Gathering Around the Word
Prelude: Announcements: CALL TO WORSHIP: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever! Give thanks to the God of gods and the Lord of lords. His love endures forever! He alone does great wonders His love endures forever! He remembers us in our lowly estate His love endures forever! Worship him today, the God who is worthy and whose love endures. INVOCATION
*HYMN: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” # 475
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Father, we confess today that we have fallen short of Your demands of our life and obedience every single day. We don’t love You, and we don’t love others as we should. We allow the stresses in our lives to act as excuses to do the things we know are wrong. You set us free from sin and yet we fight so hard when you call us out of it. Out of your great love and patience, forgive us of these sins and the sin that we don’t see yet we realize runs deep within who we are. Have mercy on us as we confess our sin individually. Amen Time of Silent Prayer: Assurance of Pardon Response – Gloria Patri # 581 Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer of illumination Scripture Reading: Psalm 4 Diana Donaldson Sermon text: 1 John 2: 1 - 6 *HYMN “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine” # 839 *Apostles Creed (next to Prayer List) Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people The Lord’s Prayer HYMN “Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing # 546 *Benediction *Postlude Be safe and keep warm!
BIRTHDAYS:
January 14 Christine Welling Barb O’Hara ANNIVERSARIES: None this week SYMPATHIES: For the Family of Richard Wagner, Debbie Mary’s father Remember our food collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. We need prayers for Tom Miller. He fell and hit his head and ended up with a concussion. Nellie Baker is asking prayers for her brother-in-law, Terry Weaver. He is now under hospice care in Maryland. We are looking for interested individuals who would like to join the choir. If you are interested, please let Don Herschell, Debbie Durila or Diana Donaldson know. Starting a new year, so if you have news, joys or concerns let Diana Donaldson know.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sandy Stone, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Ricci Amos, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Diane Anderson, Helen Provenzano, Donna West, Judy Donaldson, Marlene McFeely, Wendy Willard, Marley Smith, Ellen Morris, Suzy Smith, Carol Pierce, Chuck Harton, Doug Ward, Cheryl Hardway, Frank Baker, Holly Liggitt (6 yrs. old) granddaughter of Debbie Durila, Tom Miller, Terry Weaver
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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
Each week that we meet in person, we take some time to share any joys or concerns we might have. Take some time to consider your past week. If you have any prayer requests to share, please add them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Lord, today I place my trust in You with all my heart. I acknowledge that my understanding is limited, and I lean on You for guidance and wisdom in all I do.
Help me to rely not on my own understanding but on Your infinite knowledge and love. As I prepare to face the challenges and blessings of this day, I submit myself to Your will. I surrender my plans, desires, and ambitions to You, knowing that Your ways are higher and wiser than mine. I ask for the humility and strength to align my actions and decisions with Your divine purpose. Lord, please make my paths straight. Remove any obstacles that may lead me astray from Your righteous and loving path. Grant me the clarity to discern Your will and the courage to follow it, even when it may seem unclear or difficult. In every moment of this day, I seek Your guidance and presence. Whether in times of joy or trial, help me to remember Proverbs 3:5-6, and may these verses be a constant reminder of Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the assurance that as I trust in You, submit to Your ways, and seek Your guidance, You will lead me on a straight and purposeful path. With gratitude and love, I commit this day to You, trusting that You are always by my side. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Proverbs 3:1-8.
Lesson Context
The book of Proverbs is generally, mostly attributed to King Solomon. Its importance is in how it communicates what makes up a life of wisdom. All people can learn and apply the wisdom taught in the book of Proverbs. It is divided into five sections: an introduction to wisdom (Proverbs 1-9), the proverbs of Solomon (10:1-22:16; 25:1-29:27), the words of the wise (22:17-24:34), the words of Agur (Proverbs 30), and the words of King Lemuel (Proverbs 31). We know nothing about Agur or King Lemuel. The book has us listening to the teachings of a father to his son. With one exception, the poetic order of each pair of verses in today's scripture follows the same pattern. First, the father gives his son a negative command. Second, the father gives a positive command. Finally, the father concludes that section with a promise for his son.
