) God, give the king your fairness in judgment,
endow this son of kings with your righteousness,
2 so that he can govern your people rightly
and your poor with justice.
3 May mountains and hills provide your people
with peace through righteousness.
4 May he defend the oppressed among the people,
save the needy and crush the oppressor.
5 May they fear you as long as the sun endures
and as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 May he be like rain falling on mown grass,
like showers watering the land.
7 In his days, let the righteous flourish
and peace abound, till the moon is no more.
Ephesians 3:1 It is a consequence of this that I, Sha’ul, am a prisoner of the Messiah Yeshua on behalf of you Gentiles. 2 I assume that you have heard of the work God in his grace has given me to do for your benefit, 3 and that it was by a revelation that this secret plan was made known to me. I have already written about it briefly, 4 and if you read what I have written, you will grasp how I understand this secret plan concerning the Messiah. 5 In past generations it was not made known to mankind, as the Spirit is now revealing it to his emissaries and prophets, 6 that in union with the Messiah and through the Good News the Gentiles were to be joint heirs, a joint body and joint sharers with the Jews in what God has promised. 7 I became a servant of this Good News by God’s gracious gift, which he gave me through the operation of his power. 8 To me, the least important of all God’s holy people, was given this privilege of announcing to the Gentiles the Good News of the Messiah’s unfathomable riches, 9 and of letting everyone see how this secret plan is going to work out. This plan, kept hidden for ages by God, the Creator of everything, 10 is for the rulers and authorities in heaven to learn, through the existence of the Messianic Community, how many-sided God’s wisdom is. 11 This accords with God’s age-old purpose, accomplished in the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord. 12 In union with him, through his faithfulness, we have boldness and confidence when we approach God.
Matthew 2:1 After Yeshua was born in Beit-Lechem in the land of Y’hudah during the time when Herod was king, Magi from the east came to Yerushalayim 2 and asked, “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard of this he became very agitated, and so did everyone else in Yerushalayim. 4 He called together all the head cohanim and Torah-teachers of the people and asked them, “Where will the Messiah be born?” 5 “In Beit-Lechem of Y’hudah,” they replied, “because the prophet wrote,
6 ‘And you, Beit-Lechem in the land of Y’hudah,
are by no means the least among the rulers of Y’hudah;
for from you will come a Ruler
who will shepherd my people Isra’el.’”[Matthew 2:6 Micah 5:1(2)]
7 Herod summoned the Magi to meet with him privately and asked them exactly when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Beit-Lechem with these instructions: “Search carefully for the child; and when you find him, let me know, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had listened to the king, they went away; and the star which they had seen in the east went in front of them until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 Upon entering the house, they saw the child with his mother Miryam; and they prostrated themselves and worshipped him. Then they opened their bags and presented him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 But they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they took another route back to their own country.
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John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Isaiah 60:1-6
Verse 1
[1] Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Arise — A word of encouragement accommodated to the Jewish, or Hebrew style, wherein, as by lying down, is described a servile and calamitous condition, chap. 47:1, so by rising, and standing up, a recovery out of it, into a free, and prosperous one, as may be seen frequently; Rouze up, intimating her deliverance to be at hand. Here under a type, of Jerusalem's restoration, is displayed the flourishing state of the Gentile - church, under the Messiah.
Thy light — Thy flourishing and prosperous state.
Verse 2
[2] For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
The darkness — All kinds of errors.
The Lord — Christ.
Shall be seen — Shall be conspicuous; as the Lord's arising, to the darkness covering the earth, so the glory being seen, answers to that gross darkness.
Verse 3
[3] And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
The Gentiles — A plain prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles.
Verse 5
[5] Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.
See — With delight the multitudes of thy children running to thee.
Flow — They shall flock together to behold such an amazing sight.
Fear — Or stand amazed.
Enlarged — Both with joy, and love.
The abundance — The islands of the sea, the nations, shall turn to thee in religion, and affection.
The forces — Or wealth.
Verse 6
[6] The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.
The multitude — The treasure, that is brought upon camels. By these, and such like figurative expressions in several verses of this chapter is implied the coming in of all nations to Christ, and therefore they are brought in as presenting the chief commodities of their respective countries.
Dromedaries — A smaller sort of camel.
Ephah — The Midianites, and Ephahites dwelt beyond Arabia.
Sheba — A country in Arabia Felix, whose queen it was, that came to visit Solomon, and her bringing gifts might be a type of this, Solomon being a type of Christ.
Gold — The principal commodities with which this country abounded, by which we are to understand whatever is precious.
Psalm 72:1-7
Verse 1
[1] Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.
Judgments — He saith judgments in the plural number, because though the office of judging and ruling was but one, yet there were divers parts and branches, of it; in all which he begs that Solomon may be directed to do as God would have him to do.
Verse 2
[2] He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
Thy afflicted ones — For such are thine in a special manner, thou art their judge and patron.
Verse 3
[3] The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
The mountains — Which are so dangerous to passengers, in regard of robbers and wild beasts. Hereby it is implied, that other places should do so too, and that it should be common and universal.
Verse 4
[4] He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
Judge — Vindicate them from their oppressors.
Verse 5
[5] They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
Thee — Thee, O God, this shall be another blessed fruit of this righteous government, that together with peace, true religion shall be established, and that throughout all generations, which was begun in Solomon's days, but not fully accomplished 'till Christ came.
Verse 6
[6] He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
He shall come — Christ did come down from heaven, and brought or sent down from heaven his doctrine, (which is often compared to rain) and the sweet and powerful influences of his spirit.
Ephesians 3:1-12
Verse 1
[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
For this cause — That ye may be so "built together," I am a prisoner for you gentiles - For your advantage, and for asserting your right to these blessings. This it was which so enraged the Jews against him.
Verse 2
[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
The dispensation of the grace of God given me in your behalf — That is, the commission to dispense the gracious gospel; to you gentiles in particular. This they had heard from his own mouth.
Verse 3
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
The mystery — Of salvation by Christ alone, and that both to Jews and gentiles.
As I wrote before — Namely, Ephesians 1:9,10; the very words of which passage he here repeats.
Verse 5
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
Which in other — In former, ages was not so clearly or fully made known to the sons of men - To any man, no, not to Ezekiel, so often styled, "son of man;" nor to any of the ancient prophets. Those here spoken of are New Testament prophets.
Verse 6
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
That the gentiles are joint-heirs — Of God.
And of the same body — Under Christ the head.
And joint-partakers of his promise — The communion of the Holy Ghost.
Verse 7
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
According to the gift of the grace of God — That is, the apostle - ship which he hath graciously given me, and which he hath qualified me for.
By the effectual working of his power — In me and by me.
Verse 8
[8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given — Here are the noblest strains of eloquence to paint the exceeding low opinion the apostle had of himself, and the fulness of unfathomable blessings which are treasured up in Christ.
Verse 9
[9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
What is the fellowship of the mystery — What those mysterious blessings are whereof all believers jointly partake. Which was, in a great measure, hidden from eternity by God, who, to make way for the free exercise of his love, created all things - This is the foundation of all his dispensations.
Verse 10
[10] To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
That the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church — By what is done in the church, which is the theatre of the divine wisdom.
Verse 12
[12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
By whom we have free access — Such as those petitioners have, who are introduced to the royal presence by some distinguished favourite.
And boldness — Unrestrained liberty of speech, such as children use in addressing an indulgent father, when, without fear of offending, they disclose all their wants, and make known all their requests.
Matthew 2:1-12
Verse 2
[2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
To do him homage — To pay him that honour, by bowing to the earth before him, which the eastern nations used to pay to their monarchs.
Verse 4
[4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
The chief priests — That is, not only the high priest and his deputy, with those who formerly had borne that office: but also the chief man in each of those twenty-four courses, into which the body of priests were divided, 1 Chronicles 24:6-19. The scribes were those whose peculiar business it was to explain the Scriptures to the people. They were the public preachers, or expounders of the law of Moses. Whence the chief of them were called doctors of the law.
Verse 6
[6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Thou art in nowise the least among the princes of Judah — That is, among the cities belonging to the princes or heads of thousands in Judah. When this and several other quotations from the Old Testament are compared with the original, it plainly appears, the apostles did not always think it necessary exactly to transcribe the passages they cited, but contented themselves with giving the general sense, though with some diversity of language. The words of Micah, which we render, Though thou be little, may be rendered, Art thou little? And then the difference which seems to be here between the prophet and the evangelist vanishes away. Micah 5:2.
Verse 8
[8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
And if ye find him, bring me word - Probably Herod did not believe he was born; otherwise would not so suspicious a prince have tried to make sure work at once?
Verse 10
[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Seeing the star — Standing over where the child was.
Verse 11
[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
They presented to him gifts — It was customary to offer some present to any eminent person whom they visited. And so it is, as travellers observe, in the eastern countries to this day.
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh — Probably these were the best things their country afforded; and the presents ordinarily made to great persons. This was a most seasonable, providential assistance for a long and expensive journey into Egypt, a country where they were entirely strangers, and were to stay for a considerable time.
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Sermon Story "God's Presence" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 1 January 2016 with Scripture Isaiah 60:1 “Arise, shine [Yerushalayim],
for your light has come,
the glory of Adonai
has risen over you.
2 For although darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness the peoples;
on you Adonai will rise;
over you will be seen his glory.
3 Nations will go toward your light
and kings toward your shining splendor.
4 Raise your eyes and look around:
they are all assembling and coming to you;
your sons are coming from far off,
your daughters being carried on their nurses’ hips.
5 Then you will see and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with delight;
for the riches of the seas will be brought to you,
the wealth of nations will come to you.
6 Caravans of camels will cover your land,
young camels from Midyan and ‘Eifah,
all of them coming from Sh’va,
bringing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of Adonai.
Lectionary Texts:
Isaiah 60:1 “Arise, shine [Yerushalayim],
for your light has come,
the glory of Adonai
has risen over you.
2 For although darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness the peoples;
on you Adonai will rise;
over you will be seen his glory.
3 Nations will go toward your light
and kings toward your shining splendor.
4 Raise your eyes and look around:
they are all assembling and coming to you;
your sons are coming from far off,
your daughters being carried on their nurses’ hips.
5 Then you will see and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with delight;
for the riches of the seas will be brought to you,
the wealth of nations will come to you.
6 Caravans of camels will cover your land,
young camels from Midyan and ‘Eifah,
all of them coming from Sh’va,
bringing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of Adonai.
Psalm 72:(0) By Shlomo:
(1) God, give the king your fairness in judgment,
endow this son of kings with your righteousness,
2 so that he can govern your people rightly
and your poor with justice.
3 May mountains and hills provide your people
with peace through righteousness.
4 May he defend the oppressed among the people,
save the needy and crush the oppressor.
5 May they fear you as long as the sun endures
and as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 May he be like rain falling on mown grass,
like showers watering the land.
7 In his days, let the righteous flourish
and peace abound, till the moon is no more.
Ephesians 3:1 It is a consequence of this that I, Sha’ul, am a prisoner of the Messiah Yeshua on behalf of you Gentiles. 2 I assume that you have heard of the work God in his grace has given me to do for your benefit, 3 and that it was by a revelation that this secret plan was made known to me. I have already written about it briefly, 4 and if you read what I have written, you will grasp how I understand this secret plan concerning the Messiah. 5 In past generations it was not made known to mankind, as the Spirit is now revealing it to his emissaries and prophets, 6 that in union with the Messiah and through the Good News the Gentiles were to be joint heirs, a joint body and joint sharers with the Jews in what God has promised. 7 I became a servant of this Good News by God’s gracious gift, which he gave me through the operation of his power. 8 To me, the least important of all God’s holy people, was given this privilege of announcing to the Gentiles the Good News of the Messiah’s unfathomable riches, 9 and of letting everyone see how this secret plan is going to work out. This plan, kept hidden for ages by God, the Creator of everything, 10 is for the rulers and authorities in heaven to learn, through the existence of the Messianic Community, how many-sided God’s wisdom is. 11 This accords with God’s age-old purpose, accomplished in the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord. 12 In union with him, through his faithfulness, we have boldness and confidence when we approach God.
Matthew 2:1 After Yeshua was born in Beit-Lechem in the land of Y’hudah during the time when Herod was king, Magi from the east came to Yerushalayim 2 and asked, “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard of this he became very agitated, and so did everyone else in Yerushalayim. 4 He called together all the head cohanim and Torah-teachers of the people and asked them, “Where will the Messiah be born?” 5 “In Beit-Lechem of Y’hudah,” they replied, “because the prophet wrote,
6 ‘And you, Beit-Lechem in the land of Y’hudah,
are by no means the least among the rulers of Y’hudah;
for from you will come a Ruler
who will shepherd my people Isra’el.’”[Matthew 2:6 Micah 5:1(2)]
7 Herod summoned the Magi to meet with him privately and asked them exactly when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Beit-Lechem with these instructions: “Search carefully for the child; and when you find him, let me know, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had listened to the king, they went away; and the star which they had seen in the east went in front of them until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 Upon entering the house, they saw the child with his mother Miryam; and they prostrated themselves and worshipped him. Then they opened their bags and presented him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 But they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they took another route back to their own country.
---------------------
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Isaiah 60:1-6
Verse 1
[1] Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Arise — A word of encouragement accommodated to the Jewish, or Hebrew style, wherein, as by lying down, is described a servile and calamitous condition, chap. 47:1, so by rising, and standing up, a recovery out of it, into a free, and prosperous one, as may be seen frequently; Rouze up, intimating her deliverance to be at hand. Here under a type, of Jerusalem's restoration, is displayed the flourishing state of the Gentile - church, under the Messiah.
Thy light — Thy flourishing and prosperous state.
Verse 2
[2] For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
The darkness — All kinds of errors.
The Lord — Christ.
Shall be seen — Shall be conspicuous; as the Lord's arising, to the darkness covering the earth, so the glory being seen, answers to that gross darkness.
Verse 3
[3] And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
The Gentiles — A plain prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles.
Verse 5
[5] Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.
See — With delight the multitudes of thy children running to thee.
Flow — They shall flock together to behold such an amazing sight.
Fear — Or stand amazed.
Enlarged — Both with joy, and love.
The abundance — The islands of the sea, the nations, shall turn to thee in religion, and affection.
The forces — Or wealth.
Verse 6
[6] The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.
The multitude — The treasure, that is brought upon camels. By these, and such like figurative expressions in several verses of this chapter is implied the coming in of all nations to Christ, and therefore they are brought in as presenting the chief commodities of their respective countries.
Dromedaries — A smaller sort of camel.
Ephah — The Midianites, and Ephahites dwelt beyond Arabia.
Sheba — A country in Arabia Felix, whose queen it was, that came to visit Solomon, and her bringing gifts might be a type of this, Solomon being a type of Christ.
Gold — The principal commodities with which this country abounded, by which we are to understand whatever is precious.
Psalm 72:1-7
Verse 1
[1] Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.
Judgments — He saith judgments in the plural number, because though the office of judging and ruling was but one, yet there were divers parts and branches, of it; in all which he begs that Solomon may be directed to do as God would have him to do.
Verse 2
[2] He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
Thy afflicted ones — For such are thine in a special manner, thou art their judge and patron.
Verse 3
[3] The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
The mountains — Which are so dangerous to passengers, in regard of robbers and wild beasts. Hereby it is implied, that other places should do so too, and that it should be common and universal.
Verse 4
[4] He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
Judge — Vindicate them from their oppressors.
Verse 5
[5] They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
Thee — Thee, O God, this shall be another blessed fruit of this righteous government, that together with peace, true religion shall be established, and that throughout all generations, which was begun in Solomon's days, but not fully accomplished 'till Christ came.
Verse 6
[6] He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
He shall come — Christ did come down from heaven, and brought or sent down from heaven his doctrine, (which is often compared to rain) and the sweet and powerful influences of his spirit.
Ephesians 3:1-12
Verse 1
[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
For this cause — That ye may be so "built together," I am a prisoner for you gentiles - For your advantage, and for asserting your right to these blessings. This it was which so enraged the Jews against him.
Verse 2
[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
The dispensation of the grace of God given me in your behalf — That is, the commission to dispense the gracious gospel; to you gentiles in particular. This they had heard from his own mouth.
Verse 3
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
The mystery — Of salvation by Christ alone, and that both to Jews and gentiles.
As I wrote before — Namely, Ephesians 1:9,10; the very words of which passage he here repeats.
Verse 5
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
Which in other — In former, ages was not so clearly or fully made known to the sons of men - To any man, no, not to Ezekiel, so often styled, "son of man;" nor to any of the ancient prophets. Those here spoken of are New Testament prophets.
Verse 6
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
That the gentiles are joint-heirs — Of God.
And of the same body — Under Christ the head.
And joint-partakers of his promise — The communion of the Holy Ghost.
Verse 7
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
According to the gift of the grace of God — That is, the apostle - ship which he hath graciously given me, and which he hath qualified me for.
By the effectual working of his power — In me and by me.
Verse 8
[8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given — Here are the noblest strains of eloquence to paint the exceeding low opinion the apostle had of himself, and the fulness of unfathomable blessings which are treasured up in Christ.
Verse 9
[9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
What is the fellowship of the mystery — What those mysterious blessings are whereof all believers jointly partake. Which was, in a great measure, hidden from eternity by God, who, to make way for the free exercise of his love, created all things - This is the foundation of all his dispensations.
Verse 10
[10] To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
That the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church — By what is done in the church, which is the theatre of the divine wisdom.
Verse 12
[12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
By whom we have free access — Such as those petitioners have, who are introduced to the royal presence by some distinguished favourite.
And boldness — Unrestrained liberty of speech, such as children use in addressing an indulgent father, when, without fear of offending, they disclose all their wants, and make known all their requests.
Matthew 2:1-12
Verse 2
[2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
To do him homage — To pay him that honour, by bowing to the earth before him, which the eastern nations used to pay to their monarchs.
Verse 4
[4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
The chief priests — That is, not only the high priest and his deputy, with those who formerly had borne that office: but also the chief man in each of those twenty-four courses, into which the body of priests were divided, 1 Chronicles 24:6-19. The scribes were those whose peculiar business it was to explain the Scriptures to the people. They were the public preachers, or expounders of the law of Moses. Whence the chief of them were called doctors of the law.
Verse 6
[6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Thou art in nowise the least among the princes of Judah — That is, among the cities belonging to the princes or heads of thousands in Judah. When this and several other quotations from the Old Testament are compared with the original, it plainly appears, the apostles did not always think it necessary exactly to transcribe the passages they cited, but contented themselves with giving the general sense, though with some diversity of language. The words of Micah, which we render, Though thou be little, may be rendered, Art thou little? And then the difference which seems to be here between the prophet and the evangelist vanishes away. Micah 5:2.
Verse 8
[8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
And if ye find him, bring me word - Probably Herod did not believe he was born; otherwise would not so suspicious a prince have tried to make sure work at once?
Verse 10
[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Seeing the star — Standing over where the child was.
Verse 11
[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
They presented to him gifts — It was customary to offer some present to any eminent person whom they visited. And so it is, as travellers observe, in the eastern countries to this day.
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh — Probably these were the best things their country afforded; and the presents ordinarily made to great persons. This was a most seasonable, providential assistance for a long and expensive journey into Egypt, a country where they were entirely strangers, and were to stay for a considerable time.
---------------------
Sermon Story "God's Presence" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 1 January 2016 with Scripture Isaiah 60:1 “Arise, shine [Yerushalayim],
for your light has come,
the glory of Adonai
has risen over you.
2 For although darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness the peoples;
on you Adonai will rise;
over you will be seen his glory.
3 Nations will go toward your light
and kings toward your shining splendor.
4 Raise your eyes and look around:
they are all assembling and coming to you;
your sons are coming from far off,
your daughters being carried on their nurses’ hips.
5 Then you will see and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with delight;
for the riches of the seas will be brought to you,
the wealth of nations will come to you.
6 Caravans of camels will cover your land,
young camels from Midyan and ‘Eifah,
all of them coming from Sh’va,
bringing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of Adonai.
---------------------
As we have come to this new year which is 2016, we look back of the old year and see violence against people whether Christians or not leaving many immigrants and refugees relocating from their homeland to a place where there will be no violence or war. We come to this passage from the Prophet Isaiah where God is encouraging the people of Israel to Arise and know that God is going to give them a life that is not away from their homeland As we look at the encouragement to the people of Israel, we look at our life with the Grace of God. Yes, we know that Jesus will come again, but now in today's world God's Presence will be so evident in the lives of His people as they begin to Live in God's Love and peace and bring acceptance to all people in a land that may not be their own as the immigrants and refugees seek a place with no violence and a place to make a living wage above poverty. There are a group of people who seek this who are of many different cultures who have not been accepted because they are differently abled. We seek God's guidance as we begin to find ways to include the people who are differently abled, not only in our communities but in our churches as well to use their gifts that God has given them to build His Kingdom as either clergy or lay people in the church. We seek to receive from God to be His people as we come to take and eat His Bread and drink His Blood through the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come to receive from God singing the Hymn "Arise, my soul, arise" by Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
1. Arise, my soul, arise!
Shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding Sacrifice
In my behalf appears.
