Liturgy
When the song of the angels is stilled
When the star in the sky is gone
When the kings and princes are home
When the shepherds are back with their flocks
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost
To heal the broken
To feed the hungry
To release the prisoner
To rebuild the nations
To bring peace among the people
To make music in the heart.
All in the name of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
– by Howard Thurman
Congregational Prayer
All powerful God,
increase our strength of will for doing good
that Christ may find an eager welcome at his return to Earth.
May we rely on his counsel and not our own
in this new season that he may have a home
wherever we find him in our city.
And when our work is done, may your Son be pleased
and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Reflection
How is your longing to encounter God?
How might you orient your life toward a posture of worship?
What are some evidences of God pursuing you right now?
Benediction
May the almighty and merciful Lord direct us in this new year;
May He make it prosper and maintain us in peace,
that we share his generous love and mercy to all along our path.
May the Holy Spirit intercede and accompany us on the way,
that we live our lives to serve as Christ served all
and breathe peace, joy and health
into our homes and neighborhoods.
We go forth in the name of the Father,
of the Son
and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Go in peace and live the church. See you throughout the week.
[Photo by Ben @ Flickr]