One Law (verses 1-2)
This passage is set up as a father talking to his son. The son is told to "keep my commands in your heart." In the Old Testament, the heart refers to a person's inner being. The commands should become part of the son's volitions, emotions, and knowledge. A way to keep the commands would be to commit them to memory, and obey them. This reflects on the Law of Moses, where children are to honor their parents. A child who honors their parents is entering a life of wisdom. This will be a flourishing life, with relational harmony.
Two Virtues (verses 3-4)
Love and faithfulness are two key words in the Old Testament, especially regarding the attributes of God. Love frequently refers to God's loyalty and commitment to his people. Faithfulness conveys the idea of reliability. For the father speaking to his son, he wants to see his son's heart transformed. The son should do good actions that come from a heart oriented toward the virtues of mercy and truth. In the Old Testament, a person might bind something around their neck to show the importance and significance of that item to the wearer. The father's speech is interpreted as figurative language by our book. It is meant to highlight the extent that the son should go to in order to develop a life of love and faithfulness. The virtues are not to be hidden from the world. By having the virtues of love and faithfulness, the son will win favor. This means he will be held in high regard. Having a life of wisdom and character will not only win favor with God, but with other people as well. A good name and good reputation take time to develop. Not only do these things provide a personal benefit, but they are also avenues to honor God and reveal God to other people.
One Trust (verses 5-6)
Placing trust anywhere other than God can lead to futility or destruction. It does not lead to any lasting or eternal wisdom. Leaning on your own understanding can lead to pride. Only foolish people trust themselves more than the wisdom of the Lord. The Lord is worthy to be trusted because he is the source of salvation. To trust with all your heart is total commitment. It is all-encompassing. To submit to God means to know him and give him proper recognition for his activity in a person's life. It involves a willingness to yield to his will. God will all-knowing, all-present and all-powerful. We can trust that he will provide his people with a wise and righteous path. This is not a promise of an easy life. However, God has provided us with an avenue of peace through Christ Jesus.
Two Actions (verses 7-8)
The opposite of trusting and submitting to God is to consider one's wisdom as the final say. God is the source of wisdom. He desire to give his people wisdom through his Spirit. As a result, God's people should avoid lives of pride and arrogance. Instead, they should seek wisdom from God. The example of King Solomon provides us with a warning based on this verse. He received wisdom from God. However, he failed to follow God's wisdom. As a result, he experience heartache and the promise of consequences that would extend past his lifetime. To fear the Lord involves having an attitude of reverence, awe, wonder, faith, and trust in the Lord. It is impossible to be wise in one's own eyes and simultaneously fear the Lord. Instead, an attitude of humility is required. The last verse of the passage is difficult to translate because it is a Hebrew idiom. The King James Version translates the verse as, "It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." Our book says that this is a more accurate translation of the original Hebrew. This may be a literary practice wherein one part of the body represents the whole. A life of humility, fear of the Lord and obedience to him results in the complete wholeness of a person. We know that a person's status in life does not correlate to the quality of a person's heart. While people may experience wholeness and health in part while on earth, scripture promises a time in the future when God, "will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away," (Revelation 21:4).
Conclusion
It is easy for believers to sy that we are seeking the wisdom of God when in actuality, other voices influence our lives and shape our perspectives. If we're filling our lives with human ideas rather than the wisdom of God, which will have more influence?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the inspired wisdom you have revealed to us in scripture. Help us to listen and follow your word. Show us how we can be more attentive to the direction of your Spirit so that we might have lives of wisdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the English Standard Version.