Before the throne my Surety stands;
My name is written on His hands.
2. He ever lives above
For me to intercede,
His all-redeeming love,
His precious blood to plead.
His blood was shed for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
3. Five bleeding wounds He bears,
Received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers;
They strongly speak for me.
Forgive him, O forgive, they cry,
Nor let that ransomed sinner die!
4. The Father hears Him pray,
His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away
The presence of His Son.
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.
5. To God I’m reconciled,
His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child,
I can no longer fear.
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And Father, Abba, Father, cry.
---------------------
Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
---------------------
Christmas 2: Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:(1-9), 10-18
As we have come to this new year which is 2016, we look back of the old year and see violence against people whether Christians or not leaving many immigrants and refugees relocating from their homeland to a place where there will be no violence or war. We come to this passage from the Prophet Isaiah where God is encouraging the people of Israel to Arise and know that God is going to give them a life that is not away from their homeland As we look at the encouragement to the people of Israel, we look at our life with the Grace of God. Yes, we know that Jesus will come again, but now in today's world God's Presence will be so evident in the lives of His people as they begin to Live in God's Love and peace and bring acceptance to all people in a land that may not be their own as the immigrants and refugees seek a place with no violence and a place to make a living wage above poverty. There are a group of people who seek this who are of many different cultures who have not been accepted because they are differently abled. We seek God's guidance as we begin to find ways to include the people who are differently abled, not only in our communities but in our churches as well to use their gifts that God has given them to build His Kingdom as either clergy or lay people in the church. We seek to receive from God to be His people as we come to take and eat His Bread and drink His Blood through the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come to receive from God singing the Hymn "Arise, my soul, arise" by Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
1. Arise, my soul, arise!
Shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding Sacrifice
In my behalf appears.
Before the throne my Surety stands;
My name is written on His hands.
2. He ever lives above
For me to intercede,
His all-redeeming love,
His precious blood to plead.
His blood was shed for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
3. Five bleeding wounds He bears,
Received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers;
They strongly speak for me.
Forgive him, O forgive, they cry,
Nor let that ransomed sinner die!
4. The Father hears Him pray,
His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away
The presence of His Son.
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.
5. To God I’m reconciled,
His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child,
I can no longer fear.
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And Father, Abba, Father, cry.
---------------------
Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
---------------------
Christmas 2: Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:(1-9), 10-18
---------------------
Lectionary Readings:
Sunday, 3 January 2016
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Lectionary Readings:
Sunday, 3 January 2016
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Psalm 147:12-20
Psalm 147:12-20
Ephesians 1:3-14
John 1:(1-9), 10-18
---------------------
Lectionary Texts:
Jeremiah 31:7 (8) Look! I am bringing them from the land in the north,
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Jeremiah 31:7-14
Jeremiah 31:7 (8) Look! I am bringing them from the land in the north,
gathering them from the far ends of the earth;
among them are the blind and lame,
women with children, women in labor,
all together, a vast throng
returning here.
8 (9) They will come weeping and praying
as I bring them back.
I will lead them by streams of water
on smooth paths, so that they won’t stumble.
For I am a father to Isra’el,
and Efrayim is my firstborn son.”
9 (10) Nations, hear the word of Adonai!
Proclaim it in the coastlands far away. Say:
“He who scattered Isra’el is gathering him,
guarding him like a shepherd his flock.”
10 (11) For Adonai has ransomed Ya‘akov,
redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
11 (12) They will come and sing on the heights of Tziyon,
streaming to the goodness of Adonai,
to the grain, the wine, the olive oil,
and the young of the flock and the herd.
They themselves will be like a well-watered garden,
never to languish again.
12 (13) “Then the virgin will dance for joy,
young men and old men together;
for I will turn their mourning into joy,
comfort and gladden them after their sorrow.
13 (14) I will give the cohanim their fill of rich food,
and my people will be satisfied with my bounty,” says Adonai.
14 (15) This is what Adonai says:
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
lamenting and bitter weeping.
It is Rachel weeping for her children,
refusing to be comforted for her children,
because they are no longer alive.”
Psalm 147:12 Glorify Adonai, Yerushalayim!
Praise your God, Tziyon!
13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates,
he blesses your children within you,
14 he brings peace within your borders,
he gives you your fill of the finest wheat.
15 He sends his word out over the earth,
his command runs swiftly.
16 Thus he gives snow like wool,
scatters hoarfrost like ashes,
17 sends crystals of ice like crumbs of bread —
who can withstand such cold?
18 Then he sends his word out and melts them;
he makes the winds blow, and the water flows.
19 He reveals his words to Ya‘akov,
his laws and rulings to Isra’el.
20 He has not done this for other nations;
they do not know his rulings.
Halleluyah!
Ephesians 1:3 Praised be Adonai, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who in the Messiah has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4 In the Messiah he chose us in love before the creation of the universe to be holy and without defect in his presence. 5 He determined in advance that through Yeshua the Messiah we would be his sons — in keeping with his pleasure and purpose — 6 so that we would bring him praise commensurate with the glory of the grace he gave us through the Beloved One.
7 In union with him, through the shedding of his blood, we are set free — our sins are forgiven; this accords with the wealth of the grace 8 he has lavished on us. In all his wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us his secret plan, which by his own will he designed beforehand in connection with the Messiah 10 and will put into effect when the time is ripe — his plan to place everything in heaven and on earth under the Messiah’s headship.
11 Also in union with him we were given an inheritance, we who were picked in advance according to the purpose of the One who effects everything in keeping with the decision of his will, 12 so that we who earlier had put our hope in the Messiah would bring him praise commensurate with his glory.
13 Furthermore, you who heard the message of the truth, the Good News offering you deliverance, and put your trust in the Messiah were sealed by him with the promised Ruach HaKodesh, 14 who guarantees our inheritance until we come into possession of it and thus bring him praise commensurate with his glory.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing made had being.
4 In him was life,
and the life was the light of mankind.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not suppressed it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was Yochanan. 7 He came to be a testimony, to bear witness concerning the light; so that through him, everyone might put his trust in God and be faithful to him. 8 He himself was not that light; no, he came to bear witness concerning the light.
9 This was the true light,
which gives light to everyone entering the world.
10 He was in the world — the world came to be through him —
yet the world did not know him.
11 He came to his own homeland,
yet his own people did not receive him.
12 But to as many as did receive him, to those who put their trust in his person and power, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 not because of bloodline, physical impulse or human intention, but because of God.
14 The Word became a human being and lived with us,
and we saw his Sh’khinah,
the Sh’khinah of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
15 Yochanan witnessed concerning him when he cried out, “This is the man I was talking about when I said, ‘The one coming after me has come to rank ahead of me, because he existed before me.’”
16 We have all received from his fullness,
yes, grace upon grace.
17 For the Torah was given through Moshe;
grace and truth came through Yeshua the Messiah.
18 No one has ever seen God; but the only and unique Son, who is identical with God and is at the Father’s side — he has made him known.
---------------------John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Jeremiah 31:7-14
Verse 9
[9] They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
[9] They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
With weeping — Some think that it had been better translated, they went weeping; for though the verb be the future tense in the Hebrew, yet that tense has often the signification of the preterperfect tense, thus it answereth, Psalms 126:5,6. He that goeth forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shalt doubtless come again rejoicing. There is a weeping for joy, as well as for sorrow, and thus the text corresponds with that, Zechariah 12:10. I will pour upon them the spirit of grace and supplications, and they shall look upon him whom they have pierced, and mourn.
By rivers — And they shall have no want as they had when they came out of Egypt, through the wilderness, where they often wanted water.
Verse 11
[11] For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.
Hath redeemed — God will as certainly do it, as if he had already done it. In their deliverance as well from Babylon as Egypt, they were types of the deliverance of God's people, by Christ; as well as in their entering into Canaan, they were types of the saints, entering into heaven.
Verse 12
[12] Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.
And sing — All the phrases in this verse signify one thing, the happy state of the Jews, after their return from captivity. The height of Zion means the temple.
A watered garden — They shall be a beautiful, flourishing, and growing people. Soul seems here to be taken for the whole man.
Not sorrow — In that manner they have been. But under these expressions is also promised the spiritual joy which the true Israel of God will have under the gospel, and the eternal joy they shall have in heaven.
Psalm 147:12-20
Verse 13
[13] For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.
[13] For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.
Thy gates — Thy strength consists not in thy walls, and gates, and bars, but in his protection.
Verse 14
[14] He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.
Borders — In all thy land, even to its utmost borders.
Verse 15
[15] He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.
Commandment — Which is sufficient without any instruments to execute whatsoever pleaseth him.
Swiftly — The thing is done without delay.
Verse 16
[16] He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.
Like wool — Not only in colour and shape, and softness, but also in use, keeping the fruits of the earth warm.
Ashes — In colour and smallness of parts, as also in its burning quality.
Verse 17
[17] He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?
Ice — Great hail-stones, which are of an icy nature, and are cast forth out of the clouds, like morsels or fragments.
Ephesians 1:3-14
Verse 3
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us — God's blessing us is his bestowing all spiritual and heavenly blessings upon us. Our blessing God is the paying him our solemn and grateful acknowledgments, both on account of his own essential blessedness, and of the blessings which he bestows upon us. He is the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, as man and Mediator: he is his Father, primarily, with respect to his divine nature, as his only begotten Son; and, secondarily, with respect to his human nature, as that is personally united to the divine.
With all spiritual blessings in heavenly things — With all manner of spiritual blessings, which are heavenly in their nature, original, and tendency, and shall be completed in heaven: far different from the external privileges of the Jews, and the earthly blessings they expected from the Messiah.
Verse 4
[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
As he hath chosen us — Both Jews and gentiles, whom he foreknew as believing in Christ, 1 Peter 1:2.
Verse 5
[5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Having predestinated us to the adoption of sons — Having foreordained that all who afterwards believed should enjoy the dignity of being sons of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.
According to the good pleasure of his will — According to his free, fixed, unalterable purpose to confer this blessing on all those who should believe in Christ, and those only.
Verse 6
[6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
To the praise of the glory of his grace — His glorious, free love without any desert on our part.
Verse 7
[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
By whom we — Who believe.
Have — From the moment we believe.
Redemption — From the guilt and power of sin.
Through his blood — Through what he hath done and suffered for us.
According to the riches of his grace — According to the abundant overflowings of his free mercy and favour.
Verse 8
[8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
In all wisdom — Manifested by God in the whole scheme of our salvation.
And prudence — Which be hath wrought in us, that we may know and do all his acceptable and perfect will.
Verse 9
[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Having made known to us — By his word and by his Spirit.
The mystery of his will — The gracious scheme of salvation by faith, which depends on his own sovereign will alone. This was but darkly discovered under the law; is now totally hid from unbelievers; and has heights and depths which surpass all the knowledge even of true believers.
Verse 10
[10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
That in the dispensation of the fullness of the times — In this last administration of God's fullest grace, which took place when the time appointed was fully come.
He might gather together into one in Christ — Might recapitulate, re-unite, and place in order again under Christ, their common Head.
All things which are in heaven, and on earth — All angels and men, whether living or dead, in the Lord.
Verse 11
[11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Through whom we — Jews.
Also have obtained an inheritance — The glorious inheritance of the heavenly Canaan, to which, when believers, we were predestinated according to the purpose of him that worketh all things after the counsel of his own will - The unalterable decree, "He that believeth shall be delivered;" which will is not an arbitrary will, but flowing from the rectitude of his nature, else, what security would there be that it would be his will to keep his word even with the elect?
Verse 12
[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
That we — Jews.
Who first believed — Before the gentiles. So did some of them in every place. Here is another branch of the true gospel predestination: he that believes is not only elected to salvation, (if he endures to the end,) but is fore-appointed of God to walk in holiness, to the praise of his glory.
Verse 13
[13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
In whom ye — Gentiles.
Likewise believed, after ye had heard the gospel — Which God made the means of your salvation; in whom after ye had believed - Probably some time after their first believing.
Ye were sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise — Holy both in his nature and in his operations, and promised to all the children of God. The sealing seems to imply, 1. A full impression of the image of God on their souls. 2. A full assurance of receiving all the promises, whether relating to time or eternity.
Verse 14
[14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Who, thus sealing us, is an earnest - Both a pledge and a foretaste of our inheritance.
Till the redemption of the purchased possession — Till the church, which he has purchased with his own blood, shall be fully delivered from all sin and sorrow, and advanced to everlasting glory.
To the praise of his glory — Of his glorious wisdom, power, and mercy.
John 1:(1-9), 10-18
Verse 1
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In the beginning — (Referring to Genesis 1:1, and Proverbs 8:23.) When all things began to be made by the Word: in the beginning of heaven and earth, and this whole frame of created beings, the Word existed, without any beginning. He was when all things began to be, whatsoever had a beginning.
The Word — So termed Psalms 33:6, and frequently by the seventy, and in the Chaldee paraphrase. So that St. John did not borrow this expression from Philo, or any heathen writer. He was not yet named Jesus, or Christ. He is the Word whom the Father begat or spoke from eternity; by whom the Father speaking, maketh all things; who speaketh the Father to us. We have, in John 1:18, both a real description of the Word, and the reason why he is so called. He is the only begotten Son of the Father, who is in the bosom of the Father, and hath declared him. And the Word was with God - Therefore distinct from God the Father. The word rendered with, denotes a perpetual tendency as it were of the Son to the Father, in unity of essence. He was with God alone; because nothing beside God had then any being.
And the Word was God — Supreme, eternal, independent. There was no creature, in respect of which he could be styled God in a relative sense. Therefore he is styled so in the absolute sense. The Godhead of the Messiah being clearly revealed in the Old Testament, ( Jeremiah 23:7; Hosea 1:6; Psalms 23:1,) the other evangelists aim at this, to prove that Jesus, a true man, was the Messiah. But when, at length, some from hence began to doubt of his Godhead, then St. John expressly asserted it, and wrote in this book as it were a supplement to the Gospels, as in the Revelation to the prophets.
Verse 2
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
The same was in the beginning with God — This verse repeats and contracts into one the three points mentioned before. As if he had said, This Word, who was God, was in the beginning, and was with God.
Verse 3
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
All things beside God were made, and all things which were made, were made by the Word. In John 1:1,2 is described the state of things before the creation: John 1:3, In the creation: John 1:4, In the time of man's innocency: John 1:5, In the time of man's corruption.
Verse 4
[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
In him was life — He was the foundation of life to every living thing, as well as of being to all that is.
And the life was the light of men — He who is essential life, and the giver of life to all that liveth, was also the light of men; the fountain of wisdom, holiness, and happiness, to man in his original state.
Verse 5
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
And the light shineth in darkness — Shines even on fallen man; but the darkness - Dark, sinful man, perceiveth it not.
Verse 6
[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
There was a man — The evangelist now proceeds to him who testified of the light, which he had spoken of in the five preceding verses.
Verse 7
[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
The same came for (that is, in order to give) a testimony - The evangelist, with the most strong and tender affection, interweaves his own testimony with that of John, by noble digressions, wherein he explains the office of the Baptist; partly premises and partly subjoins a farther explication to his short sentences. What St. Matthew, Mark, and Luke term the Gospel, in respect of the promise going before, St. John usually terms the testimony, intimating the certain knowledge of the relator; to testify of the light - Of Christ.
Verse 9
[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Who lighteth every man — By what is vulgarly termed natural conscience, pointing out at least the general lines of good and evil. And this light, if man did not hinder, would shine more and more to the perfect day.
Verse 10
[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
He was in the world — Even from the creation.
Verse 11
[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
He came — In the fulness of time, to his own - Country, city, temple: And his own - People, received him not.
Verse 12
[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
But as many as received him — Jews or Gentiles; that believe on his name - That is, on him. The moment they believe, they are sons; and because they are sons, God sendeth forth the Spirit of his Son into their hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Verse 13
[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Who were born — Who became the sons of God, not of blood - Not by descent from Abraham, nor by the will of the flesh - By natural generation, nor by the will of man - Adopting them, but of God - By his Spirit.
Verse 14
[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Flesh sometimes signifies corrupt nature; sometimes the body; sometimes, as here, the whole man.
We beheld his glory — We his apostles, particularly Peter, James, and John, Luke 9:32.
Grace and truth — We are all by nature liars and children of wrath, to whom both grace and truth are unknown. But we are made partakers of them, when we are accepted through the Beloved. The whole verse might be paraphrased thus: And in order to raise us to this dignity and happiness, the eternal Word, by a most amazing condescension, was made flesh, united himself to our miserable nature, with all its innocent infirmities. And he did not make us a transient visit, but tabernacled among us on earth, displaying his glory in a more eminent manner, than even of old in the tabernacle of Moses. And we who are now recording these things beheld his glory with so strict an attention, that we can testify, it was in every respect such a glory as became the only begotten of the Father. For it shone forth not only in his transfiguration, and in his continual miracles, but in all his tempers, ministrations, and conduct through the whole series of his life. In all he appeared full of grace and truth: he was himself most benevolent and upright; made those ample discoveries of pardon to sinners, which the Mosaic dispensation could not do: and really exhibited the most substantial blessings, whereas that was but a shadow of good things to come.
Verse 15
[15] John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
John cried — With joy and confidence; This is he of whom I said - John had said this before our Lord's baptism, although he then knew him not in person: he knew him first at his baptism, and afterward cried, This is he of whom I said. etc.
He is preferred before me — in his office: for he was before me - in his nature.
Verse 16
[16] And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
And — Here the apostle confirms the Baptist's words: as if he had said, He is indeed preferred before thee: so we have experienced: We all - That believe: have received - All that we enjoy out of his fulness: and in the particular, grace upon grace - One blessing upon another, immeasurable grace and love.
Verse 17
[17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
The law — Working wrath and containing shadows: was given - No philosopher, poet, or orator, ever chose his words so accurately as St. John. The law, saith he, was given by Moses: grace was by Jesus Christ. Observe the reason for placing each word thus: The law of Moses was not his own. The grace of Christ was. His grace was opposite to the wrath, his truth to the shadowy ceremonies of the law.
Jesus — St. John having once mentioned the incarnation { John 1:14,) no more uses that name, the Word, in all his book.
Verse 18
[18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
No man hath seen God — With bodily eyes: yet believers see him with the eye of faith.
Who is in the bosom of the Father — The expression denotes the highest unity, and the most intimate knowledge.
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The Upper Room Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004, United States
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Sermon Story "The Gathering" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 3 January 2015 with Scripture Text Jeremiah 31:7 (8) Look! I am bringing them from the land in the north,
gathering them from the far ends of the earth;
among them are the blind and lame,
women with children, women in labor,
all together, a vast throng
returning here.
8 (9) They will come weeping and praying
as I bring them back.
I will lead them by streams of water
on smooth paths, so that they won’t stumble.
For I am a father to Isra’el,
and Efrayim is my firstborn son.”
9 (10) Nations, hear the word of Adonai!
Proclaim it in the coastlands far away. Say:
“He who scattered Isra’el is gathering him,
guarding him like a shepherd his flock.”
10 (11) For Adonai has ransomed Ya‘akov,
redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
11 (12) They will come and sing on the heights of Tziyon,
streaming to the goodness of Adonai,
to the grain, the wine, the olive oil,
and the young of the flock and the herd.
They themselves will be like a well-watered garden,
never to languish again.
12 (13) “Then the virgin will dance for joy,
young men and old men together;
for I will turn their mourning into joy,
comfort and gladden them after their sorrow.
13 (14) I will give the cohanim their fill of rich food,
and my people will be satisfied with my bounty,” says Adonai.
14 (15) This is what Adonai says:
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
lamenting and bitter weeping.
It is Rachel weeping for her children,
refusing to be comforted for her children,
because they are no longer alive.”
