Liturgy

The people walking in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and all authority will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his authority and peace,
there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
Amen.

— Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7

Congregational Prayer

In prayer, let us pray to God as a community.

We were heavy with sorrow, but joy interrupted.
We were deep in the night, but a star appeared.
We were silent with sadness, but the heavens rang.
And the splendor shone around them
When the time had fully come.

We were hardened by conflict, but love intervened.
We were frightened by shadows, but light took them away.
We were haunted by fears, but a child brought us hope.
And she laid him in a manger
When the time had fully come.

We were dismal and defeated, but faith set us on fire.
We were weary and complaining, but our hearts discovered praise.
We were doubtful and confused, but a door to life was opened.
And the guiding star went before them
When the time had fully come.

We were arrogant and angry, but his innocence disarmed us.
We were cruel, crude, and clumsy, but his grace made all things new.
We were selfish, narrow and greedy, but his joy we had to share.
And they offered him their treasured gifts
When the time had fully come.

We were sheep who had lost their way,
but the Shepherd knew our names.
We were strangers without a country, but our kingdom came to us.
We were children far from home, but God sent his Son to guide.
And the Word was flesh among us
When the time had fully come. Amen.

— written by Kenneth I. Morse

Reflection

How can we be intentional about dwelling on and examining who we are?
What areas of our lives need to experience growth this coming year?

Benediction

Go, rejoicing in God’s steadfast presence in our lives,
and in God’s unique presence in the life of Jesus of Nazareth—
born of Mary, growing through childhood into an adult ministry,

in all his life manifesting the peace, love, and justice of God;
his voice undimmed by the centuries
his call and his promise as clear to us
as it was to his disciples so long ago.

Come to us, Lord Jesus.
Be born in us, in our hearts, our minds, our lives.

May the light of your life be kindled in us,
And lead us to the shining truth,
of God with us, God for us, God in us.

We go in name of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

— written by Jeanyne Slettom

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by elias.and.theresa.carlson @ Flickr]