Next week's lesson will be on 2 Chronicles 20:13-20.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude: Choir Announcements: CALL TO WORSHIP: We come to worship today as people who know they are sinners. Walking in the light reveals all the darkness that we wish we could hide. What hope then do we have? What then can wash away our sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. O what a joy it is to know that there is no sin too great, no unrighteousness too deeply rooted that the blood of the Lamb cannot clean. Praise God for His faithfulness. Let us worship God today. Our shield, our glory, and the lifter of our heads! INVOCATION
*HYMN: We Three Kings of Orient Are” # 151
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Father, when we consider how deeply rooted our sin is, and how short we have fallen there is not a time in our memory that we can escape the reality of who we are. We sinned when we were young, when we were young adults, and we will sin still as we grow old. Try as we may to do otherwise, we cannot avoid that this is part of who we are as fallen human beings, and the shame that comes from this sin is often so great that we would rather hide from it and pretend that it isn’t there. Remind us again of the forgiveness that we find through the blood of Your Son. As we confess our sin, hear us and have mercy on us. Ease us of our guilt. Root us in the confidence of Your great love and patience. We pray this in the name of Your Son, AMEN Time of silent prayer. Assurance of Pardon Response – Gloria Patri # 581 * Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer of illumination Scripture: Psalm 3 Sermon text: 1 John 1: 5-10 *HYMN “As With Gladness Men of Old” # 150 *Apostles Creed (next to Prayer List) Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people The Lord’s Prayer INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE “Let Us “Break Bread Together #525 Communion Alleluia (1 verse) INVOCATION “A Hymn of Joy We Sing” (see insert) *HYMN “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child # 146 *Benediction *Postlude Safe and Happy New Year!!
BIRTHDAYS: Christine Welling, Barb O’Hara
ANNIVERSARIES: Clayton & Leslie LaPosta SYMPATHIES: For the Family of Twila Fisher, cousin of Linda Miller For the family of Richard Wagner, father of Debbie Mary Remember our food collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Women’s Missionary Group will meet this Tuesday, Jan. 9th downstairs in the social Hall at 9:30 am. Please join us as we fellowship together in the New Year. The Women On Wednesday (WOW) will meet this Wednesday 1/10 at 9:30 weather permitting.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sandy Stone, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Ricci Amos, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Diane Anderson, Helen Provenzano, Donna West, Judy Donaldson, Marlene McFeely, Wendy Willard, Marley Smith, Ellen Morris, Suzy Smith, Carol Pierce, Chuck Harton, Doug Ward, Cheryl Hardway, Frank Baker, Holly Liggitt (6 yrs. old) granddaughter of Debbie Durila, Ron Westfall, Carol Horne
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us for the first Sunday of 2024!
Yesterday was Epiphany, the day when we celebrate the wise men coming to see Jesus.
We meet in person most weeks, and discuss the lesson together. We also share any prayer requests we have. Consider the last week, and any prayer requests you might have. You can add these as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Loving Father, I can be so entrenched in my own thinking that sometimes I doubt Your Word and question Your promises, often wishing I had some concrete proof of Your love for me. Forgive me, Lord - I know that Your Word gives me all the affirmation of this absolute reality that I need. Your Word and promises are sure, and Your faithfulness stretches beyond the limits of time and space. Thank You for the gift of faith. I pray that, day by day, my loving trust in You will become increasingly established within my heart for I long to please You in all I say and do and am. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Today's lesson is on Hebrews 11:1-4a, 7a, 8, 17-18, 20-23, 32, 39-40. If you would like to read the passage uninterrupted, Hebrews 11:1-40.
Luke says he writes so that you can know for certain. John writes so that we can believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
The book of Hebrews is a bit of a puzzle. Scholars can’t agree on who wrote it or when it was written. They do agree that Hebrews offers a description of faith, and a history of God’s people. This letter was written to encourage a people not to give up on their faith because of the suffering they endure. Faith, for Hebrews, is always linked to hope. Faith is looking at God and trusting him for everything. Hope is looking at the future and trusting God for it. Over two thousand years later we still have a similar faith. We believe in things we cannot see. You can’t see electricity but when you flip a switch, you see the light. You can’t see anything on a CD or DVD but you know that sound and pictures are there. Yes, faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. In various translations, this chapter is introduced by many titles: “The Meaning of Faith,” “By Faith we Understand,” “Description of Faith,” and in the Bible most of us use, NIV, “Faith in Action”. The chapter’s list of saints who have gone before us is often called a cloud of witnesses. Each of us has our own cloud of witnesses: parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, Sunday School teachers and pastors. Remember them and be thankful. In 2024 we have the advantage of knowing about Jesus, the cross and his resurrection. We have been empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit. God has called each one of us to work for his kingdom.