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We come to realize that is going to gather all His people or as Jeremiah says all of Israel. The greatest thing about these ords is that the people who are differently abled will be fully included into His Kingdom. This sounds as though this is a mandate for His church to begin to fully included people who are differently abled in the church as God has been calling His people to do. We listen to the words of Jeremiah in the final verse we have about Rachel weeping for her children because they are no more. This could almost be the case with the people who are differently abled being abent from His church even though part of this prophesy was fulfilled in the killing of all the children 2 years old and younger in and around the vicinity of Bethlehem after Jesus was born and the people from the east did not come back to tell King Herod where he could find the baby King of Israel. How would you have responded to the prophet's words? How do you respond to them in today's world? How are you able to see the connection to the missing people who are differently abled and Rachel weeping for her children who are no more> As we come to seek God in reviving the need to ful include the people who are differently abled into the church we take and eat the Body of Jesus and drink His Blood through the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist to receive God's power, strength and blessing to include people who are differently abled into the church. We come to receive singing the Hymn "TTHE HYMN FOR CONQUERING MARTYRS RAISE" by From Cassander’s Hymni Ecclesiastici (Cologne, Germany: 1556) (Hymnum canentes martyrum), where it is attributed to the Venerable Bede (673-735). John M. Neale translated it from Latin to English in Mediaeval Hymns, 1851
1. The hymn for conquering martyrs raise,
The victor innocents we praise,
The victor innocents we praise,
Whom in their woe earth cast away,
But Heav’n with joy received today;
Whose angels see the Father’s face
World without end, and hymn His grace;
And while they chant unceasing lays,
The hymn for conquering martyrs raise.
2. A voice from Ramah was there sent,
A voice of weeping and lament,
When Rachel mourned the children’s care
Whom for the tyrant’s sword she bare.
Triumphal is their glory now,
Whom earthly torments could not bow,
What time, both far and near that went,
A voice from Ramah there was sent.
3. Fear not, O little flock and blest,
The lion that your life opprest!
To heavenly pastures ever new
The heavenly Shepherd leadeth you;
Who, dwelling now on Zion’s hill,
The Lamb’s dear footsteps follow still;
By tyrant there no more distrest,
Fear not, O little flock and blest.
4.And every tear is wiped away
By your dear Father’s hands for ay;
Death hath no power to hurt you more,
Whose own is life’s eternal store.
Who sow their seed, and sowing weep,
In everlasting joy shall reap,
What time they shine in heavenly day,
And every tear is wiped away.
5. O city blest o’er all the earth,
Who gloriest in the Savior’s birth,
Who are His earliest martyrs dear,
By kindred and by triumph here;
None from henceforth may call thee small,
Of rival towns thou passest all:
In whom our Monarch had His birth,
O city blest o’er all the earth!
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Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS by Kenneth H. Carter, Jr.
Matthew 2:1-12
Jesus is in the heritage of Israel. The beginning of Matthew’s Gospel makes it clear: Jesus is the son of David, the son of Abraham. In today’s text, the story takes a different turn. Wise men (Magi) from the east come to Jerusalem; they have seen his star. This means something. These wise men, astrologers, outsiders, most likely from what is now Iraq, come to the Holy City; they ask around . . . “What can all of this mean?”
They have come to the right place, to the place where the Scriptures are read and known and interpreted. This is a good lesson for us: stay close to the Scriptures when you are searching for something in life. Herod the King overhears the news about their presence and their quest, and he calls a meeting of the interpreters of the Bible. “Where is this Messiah going to be born?” he asks. “In Bethlehem,” they tell him, to fulfill the word of the prophet.
The Bible always offers layers of meaning; Jesus is born in Bethlehem to fulfill the Scripture. Bethlehem literally means “house of bread”—the place we are called to, the place where we will be spiritually nourished, the place where our hungers will cease. Even the outsiders are seeking something that only Jesus can provide. Jesus will later profess, “I am the bread of life. . . . The bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:35, 33).
They go to Bethlehem; they continue their search. They are wise, they have talents, and they know how to read the signs. God uses their natural gifts to come to just the place where the Messiah is born.
There they are overwhelmed with joy. Can you recall a time when you were overwhelmed with joy? I remember the births of our daughters— now young adults moving out into the world—their births are as vivid to me now as if they occurred yesterday! These were incredible experiences, filled with wonder and a sense that all time was standing still, that this was the only place to be in the universe!
A child is born. The wise men witness the Messiah. They have been led to just this place. They have been called for just this time and they know it. It is an epiphany, a manifestation of God; it is right before their eyes and they are overwhelmed with joy.
One of my favorite hymns, beloved by many Christian people, is “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus.” The words remind me to keep my eyes fixed on the place where Christ is, sometimes right before my own eyes. The words are simple:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in his wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of his glory and grace.
(“Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus,” UMH, 349)
The wise men have turned their eyes upon Jesus. The things of earth, including the Herods of the world, have become strangely dim. In this moment there is glory and grace and they are overwhelmed—overwhelmed with joy.
What do we do when we are overwhelmed with joy? We respond in some way. They offer gifts. Now, anyone who has attended a few Christmas pageants along the way is aware of this part of the story: gold (symbolizing security and wealth), frankincense (symbolizing power), and myrrh (symbolizing death).
The Magi offer these costly, meaningful gifts. They have completed their journey. Now they go back to their lives; they go back home. But again, the Scriptures always have layers of meaning. The Magi go back a different way to avoid Herod. They now know that Jesus is a sign of God’s love for the world. Herod is about hatred; Jesus is about love. So they go back a different way. Once we have met Jesus Christ, we go about our lives in a different way.
We have that opportunity at the beginning of the New Year. I invite you to the Lord’s Table, to receive the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ. As you come to this altar, focus on who Jesus is, for you, for the world. Look full in his wonderful face. You have come to meet him. As you receive the sacrament, reflect on something that is an occasion for joy in your life: an experience, a person, a moment, a memory. Something overwhelming when you think about it, and once you have received the sacrament, once you have made this journey, you will return a different way.
The epiphany of the Lord is finally a tale of transformation, and, at the beginning of a calendar year, it offers to us the possibility, once again, of our own transformation. We turn, we repent, we focus, we reflect, and we seek the face of God. We are changed; we are transformed. This wellknown story about gifts received and later shared reminds us as well that transformation is not our achievement but God’s intervention, God’s gift.
Meeting Jesus can change us. Maybe you were born in Jerusalem, or maybe you have been in this congregation all your life. Maybe you have come from some secular place that seems far away, or maybe God has given you some clues, some signs, and you have found yourself here, now.
So, a path is set before you: focus—turn your eyes upon Jesus. Reflect and receive—you will be overwhelmed with joy. You will return, to your world, and enter this New Year in a different way. Brothers and sisters, let us set out for the journey!
TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS by Kenneth H. Carter, Jr.
Matthew 2:1-12
Jesus is in the heritage of Israel. The beginning of Matthew’s Gospel makes it clear: Jesus is the son of David, the son of Abraham. In today’s text, the story takes a different turn. Wise men (Magi) from the east come to Jerusalem; they have seen his star. This means something. These wise men, astrologers, outsiders, most likely from what is now Iraq, come to the Holy City; they ask around . . . “What can all of this mean?”
They have come to the right place, to the place where the Scriptures are read and known and interpreted. This is a good lesson for us: stay close to the Scriptures when you are searching for something in life. Herod the King overhears the news about their presence and their quest, and he calls a meeting of the interpreters of the Bible. “Where is this Messiah going to be born?” he asks. “In Bethlehem,” they tell him, to fulfill the word of the prophet.
The Bible always offers layers of meaning; Jesus is born in Bethlehem to fulfill the Scripture. Bethlehem literally means “house of bread”—the place we are called to, the place where we will be spiritually nourished, the place where our hungers will cease. Even the outsiders are seeking something that only Jesus can provide. Jesus will later profess, “I am the bread of life. . . . The bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:35, 33).
They go to Bethlehem; they continue their search. They are wise, they have talents, and they know how to read the signs. God uses their natural gifts to come to just the place where the Messiah is born.
There they are overwhelmed with joy. Can you recall a time when you were overwhelmed with joy? I remember the births of our daughters— now young adults moving out into the world—their births are as vivid to me now as if they occurred yesterday! These were incredible experiences, filled with wonder and a sense that all time was standing still, that this was the only place to be in the universe!
A child is born. The wise men witness the Messiah. They have been led to just this place. They have been called for just this time and they know it. It is an epiphany, a manifestation of God; it is right before their eyes and they are overwhelmed with joy.
One of my favorite hymns, beloved by many Christian people, is “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus.” The words remind me to keep my eyes fixed on the place where Christ is, sometimes right before my own eyes. The words are simple:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in his wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of his glory and grace.
(“Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus,” UMH, 349)
The wise men have turned their eyes upon Jesus. The things of earth, including the Herods of the world, have become strangely dim. In this moment there is glory and grace and they are overwhelmed—overwhelmed with joy.
What do we do when we are overwhelmed with joy? We respond in some way. They offer gifts. Now, anyone who has attended a few Christmas pageants along the way is aware of this part of the story: gold (symbolizing security and wealth), frankincense (symbolizing power), and myrrh (symbolizing death).
The Magi offer these costly, meaningful gifts. They have completed their journey. Now they go back to their lives; they go back home. But again, the Scriptures always have layers of meaning. The Magi go back a different way to avoid Herod. They now know that Jesus is a sign of God’s love for the world. Herod is about hatred; Jesus is about love. So they go back a different way. Once we have met Jesus Christ, we go about our lives in a different way.
We have that opportunity at the beginning of the New Year. I invite you to the Lord’s Table, to receive the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ. As you come to this altar, focus on who Jesus is, for you, for the world. Look full in his wonderful face. You have come to meet him. As you receive the sacrament, reflect on something that is an occasion for joy in your life: an experience, a person, a moment, a memory. Something overwhelming when you think about it, and once you have received the sacrament, once you have made this journey, you will return a different way.
The epiphany of the Lord is finally a tale of transformation, and, at the beginning of a calendar year, it offers to us the possibility, once again, of our own transformation. We turn, we repent, we focus, we reflect, and we seek the face of God. We are changed; we are transformed. This wellknown story about gifts received and later shared reminds us as well that transformation is not our achievement but God’s intervention, God’s gift.
Meeting Jesus can change us. Maybe you were born in Jerusalem, or maybe you have been in this congregation all your life. Maybe you have come from some secular place that seems far away, or maybe God has given you some clues, some signs, and you have found yourself here, now.
So, a path is set before you: focus—turn your eyes upon Jesus. Reflect and receive—you will be overwhelmed with joy. You will return, to your world, and enter this New Year in a different way. Brothers and sisters, let us set out for the journey!
---------------------
Matthew 2:1-12
Our family took a walk this week to get a closer look at the nativity scene three blocks from our house. Mary is, as usual, dressed in blue. Jesus, who looks about two years old, is wearing pajamas—not the normal translation for “swaddling clothes.” Joseph and the sole shepherd could be twins. Apparently this shepherd isn’t good at his job; there’s only one sheep. An angel playing a harp leans against the flagpole. Santa Claus is shimmying down a rope while four reindeer wait on the roof. Over to the side, three turbaned wise men stand in line. The magi are bringing, according to my children, a jewelry box, a golden football, and a silver sausage. The visitors from the east look at least as out of place as Santa.
Matthew’s version of the first Christmas has little in common with Luke’s more popular account. Trying to put the two stories together is confusing. The shift is dramatic: exit shepherds, enter wise men; exit stable, enter palace; exit poverty, enter wealth; exit angels, enter dreams; exit Mary’s lullaby, enter Rachel’s crying. One of the few things Matthew and Luke agree on is an emphasis on traveling. The story is about people making trips: from Nazareth to Bethlehem; from the fields to the manger; from Judea to Egypt. The best known, longest, and most unlikely of the journeys is from Persia to Palestine, a trip for which MapQuest wouldn’t even try to give directions.
This unreasonable trip couldn’t have a reasonable beginning. What could have possibly started them on their way? Matthew implies that the trip began with an unexplainable longing. Something unaccountable led them to follow a light without knowing where it would take them. The Gospel tells us little about the wise men. They are described as “magi” or “astrologers.”
The word magi is the root from which we get our word magician. Something like magic may be the point. In Ordinary Magic, John Welwood writes: “Magic . . . is a sudden opening of the mind to the wonder of existence. It is a sense that there is much more to life than we usually recognize . . . that life contains many dimensions, depths, textures, and meanings extending far beyond our familiar beliefs and concepts” ([Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1992] xiii).
Matthew wants us to see something beyond the familiar. Every one of us has a longing for God deep within us. We don’t always recognize this desire for what it is, but we feel it. Our spirits hunger for meaning, our souls for hope, and our hearts for love.
Why do we go to church? We have mixed motives, but at least part of our reason for going is the faint hope that we will feel God’s presence. We go in response to a longing even if we can’t name it. We have been called forth like the magi, led by the light of a star. We have felt the pull of God’s love.
The longing is so deep and the voice so distant that even in those moments when we think we might have felt something or heard something we don’t often take even a single step forward. It’s less frightening to stay where we are than it is to move toward a light that we’re not absolutely certain we saw. For every three far-seeing, truly wise persons, there are a hundred who won’t see beyond their noses. Most of us are too practical to chase stars.
When the magi ask about the new king, Herod fears for his job. He asks the reference librarians for help. The scribes point to Bethlehem. Herod tries to hoodwink the magi into coming back to tell him the child’s location so that he can pay the child a visit, too. Herod knows that anyone worthy of worship is threatening.
The appearance of Jesus disturbs the status quo for everyone. Everything we own, claim, or dream is threatened if a new king takes over. The baby grew up and changed all the rules. Jesus taught a revolutionary ethic of unconditional love, stubborn forgiveness and radical hospitality to those who were marginalized in his society. Jesus got into a lot of trouble for teaching and living out his notion of what God’s kingdom looks like.
None of us wants to lose that to which we have grown accustomed. Our trivial desires obscure our genuine longing. We know much of that to which God invites us, but we don’t want any part of it. God invites us to spend less money on ourselves and more on those in need. God calls us to waste less time amusing ourselves and give more time to our family, friends, and strangers. God tries to gently persuade us to turn our attention from the temporary to the permanent—from passing time to investing in eternity. We know far more about God’s invitations than we admit. If we don’t listen for God, it may be because we’ve already heard God.
Are we courageous enough to seek God in the common questions of ordinary life? In each confrontation, at every stage, we go forward in faith or shrink back in fear. We are tempted to lie at anchor when we are meant to sail with the wind; tempted to hide in the darkness, when we’re called to follow the light.
The wise men followed even though it seemed foolish. They wanted to see Jesus more than they wanted to keep their treasures, more than they wanted to play it safe, and more than they feared the difficulties of the journey.
The Christian faith is not a set of beliefs, but a willingness to travel, to pursue God’s gentle light. Christianity is not a place to stand, but a direction in which to move. God invites us to follow the star.…
Our family took a walk this week to get a closer look at the nativity scene three blocks from our house. Mary is, as usual, dressed in blue. Jesus, who looks about two years old, is wearing pajamas—not the normal translation for “swaddling clothes.” Joseph and the sole shepherd could be twins. Apparently this shepherd isn’t good at his job; there’s only one sheep. An angel playing a harp leans against the flagpole. Santa Claus is shimmying down a rope while four reindeer wait on the roof. Over to the side, three turbaned wise men stand in line. The magi are bringing, according to my children, a jewelry box, a golden football, and a silver sausage. The visitors from the east look at least as out of place as Santa.
Matthew’s version of the first Christmas has little in common with Luke’s more popular account. Trying to put the two stories together is confusing. The shift is dramatic: exit shepherds, enter wise men; exit stable, enter palace; exit poverty, enter wealth; exit angels, enter dreams; exit Mary’s lullaby, enter Rachel’s crying. One of the few things Matthew and Luke agree on is an emphasis on traveling. The story is about people making trips: from Nazareth to Bethlehem; from the fields to the manger; from Judea to Egypt. The best known, longest, and most unlikely of the journeys is from Persia to Palestine, a trip for which MapQuest wouldn’t even try to give directions.
This unreasonable trip couldn’t have a reasonable beginning. What could have possibly started them on their way? Matthew implies that the trip began with an unexplainable longing. Something unaccountable led them to follow a light without knowing where it would take them. The Gospel tells us little about the wise men. They are described as “magi” or “astrologers.”
The word magi is the root from which we get our word magician. Something like magic may be the point. In Ordinary Magic, John Welwood writes: “Magic . . . is a sudden opening of the mind to the wonder of existence. It is a sense that there is much more to life than we usually recognize . . . that life contains many dimensions, depths, textures, and meanings extending far beyond our familiar beliefs and concepts” ([Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1992] xiii).
Matthew wants us to see something beyond the familiar. Every one of us has a longing for God deep within us. We don’t always recognize this desire for what it is, but we feel it. Our spirits hunger for meaning, our souls for hope, and our hearts for love.
Why do we go to church? We have mixed motives, but at least part of our reason for going is the faint hope that we will feel God’s presence. We go in response to a longing even if we can’t name it. We have been called forth like the magi, led by the light of a star. We have felt the pull of God’s love.
The longing is so deep and the voice so distant that even in those moments when we think we might have felt something or heard something we don’t often take even a single step forward. It’s less frightening to stay where we are than it is to move toward a light that we’re not absolutely certain we saw. For every three far-seeing, truly wise persons, there are a hundred who won’t see beyond their noses. Most of us are too practical to chase stars.
When the magi ask about the new king, Herod fears for his job. He asks the reference librarians for help. The scribes point to Bethlehem. Herod tries to hoodwink the magi into coming back to tell him the child’s location so that he can pay the child a visit, too. Herod knows that anyone worthy of worship is threatening.
The appearance of Jesus disturbs the status quo for everyone. Everything we own, claim, or dream is threatened if a new king takes over. The baby grew up and changed all the rules. Jesus taught a revolutionary ethic of unconditional love, stubborn forgiveness and radical hospitality to those who were marginalized in his society. Jesus got into a lot of trouble for teaching and living out his notion of what God’s kingdom looks like.
None of us wants to lose that to which we have grown accustomed. Our trivial desires obscure our genuine longing. We know much of that to which God invites us, but we don’t want any part of it. God invites us to spend less money on ourselves and more on those in need. God calls us to waste less time amusing ourselves and give more time to our family, friends, and strangers. God tries to gently persuade us to turn our attention from the temporary to the permanent—from passing time to investing in eternity. We know far more about God’s invitations than we admit. If we don’t listen for God, it may be because we’ve already heard God.
Are we courageous enough to seek God in the common questions of ordinary life? In each confrontation, at every stage, we go forward in faith or shrink back in fear. We are tempted to lie at anchor when we are meant to sail with the wind; tempted to hide in the darkness, when we’re called to follow the light.
The wise men followed even though it seemed foolish. They wanted to see Jesus more than they wanted to keep their treasures, more than they wanted to play it safe, and more than they feared the difficulties of the journey.
The Christian faith is not a set of beliefs, but a willingness to travel, to pursue God’s gentle light. Christianity is not a place to stand, but a direction in which to move. God invites us to follow the star.…
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Color: White
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
CALLS TO WORSHIP
Call to Worship #1:
L: Darkness is banished!
P: God’s light has come to us!
L: The brightness of the Star leads us!
P: We come to celebrate God’s abiding love!
L: Glory be to God in the Highest!
P: And on earth, peace forever. AMEN.
Call to Worship #2:
L: O Come, Let us Adore Him, Christ the Lord!
P: The Star in the dark sky heralded His Coming.
L: Led by the light of the Star, the Wise Ones came to pay homage.
P: We, too, come to the stable, seeking the infant King.
L: Come, Arise! Shine! The Light has come.
P: God’s Light of love is shining upon us. AMEN.
Call to Worship #3:
[Using THE UNITED METHODIST HYMNAL, p. 243, “De Tierra Lejana Venimos,” offer the following call to worship as directed.]
Choir: singing verse 1 of “De Tierra Lejana Venimos”
L: On the Eve of His birth, shepherds were led to a stable, to see the Child in a manger, the child who would be the hope for all those who were oppressed and hopeless.
P: The night sky, dark and foreboding, was filled with angelic light, and the voices of the heavenly host brought the good news to those who least expected it.
Choir: singing verse 2 of “De Tierra Lejana Venimos”
L: Others were drawn to the manger scene, from distant lands, seeking to find a king who would change the world, who would bring good news.
P: They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, costly and precious for the most precious Gift of God.
Choir: singing verse 3 of “De Tierra Lejana Venimos”
L: Let us come this day, bearing our burdens and our joys. Let us come before the manger of the King.
P: We come, bringing what we have, to pay homage to the one who will change the world.
Choir: singing verse 4 of “De Tierra Lejana Venimos”
Call to Worship #4:
L: Darkness is not limited to night skies; darkness invades our spirits and our souls.
P: In darkness of doubt and despair we have lived, until we witnessed the birth of the Savior.
L: Now the light has truly come to us!
P: Darkness has been banished away!
L: Arise! Shine! For the Light of God’s love has come!
P: And we shall be led to that Light in joy and celebration. AMEN.
PRAYERS, LITANY/READING, BENEDICTION
Opening Prayer
Loving God, who breaks through the darkness of doubt and despair, be with us this day as we hear of the visit of the Wise Ones, who risked everything to follow a Star. Let us open our hearts and be willing to risk receiving the gift of gracious Love that you have to offer us in the form of our Savior, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Lord, we confess that we have been wrapped up on our secular celebration of Christmas. We have thoroughly enjoyed the music, the food, the swirl of activities. We have looked happily at the Christmas lights and decorations, and yet we have chosen to ignore the people who are most in need of compassion and assistance during this time. We often feel overwhelmed by the demands on our resources and so we turn our “deaf ear” and look away. Open our hearts today, precious Lord, and help us hear the cries of those in need. Bring us to an understanding of active discipleship in which we work helping others and thus serving you. Heal us and give us courage and joy in your service. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Words of Assurance
As surely as the Light follows the Darkness, the light of God’s love, given to the world so long ago, is given for you, for healing and hope. You are beloved of God. In God’s name, receive the Light. AMEN.
Pastoral Prayer
Patient Lord, wait for us while we get nostalgic over the Manger Scene. Our hearts are warmed by the witness of the shepherds and the journey and adoration of the Magi. We want to stay right at that time and feel the glow of that love. But you call us to go from the manger, back to our fields, back to our schools, back to our homes, back to our work. You pour your transforming love into our lives and we are challenged to bring back to all those places the glad good news of hope and salvation. Remind us again of all the opportunities we are given to celebrate your love and power. Help us find joy in serving others. As we have brought the names of those near and dear to us before the throne of grace, asking for your healing mercies, help us remember that the love poured out in the Light of the Natal Star is still given for us this day. Give us grace and peace to reach out to all those in need. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Reading
[This reading should be done as though the readers are parents of children in a Christmas pageant. The readers should be able to “get into the part,” so some time should be taken for rehearsal, particularly timing on Reader 3. The voice should be from offstage and should be a strong voice, full of confidence and compassion.]
Reader 1:
Did you see him? My little Billy? He’s the King with the purple bathrobe and the gold cardboard crown on his head. His mother made the gift box from glitter and beads. Look how he is standing there looking at the baby Jesus! Isn’t he cute? I’m so proud of him!
Voice:
“Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
Reader 2:
My daughter Amy is actually one of the kings. After all, who says they all have to be boys! I think girls work just as well. It says they were wise men, but some people call them Magi. Anyway, I think she makes a regal royal person. Look how nicely she is standing there. Her grandmother made her royal robe, and I decorated her jar with glitter. We put Epsom salts flavored with perfume and food coloring in the jar, you know, so that it can be used afterwards.
Voice:
The Child shall be born “in Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Reader 3:
Daniel, Daniel, stop wiggling! Honestly, he can’t stand still for a minute! He wanted to be a shepherd, but all those parts were taken. They asked him if he would like to be Joseph, but he said no. So he got to be a king. Daniel, push the crown back up on your head. He’s not too happy about this. He’s the king who’s carrying the ointment--I think it’s called myrrh--for the burial of Jesus. He didn’t like that. I don’t know why they told him that he had that gift. Couldn’t they just have left it as a gift and not mentioned the contents? Daniel, look at the Baby Jesus! He’s not comfortable with this at all. But he will be OK. He’s a good boy.
Voice:
“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Reader 1:
I wonder what it was like, actually for those wise men, kings, or Magi, whatever they are called? It wasn’t just a play for them.
Reader 2:
I wonder what they risked to make the journey. There were some pretty inherent dangers in such a trip, dealing with King Herod.
Reader 3:
I wonder what forebodings they had. Did they know to whom they would truly be led?
Voice:
We, too, are led to Christ. It’s not a play; there are great risks in placing your whole trust in his love; there are dangers in the journey. But we do not travel alone. That’s what this whole thing is about--“GOD IS WITH US.” God has chosen to be very present to us in all that we say and do. We aren’t alone. Thanks be to God.
Benediction
The Light of the Star, the light of God’s love, shines before you as you leave this place. Go in peace, go in joy, go in love to meet God’s people in the world and greet them with the good news of salvation. AMEN.
ARTISTIC ELEMENTS
The traditional Color for this Sunday is: WHITE
Note: For some churches, Epiphany Sunday is a celebration of bright light. Many churches place stars throughout the sanctuary and in the worship center. You may choose to do this, for it will add to the theme of the day.
SURFACE:
Place a 6” riser on the center back of the worship center. Other shorter risers may be placed at various spots on the worship center.
FABRIC:
Cover the entire worship center in white fabric. You may choose to wind gold ribbon, about 2” wide, across the worship center and trail the streamers down the front of the worship center to the floor
CANDLES:
White votive candles may be placed throughout the worship center, or you may choose to place a large white candle, the Christ Candle, on the center 6” riser and other smaller candles nearby
FLOWERS/PLANTS:
If you have poinsettias left after the Christmas celebration, you may want to place them on the floor in front of the worship center. White poinsettias would look especially nice on either side of the Christ Candle.
ROCKS/WOOD:
Not necessary for this setting.
OTHER:
Have someone make three crowns to be placed on the worship center in front of the Christ Candle. You may also have the treasure chests, jars, or other representations of the gifts placed on the worship center.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
CALLS TO WORSHIP
Call to Worship #1:
L: Darkness is banished!
P: God’s light has come to us!
L: The brightness of the Star leads us!
P: We come to celebrate God’s abiding love!
L: Glory be to God in the Highest!
P: And on earth, peace forever. AMEN.
Call to Worship #2:
L: O Come, Let us Adore Him, Christ the Lord!
P: The Star in the dark sky heralded His Coming.
L: Led by the light of the Star, the Wise Ones came to pay homage.
P: We, too, come to the stable, seeking the infant King.
L: Come, Arise! Shine! The Light has come.
P: God’s Light of love is shining upon us. AMEN.
Call to Worship #3:
[Using THE UNITED METHODIST HYMNAL, p. 243, “De Tierra Lejana Venimos,” offer the following call to worship as directed.]
Choir: singing verse 1 of “De Tierra Lejana Venimos”
L: On the Eve of His birth, shepherds were led to a stable, to see the Child in a manger, the child who would be the hope for all those who were oppressed and hopeless.
P: The night sky, dark and foreboding, was filled with angelic light, and the voices of the heavenly host brought the good news to those who least expected it.
Choir: singing verse 2 of “De Tierra Lejana Venimos”
L: Others were drawn to the manger scene, from distant lands, seeking to find a king who would change the world, who would bring good news.
P: They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, costly and precious for the most precious Gift of God.
Choir: singing verse 3 of “De Tierra Lejana Venimos”
L: Let us come this day, bearing our burdens and our joys. Let us come before the manger of the King.
P: We come, bringing what we have, to pay homage to the one who will change the world.
Choir: singing verse 4 of “De Tierra Lejana Venimos”
Call to Worship #4:
L: Darkness is not limited to night skies; darkness invades our spirits and our souls.
P: In darkness of doubt and despair we have lived, until we witnessed the birth of the Savior.
L: Now the light has truly come to us!
P: Darkness has been banished away!
L: Arise! Shine! For the Light of God’s love has come!
P: And we shall be led to that Light in joy and celebration. AMEN.
PRAYERS, LITANY/READING, BENEDICTION
Opening Prayer
Loving God, who breaks through the darkness of doubt and despair, be with us this day as we hear of the visit of the Wise Ones, who risked everything to follow a Star. Let us open our hearts and be willing to risk receiving the gift of gracious Love that you have to offer us in the form of our Savior, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Lord, we confess that we have been wrapped up on our secular celebration of Christmas. We have thoroughly enjoyed the music, the food, the swirl of activities. We have looked happily at the Christmas lights and decorations, and yet we have chosen to ignore the people who are most in need of compassion and assistance during this time. We often feel overwhelmed by the demands on our resources and so we turn our “deaf ear” and look away. Open our hearts today, precious Lord, and help us hear the cries of those in need. Bring us to an understanding of active discipleship in which we work helping others and thus serving you. Heal us and give us courage and joy in your service. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Words of Assurance
As surely as the Light follows the Darkness, the light of God’s love, given to the world so long ago, is given for you, for healing and hope. You are beloved of God. In God’s name, receive the Light. AMEN.
Pastoral Prayer
Patient Lord, wait for us while we get nostalgic over the Manger Scene. Our hearts are warmed by the witness of the shepherds and the journey and adoration of the Magi. We want to stay right at that time and feel the glow of that love. But you call us to go from the manger, back to our fields, back to our schools, back to our homes, back to our work. You pour your transforming love into our lives and we are challenged to bring back to all those places the glad good news of hope and salvation. Remind us again of all the opportunities we are given to celebrate your love and power. Help us find joy in serving others. As we have brought the names of those near and dear to us before the throne of grace, asking for your healing mercies, help us remember that the love poured out in the Light of the Natal Star is still given for us this day. Give us grace and peace to reach out to all those in need. For we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Reading
[This reading should be done as though the readers are parents of children in a Christmas pageant. The readers should be able to “get into the part,” so some time should be taken for rehearsal, particularly timing on Reader 3. The voice should be from offstage and should be a strong voice, full of confidence and compassion.]
Reader 1:
Did you see him? My little Billy? He’s the King with the purple bathrobe and the gold cardboard crown on his head. His mother made the gift box from glitter and beads. Look how he is standing there looking at the baby Jesus! Isn’t he cute? I’m so proud of him!
Voice:
“Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
Reader 2:
My daughter Amy is actually one of the kings. After all, who says they all have to be boys! I think girls work just as well. It says they were wise men, but some people call them Magi. Anyway, I think she makes a regal royal person. Look how nicely she is standing there. Her grandmother made her royal robe, and I decorated her jar with glitter. We put Epsom salts flavored with perfume and food coloring in the jar, you know, so that it can be used afterwards.
Voice:
The Child shall be born “in Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Reader 3:
Daniel, Daniel, stop wiggling! Honestly, he can’t stand still for a minute! He wanted to be a shepherd, but all those parts were taken. They asked him if he would like to be Joseph, but he said no. So he got to be a king. Daniel, push the crown back up on your head. He’s not too happy about this. He’s the king who’s carrying the ointment--I think it’s called myrrh--for the burial of Jesus. He didn’t like that. I don’t know why they told him that he had that gift. Couldn’t they just have left it as a gift and not mentioned the contents? Daniel, look at the Baby Jesus! He’s not comfortable with this at all. But he will be OK. He’s a good boy.
Voice:
“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Reader 1:
I wonder what it was like, actually for those wise men, kings, or Magi, whatever they are called? It wasn’t just a play for them.
Reader 2:
I wonder what they risked to make the journey. There were some pretty inherent dangers in such a trip, dealing with King Herod.
Reader 3:
I wonder what forebodings they had. Did they know to whom they would truly be led?
Voice:
We, too, are led to Christ. It’s not a play; there are great risks in placing your whole trust in his love; there are dangers in the journey. But we do not travel alone. That’s what this whole thing is about--“GOD IS WITH US.” God has chosen to be very present to us in all that we say and do. We aren’t alone. Thanks be to God.
Benediction
The Light of the Star, the light of God’s love, shines before you as you leave this place. Go in peace, go in joy, go in love to meet God’s people in the world and greet them with the good news of salvation. AMEN.
ARTISTIC ELEMENTS
The traditional Color for this Sunday is: WHITE
Note: For some churches, Epiphany Sunday is a celebration of bright light. Many churches place stars throughout the sanctuary and in the worship center. You may choose to do this, for it will add to the theme of the day.
SURFACE:
Place a 6” riser on the center back of the worship center. Other shorter risers may be placed at various spots on the worship center.
FABRIC:
Cover the entire worship center in white fabric. You may choose to wind gold ribbon, about 2” wide, across the worship center and trail the streamers down the front of the worship center to the floor
CANDLES:
White votive candles may be placed throughout the worship center, or you may choose to place a large white candle, the Christ Candle, on the center 6” riser and other smaller candles nearby
FLOWERS/PLANTS:
If you have poinsettias left after the Christmas celebration, you may want to place them on the floor in front of the worship center. White poinsettias would look especially nice on either side of the Christ Candle.
ROCKS/WOOD:
Not necessary for this setting.
OTHER:
Have someone make three crowns to be placed on the worship center in front of the Christ Candle. You may also have the treasure chests, jars, or other representations of the gifts placed on the worship center.
----------------------------
Epiphany Sunday
Color: White
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Theme Ideas
In the Northern Hemisphere, we are experiencing the darkness of midwinter. Days are short and nights long. But there are other forms of darkness—poverty, war, injustice, oppression, hatred, prejudice, fear—forms that also affect us just as they did the people of biblical times. In these passages, light breaks through the darkness: a prophet calls us to arise and see the light of liberation and peace, reconciliation and joy; the psalmist prays for a ruler who will light the way of his people with righteousness, prosperity, and an end to oppression and injustice. The writer of Ephesians lights the way through mystery, with a message of the good news of Christ Jesus; and the Magi follow the light of a star, finding more than they were looking for, to return home transformed.
Invitation and Gathering
Call to Worship
Arise; shine, for your light has come!
We are called out of our darkness into light.
Lift up your eyes and look around.
We rejoice in the gift of light.
Come let us worship the God of light and joy and peace.
We come to kneel at the cradle of the babe,
the light incarnate.
Opening Prayer
God of promise and light,
open our eyes this morning,
that we may see your light in the darkness.
Open our hearts,
that we may perceive your promises
of justice and righteousness
fulfilled in the babe of Bethlehem.
May we, like the Magi,
have a star to guide us
on our journey quest
to find the one who will truly set us free.
May this time of worship
bring us closer to you,
that the good news
of the birth of light and love
will transform our lives. Amen.
Proclamation and Response
Prayer of Confession
Ever-patient God,
we are a people who live in thick darkness.
We stumble around
bombarded by news of war and poverty,
famine and genocide,
injustice and oppression.
The maelstrom of things and issues
and people of the dark,
can overwhelm and paralyze us.
Help us be people of the light,
shining your light of righteousness, peace, and joy
into all the dark places of our lives and world.
Unlock the mystery and glory
of the babe born in Bethlehem.
Turn our aimless wanderings
into a journey of purpose
guided by your star.
Let the light break into our lives and our world,
and transform us into people of the light.
Words of Assurance
As certain as the dawn follows the night,
so is the promise of God's forgiveness
and love for us all.
Arise and Shine.
Follow the star.
Find the light of the world born in Bethlehem . . . .
and be transformed from darkness into light.
Passing the Peace of Christ
Lift your eyes and look around.
The light of the babe of Bethlehem
shines from the face of each one here.
Let us now greet that light,
rejoice that we are here together,
and pass the peace of Christ,
our joy and our hope.
Invitation to the Word/Sermon
Open our hearts and minds to the light of your word
read and preached.
Response to the Word/Sermon
We rejoice in the mystery
made plain through the good news
of the babe of Bethlehem.
May this good news transform us and guide us
as we seek to follow the star of love and light.
Thanksgiving and Communion
Invitation to the Offering
We have seen the light of the world.
We have been called to follow the star of promise.
Like the Magi,
let us bring our gifts to honor the babe of Bethlehem
and bring the light to all the dark places
in our community and our world.
Offering Prayer
God of light and promise,
we bring our gifts
to further your work in a dark world.
May they bring your light
to those overwhelmed
by darkness, pain, and loneliness.
Accept these gifts of money and time,
indeed, the gift of our very selves.
Let them shine for all to see,
and be brought into the sphere of your love
and righteousness.
Sending Forth
Benediction
Arise, and go forth to shine for all the world to see.
We go to spread the good news of light and love,
righteousness and justice.
Go now and follow the star
that will guide you on your journey
this week, this year, and forever.
As the Magi of old,
we go forth in trust and excitement,
transformed in the presence
of the child of light.
May the blessing of the God of light
rest upon you and fill you with light.
Amen.
Contemporary Options
Contemporary Gathering Words
Light has broken in on the darkness of the world!
Can you see it? Can you feel it?
Open the eyes of your heart and light the light within.
There is a star beckoning us to follow.
Let's go and see where it leads us today in worship.
Let's see where it leads us tomorrow
as we go about our day, our week,
and the rest of our lives.
Praise Sentences
Arise and shine, for your light has come.
Lift up your eyes and look around.
Praise the God of promise and light and love.
Praise the God of the guiding star.
From “The Abingdon Worship Annual” edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright Abingdon Press. “The Abingdon Worship Annual 2016” is now available.
read more
Color: White
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Theme Ideas
In the Northern Hemisphere, we are experiencing the darkness of midwinter. Days are short and nights long. But there are other forms of darkness—poverty, war, injustice, oppression, hatred, prejudice, fear—forms that also affect us just as they did the people of biblical times. In these passages, light breaks through the darkness: a prophet calls us to arise and see the light of liberation and peace, reconciliation and joy; the psalmist prays for a ruler who will light the way of his people with righteousness, prosperity, and an end to oppression and injustice. The writer of Ephesians lights the way through mystery, with a message of the good news of Christ Jesus; and the Magi follow the light of a star, finding more than they were looking for, to return home transformed.
Invitation and Gathering
Call to Worship
Arise; shine, for your light has come!
We are called out of our darkness into light.
Lift up your eyes and look around.
We rejoice in the gift of light.
Come let us worship the God of light and joy and peace.
We come to kneel at the cradle of the babe,
the light incarnate.
Opening Prayer
God of promise and light,
open our eyes this morning,
that we may see your light in the darkness.
Open our hearts,
that we may perceive your promises
of justice and righteousness
fulfilled in the babe of Bethlehem.
May we, like the Magi,
have a star to guide us
on our journey quest
to find the one who will truly set us free.
May this time of worship
bring us closer to you,
that the good news
of the birth of light and love
will transform our lives. Amen.
Proclamation and Response
Prayer of Confession
Ever-patient God,
we are a people who live in thick darkness.
We stumble around
bombarded by news of war and poverty,
famine and genocide,
injustice and oppression.
The maelstrom of things and issues
and people of the dark,
can overwhelm and paralyze us.
Help us be people of the light,
shining your light of righteousness, peace, and joy
into all the dark places of our lives and world.
Unlock the mystery and glory
of the babe born in Bethlehem.
Turn our aimless wanderings
into a journey of purpose
guided by your star.
Let the light break into our lives and our world,
and transform us into people of the light.
Words of Assurance
As certain as the dawn follows the night,
so is the promise of God's forgiveness
and love for us all.
Arise and Shine.
Follow the star.
Find the light of the world born in Bethlehem . . . .
and be transformed from darkness into light.
Passing the Peace of Christ
Lift your eyes and look around.
The light of the babe of Bethlehem
shines from the face of each one here.
Let us now greet that light,
rejoice that we are here together,
and pass the peace of Christ,
our joy and our hope.
Invitation to the Word/Sermon
Open our hearts and minds to the light of your word
read and preached.
Response to the Word/Sermon
We rejoice in the mystery
made plain through the good news
of the babe of Bethlehem.
May this good news transform us and guide us
as we seek to follow the star of love and light.
Thanksgiving and Communion
Invitation to the Offering
We have seen the light of the world.
We have been called to follow the star of promise.
Like the Magi,
let us bring our gifts to honor the babe of Bethlehem
and bring the light to all the dark places
in our community and our world.
Offering Prayer
God of light and promise,
we bring our gifts
to further your work in a dark world.
May they bring your light
to those overwhelmed
by darkness, pain, and loneliness.
Accept these gifts of money and time,
indeed, the gift of our very selves.
Let them shine for all to see,
and be brought into the sphere of your love
and righteousness.
Sending Forth
Benediction
Arise, and go forth to shine for all the world to see.
We go to spread the good news of light and love,
righteousness and justice.
Go now and follow the star
that will guide you on your journey
this week, this year, and forever.
As the Magi of old,
we go forth in trust and excitement,
transformed in the presence
of the child of light.
May the blessing of the God of light
rest upon you and fill you with light.
Amen.
Contemporary Options
Contemporary Gathering Words
Light has broken in on the darkness of the world!
Can you see it? Can you feel it?
Open the eyes of your heart and light the light within.
There is a star beckoning us to follow.
Let's go and see where it leads us today in worship.
Let's see where it leads us tomorrow
as we go about our day, our week,
and the rest of our lives.
Praise Sentences
Arise and shine, for your light has come.
Lift up your eyes and look around.
Praise the God of promise and light and love.