Conclusion
Some faithful people have some significant imperfections. We are to walk by faith not by sight. We have an advantage over Old Testament teachers because we have the privilege of knowing about Jesus and his resurrection. Because we believe in the promises of God, it becomes our duty to do what God calls us to do, believing that the Holy Spirit will empower us to do so. Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for these faithful servants of yours whose deeds inspire us in our faith. May we prove to be at least as faithful as they were. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Thought to Remember Faith overrides imperfections!
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the Tree of Life Version.
Next week's lesson is on Proverbs 3:1-8.
Gathering Around the Word
Choir Pianist: Carol Smith Announcements: CALL TO WORSHIP: The word of life has come to us. He who was with the Father before all time has come to us. Praise God for the fellowship we have as His church. Praise God for the fellowship we now can have with Him. Let us testify to the truth that we have seen and know. Draw your highest sense of joy from knowing the Lord. For what God has done, for what He is doing in us and in our world, let us worship God together. INVOCATION
*HYMN: “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” # 123
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Father, the world’s priorities are all out of whack. It elevates that which is temporary, promotes division, and values those with the most strength. At times we too have bought into that way of thinking. We have allowed insignificant differences to create significant divides, we have spent much of our time trying to obtain more and more of the things that do not last, and we have looked to a false sense of strength when You teach us that true strength comes from humility. Forgive us for the many times when we have forfeited the truth that we know, revealed to us by Your word, for the alternative offered to us by the world. We are sinful but trust that You are merciful. Transform us to be able to find all of our joy in knowing You. Amen Time of silent prayer. Assurance of Pardon Response – Gloria Patri # 581 * Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer of illumination Scripture: Isaiah 2: 1-5 Lois Miller Sermon text: 1 John 1: 1-4 *HYMN “The First Nowell” # 147 *Apostles Creed (next to Prayer List) Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN ”Go Tell it on the Mountain” # 136 *Benediction *Postlude Safe and Happy New Year!!
Good morning!
We're so glad you're joining us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns. Take some time to consider the past week, and any prayer requests you might have. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Lord, may we be like the Wise Men who were guided to you by a star. Give us wisdom to seek you, light to guide us to you, courage to search until we find you, graciousness to worship you and generosity to lay our gifts before you, who are our King and our God for ever and ever. Amen
Today's lesson is on Matthew 2:1-12.
Our text for study involves a mysterious star. This invites a consideration of the distinctions between astronomy and astrology. In modern times, we make a clear-cut distinction between two. But the two were blended together in the ancient world. Astronomy is the scientific study of the sun, moon, stars, planets, etc.; Astrology combines that study with the belief that the so-called gods orchestrate the appearances, positions and movements, therefore reveal information about divine plans for the future. Astrology is practiced today in the form of horoscopes associated with the zodiac.