Praise the God of the guiding star.
From “The Abingdon Worship Annual” edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright Abingdon Press. “The Abingdon Worship Annual 2016” is now available.
read more
---------------------
WORSHIP ELEMENTS: EPIPHANY SUNDAY 2016 (OPTION 2) by Mary Petrina Boyd
Epiphany of the Lord
COLOR: White
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
THEME IDEAS
The light of God’s love shines brightly in these passages. Isaiah speaks of the radiance of God’s glory drawing the nations together. The people come with rejoicing, bearing gifts of gold, and frankincense. Matthew tells of the magi, who followed the star to the Christ child, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Paul proclaims the boundless richness of Christ. This good news brings hope to those who despair. The psalmist reminds us that the true king will judge God’s people with righteousness, bring
justice to the poor, and save the lives of the needy. The infant in Bethlehem is this true king.
INVITATION AND GATHERING
Call to Worship (Isaiah 60, Matthew 2)
Arise, shine, for your light has come.
The glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
The glory of God shines in the darkness.
Lift up your eyes and look around.
Follow the star, wherever it leads!
Take the journey that leads to the child.
Let your hearts rejoice.
Be overwhelmed with joy!
We worship the Christ child,
the hope of the world.
Opening Prayer (Isaiah 60, Psalm 72, Ephesians 3, Matthew 2)
God of mystery,
in the darkness of our world
your light shines with grace and truth.
Open the eyes of our hearts
to the glory of your love.
Speak your word of truth and joy.
May the mystery revealed in Jesus
draw us closer to you.
May the wonder of your love
fill us with wisdom and peace.
As we rejoice in your presence,
teach us to seek justice and righteousness.
Fill our hearts to overflowing
with your joy, your glory, your hope. Amen.
PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE
Prayer of Confession (Psalm 72, Matthew 2)
God of starlight,
shine your love
into the darkness of our lives.
Preoccupied with ourselves,
we forget the needs of others;
we participate in systems that oppress;
we accept violence as a way of life;
we fail to respond to the cry of others.
May your love fall upon us
like rain on the mown grass.
May your love wash away our indifference
and water the tender shoots
of our care and compassion.
Nourished in the sunlight of your love,
may we grow into people
who live in righteousness
and who work for justice
for all your children. Amen.
Words of Assurance (Ephesians 3)
In Jesus Christ, God has revealed the mystery that brings grace and forgiveness. The light of God’s love transforms us so that we may act with boldness and confidence.
Passing the Peace of Christ (Psalm 72, Ephesians 3)
The mystery of Christ has been revealed to the world. In that mystery, peace abounds. Share the mystery of Christ’s plentiful peace.
Response to the Word (Matthew 2)
We have seen your star, O God,
shining brightly over us
and all the peoples of the earth.
Teach us to trust your light.
Help us take risks,
that we might step out in faith
into the unknown.
Guide us to the place where you abide,
that we may be overwhelmed with joy
like the magi before us.
Guide us to the stable of your love,
that we may offer you
the gifts of our lives. Amen.
THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION
Invitation to the Offering (Matthew 2)
The magi paid homage to the child, offering gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh. May we too bring the gifts of
our lives and offer them in joy to Jesus Christ.
Offering Prayer (Psalm 72, Matthew 2)
As long ago travelers laid their gifts
before the Christ child,
we too bring our gifts with great joy.
Use our gifts for justice and righteousness,
that oppression and violence may cease
and peace may flourish.
May the light of your love
shine through our living,
that suffering may end,
and all may rejoice
in your gift of life. Amen.
Invitation to Communion (Matthew 2)
By the light of the star,
God led travelers to the Christ child.
When they saw the child
they were overwhelmed with joy.
By the light of divine love,
God leads us to this holy meal.
Gathered together,
we encounter the living Christ
and taste the deepest joy.
SENDING FORTH
Benediction (Matthew 2)
Go forth and follow the star.
When you have found the child,
tell the good news to the world.
May the blessings of God’s love
fill your hearts with overwhelming joy.
CONTEMPORARY OPTIONS
Contemporary Gathering Words (Isaiah 60, Matthew 2)
The darkness is gone.
Rejoice in the light!
The star shines brightly.
Follow the star!
A child is born.
Bring your gifts!
Praise Sentences (Isaiah 60, Matthew 2)
Give glory to God!
Rejoice and be glad!
God’s light shines!
Rejoice and be glad!
Jesus is born!
Rejoice and be glad!
From “The Abingdon Worship Annual” edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright Abingdon Press. “The Abingdon Worship Annual 2016” is now available.
---------------------
Epiphany of the Lord
COLOR: White
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
THEME
The Light of a Star
CALLS TO WORSHIP
Call to Worship #1
L: Arise! Shine! The light you have been waiting for is here!
P: Darkness has been banished!
L: God's light of hope floods the earth
P: God's light comes to us all.
L: Lord, make us ready to journey to this Light.
P: Prepare our hearts to receive this Light. AMEN.
Call to Worship #2
L: The Magi waited and watched, knowing something wondrous would be happening.
P: We waited for the birth of Jesus; now something wondrous is about to take root.
L: The darkness that invaded all lives was banished by the light of that star.
P: The darkness what surrounds us is gone!
L: Let us celebrate the bright shining of God's love in our lives.
P: Let us become those who will bring the light of God's love to others. AMEN.
Call to Worship #3
[Using THE FAITH WE SING, p. 2005, "Arise, Shine" offer the following call to worship as directed]
[Note: divide the choir into two groups, the first group will sing the "leader" portions; the second group will sing the "all" portions.]
L: Darkness descended over the land.
P: The people lived in fear.
L: Then something so unexpected happened.
P: Something that fdled the people with surprise.
L: A star burned brightly in the heavens!
P: A star beyond imagining!
Choir singing "Arise, Shine" as directed above through two times.
L: Our darkness is gone!
P: Though the night be dark and times are difficult, a new light shines for us!
L: Fears and banished; failures are forgiven!
P: God has heard our cries and has given us hope!
Choir singing "Arise, Shine" as directed above through two times
L: Come, let us celebrate God's light given to us!
P: Let us praise the God of hope and promise! AMEN.
Call to Worship #4
L: Herod's treachery could not stop hope!
P God's light, whose sign was a star, was poured out for the people.
L: All the fears and fiights of this world cannot diminish God's light.
P: That light isthe life of Jesus Christ, who breaks through the darkness.
L: Thanks be to God, for the most precious gift of Light.
P: Let us live as people of new Light and Hope. AMEN.
PRAYERS, READING, BENEDICTION
Opening Prayer
God of Promise and mysterious Light, be with us this day as we journey in our faith; to meet your Gift. Give us courage and hope along our way, as your light will continue to glow brightly in our path, leading us to service and discipleship in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Lord of living light, we hear the story of the Magi and tie it together with our warm Christmas celebration. It feels comfortable to us. Break those bonds of comfort and help us to realize the risk of witness and discipleship for those who follow your light. Shine brightly in us and through us. Forgive the blindness we so often offer to you. Give us vision of what you would have us be and do in the Light of Your Love. AMEN.
Words of Assurance
Light has come to you. Your light has come and it has erased the darkness. Now we can walk and work in the light. You are loved by God and called to God's service. AMEN.
Pastoral Prayer
Lord of bright and abiding Light, you have shone us, in the person of Jesus your Son, a new way to live. You have poured your light into the world and have asked us to live in the light rather than run and hide in the darkness of doubt and despair. You promise to be our light all of our days and ask us to place our trust in you. The journey in this light is risky. It means that we will have to be very serious about our service to you, giving you our best and offering hope and light to others. In this new year, we bring to you the names and situations of others for whom light seems to be a stranger. They struggle with ill health, economic hardship, broken and damaged relationships, loss of loved ones, and anxiety. We place them in your care. Let your light shine on them, bringing healing and hope. Help us to be bearers of that light in all that we do; for we ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
Reading
Reader 1: Hey, look at this! I got a new flashlight for Christmas. Boy, does it ever shine brightly! I can see a long way with this! Look, see that rock in the path? I would have stumbled over that one if I didn't have this light. And, you know, it's not heavy. I thought it would be. I mean, if it gives this much light, it should be very heavy. It's great! I can carry it with me everywhere, using it in the darkest nights or places. I never thought I would have a light like this! I'd been using old flashlights that grow dim very quickly; hoping that I would find just the right one that would really work for me. Now, here it is! Wow!
Reader 2: Well, it's a great light, that's for sure; but it doesn't show everything. You can see what's directly in your path, but you can't see everywhere. Suppose there's something just out of the beam of your light? What are you going to do? You could be in trouble or get hurt. That light is no guarantee of safety.
Reader 1:Well, in a way, you are right. I can't see everything. But, you see, I can move this light from side to side, up and down, in circles, squares. I won't always be able to see everything, but I will be able to trust that I can see where I shine my light. Isn't it that way in life. We don't always know what's coming, but we can shine our light in many ways. We will get some surprises; but the light will give us directions and guidance. Light is like that. And in a way, God is like that. God has given us new light, just like the light of the star that led the Magi. They followed the light, not really sure of where it would lead them. They didn't know what troubles and difficulties lay in their path, but they chose to follow the Light. Herod was one of those major obstacles, but they were able to bring him a message of hope, and they did get to see the Savior. What Herod chose to do with the message was to destroy the light of hope and feed on his greed and fear.
Reader 2: So you're saying that the light in that star is like God's light given to us. We have choices as to how to respond to that light. We can live in greed, hopelessness and fear, or we can take the risk and follow that light?
Reader 1: Sounds like a good plan to me. I want to see where this light is going to take me.
Benediction
Go into God's world, bearing the light of hope and peace. Bring the Good News of the love of God through Jesus Christ to all the people. Go in peace. AMEN.
ARTISTIC ELEMENTS
The traditional color for this Sunday is: WHITE
SURFACE: Place a 3" riser at the center back of the worship center. Place a riser in front of the worship area. FABRIC: Cover the worship area in white fabric, so that all risers are covered.
CANDLES: Place votive candles in front of each "star", and place a 6"white pillar candle on each side of the 3" riser. Place a small white pillar candle on the riser in front of the worship center.
FLOWERS/FOLIAGE: Not necessary for this setting
ROCKS/WOOD: Not necessary for this setting
OTHER: Create a large five pointed star to hang behind the worship center, about one foot above the 3" riser. Create as many 6-8" stars, out of cardboard, poster board, or other heavy stock, and place them on the worship center. Design them so that they stand up, without leaning on something. Place lots of 4" stars spilling over the front of the worship center and the riser in the front of it. If you have the space, string fishing or other transparent line, across the sanctuary and stick double sided five pointed stars to it so that the sanctuary appears bathed in stars. If this is not possible, make some 8 stars to be put on the ends of the pews, and on the walls of the sanctuary. You might also want to have a star theme for the bulletin cover. This is a good way to involve the church school and youth groups.
COLOR: White
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
THEME
The Light of a Star
CALLS TO WORSHIP
Call to Worship #1
L: Arise! Shine! The light you have been waiting for is here!
P: Darkness has been banished!
L: God's light of hope floods the earth
P: God's light comes to us all.
L: Lord, make us ready to journey to this Light.
P: Prepare our hearts to receive this Light. AMEN.
Call to Worship #2
L: The Magi waited and watched, knowing something wondrous would be happening.
P: We waited for the birth of Jesus; now something wondrous is about to take root.
L: The darkness that invaded all lives was banished by the light of that star.
P: The darkness what surrounds us is gone!
L: Let us celebrate the bright shining of God's love in our lives.
P: Let us become those who will bring the light of God's love to others. AMEN.
Call to Worship #3
[Using THE FAITH WE SING, p. 2005, "Arise, Shine" offer the following call to worship as directed]
[Note: divide the choir into two groups, the first group will sing the "leader" portions; the second group will sing the "all" portions.]
L: Darkness descended over the land.
P: The people lived in fear.
L: Then something so unexpected happened.
P: Something that fdled the people with surprise.
L: A star burned brightly in the heavens!
P: A star beyond imagining!
Choir singing "Arise, Shine" as directed above through two times.
L: Our darkness is gone!
P: Though the night be dark and times are difficult, a new light shines for us!
L: Fears and banished; failures are forgiven!
P: God has heard our cries and has given us hope!
Choir singing "Arise, Shine" as directed above through two times
L: Come, let us celebrate God's light given to us!
P: Let us praise the God of hope and promise! AMEN.
Call to Worship #4
L: Herod's treachery could not stop hope!
P God's light, whose sign was a star, was poured out for the people.
L: All the fears and fiights of this world cannot diminish God's light.
P: That light isthe life of Jesus Christ, who breaks through the darkness.
L: Thanks be to God, for the most precious gift of Light.
P: Let us live as people of new Light and Hope. AMEN.
PRAYERS, READING, BENEDICTION
Opening Prayer
God of Promise and mysterious Light, be with us this day as we journey in our faith; to meet your Gift. Give us courage and hope along our way, as your light will continue to glow brightly in our path, leading us to service and discipleship in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Lord of living light, we hear the story of the Magi and tie it together with our warm Christmas celebration. It feels comfortable to us. Break those bonds of comfort and help us to realize the risk of witness and discipleship for those who follow your light. Shine brightly in us and through us. Forgive the blindness we so often offer to you. Give us vision of what you would have us be and do in the Light of Your Love. AMEN.
Words of Assurance
Light has come to you. Your light has come and it has erased the darkness. Now we can walk and work in the light. You are loved by God and called to God's service. AMEN.
Pastoral Prayer
Lord of bright and abiding Light, you have shone us, in the person of Jesus your Son, a new way to live. You have poured your light into the world and have asked us to live in the light rather than run and hide in the darkness of doubt and despair. You promise to be our light all of our days and ask us to place our trust in you. The journey in this light is risky. It means that we will have to be very serious about our service to you, giving you our best and offering hope and light to others. In this new year, we bring to you the names and situations of others for whom light seems to be a stranger. They struggle with ill health, economic hardship, broken and damaged relationships, loss of loved ones, and anxiety. We place them in your care. Let your light shine on them, bringing healing and hope. Help us to be bearers of that light in all that we do; for we ask this in Jesus' Name. AMEN.
Reading
Reader 1: Hey, look at this! I got a new flashlight for Christmas. Boy, does it ever shine brightly! I can see a long way with this! Look, see that rock in the path? I would have stumbled over that one if I didn't have this light. And, you know, it's not heavy. I thought it would be. I mean, if it gives this much light, it should be very heavy. It's great! I can carry it with me everywhere, using it in the darkest nights or places. I never thought I would have a light like this! I'd been using old flashlights that grow dim very quickly; hoping that I would find just the right one that would really work for me. Now, here it is! Wow!
Reader 2: Well, it's a great light, that's for sure; but it doesn't show everything. You can see what's directly in your path, but you can't see everywhere. Suppose there's something just out of the beam of your light? What are you going to do? You could be in trouble or get hurt. That light is no guarantee of safety.
Reader 1:Well, in a way, you are right. I can't see everything. But, you see, I can move this light from side to side, up and down, in circles, squares. I won't always be able to see everything, but I will be able to trust that I can see where I shine my light. Isn't it that way in life. We don't always know what's coming, but we can shine our light in many ways. We will get some surprises; but the light will give us directions and guidance. Light is like that. And in a way, God is like that. God has given us new light, just like the light of the star that led the Magi. They followed the light, not really sure of where it would lead them. They didn't know what troubles and difficulties lay in their path, but they chose to follow the Light. Herod was one of those major obstacles, but they were able to bring him a message of hope, and they did get to see the Savior. What Herod chose to do with the message was to destroy the light of hope and feed on his greed and fear.
Reader 2: So you're saying that the light in that star is like God's light given to us. We have choices as to how to respond to that light. We can live in greed, hopelessness and fear, or we can take the risk and follow that light?
Reader 1: Sounds like a good plan to me. I want to see where this light is going to take me.
Benediction
Go into God's world, bearing the light of hope and peace. Bring the Good News of the love of God through Jesus Christ to all the people. Go in peace. AMEN.
ARTISTIC ELEMENTS
The traditional color for this Sunday is: WHITE
SURFACE: Place a 3" riser at the center back of the worship center. Place a riser in front of the worship area. FABRIC: Cover the worship area in white fabric, so that all risers are covered.
CANDLES: Place votive candles in front of each "star", and place a 6"white pillar candle on each side of the 3" riser. Place a small white pillar candle on the riser in front of the worship center.
FLOWERS/FOLIAGE: Not necessary for this setting
ROCKS/WOOD: Not necessary for this setting
OTHER: Create a large five pointed star to hang behind the worship center, about one foot above the 3" riser. Create as many 6-8" stars, out of cardboard, poster board, or other heavy stock, and place them on the worship center. Design them so that they stand up, without leaning on something. Place lots of 4" stars spilling over the front of the worship center and the riser in the front of it. If you have the space, string fishing or other transparent line, across the sanctuary and stick double sided five pointed stars to it so that the sanctuary appears bathed in stars. If this is not possible, make some 8 stars to be put on the ends of the pews, and on the walls of the sanctuary. You might also want to have a star theme for the bulletin cover. This is a good way to involve the church school and youth groups.
---------------------
From a Child's Point of View
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12. The details of this story are often missed in children's Christmas pageants, when wise men simply follow the star to the manger. The encounter with Herod is skipped. When the story of the wise men is the focus of the day, it is possible to mine from the story two themes that are important to children.
First, God went to some trouble (by providing the star) to announce Jesus' birth to people of another race and country. In other words, God loves all people everywhere. Jesus came to all people. Thus, as Jesus' followers, we are to be one family with all people everywhere. We are to exclude no one from God's church or from our family. Although this inclusiveness is to be extended to people in our own school and community, Matthew's account of the wise men focuses on God's insistence on racial, national, and cultural inclusiveness.
Elementary children get heavy doses of national and cultural pride in school, Scouts, and similar activities. This is a chance to balance that pride with deep appreciation for other nations and cultures. It is also an opportunity to explore the value of nations working together and of cultures sharing their ways of doing things.
Second, this is a story of palace intrigue in which God and several foreigners outwit an evil ruler. The wise men learn from Herod where to find Jesus, but do not give Herod the information he needs to kill the child. God is at work on the side of the powerless. This is one of the success stories in the struggle of the powerless. Invite children to celebrate the story.
Epistle: Ephesians 3:1-12. Paul's announcement of God's "secret plan" reminds us that all people are members of God's family. Therefore, the wise men, like the Gentiles, are not "foreigners" but "kin." Today most children have contact at school or in their communities with children of other nationalities, races, and cultures. Older children are aware of people in other countries who dress, eat, speak, and act differently fromthe way we do. Paul's secret is that all these people are part of God's family. We must, therefore, respect them and treat them lovingly.
Note: The compound/complex sentences in this text are hard for children to follow. You will need to put Paul's announcement into simpler statements.
Psalm: 72:1-7, 10-14. This is both a prayer for, and a description of, a ruler who is everything Herod is not. This king is God's ideal—fair, caring, and kind. Christians have interpreted the passage as a description of the king that Jesus would be. But it also can be instructive for team captains, class officers, Scout patrol leaders, and other young leaders.
Old Testament: Isaiah 60:1-6. This Old Testament prophecy is read today to point to the arrival of the wise men. The connection is too obscure for most children.
Watch Words
Our tendency to use the terms wise men, magi, and kings interchangeably can confuse children.
Stick with one of the terms, or explain your use of others.
Do not assume that the children recognize the word Epiphany and understand its significance.
Let the Children Sing
"We Three Kings of Orient Are" is an obvious choice, but it includes abstract vocabulary that needs detailed explanation before children can sing all the verses with understanding.
"Come, Christians, Join to Sing" praises Christ the King with a repeated chorus of "Alleluia, Amen!"—in which even nonreaders can join (a specific invitation helps!).
"Jesus Loves the Little Children" is a familiar children's song celebrating the worldwide family of God. Perhaps a young children's class could sing it for the congregation, or the entire congregation could sing it as a hymn or in response to a point within the sermon.
The Liturgical Child
1. Light the Christ candle in your Advent wreath once more today. Then use it to light any other candles in your worship center. Explain the significance of the candles as they are lit. For example, many congregations light two candles on the table to recall Jesus' "twin" statements that he is the light of the world and that we also are called to be the light of the world.
2. Psalm 72 is a combination of the good wishes (or prayers) and cheers of a crowd celebrating their good king. So have four readers read the psalm with enthusiasm:
Reader 1: Verse 1
Reader 2: Verse 2
Reader 3: Verse 3
Reader 4: Verse 4
Reader 1: Verse 5
Reader 2: Verse 6
Reader 3: Verse 7
Reader 4: Verse 11
Reader 1: Verse 12a
Reader 2: Verse 12b
Reader 3: Verse 13
Reader 4: Verse 14
After delivering a sermon on leadership, repeat this reading as a prayer for specific leaders in the world today.