In the Old Testament, astrologers are mentioned most in the book of Daniel. The people of Israel were warned about pagan occult practices; astrology, being a part of it, was one of them. And moving from consulting the stars to worshiping the stars was an all too easy step to take. The ancient Greek translation of the book of Daniel designates such men as magi, from which we derive our modern word magician. But words change meaning over time, and how ancient people viewed magi is not to be equated with the contemporary role of a magician who uses sleight of hand to entertain audiences. Instead, this word describes men of wisdom; we surmise they were astrologers-scholars. Matthew gives fewer details about the actual birth of Jesus than Luke. Instead, Matthew relates the nativity story with simplicity. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. A few details are added, trying to account for the geography and history of Palestine. Bethlehem is a village located a few miles southwest of Jerusalem. It is the birthplace of King David. King Herod the Great, who ruled 37-4 BC as the first Roman puppet-king of Judea. He died shortly after today's events. Herod the Great was not an ethnic Jew but an Idumean (related to modern Arabs) He is designated as “The Great” because of his extensive building projects. The grandest of these was the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, a project he began about 20 BC and that was unfinished at the time of his death. Many legends have arisen in Christian tradition about these Magi. These include speculations regarding their occupations (kings?), their number (three?), their names (Melchior, Casper, and Balthazar?) and their place of origin (Babylon? Persia?) Matthew's account doesn't answer such questions. We should understand from the east as describing their point of origin, not their route. The lands of Babylon and Persia lie 600 miles or more from Jerusalem in a straight line that crosses the Syrian Desert. But it is highly unlikely that the wise men traveled across the intervening desert. Instead they would have come to Jerusalem by following the Euphrates River valley to Syria and then south through Damascus. This was a well traveled trade route through a region called the Fertile Crescent. Such a route would have been a thousand miles. It would take four months to walk this distance. That there are at least two Magi is certain because the term is plural. But beyond that, we don't know how many there were. The tradition that there were three wise men seems based on the fact they offered three gifts to Jesus in Matthew. They likely would have been in a large, well-funded entourage. Verse 7 indicates that the Magi were granted a personal audience with Herod at some point. They either had diplomatic letters of introduction, could offer generous bribes or presented such a regal appearance that Herod agreed to see them. That is why some speculated the visitors were “kings.” "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and came to worship him." The wise men interpret the new star as a sign that the newly arrived King of the Jews was important enough to be worthy of their worship. Although not specified in Matthew, this is often seen as a fulfillment of the “star out of Jacob” prophecy of Numbers 24:17. The wise man's inquiry did not sit well with the paranoid King Herod. He was an old man who had sons and wives put to death when seen as threats to his throne. In Jerusalem they knew what the King was capable of when he was disturbed. The people of the city would be willing to do anything to placate the king. The chief priest ruled Jerusalem's temple. They had an uneasy alliance with Herod that had enriched them greatly as the party of the Sadducee. The teachers of the law were the experts in the Jewish Scriptures, often called upon to interpret fine points of the Law of Moses. Herod was no expert on things such as prophecies concerning coming kings. Even so, he was apparently aware that the Jews believed a Christ was coming, the chosen Messiah of the Lord. Herod connects these prophecies with the inquiry of the wise men. Therefore, he asked the religious leader to reveal the birthplace of the Messiah, believing that it must have been specified in the writing of the prophets. While this would give an answer to the wise men, Herod had a more devious motive in learning the location. The religious leaders quoted Micah 5:2. On the precise designation Bethlehem in Judea. This prophecy was already 700 years old at the time of Herod. It recognizes the insignificance of Bethlehem. It foretells the raising up of a new ruler from this city. And it indicates this person would not be a mere city ruler or district supervisor. Instead, the prophesied Messiah would shepherd my people Israel. He lied to the wise men and said he desired to worship him also. They were to return to him and give the direct location of him. When they left the star appeared again. They were overjoyed because they could travel at night. The location of the child with his mother Mary was no longer the manger but a house. The Magi were not empty-handed in their worship of Jesus. They present him with costly gifts for a king. They gave him the gift of gold, likely coins that would help the family's subsequent flight to Egypt and return to Nazareth. They gave him Frankincense which was the finest incense in the ancient world. It was imported from southern Arabia and Africa. It was prized for its use in religious ceremonies and as a costly sacrificial offering. The third gift was of Myrrh. It was valued as an ingredient in perfume; it was used for anointing and in preparing a body for burial. The wise men were warned in a dream not to report back to King Herod. This warning served to protect not only the child Jesus but also Mary, Joseph and the Magi. Herod's intent was to have this potential king killed and the others could have felt his wrath as well.