3. Use the characteristics of a good king found in Psalm 72:1-4; 12-14 as the basis of a prayer for leaders of the world today—name presidents, governors, and local leaders. Be sure to include leaders of countries other than your own.
4. Include prayers and music from different cultures and branches of Christianity in today's worship to celebrate the worldwide family of God. Perhaps a choir can prepare a hymn from another culture as an anthem. Create a display of hats from around the world in your worship center. (An older children's class might be enlisted to gather such hats.)
5. Pray for people of different nations and cultures. Using weather as a format, note the different kinds of weather in which Christians are gathering to worship on this day; then move to deeper concerns for the worldwide family of God.
For example, in a northern-hemisphere congregation, we might say, "It is hard to remember that for some Christians, today is the middle of summer. We remember our brothers and sisters in South Africa who gather in hot buildings and summer clothes toworship you and to find ways for black and white Christians to live together as your children."
Sermon Resources
1. Many children and adults would like to be "king." Compare the kings in this story: grasping, jealous Herod; the three worshiping kings; and King Jesus, who would be a serving, sacrificing king. Illustrate with stories about leaders of all ages.
2. Build a sermon around the three strange gifts the wise men brought. Consider using the verses of "We Three Kings of Orient Are" as an outline. Ask worshipers to follow along in open hymnbooks. Some religious bookstores sell samples of frankincense and myrrh, which you could display in your worship center.
read more
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12. The details of this story are often missed in children's Christmas pageants, when wise men simply follow the star to the manger. The encounter with Herod is skipped. When the story of the wise men is the focus of the day, it is possible to mine from the story two themes that are important to children.
First, God went to some trouble (by providing the star) to announce Jesus' birth to people of another race and country. In other words, God loves all people everywhere. Jesus came to all people. Thus, as Jesus' followers, we are to be one family with all people everywhere. We are to exclude no one from God's church or from our family. Although this inclusiveness is to be extended to people in our own school and community, Matthew's account of the wise men focuses on God's insistence on racial, national, and cultural inclusiveness.
Elementary children get heavy doses of national and cultural pride in school, Scouts, and similar activities. This is a chance to balance that pride with deep appreciation for other nations and cultures. It is also an opportunity to explore the value of nations working together and of cultures sharing their ways of doing things.
Second, this is a story of palace intrigue in which God and several foreigners outwit an evil ruler. The wise men learn from Herod where to find Jesus, but do not give Herod the information he needs to kill the child. God is at work on the side of the powerless. This is one of the success stories in the struggle of the powerless. Invite children to celebrate the story.
Epistle: Ephesians 3:1-12. Paul's announcement of God's "secret plan" reminds us that all people are members of God's family. Therefore, the wise men, like the Gentiles, are not "foreigners" but "kin." Today most children have contact at school or in their communities with children of other nationalities, races, and cultures. Older children are aware of people in other countries who dress, eat, speak, and act differently fromthe way we do. Paul's secret is that all these people are part of God's family. We must, therefore, respect them and treat them lovingly.
Note: The compound/complex sentences in this text are hard for children to follow. You will need to put Paul's announcement into simpler statements.
Psalm: 72:1-7, 10-14. This is both a prayer for, and a description of, a ruler who is everything Herod is not. This king is God's ideal—fair, caring, and kind. Christians have interpreted the passage as a description of the king that Jesus would be. But it also can be instructive for team captains, class officers, Scout patrol leaders, and other young leaders.
Old Testament: Isaiah 60:1-6. This Old Testament prophecy is read today to point to the arrival of the wise men. The connection is too obscure for most children.
Watch Words
Our tendency to use the terms wise men, magi, and kings interchangeably can confuse children.
Stick with one of the terms, or explain your use of others.
Do not assume that the children recognize the word Epiphany and understand its significance.
Let the Children Sing
"We Three Kings of Orient Are" is an obvious choice, but it includes abstract vocabulary that needs detailed explanation before children can sing all the verses with understanding.
"Come, Christians, Join to Sing" praises Christ the King with a repeated chorus of "Alleluia, Amen!"—in which even nonreaders can join (a specific invitation helps!).
"Jesus Loves the Little Children" is a familiar children's song celebrating the worldwide family of God. Perhaps a young children's class could sing it for the congregation, or the entire congregation could sing it as a hymn or in response to a point within the sermon.
The Liturgical Child
1. Light the Christ candle in your Advent wreath once more today. Then use it to light any other candles in your worship center. Explain the significance of the candles as they are lit. For example, many congregations light two candles on the table to recall Jesus' "twin" statements that he is the light of the world and that we also are called to be the light of the world.
2. Psalm 72 is a combination of the good wishes (or prayers) and cheers of a crowd celebrating their good king. So have four readers read the psalm with enthusiasm:
Reader 1: Verse 1
Reader 2: Verse 2
Reader 3: Verse 3
Reader 4: Verse 4
Reader 1: Verse 5
Reader 2: Verse 6
Reader 3: Verse 7
Reader 4: Verse 11
Reader 1: Verse 12a
Reader 2: Verse 12b
Reader 3: Verse 13
Reader 4: Verse 14
After delivering a sermon on leadership, repeat this reading as a prayer for specific leaders in the world today.
3. Use the characteristics of a good king found in Psalm 72:1-4; 12-14 as the basis of a prayer for leaders of the world today—name presidents, governors, and local leaders. Be sure to include leaders of countries other than your own.
4. Include prayers and music from different cultures and branches of Christianity in today's worship to celebrate the worldwide family of God. Perhaps a choir can prepare a hymn from another culture as an anthem. Create a display of hats from around the world in your worship center. (An older children's class might be enlisted to gather such hats.)
5. Pray for people of different nations and cultures. Using weather as a format, note the different kinds of weather in which Christians are gathering to worship on this day; then move to deeper concerns for the worldwide family of God.
For example, in a northern-hemisphere congregation, we might say, "It is hard to remember that for some Christians, today is the middle of summer. We remember our brothers and sisters in South Africa who gather in hot buildings and summer clothes toworship you and to find ways for black and white Christians to live together as your children."
Sermon Resources
1. Many children and adults would like to be "king." Compare the kings in this story: grasping, jealous Herod; the three worshiping kings; and King Jesus, who would be a serving, sacrificing king. Illustrate with stories about leaders of all ages.
2. Build a sermon around the three strange gifts the wise men brought. Consider using the verses of "We Three Kings of Orient Are" as an outline. Ask worshipers to follow along in open hymnbooks. Some religious bookstores sell samples of frankincense and myrrh, which you could display in your worship center.
read more
EPIPHANY OF THE LORD by Marcia T. Thompson
Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Come Toward the Light
The first strophe of this salvation poem summarizes the rest of the poem. Take note of the repetition of the word come through-out the passage. The central word is "glory" (kabhod). In verse 1, "Arise, shine" is an invitation to Israel to bask in God's glory. Israel had known darkness. Now God's glory "shines" and Israel is invited to respond to this 1nanifestation by rising from its despair. The light itself is a gift of God, a chance for Jerusalem to glow for all to see. The light is also God come and Israel's only source of hope. Verse 2 expresses the contrast between "light" and "darkness," the difference between Jerusalem filled with God's glory, and the rest of the world. Verse 3 tells how all nations will come to the light. It may be summarized by Isaiah 40:5: "The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together."
Come to the Light
In the second stanza, the poet uses words to create a picture of what is taking place if Israel will only look. Others will see Jerusalem reflecting the glory and will come. They are drawn by the light. Sons and daughters of Israel will return, those who have been scattered away from home long after the official homecoming. They will return with wealth from other nations and bring it to the altar (v. 7). When Israel sees, emotions will change from despair to joy, like a mother who has not seen her children in years. There is a thrill that comes with the glorious return.
Come to Worship
Verse 6 tells of others who are coming and bringing exotic gifts such as gold and frankincense. This shows that the nations too are coming to submit themselves to God's new future. All go before the altar to behold God's glory. God's presence gives the gift of life to Jerusalem and all the nations.
During my son Andrew's first Christmas, we brought him into the living room to see the Christmas tree for the first time. He was amazed as we plugged in the lights for the tree. He was drawn by the light to go and investigate the tree. In the eyes of this young child, we saw the wonder, curiosity, and joy that the light on the tree brought him.
We all sometimes need to be reminded that we are God's children who need to come to the "light" as well. Just as Jerusalem was to be the light on a hill for all nations to see God's glory, we need to come toward this "light" so that we too may be transformed by life in God's presence. This life in the presence of God should be one of wonder, curiosity, and joy, like that of a young child. By acknowledging and being transformed by the "light," we too can participate in God's kingdom. The essence of the passage is reflected in the hymn Arise, Your Light Is Come by Ruth Duck: "Show forth the glory of your God/Which shines on you today."
Excerpt: Preaching and Worshiping in Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany: Years A, B,C
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A JOYFUL NEW BEGINNING
JEREMIAH 31:7-14
The beginning of a new year is always a period of refreshment and renewal. No matter how many bad things may have come your way in the last year—no matter how many problems, how much illness, how many family difficulties, how many notices from the IRS—that year is now history; and 2014 is here—fresh, clean, and full of promise. (Although you still have to answer those letters from the IRS!)
Even as Israel is in captivity in a foreign land, the prophet Jeremiah writes of a new beginning—a day when God will restore and renew his people, giving them a fresh start. Despite what has gone before—the nation’s sin and rebellion, their lack of faith and vision—God will bring them home and establish a new covenant with them. It will be a joyful new beginning.
Could you use a joyful new beginning in your life right now? Just as God gave Israel a new beginning, God is willing to give you one as well. You can enjoy a new covenant, a new beginning with God through Jesus Christ.
What was that new covenant, that new beginning like for Israel?
I. A New Beginning Produces Praise (vv. 7-9)
God would bring a remnant back to the land of promise. None would be excluded who were willing to come—even the weakest and most vulnerable among them: the blind, the lame, those who had just had children or who were about to have children.
And what was the result of Israel’s salvation? Resounding praise! They would “sing aloud with gladness” and “raise shouts.” They would “give praise” and celebrate the greatness of their nation—not because of any inherent value in Israel, but because God’s covenant relationship gave them significance.
Verse 9 is important because it reminds us that an important part of authentic praise is sincere repentance. Israel was to know a new kind of greatness, based not on political power or military might but based on a covenant relationship with God.
If you wish to have a new beginning with God, it must include repentance—a godly sorrow for sin and a willingness to allow God to turn your life in a new direction.
II. A New Beginning Is Based on Grace (vv. 10-11)
It was important for Israel to understand that their new beginning was not produced by their own efforts; it was a gift of God’s grace—unmerited, undeserved, flowing out of divine love. And Israel was to demonstrate God’s grace to all the nations.
Two important words are used here: ransom and redeem. To ransom means literally “to loose”—it involves paying a price to receive ownership of something, often something once owned or possessed. God was willing to pay the price to ransom Israel and give her a new beginning. To redeem is an act of deliverance, usually relating to a family member; for example, one might redeem a relative who had been sold into slavery by purchasing his or her freedom, or one might redeem a piece of land that had been sold away from the family.
Just as God was willing to ransom and redeem Israel, so he offers the same deliverance to us. God wants us to be a part of his covenant family, and he has already paid the price—through Christ’s death on the cross.
III. A New Beginning Results in Joy (vv. 12-14)
Now freed and restored to their homeland, Israel would rejoice in celebrating God’s abundant gifts. Israel was to be a new community focused on worshiping God.
A new beginning with God always results in joy. That’s why Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” ( John 10:10) . Through a relationship with Jesus Christ, you can experience that joy which God alone can produce in the human heart.
Are you ready for a new beginning? There’s no better day than today for a fresh start with the Lord. (Michael Duduit)
HEIRS OF THE PROMISE
EPHESIANS 1:3-14
Timothy William Hennessy, a child of the promise, was baptized on the Sunday that this scripture came up in the lectionary many years ago. And in his baptism on that particular day, we found a perfect explication of this reading from Ephesians.
Many months before that, his mother, Susan, herself a child of this church, stood up during the sharing time to announce another birth in their family. Wistfully she added, “All we need now is an heir.” In due time, in God’s good pleasure, an heir was born to Sue and Tim, Sr., and they requested this date for his baptism. None of us knew then what the lectionary scripture for the date was. It was thrilling to find the answer to Sue’s prayer from so long before, already given beforehand by the Spirit, so clearly in the scripture for the day of their “heir’s” baptism.
We could even call this passage “Susan’s Song,” as it rejoices in the riches of our inheritance of redemption, forgiveness, and boundless grace as heirs through Christ, which, as Paul says, is “marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; [which] is the pledge of our inheritance” (v. 13).
I. Our Inheritance Is Cause for Thanksgiving
All eleven verses in this scripture seem to have leaped from Paul’s heart, in one single exuberant sentence in the Greek! It is as if the effervescence of joy and thanksgiving that Paul is feeling can hardly be spoken in words. So it flows out of him in a song that his soul “speaks.” The contents of God’s mysterious “will” (vv. 9, 11) have been revealed to Paul, and he is overwhelmed by the generosity of his benefactor—the boundless riches of his inheritance! Here is the passionate gratitude of one who knows what it means to be truly guilty of great sin and then experience the life-restoring redemption of being made “holy and blameless before him [Christ] in love” (v. 4).
II. Our Inheritance Is Couched in Mystery
Paul also realizes the incredible synchronicity of this as a blessing for which he had long before been “chosen.” This is not the kind of predestination that the Presbyterian woman was talking about when, after she fell down the stairs, she said, “Thank goodness that’s over!” Rather this is the destiny that is part of a vision of spiritual blessing planned from the beginning and offered, mysteriously, as the inheritance to many. Yes, it is mysterious; but perhaps sometimes we make it more oblique than necessary.
Do you know what you get when you cross a Mafia leader and a theologian? An offer you can’t understand! But that’s not the kind of offer Paul wants to advise us of here. The full extent of the blessings in our inheritance is beyond our comprehension, to be sure. But these blessings are being revealed to us daily, and Paul extends God’s invitation to exalt in being open to receive all that is offered to us in these blessed promises that are our rightful inheritance.
III. Our Inheritance Is the Basis for Abundant Living
It is a great sadness, and one of the most insidious forms of evil, that the systems of this world lead so many “children of the promise” into blind alleys, where the great promise and the hope that was in them are lost. Most unfortunately of all, even the church itself has often been in confusion about what it means to be called and blessed by God. Too often “Give your selfish will to God” has meant, “Give your will and resources to this person who rules in the church in the very same way others rule in the world, by imposing their will, not by helping you to find God’s.”
Like a child whose baptism functions also as an elucidation of this scripture, we were all created out of God’s love and similarly destined for the fullness of love’s expression, each in our own unique way. It is our birthright, in Christ. Praise God who has made us blessed heirs to such a glorious inheritance! (Kathleen Peterson)
THE GLAD SONG OF SALVATION
JOHN 1:1-18
There are days when it happens unexpectedly. When the Spirit blows like a cool breeze on a sweltering afternoon. When you hear the voice of angels in the prayers of your colleagues or friends. When you know—really know for sure—that what you hope and believe and trust in is true.
I had shuffled into my liturgy practicum a few minutes late. What we were doing—what we had been doing all semester—was rehearsing the rituals. Over the twelve weeks each student was to baptize a Cotton Patch Premie, offer a Great Thanksgiving over a fictional Eucharist, and “marry” a couple of fellow students. The professor would make suggestions and critique each student along the way, and then the class members would have their shot after the ritual was performed. It was pretty dull stuff, to tell you the truth—except on one day.
I arrived late, not altogether excited about another round of eucharistic prayers to be offered, as they were, over water and a wadded up paper towel. I slipped into my seat, only to be called on to assist a student, a candidate for episcopal orders. With a certain chagrin, I took my place at her right shoulder, ready to endure as best I could, when suddenly, almost ethereally, I heard music. Heavenly music! The celebrant was singing the prayer. Chanting it! I stood transfixed.
The usually chatty professor was speechless. The mouths of most class members hung open; they were barely able to utter the congregational responses. The celebrant’s plainsong had floored us. When the ritual ended, everyone was silent. After a few moments the professor said, “And that, class, is why, in the early church, nothing was said that could be sung.”
Prose comes after the poetry, explanations after the arias. Mere speech is no match for a love song, and especially when the beloved is God.
Christianity is a faith that sings. Look no further than our lesson scripture, where John the evangelist sings the beginnings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although this text is most often referred to as the “Prologue,” I have come to regard it more as the “Overture,” for in it all the themes of the balance of the gospel are sounded.
Consider it a hymn with three stanzas, with two descants regarding the Baptist thrown in for good measure. The first stanza, verses 1-5, sings of the creating God’s relation to all creation through the Word. The second stanza, verses 9-13, sings of the intervening God’s relation to all humanity through the Word. The third stanza, verses 14-18, sings of the redeeming God’s offer of salvation to all who receive the Word.
Of course, the gracious theme of these stanzas is counterpointed with rejection, hatred, and darkness. But the overture’s climax is one of mutual Christian confession; for while many, even of God’s own people, did not receive the Word, “we did.”
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory . . . we have received grace upon grace . . .” It’s a song more than a syllogism, poetry more than prose. And though we have lost the original tune, we can, in faith, still find the glad rhythm of this song of salvation.
We all learn our faith by singing it. By singing our faith, we learn more of it. And the Scriptures, by example and exhortation, remind us that the Word became flesh is a truth that has to be sung to be believed. (Thomas R. Steagald)
JEREMIAH 31:7-14
The beginning of a new year is always a period of refreshment and renewal. No matter how many bad things may have come your way in the last year—no matter how many problems, how much illness, how many family difficulties, how many notices from the IRS—that year is now history; and 2014 is here—fresh, clean, and full of promise. (Although you still have to answer those letters from the IRS!)
Even as Israel is in captivity in a foreign land, the prophet Jeremiah writes of a new beginning—a day when God will restore and renew his people, giving them a fresh start. Despite what has gone before—the nation’s sin and rebellion, their lack of faith and vision—God will bring them home and establish a new covenant with them. It will be a joyful new beginning.
Could you use a joyful new beginning in your life right now? Just as God gave Israel a new beginning, God is willing to give you one as well. You can enjoy a new covenant, a new beginning with God through Jesus Christ.
What was that new covenant, that new beginning like for Israel?
I. A New Beginning Produces Praise (vv. 7-9)
God would bring a remnant back to the land of promise. None would be excluded who were willing to come—even the weakest and most vulnerable among them: the blind, the lame, those who had just had children or who were about to have children.
And what was the result of Israel’s salvation? Resounding praise! They would “sing aloud with gladness” and “raise shouts.” They would “give praise” and celebrate the greatness of their nation—not because of any inherent value in Israel, but because God’s covenant relationship gave them significance.
Verse 9 is important because it reminds us that an important part of authentic praise is sincere repentance. Israel was to know a new kind of greatness, based not on political power or military might but based on a covenant relationship with God.
If you wish to have a new beginning with God, it must include repentance—a godly sorrow for sin and a willingness to allow God to turn your life in a new direction.
II. A New Beginning Is Based on Grace (vv. 10-11)
It was important for Israel to understand that their new beginning was not produced by their own efforts; it was a gift of God’s grace—unmerited, undeserved, flowing out of divine love. And Israel was to demonstrate God’s grace to all the nations.
Two important words are used here: ransom and redeem. To ransom means literally “to loose”—it involves paying a price to receive ownership of something, often something once owned or possessed. God was willing to pay the price to ransom Israel and give her a new beginning. To redeem is an act of deliverance, usually relating to a family member; for example, one might redeem a relative who had been sold into slavery by purchasing his or her freedom, or one might redeem a piece of land that had been sold away from the family.
Just as God was willing to ransom and redeem Israel, so he offers the same deliverance to us. God wants us to be a part of his covenant family, and he has already paid the price—through Christ’s death on the cross.
III. A New Beginning Results in Joy (vv. 12-14)
Now freed and restored to their homeland, Israel would rejoice in celebrating God’s abundant gifts. Israel was to be a new community focused on worshiping God.
A new beginning with God always results in joy. That’s why Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” ( John 10:10) . Through a relationship with Jesus Christ, you can experience that joy which God alone can produce in the human heart.