Conclusion
A favorite Christmas carol of mine about the wise men is the nineteenth-composition “The Three Kings” by Peter Cornelius. True, it has many of the legendary aspects of their story in presuming that they were kings, that they came from Persia, etc. The lesson of the carol is still powerful, though, and speaks to us today as one stanza implores their audience to travel with the kings to Bethlehem, and offers hearts to the infant King of Kings. Most of us don't have much gold to offer Jesus. And if we even had any frankincense or myrrh, how would we offer those? But we can offer him sincere hearts in worship. He is the Son of God, the true Messiah. At this time of year when we remember and celebrate the birth of our Lord in Bethlehem may we offer our most precious gift: our hearts. Prayer Father, help us to emulate the faith of the wise men? As they let nothing stop them fro reach Jesus, may we do so as well. May the faith that allowed them to thwart the plans of a powerful opponent be ours as well. May we offer your Son, Jesus, no empty-handed worship. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. Last year Lisa Hamilton gave us a book called “The Fourth Wise Man”. It is also a 1985 movie starring Martin Sheen and Alan Arkin. I streamed it for free on my phone. It had a good moral to it. It is about a Magi who wanted to follow the star so he could worship the King of the Jews. He has three jewels he wants to give to the Messiah. He misses the caravan and is always one step away from seeing Jesus. He spends much of his remaining wealth and all of his energy helping the poor and the unfortunate people he meets, until at the end of his life he finally finds Jesus at his trial. He wants to pay Jesus ransom with his last jewel he had saved a young girl who was being sold for her father's debt. When he was dying he saw the Risen Christ and he apologizes for never giving him his gift. Jesus said “ but you did For when I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me.” The Magi said “Lord I never saw you till today” Jesus said.”I tell you whatever you did for one the least of these brothers, you did for me.”
Questions
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New Living Translation.
Next week will be the first Sunday of the new year! The lesson will be on Hebrews 11:1-4, 7, 8, 17-18, 20-23, 32, 39-40.
Christmas Eve Service Choir “O Holy Night” Announcements: ADVENT: The Bell Family CALL TO WORSHIP: O what a great darkness that sin had left us in O how we longed to once again know the light Then in an instant everything changed. On that night, lying in a manger was the brightest light that ever shone. Wrapped in swaddling clothes laid all of our hope and joy. Praise be to God that when we think of that baby in Bethlehem thousands of years ago, we see the hope of all God’s people made complete and all of God’s promises fulfilled. Let us worship our God who is worthy of every praise from generation to generation. INVOCATION *HYMN: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” # 133
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Lord Jesus Christ, at Your birth the angels gave glory to God in the highest heaven and offered peace on earth to all humankind. We struggle to follow the heavenly host. All too often we focus on giving glory to ourselves, trying to impress our friends, coworkers, and family. We make no move to further peace in our polarized world; we forget that You have called us to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Forgive us for these and all our sins, and strengthen us to join the angels in singing “glory be to our God forever.” Time of silent prayer. Assurance of Pardon Response – Gloria Patri # 581 * Passing of the peace Scripture: Psalm 96 Diana Donaldson Sermon text: Luke 2: 1-20 *HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High” # 113 *Apostles Creed (next to Prayer List) Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN ”Silent Night, Holy Night” # 119 *Benediction *Postlude Blessed Christmas Eve
Gathering Around the Word
Choir Announcements: ADVENT: The Fisher Family CALL TO WORSHIP: Praise be to the one who has built us up in the good news, Praise be to God for the message of Jesus the Christ The mystery of salvation is found in Him Thanks be to God for what is ours through faith Let us worship the only wise God who is glorified forever through Jesus Christ INVOCATION
*HYMN: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” # 121
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION: O eternal and gracious God, all year long we pursue power, money, and influence. Yet You come to us in the weakness of the manger. All season long we covet material gifts. Yet You alone offer us the only everlasting Son, Jesus Christ, God with us. We confess to You our pride, our faithlessness, and our reluctance to accept Your grace. Through the work of the Lord Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, forgive us, heal us, correct us, and transform us. Then enable us to be still, to know Your presence, and to praise You. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Time of silent prayer. Assurance of Pardon Response – Gloria Patri # 581 * Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer of illumination Scripture: Luke 1: 67-79 Diana Donaldson Sermon text: Malachi 4 *HYMN “While We are Waiting, Come” # 92 *Apostles Creed (next to Prayer List) Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN ”Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” # 119 *Benediction *Postlude Blessed Christmas Eve Morning
Christmas Eve Services
5 pm at Taylorstown 7 pm at North Buffalo
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us on Christmas Eve!