Are you ready for a new beginning? There’s no better day than today for a fresh start with the Lord. (Michael Duduit)
HEIRS OF THE PROMISE
EPHESIANS 1:3-14
Timothy William Hennessy, a child of the promise, was baptized on the Sunday that this scripture came up in the lectionary many years ago. And in his baptism on that particular day, we found a perfect explication of this reading from Ephesians.
Many months before that, his mother, Susan, herself a child of this church, stood up during the sharing time to announce another birth in their family. Wistfully she added, “All we need now is an heir.” In due time, in God’s good pleasure, an heir was born to Sue and Tim, Sr., and they requested this date for his baptism. None of us knew then what the lectionary scripture for the date was. It was thrilling to find the answer to Sue’s prayer from so long before, already given beforehand by the Spirit, so clearly in the scripture for the day of their “heir’s” baptism.
We could even call this passage “Susan’s Song,” as it rejoices in the riches of our inheritance of redemption, forgiveness, and boundless grace as heirs through Christ, which, as Paul says, is “marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; [which] is the pledge of our inheritance” (v. 13).
I. Our Inheritance Is Cause for Thanksgiving
All eleven verses in this scripture seem to have leaped from Paul’s heart, in one single exuberant sentence in the Greek! It is as if the effervescence of joy and thanksgiving that Paul is feeling can hardly be spoken in words. So it flows out of him in a song that his soul “speaks.” The contents of God’s mysterious “will” (vv. 9, 11) have been revealed to Paul, and he is overwhelmed by the generosity of his benefactor—the boundless riches of his inheritance! Here is the passionate gratitude of one who knows what it means to be truly guilty of great sin and then experience the life-restoring redemption of being made “holy and blameless before him [Christ] in love” (v. 4).
II. Our Inheritance Is Couched in Mystery
Paul also realizes the incredible synchronicity of this as a blessing for which he had long before been “chosen.” This is not the kind of predestination that the Presbyterian woman was talking about when, after she fell down the stairs, she said, “Thank goodness that’s over!” Rather this is the destiny that is part of a vision of spiritual blessing planned from the beginning and offered, mysteriously, as the inheritance to many. Yes, it is mysterious; but perhaps sometimes we make it more oblique than necessary.
Do you know what you get when you cross a Mafia leader and a theologian? An offer you can’t understand! But that’s not the kind of offer Paul wants to advise us of here. The full extent of the blessings in our inheritance is beyond our comprehension, to be sure. But these blessings are being revealed to us daily, and Paul extends God’s invitation to exalt in being open to receive all that is offered to us in these blessed promises that are our rightful inheritance.
III. Our Inheritance Is the Basis for Abundant Living
It is a great sadness, and one of the most insidious forms of evil, that the systems of this world lead so many “children of the promise” into blind alleys, where the great promise and the hope that was in them are lost. Most unfortunately of all, even the church itself has often been in confusion about what it means to be called and blessed by God. Too often “Give your selfish will to God” has meant, “Give your will and resources to this person who rules in the church in the very same way others rule in the world, by imposing their will, not by helping you to find God’s.”
Like a child whose baptism functions also as an elucidation of this scripture, we were all created out of God’s love and similarly destined for the fullness of love’s expression, each in our own unique way. It is our birthright, in Christ. Praise God who has made us blessed heirs to such a glorious inheritance! (Kathleen Peterson)
THE GLAD SONG OF SALVATION
JOHN 1:1-18
There are days when it happens unexpectedly. When the Spirit blows like a cool breeze on a sweltering afternoon. When you hear the voice of angels in the prayers of your colleagues or friends. When you know—really know for sure—that what you hope and believe and trust in is true.
I had shuffled into my liturgy practicum a few minutes late. What we were doing—what we had been doing all semester—was rehearsing the rituals. Over the twelve weeks each student was to baptize a Cotton Patch Premie, offer a Great Thanksgiving over a fictional Eucharist, and “marry” a couple of fellow students. The professor would make suggestions and critique each student along the way, and then the class members would have their shot after the ritual was performed. It was pretty dull stuff, to tell you the truth—except on one day.
I arrived late, not altogether excited about another round of eucharistic prayers to be offered, as they were, over water and a wadded up paper towel. I slipped into my seat, only to be called on to assist a student, a candidate for episcopal orders. With a certain chagrin, I took my place at her right shoulder, ready to endure as best I could, when suddenly, almost ethereally, I heard music. Heavenly music! The celebrant was singing the prayer. Chanting it! I stood transfixed.
The usually chatty professor was speechless. The mouths of most class members hung open; they were barely able to utter the congregational responses. The celebrant’s plainsong had floored us. When the ritual ended, everyone was silent. After a few moments the professor said, “And that, class, is why, in the early church, nothing was said that could be sung.”
Prose comes after the poetry, explanations after the arias. Mere speech is no match for a love song, and especially when the beloved is God.
Christianity is a faith that sings. Look no further than our lesson scripture, where John the evangelist sings the beginnings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although this text is most often referred to as the “Prologue,” I have come to regard it more as the “Overture,” for in it all the themes of the balance of the gospel are sounded.
Consider it a hymn with three stanzas, with two descants regarding the Baptist thrown in for good measure. The first stanza, verses 1-5, sings of the creating God’s relation to all creation through the Word. The second stanza, verses 9-13, sings of the intervening God’s relation to all humanity through the Word. The third stanza, verses 14-18, sings of the redeeming God’s offer of salvation to all who receive the Word.
Of course, the gracious theme of these stanzas is counterpointed with rejection, hatred, and darkness. But the overture’s climax is one of mutual Christian confession; for while many, even of God’s own people, did not receive the Word, “we did.”
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory . . . we have received grace upon grace . . .” It’s a song more than a syllogism, poetry more than prose. And though we have lost the original tune, we can, in faith, still find the glad rhythm of this song of salvation.
We all learn our faith by singing it. By singing our faith, we learn more of it. And the Scriptures, by example and exhortation, remind us that the Word became flesh is a truth that has to be sung to be believed. (Thomas R. Steagald)
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From a Child's Point of View
Gospel: John 1:1-18. Though "the Word," "the light," and "the life" in this poem are too abstract for children, the poem has the answer to questions they often ask: "What is the difference between God and Jesus?" and "How are God and Jesus related?" Jon's answer is that God and Jesus are one. Jesus was part of God when the world was created. God became a person in Jesus of Nazareth. No one has seen God, but anyone who has seen or read about Jesus has seen or read about God, and therefore knows all there is to know about God.
If you explore "the Word" (Logos), introduce it to children as a code word for God. Though this oversimplifies the term, it allows older children to hear John's message—that God and Jesus are one throughout history, even before Creation.
Children also can appreciate that God's presence with us as a person, Jesus, is the most important of the many ways God has loved us and care for us. John mentions God's gift to Moses of the Law (the Ten Commandments). Other texts for the day mention God's other gifts in creation and in the history of Israel.
Epistle: Ephesians 1:3-14. Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by listing God's gifts to us. Paul's list is filled with abstract theological terms that mean nothing to children as they are read. In children's terms, these are the gifts:
• God chose us before the creation of the world. To children, this says that God's love for us is to big that it stretches back before the creation of the world. Such love gives children both security and a sense of identity a members of God's people.
• God give us forgiveness.
• God promises that one day God will bring the whole world together in peace.
These gifts will need to be named and illustrated with everyday examples in the sermon.
Old Testament:Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-12. Jeremiah 31:7
Sirach 24:1-12 celebrates the fact that Wisdom (Old Testament precursor to "the Word" in John's prologue) is in residence in the Jewish nation for all time. Because there is no way to explain Wisdom/Word that does not make it seem to children like a fourth person of the Trinity, either select Jeremiah's text or present Wisdom as another code word for God (like Word) and read this passage as a celebration of God's presence with people of faith.
Psalm 147:12 Both these poems hit several examples of God's loving activities in our behalf. Because the psalm identifies familiar natural gifts as the gifts of God, while the Wisdom poem refers to historical deeds which few children will recognize as gifts of Wisdom, the psalm is the better choice for children. If the weather is wintry, children will especially enjoy the references to God's winter gifts of snow and frost and ice (sleet or hail).
Watch Words
Be careful about "God" vocabulary, especially Trinitarian language. God is called Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is also called Creator, Redeemer (Rescuer), Friend, and much more. It is easier for children to understand Word or Wisdom when they are presented as part of the second list, than if they are related to the Trinitarian list.
Either avoid incarnation or make it the word of the day, defining it and using it frequently to build familiarity.
Let the Children Sing
To praise Christ, sing either "Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart," with its repeated chorus, or "When Morning Gilds the Skies," with its repeated phrase, "May Jesus Christ be praised!"
The easiest incarnation hymn for children is "That Boy-child of Mary," which uses simple vocabulary.
The link between the creator God and Jesus in today's text makes it a perfect time to sing the familiar "Fairest Lord Jesus." "All Things Bright and Beautiful" is another good hymn to God the creator.
The Liturgical Child
1. Read John's prologue during the lighting of the Advent wreath candles and Christ candle. An acolyte stands at the center of the sanctuary with a candle, or the candle lighter, raised high while verses 1-5 are read, lights the four candles of the wreath during verses 6-13, and finally lights the Christ candle as verse 14 is read. The acolyte and reader (perhaps a parent/older child team) need to practice a time or two to get the timing right.
2. Before reading the Jeremiah passage, explain the situation of the people for whom it was originally written. Invite listeners to imagine they are living among the captives in Babylon; urge them to imagine how the captives felt when tye heard these words.
3. In a bidding prayer, name the many gifts God gives us: family; people who are our heroes, heroines, and guides; special friends; congregational life; the natural order, particularly the pleasures of winter weather; events in the world in which you sense God at work; and most especially, Jesus. Pause after describing each general gift to allow worshipers to pray about specific gifts they recognize in their own experience.
Sermon Resources
1. Preach about God's gifts to us: God created a beautiful world for us to enjoy, explore, and care for. (Focus in the joys of winter weather.) God has given us directions for happy living—for example, the Ten Commandments. God has come to help us when we get into trouble. God's best gift is coming to live among us and to save us, gift-wrapped in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.
The title of the sermon might be "Whad Ya Get from God?" Open with the question children frequently ask as they meet friends—especially on the first day of school after Christmas—"Whad ya get?" Tell about one gift you were given, then move on to what God gives all of us every day.
2. To help children understand John 1:10-13, point out examples from the Christmas stories of people who did not know who Jesus was. For example, the innkeepers of Bethlehem did not know it was Jesus who would be born when they sent Mary and Joseph away. The shepherds, on, the other hand, listened to the angels and knew who Baby Jesus was.
Gospel: John 1:1-18. Though "the Word," "the light," and "the life" in this poem are too abstract for children, the poem has the answer to questions they often ask: "What is the difference between God and Jesus?" and "How are God and Jesus related?" Jon's answer is that God and Jesus are one. Jesus was part of God when the world was created. God became a person in Jesus of Nazareth. No one has seen God, but anyone who has seen or read about Jesus has seen or read about God, and therefore knows all there is to know about God.
If you explore "the Word" (Logos), introduce it to children as a code word for God. Though this oversimplifies the term, it allows older children to hear John's message—that God and Jesus are one throughout history, even before Creation.
Children also can appreciate that God's presence with us as a person, Jesus, is the most important of the many ways God has loved us and care for us. John mentions God's gift to Moses of the Law (the Ten Commandments). Other texts for the day mention God's other gifts in creation and in the history of Israel.
Epistle: Ephesians 1:3-14. Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by listing God's gifts to us. Paul's list is filled with abstract theological terms that mean nothing to children as they are read. In children's terms, these are the gifts:
• God chose us before the creation of the world. To children, this says that God's love for us is to big that it stretches back before the creation of the world. Such love gives children both security and a sense of identity a members of God's people.
• God give us forgiveness.
• God promises that one day God will bring the whole world together in peace.
These gifts will need to be named and illustrated with everyday examples in the sermon.
Old Testament:Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-12. Jeremiah 31:7
Sirach 24:1-12 celebrates the fact that Wisdom (Old Testament precursor to "the Word" in John's prologue) is in residence in the Jewish nation for all time. Because there is no way to explain Wisdom/Word that does not make it seem to children like a fourth person of the Trinity, either select Jeremiah's text or present Wisdom as another code word for God (like Word) and read this passage as a celebration of God's presence with people of faith.
Psalm 147:12 Both these poems hit several examples of God's loving activities in our behalf. Because the psalm identifies familiar natural gifts as the gifts of God, while the Wisdom poem refers to historical deeds which few children will recognize as gifts of Wisdom, the psalm is the better choice for children. If the weather is wintry, children will especially enjoy the references to God's winter gifts of snow and frost and ice (sleet or hail).
Watch Words
Be careful about "God" vocabulary, especially Trinitarian language. God is called Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is also called Creator, Redeemer (Rescuer), Friend, and much more. It is easier for children to understand Word or Wisdom when they are presented as part of the second list, than if they are related to the Trinitarian list.
Either avoid incarnation or make it the word of the day, defining it and using it frequently to build familiarity.
Let the Children Sing
To praise Christ, sing either "Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart," with its repeated chorus, or "When Morning Gilds the Skies," with its repeated phrase, "May Jesus Christ be praised!"
The easiest incarnation hymn for children is "That Boy-child of Mary," which uses simple vocabulary.
The link between the creator God and Jesus in today's text makes it a perfect time to sing the familiar "Fairest Lord Jesus." "All Things Bright and Beautiful" is another good hymn to God the creator.
The Liturgical Child
1. Read John's prologue during the lighting of the Advent wreath candles and Christ candle. An acolyte stands at the center of the sanctuary with a candle, or the candle lighter, raised high while verses 1-5 are read, lights the four candles of the wreath during verses 6-13, and finally lights the Christ candle as verse 14 is read. The acolyte and reader (perhaps a parent/older child team) need to practice a time or two to get the timing right.
2. Before reading the Jeremiah passage, explain the situation of the people for whom it was originally written. Invite listeners to imagine they are living among the captives in Babylon; urge them to imagine how the captives felt when tye heard these words.
3. In a bidding prayer, name the many gifts God gives us: family; people who are our heroes, heroines, and guides; special friends; congregational life; the natural order, particularly the pleasures of winter weather; events in the world in which you sense God at work; and most especially, Jesus. Pause after describing each general gift to allow worshipers to pray about specific gifts they recognize in their own experience.
Sermon Resources
1. Preach about God's gifts to us: God created a beautiful world for us to enjoy, explore, and care for. (Focus in the joys of winter weather.) God has given us directions for happy living—for example, the Ten Commandments. God has come to help us when we get into trouble. God's best gift is coming to live among us and to save us, gift-wrapped in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.
The title of the sermon might be "Whad Ya Get from God?" Open with the question children frequently ask as they meet friends—especially on the first day of school after Christmas—"Whad ya get?" Tell about one gift you were given, then move on to what God gives all of us every day.
2. To help children understand John 1:10-13, point out examples from the Christmas stories of people who did not know who Jesus was. For example, the innkeepers of Bethlehem did not know it was Jesus who would be born when they sent Mary and Joseph away. The shepherds, on, the other hand, listened to the angels and knew who Baby Jesus was.
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Second Sunday after Christmas
COLOR: White
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:(1-9), 10-18
Call to Worship
Arise, shine, for your light has come!
The glory of the Lord has risen upon us!
Like sages from afar, come and behold your Christ!
Let us fall on our knees in his honor! Let us lift our voices in praise of his name!
Call to Worship
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
Sing out your praises and say,
God has saved his people.
See how the Savior brings them from the end of the earth,
the blind and lame among them,
women with child
and women in labor, a great company.
Young men and old shall rejoice,
then shall the girl show her joy in the dance.
God turns their mourning into gladness,
and gives them joy to outdo their sorrow.
Invocation
O Christ, pass through the doors of heaven into our presence. You were not created by the Most High to recline upon the clouds in the company of angels. You were fashioned to make your home among the creatures of God. God has chosen the place where you shall erect your tent. There we shall meet you. And where you go we shall go, and where you lodge we shall lodge. Your people shall be our people; your God, our God.
Invocation
God of our hopes, Christ of our faith, Spirit in our hearts, we come to worship you with joy and gladness. Your goodness knows no limits of generation or gender, of condition or citizenship. You are kind to all, and we worship you in all sincerity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Litany
For so long God has hoped for a righteous leader,
And we have seen visions and dreamed dreams.
We have waited for one who would share God's spirit—
Who would judge the fearful with righteousness and the poor with justice;
Who would show compassion to the weak and mercy to the condemned;
Who would break down the walls dividing the peoples, that all on earth might follow a star.
For so long have we seen the visions; for so long have the dreams been dreamed.
But now the vision has found its life, arid the dream has come to pass—
ALL: Here is the One for whom we have waited! Let us open our treasures and offer our gifts: our hearts, our souls, our minds!
Prayer of Confession
All-glorious God, we have faith in Jesus Christ, and love towards your people, yet we are not without blemish in your sight, not full of love, wisdom, and other spiritual blessings you still have available for us. Our love is not as inclusive as yours, and there is much we need to learn. Give us clearer vision of all that we are meant to be, so that by becoming fulfilled, we may increase the glory that is properly revealed in Jesus Christ, your beloved. Amen
Declaration of Pardon
Friends, hear the Good News! The liberator has come to free us from all proud pretenses.
The Christ has come in Jesus of Nazareth to show us the undeserved favor of God.
Friends, believe the Good News!
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Exhortation
Accept the limitations of your own knowledge. Have reverence for the wisdom of the Creator. Be thankful for his love in Christ and for a humble place in his house.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give thanks, God of Job and Jeremiah, David's Lord, Anna's Christ, Luke's Savior, that we have found your house in many places. We have found places of prayer with the swallows and the sparrows. We have sung your praise in a quiet circle under the stars. We have enjoyed the choir of many voices and the joyous sounds of musical instruments and found inspiration and refreshment. Along our pilgrim way you provide the cup that sustains both soul and body. We are happy when we trust in you. Amen
Benediction
O Christ, we know that the gifts of our hands are no substitute for the loyalty of our lives. As we leave this sanctuary, enable us to serve your creation as we have worshiped you, with ourselves as well as our gifts.
---------------------
COVENANT RENEWAL SERVICE
In 1663 Richard Alleine, a Puritan, published Vindiciae Pietatis: or, “A Vindication of Godliness in the Greater Strictness and Spirituality of It”. In 1753, it was again published in John Wesley's A Christian Library. Wesley used one chapter, "The Application of the Whole," on Monday, August 11, 1755, in what probably was the first real celebration of the Covenant Service in the Methodist movement.
Wesley found the service rich and meaningful, as expressed in his Journal: "Many mourned before God, and many were comforted" (April 1756); "It was, as usual, a time of remarkable blessing" (October 1765). "It was an occasion for a variety of spiritual experiences ... I do not know that ever we had a greater blessing. Afterwards many desired to return thanks, either for a sense of pardon, for full salvation, or for a fresh manifestation of His graces, healing all their backslidings" (January 1, 1775). In London these services were usually held on New Year's Day. Around the country the Covenant Service was conducted whenever John Wesley visited the Methodist Societies.
After the time of Wesley several versions of the Covenant Service were developed, gradually giving Wesley's material less place in the total service. The present service follows our Basic Pattern of worship, enables the congregation to participate more fully, and updates language. Most significant, the liturgy beginning with the Invitation is taken directly from Wesley's service of 1780.
The heart of the service, focused in the Covenant Prayer, requires persons to commit themselves to God. This covenant is serious and assumes adequate preparation for and continual response to the covenant. Leaders of worship must take seriously the need to prepare the congregation for this service, possibly through study sessions and prayer.
The leaders must also assume responsibility to assist persons to be faithful to the covenant, possibly through meetings for spiritual discipline.
The Covenant Service is most commonly held on New Year's Eve or Day and therefore is sometimes called a Watch Night Service. Historically, a Watch Night Service would be three hours or longer, including readings from Scripture and hymn singing. This Covenant Service would also be appropriate on one of the Sundays After the Epiphany, during Lent, on a church anniversary, or during a revival or preaching mission. Ideally, the service should be used only once a year on the same Sunday. Red is an appropriate color for paraments and vestments.
Individual copies of the Covenant Service are recommended for all worshipers so that they may sign and keep them as reminders.
ENTRANCE
GATHERING
GREETING
HYMN *
Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine (UMH 606)
Charles Wesley wrote this hymn specifically for this service.
OPENING PRAYER*
O God, Searcher of all our hearts,
you have formed us as a people and claimed us for your own.
As we come to acknowledge your sovereignty and grace,
and to enter anew into covenant with you,
reveal any reluctance or falsehood within us.
Let your Spirit impress your truth on our inmost being,
and receive us in mercy, for the sake of our Mediator, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(DAVID TRIPP, ENGLAND, 20TH CENT.)