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve.
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below to get started. It was written by Ben Luker, an apprentice at the Calvin Institute for Christian Worship.
Almighty God, giver of strength, we know that you have made a way for those who believe. We remember your faithfulness. We rejoice in your presence as we seek wisdom in the many decisions we have to make. Give us thankful hearts in troubled times, hearts sustained by your Holy Spirit.
Open our eyes to the wonders of your love in Jesus Christ and turn us from that which distracts us from the good. In your One and Only Son we pray, Amen.
Today's lesson is on Luke 1:36-45, 56.
Lesson context
Church history and the great majority of scholars attribute the books of Luke and Acts to Luke, the apostle Paul’s traveling companion in the book of Acts. While on those missionary journeys, Luke — who is believed to have been the beloved physician referred to in Colossians 4 — may have interviewed people who knew Jesus personally. Among those people may have been Mary, the mother of Jesus, which could be how he could offer such detail about many encounters, even when only two people were involved. Such an encounter is recorded in our lesson for today. It is a meeting between Mary and her relative Elizabeth when each was miraculously pregnant. Elizabeth was a married woman beyond the age of childbirth, and Mary was an unmarried virgin. As the text opens, the birth of Elizabeth’s baby — the person who came to be known as John the Baptist — has been foretold (Luke 1:5-25) and the birth of Jesus to Mary has also been foretold (Luke 1:26-35). Both births were proclaimed through angelic visitations.
Acceptance of the message (verses 36-38)
Our lesson begins with the last part of a statement that the angel Gabriel makes to Mary. The angel is responding to Mary’s question about she will be a mother when she is a virgin. He replies that hers is not the only miraculous pregnancy but that her relative Elizabeth is also about to give birth. It is not certain exactly how Mary and Elizabeth are related, although most scholars believe they are probably cousins. However, the news about Elizabeth’s pregnancy would have strengthened Mary’s faith and confirmed the angel’s words about Mary’s pregnancy. The angel concludes with words that echo those of a divine visitor who spoke to Abraham about his own struggle with infertility and God’s miraculous intervention in Genesis 18: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” In Mary’s case, the angel says, “For no word from God will ever fail.” Both Mary and Elizabeth’s husband Zechariah had asked the angel how this would occur. Their questions differ, however, in that Zechariah was skeptical and wanted a sign, but Mary was simply curious. Ironically, Zechariah does receive a sign, although probably not one he had wanted. He is unable to speak until the his son is born. Following Gabriel’s response, Mary simply agrees and submits. Although it may not have been necessary for the plan to unfold, it shows that despite the peril, Mary was a willing and humble participant in what was about to happen.