LITANY OF THANKSGIVING
The following or another litany of thanksgiving may be used:
Let us give thanks for all of God's mercies.
O God, our Covenant Friend,
you have been gracious to us through all the years of our lives.
We thank you for your loving care,
which has filled our days and brought us to this time and place.
We praise your holy name, O God.
You have given us life and reason,
and set us in a world filled with your glory.
You have comforted us with family and friends,
and ministered to us through the hands of our sisters and brothers. R You have filled our hearts with a hunger after you,
and have given us your peace.
You have redeemed us, and called us to a high calling in Christ Jesus.
You have given us a place in the fellowship of your Spirit
and the witness of your Church. R
You have been our light in darkness
and a rock of strength in adversity and temptation.
You have been the very Spirit of joy in our joys
and the all–sufficient reward in all our labors. R
You remembered us when we forgot you.
You followed us even when we tried to flee from you.
You met us with forgiveness when we returned to you.
For all your patience and overflowing grace. R
PROCLAMATION
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON (S)
These lessons may be interspersed with hymns and psalms:
Deuteronomy 31:9 –13
A covenant renewal
2 Kings 23:1 –3
Renewal of covenant
2 Chronicles 34:29 –33
Renewal of covenant
Jeremiah 31:31 –34
A new covenant
Psalm 50 (UMH 783)
Gathering of the faithful
1 Peter 1
Call of holy living
Matthew 25:14 –30
Parable of talents
Matthew 25:31 –46
Judgment of the nations
John 15:1–8
Jesus is the true vine.
SERMON OR HOMILY
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
the Christian life is redeemed from sin and consecrated to God.
Through baptism, we have entered this life
and have been admitted into the new covenant
of which Jesus Christ is the Mediator.
He sealed it with his own blood, that it might last for ever.
On the one side, God promises to give us new life in Christ,
the Source and Perfecter of our faith.
On the other side, we are pledged
to live no more for ourselves but only for Jesus Christ,
who loved us and gave himself for us.
From time to time we renew our covenant with God,
especially when we reaffirm the Baptismal Covenant
and gather at the Lord's table.
Today, however, we meet, as the generations before us have met,
to renew the covenant that binds us to God.
Let us make this covenant of God our own.
WESLEY'S COVENANT SERVICE
INVITATION
Commit yourselves to Christ as his servants.
Give yourselves to him, that you may belong to him.
Christ has many services to be done.
Some are more easy and honorable,
others are more difficult and disgraceful.
Some are suitable to our inclinations and interests,
others are contrary to both.
In some we may please Christ and please ourselves.
But then there are other works where we cannot please Christ
except by denying ourselves.
It is necessary, therefore,
that we consider what it means to be a servant of Christ.
Let us, therefore, go to Christ, and pray:
Let me be your servant, under your command.
I will no longer be my own.
I will give up myself to your will in all things.
Be satisfied that Christ shall give you your place and work.
Lord, make me what you will.
I put myself fully into your hands:
put me to doing, put me to suffering,
let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
let me be full, let me be empty,
let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and with a willing heart
give it all to your pleasure and disposal.
Christ will be the Savior of none but his servants.
He is the source of all salvation to those who obey.
Christ will have no servants except by consent;
Christ will not accept anything except full consent
to all that he requires.
Christ will be all in all, or he will be nothing.
Confirm this by a holy covenant.
To make this covenant a reality in your life, listen to these admonitions:
First, set apart some time, more than once,
to be spent alone before the Lord;
in seeking earnestly God's special assistance
and gracious acceptance of you;
in carefully thinking through all the conditions of the covenant;
in searching your hearts
whether you have already freely given your life to Christ.
Consider what your sins are.
Consider the laws of Christ, how holy, strict, and spiritual they are,
and whether you, after having carefully considered them,
are willing to choose them all.
Be sure you are clear in these matters, see that you do not lie to God.
Second, be serious and in a spirit of holy awe and reverence.
Third, claim God's covenant,
rely upon God's promise of giving grace and strength,
so you can keep your promise.
Trust not your own strength and power.
Fourth, resolve to be faithful.
You have given to the Lord your hearts,
you have opened your mouths to the Lord,
and you have dedicated yourself to God.
With God's power, never go back.
And last, be then prepared to renew your covenant with the Lord.
Fall down on your knees, lift your hands toward heaven,
open your hearts to the Lord, as we pray:
COVENANT PRAYER
The people kneel or bow.
O righteous God, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
see me as I fall down before you.
Forgive my unfaithfulness in not having done your will,
for you have promised mercy to me
if I turn to you with my whole heart.
God requires that you shall put away all your idols.
I here from the bottom of my heart renounce them all,
covenanting with you that no known sin shall be allowed in my life.
Against your will, I have turned my love toward the world.
In your power
I will watch all temptations that will lead me away from you.
For my own righteousness is riddled with sin,
unable to stand before you.
Through Christ, God has offered to be your God again
if you would let him.
Before all heaven and earth,
I here acknowledge you as my Lord and God.
I take you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for my portion,
and vow to give up myself, body and soul, as your servant,
to serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of my life.
God has given the Lord Jesus Christ
as the only way and means of coming to God.
Jesus, I do here on bended knees accept Christ
as the only new and living Way,
and sincerely join myself in a covenant with him.
O blessed Jesus, I come to you,
hungry, sinful, miserable, blind, and naked,
unworthy even to wash the feet of your servants.
I do here, with all my power, accept you as my Lord and Head.
I renounce my own worthiness,
and vow that you are the Lord, my righteousness.
I renounce my own wisdom, and take you for my only guide.
I renounce my own will, and take your will as my law.
Christ has told you that you must suffer with him.
I do here covenant with you, O Christ,
to take my lot with you as it may fall.
Through your grace I promise
that neither life nor death shall part me from you.
God has given holy laws as the rule of your life.
I do here willingly put my neck under your yoke, to carry your burden.
All your laws are holy, just, and good.
I therefore take them as the rule for my words, thoughts, and actions,
promising that I will strive
to order my whole life according to your direction,
and not allow myself to neglect anything I know to be my duty.
The almighty God searches and knows your heart.
O God, you know that I make this covenant with you today
without guile or reservation.
If any falsehood should be in it, guide me and help me to set it aright.
And now, glory be to you, O God the Father,
whom I from this day forward shall look upon as my God and Father.
Glory be to you, O God the Son,
who have loved me and washed me from my sins in your own blood,
and now is my Savior and Redeemer.
Glory be to you, O God the Holy Spirit,
who by your almighty power have turned my heart from sin to God.
O mighty God, the Lord Omnipotent, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
you have now become my Covenant Friend.
And I, through your infinite grace, have become your covenant servant.
So be it.
And let the covenant I have made on earth be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
You are advised to make this covenant not only in your heart, but in word; not only in word, but in writing. Therefore, with all reverence, lay the service before the Lord as your act and deed. And when you have done this, sign it. Then keep it as a reminder of the holy agreement between God and you that you may remember it during doubts and temptations.
See also A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition (UMH 607).
The pastor may now celebrate Holy Communion, the people using A Service of Word and Table III (UMH) or one of the musical settings (UMH) and the pastor using “The Great Thanksgiving for New Year, Epiphany, Baptism of the Lord or Covenant Renewal” (UMBOW 58-59).
Otherwise, the service continues as follows:
HYMN * Suggested from UMH:
563/564 Father, We Thank you
117 O God, Our Help in Ages Past
698 God of The Ages
501 O Thou Who Camest from Above
561 Jesus, United by Thy Grace
DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING *
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Ministry Matters
2222 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard
COLOR: White
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:(1-9), 10-18
Call to Worship
Arise, shine, for your light has come!
The glory of the Lord has risen upon us!
Like sages from afar, come and behold your Christ!
Let us fall on our knees in his honor! Let us lift our voices in praise of his name!
Call to Worship
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
Sing out your praises and say,
God has saved his people.
See how the Savior brings them from the end of the earth,
the blind and lame among them,
women with child
and women in labor, a great company.
Young men and old shall rejoice,
then shall the girl show her joy in the dance.
God turns their mourning into gladness,
and gives them joy to outdo their sorrow.
Invocation
O Christ, pass through the doors of heaven into our presence. You were not created by the Most High to recline upon the clouds in the company of angels. You were fashioned to make your home among the creatures of God. God has chosen the place where you shall erect your tent. There we shall meet you. And where you go we shall go, and where you lodge we shall lodge. Your people shall be our people; your God, our God.
Invocation
God of our hopes, Christ of our faith, Spirit in our hearts, we come to worship you with joy and gladness. Your goodness knows no limits of generation or gender, of condition or citizenship. You are kind to all, and we worship you in all sincerity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Litany
For so long God has hoped for a righteous leader,
And we have seen visions and dreamed dreams.
We have waited for one who would share God's spirit—
Who would judge the fearful with righteousness and the poor with justice;
Who would show compassion to the weak and mercy to the condemned;
Who would break down the walls dividing the peoples, that all on earth might follow a star.
For so long have we seen the visions; for so long have the dreams been dreamed.
But now the vision has found its life, arid the dream has come to pass—
ALL: Here is the One for whom we have waited! Let us open our treasures and offer our gifts: our hearts, our souls, our minds!
Prayer of Confession
All-glorious God, we have faith in Jesus Christ, and love towards your people, yet we are not without blemish in your sight, not full of love, wisdom, and other spiritual blessings you still have available for us. Our love is not as inclusive as yours, and there is much we need to learn. Give us clearer vision of all that we are meant to be, so that by becoming fulfilled, we may increase the glory that is properly revealed in Jesus Christ, your beloved. Amen
Declaration of Pardon
Friends, hear the Good News! The liberator has come to free us from all proud pretenses.
The Christ has come in Jesus of Nazareth to show us the undeserved favor of God.
Friends, believe the Good News!
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Exhortation
Accept the limitations of your own knowledge. Have reverence for the wisdom of the Creator. Be thankful for his love in Christ and for a humble place in his house.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
We give thanks, God of Job and Jeremiah, David's Lord, Anna's Christ, Luke's Savior, that we have found your house in many places. We have found places of prayer with the swallows and the sparrows. We have sung your praise in a quiet circle under the stars. We have enjoyed the choir of many voices and the joyous sounds of musical instruments and found inspiration and refreshment. Along our pilgrim way you provide the cup that sustains both soul and body. We are happy when we trust in you. Amen
Benediction
O Christ, we know that the gifts of our hands are no substitute for the loyalty of our lives. As we leave this sanctuary, enable us to serve your creation as we have worshiped you, with ourselves as well as our gifts.
---------------------
COVENANT RENEWAL SERVICE
In 1663 Richard Alleine, a Puritan, published Vindiciae Pietatis: or, “A Vindication of Godliness in the Greater Strictness and Spirituality of It”. In 1753, it was again published in John Wesley's A Christian Library. Wesley used one chapter, "The Application of the Whole," on Monday, August 11, 1755, in what probably was the first real celebration of the Covenant Service in the Methodist movement.
Wesley found the service rich and meaningful, as expressed in his Journal: "Many mourned before God, and many were comforted" (April 1756); "It was, as usual, a time of remarkable blessing" (October 1765). "It was an occasion for a variety of spiritual experiences ... I do not know that ever we had a greater blessing. Afterwards many desired to return thanks, either for a sense of pardon, for full salvation, or for a fresh manifestation of His graces, healing all their backslidings" (January 1, 1775). In London these services were usually held on New Year's Day. Around the country the Covenant Service was conducted whenever John Wesley visited the Methodist Societies.
After the time of Wesley several versions of the Covenant Service were developed, gradually giving Wesley's material less place in the total service. The present service follows our Basic Pattern of worship, enables the congregation to participate more fully, and updates language. Most significant, the liturgy beginning with the Invitation is taken directly from Wesley's service of 1780.
The heart of the service, focused in the Covenant Prayer, requires persons to commit themselves to God. This covenant is serious and assumes adequate preparation for and continual response to the covenant. Leaders of worship must take seriously the need to prepare the congregation for this service, possibly through study sessions and prayer.
The leaders must also assume responsibility to assist persons to be faithful to the covenant, possibly through meetings for spiritual discipline.
The Covenant Service is most commonly held on New Year's Eve or Day and therefore is sometimes called a Watch Night Service. Historically, a Watch Night Service would be three hours or longer, including readings from Scripture and hymn singing. This Covenant Service would also be appropriate on one of the Sundays After the Epiphany, during Lent, on a church anniversary, or during a revival or preaching mission. Ideally, the service should be used only once a year on the same Sunday. Red is an appropriate color for paraments and vestments.
Individual copies of the Covenant Service are recommended for all worshipers so that they may sign and keep them as reminders.
ENTRANCE
GATHERING
GREETING
HYMN *
Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine (UMH 606)
Charles Wesley wrote this hymn specifically for this service.
OPENING PRAYER*
O God, Searcher of all our hearts,
you have formed us as a people and claimed us for your own.
As we come to acknowledge your sovereignty and grace,
and to enter anew into covenant with you,
reveal any reluctance or falsehood within us.
Let your Spirit impress your truth on our inmost being,
and receive us in mercy, for the sake of our Mediator, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(DAVID TRIPP, ENGLAND, 20TH CENT.)
LITANY OF THANKSGIVING
The following or another litany of thanksgiving may be used:
Let us give thanks for all of God's mercies.
O God, our Covenant Friend,
you have been gracious to us through all the years of our lives.
We thank you for your loving care,
which has filled our days and brought us to this time and place.
We praise your holy name, O God.
You have given us life and reason,
and set us in a world filled with your glory.
You have comforted us with family and friends,
and ministered to us through the hands of our sisters and brothers. R You have filled our hearts with a hunger after you,
and have given us your peace.
You have redeemed us, and called us to a high calling in Christ Jesus.
You have given us a place in the fellowship of your Spirit
and the witness of your Church. R
You have been our light in darkness
and a rock of strength in adversity and temptation.
You have been the very Spirit of joy in our joys
and the all–sufficient reward in all our labors. R
You remembered us when we forgot you.
You followed us even when we tried to flee from you.
You met us with forgiveness when we returned to you.
For all your patience and overflowing grace. R
PROCLAMATION
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON (S)
These lessons may be interspersed with hymns and psalms:
Deuteronomy 31:9 –13
A covenant renewal
2 Kings 23:1 –3
Renewal of covenant
2 Chronicles 34:29 –33
Renewal of covenant
Jeremiah 31:31 –34
A new covenant
Psalm 50 (UMH 783)
Gathering of the faithful
1 Peter 1
Call of holy living
Matthew 25:14 –30
Parable of talents
Matthew 25:31 –46
Judgment of the nations
John 15:1–8
Jesus is the true vine.
SERMON OR HOMILY
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
the Christian life is redeemed from sin and consecrated to God.
Through baptism, we have entered this life
and have been admitted into the new covenant
of which Jesus Christ is the Mediator.
He sealed it with his own blood, that it might last for ever.
On the one side, God promises to give us new life in Christ,
the Source and Perfecter of our faith.
On the other side, we are pledged
to live no more for ourselves but only for Jesus Christ,
who loved us and gave himself for us.
From time to time we renew our covenant with God,
especially when we reaffirm the Baptismal Covenant
and gather at the Lord's table.
Today, however, we meet, as the generations before us have met,
to renew the covenant that binds us to God.
Let us make this covenant of God our own.
WESLEY'S COVENANT SERVICE
INVITATION
Commit yourselves to Christ as his servants.
Give yourselves to him, that you may belong to him.
Christ has many services to be done.
Some are more easy and honorable,
others are more difficult and disgraceful.
Some are suitable to our inclinations and interests,
others are contrary to both.
In some we may please Christ and please ourselves.
But then there are other works where we cannot please Christ
except by denying ourselves.
It is necessary, therefore,
that we consider what it means to be a servant of Christ.
Let us, therefore, go to Christ, and pray:
Let me be your servant, under your command.
I will no longer be my own.
I will give up myself to your will in all things.
Be satisfied that Christ shall give you your place and work.
Lord, make me what you will.
I put myself fully into your hands:
put me to doing, put me to suffering,
let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
let me be full, let me be empty,
let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and with a willing heart
give it all to your pleasure and disposal.
Christ will be the Savior of none but his servants.
He is the source of all salvation to those who obey.
Christ will have no servants except by consent;
Christ will not accept anything except full consent
to all that he requires.
Christ will be all in all, or he will be nothing.
Confirm this by a holy covenant.
To make this covenant a reality in your life, listen to these admonitions:
First, set apart some time, more than once,
to be spent alone before the Lord;
in seeking earnestly God's special assistance
and gracious acceptance of you;
in carefully thinking through all the conditions of the covenant;
in searching your hearts
whether you have already freely given your life to Christ.
Consider what your sins are.
Consider the laws of Christ, how holy, strict, and spiritual they are,
and whether you, after having carefully considered them,
are willing to choose them all.
Be sure you are clear in these matters, see that you do not lie to God.
Second, be serious and in a spirit of holy awe and reverence.
Third, claim God's covenant,
rely upon God's promise of giving grace and strength,
so you can keep your promise.
Trust not your own strength and power.
Fourth, resolve to be faithful.
You have given to the Lord your hearts,
you have opened your mouths to the Lord,
and you have dedicated yourself to God.
With God's power, never go back.
And last, be then prepared to renew your covenant with the Lord.
Fall down on your knees, lift your hands toward heaven,
open your hearts to the Lord, as we pray:
COVENANT PRAYER
The people kneel or bow.
O righteous God, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
see me as I fall down before you.
Forgive my unfaithfulness in not having done your will,
for you have promised mercy to me
if I turn to you with my whole heart.
God requires that you shall put away all your idols.
I here from the bottom of my heart renounce them all,
covenanting with you that no known sin shall be allowed in my life.
Against your will, I have turned my love toward the world.
In your power
I will watch all temptations that will lead me away from you.
For my own righteousness is riddled with sin,
unable to stand before you.
Through Christ, God has offered to be your God again
if you would let him.
Before all heaven and earth,
I here acknowledge you as my Lord and God.
I take you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for my portion,
and vow to give up myself, body and soul, as your servant,
to serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of my life.
God has given the Lord Jesus Christ
as the only way and means of coming to God.
Jesus, I do here on bended knees accept Christ
as the only new and living Way,
and sincerely join myself in a covenant with him.
O blessed Jesus, I come to you,
hungry, sinful, miserable, blind, and naked,
unworthy even to wash the feet of your servants.
I do here, with all my power, accept you as my Lord and Head.
I renounce my own worthiness,
and vow that you are the Lord, my righteousness.
I renounce my own wisdom, and take you for my only guide.
I renounce my own will, and take your will as my law.
Christ has told you that you must suffer with him.
I do here covenant with you, O Christ,
to take my lot with you as it may fall.
Through your grace I promise
that neither life nor death shall part me from you.
God has given holy laws as the rule of your life.
I do here willingly put my neck under your yoke, to carry your burden.
All your laws are holy, just, and good.
I therefore take them as the rule for my words, thoughts, and actions,
promising that I will strive
to order my whole life according to your direction,
and not allow myself to neglect anything I know to be my duty.
The almighty God searches and knows your heart.
O God, you know that I make this covenant with you today
without guile or reservation.
If any falsehood should be in it, guide me and help me to set it aright.
And now, glory be to you, O God the Father,
whom I from this day forward shall look upon as my God and Father.
Glory be to you, O God the Son,
who have loved me and washed me from my sins in your own blood,
and now is my Savior and Redeemer.
Glory be to you, O God the Holy Spirit,
who by your almighty power have turned my heart from sin to God.
O mighty God, the Lord Omnipotent, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
you have now become my Covenant Friend.
And I, through your infinite grace, have become your covenant servant.
So be it.
And let the covenant I have made on earth be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
You are advised to make this covenant not only in your heart, but in word; not only in word, but in writing. Therefore, with all reverence, lay the service before the Lord as your act and deed. And when you have done this, sign it. Then keep it as a reminder of the holy agreement between God and you that you may remember it during doubts and temptations.
See also A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition (UMH 607).
The pastor may now celebrate Holy Communion, the people using A Service of Word and Table III (UMH) or one of the musical settings (UMH) and the pastor using “The Great Thanksgiving for New Year, Epiphany, Baptism of the Lord or Covenant Renewal” (UMBOW 58-59).
Otherwise, the service continues as follows:
HYMN * Suggested from UMH:
563/564 Father, We Thank you
117 O God, Our Help in Ages Past
698 God of The Ages
501 O Thou Who Camest from Above
561 Jesus, United by Thy Grace
DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING *
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Ministry Matters
2222 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37228, United States
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