Joyous meeting (verses 39-45 and 56)
Very soon after the angel’s visit, Mary leaves to visit Elizabeth. If Zechariah served as priest in the city of Hebron, Mary and Elizabeth live about 100 miles apart, which explains why Mary had not heard about Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Even if he served in another city, the two women lived at least 35 miles apart. Either way, this was no easy journey for Mary, but she probably needed first-hand confirmation of the angel’s message as well as fellowship with the only other person who could possibly understand what she was going through. She also leaves fairly quickly because it would be easier to travel during the early stages of her pregnancy. Elizabeth is probably about six months along in her pregnancy. As Mary arrives, she enters the home and greets Elizabeth. At that moment, Elizabeth’s baby not only moves but “leaped for joy,” according to Elizabeth. This foreshadows the role that John the Baptist will play later in life in pointing people to Jesus. At that moment, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and begins to speak. The Holy Spirit plays a key role in Luke’s gospel and in the book of Acts. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and without even hearing that Mary is pregnant at this point, Elizabeth cries out that Mary is blessed among women and that Mary’s child is blessed as well. Even though Jesus has not yet been born and has hardly begun to form in Mary’s womb, Elizabeth calls him her Lord. According to the lesson, for Elizabeth to say that shows her great faith that God is intervening in history through this child. It is also a divinely inspired statement of humility. Elizabeth’s statement of joy and affirmation runs from verse 42 to 45. She uses the term “blessed” three times — twice in verse 42 and once in verse 45. Even though they have been translated as the same word in English, they are actually two different words in Greek. In verse 42, the word is eulogēmenē (eὐλογημένη) and eulogēmenos (εὐλογημένος). It’s the word from which we get our English word for eulogy, which means to speak well of. So the sense in verse 42 is that people will speak well of both Mary and of the child she will bear. It is the same word that the angel Gabriel uses in verse 28 (not in today’s lesson) when he greets Mary and calls her blessed among women. However, in verse 45, the Greek word that we translate as blessed is actually makaria (μακαρία). It is a word that refers to a person who will enjoy “favorable circumstances.” Therefore when Elizabeth calls Mary blessed here, she is not simply stating that others will speak well of her. She is saying that God is using her in a wonderful way that will ultimately lead to her happiness. This is the same word that Jesus uses to refer to people who are blessed in the Beatitudes.
The Greater Blessed
Jackie married her high school sweetheart, received an offer for her dream job, bought her dream house, and became pregnant in the same year. Every conversation she had with her friends resulted in the response: “You are so blessed!” Here sister, Jasmine, did not hear the same pronouncement nearly as often. Jasmine remained single and made less than half as much money as Jackie. But Jasmine was a Christian and a member of a church, while sister Jackie was not. Which of these two women was the greater blessed? The answer to that depends on which lens you use in viewing their situations. Viewed strictly through a worldly leans, Jackie was the great blessed; but viewed through the heavenly lens of eternity, the greater blessed is Jasmine. Which lens do you use to view your own status and situation? Have you forgotten how blessed you are to believe in Christ? It’s easy to do in a world that casts God to the side and enthrones his gifts as gods themselves. But let Elizabeth’s pronouncements of blessing remind you of the true nature of blessedness. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months, which means that she left around the time Elizabeth gave birth. (Luke has already told us in 1:26) that Elizabeth was already six months pregnant when the angel visited Mary.) These three months would have undoubtedly been a time of mutual support and joy over what was happening to and through the women.
Conclusion
When it comes to belief and faith, I have often wondered whether I am more in the mold of Zechariah, with his doubts, than I am in the role of Mary, with her faith and acceptance. As I write this, there are multiple degrees in biblical studies hanging on my office wall, and I have 20 years of teaching experience at a Bible college under my belt. As a seasoned priest, Zechariah was similarly well-educated in the things of God. You would expect him to have the greater faith. But the greater faith is found with Mary. Now I genuinely believe my education is a blessing and helps my faith. Yet there are times when I wonder whether my education distracts me from having faith like Mary’s. Perhaps we trust in our learning and understanding to figure things out rather than trusting God, and in so doing violate Proverbs 3:6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Mary wasn’t as formally educated as the learned priest. Yet her belief was genuine. What Mary was asked to accept was not an easy thing, and God understood this. In encouraging Mary’s faith, the angel pointed her both backward to the story of Abraham and Sarah and forward to what was happening to Elizabeth. God may call you to a role similar to that of the angel as you point another person backward to a champion of faith forward to an example of how God is now working. The joy experienced by John the Baptist and Elizabeth resulted from Mary’s faith, at least in part. The ripple effect of this joy is also seen in passages such as Matthew 2:10 and Luke 2:10, 21-38. That ripple effect reaches us here in the twenty-first century — or at least it should!
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the example of Mary’s trusting belief. Show us how Mary’s example can inform our own faith. Help us move ever more toward belief and faith! Thank you for the encouragement of your faithful people of the past as recorded in your Word. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Questions for discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the New International Version.
Next week's lesson is on Matthew 2:1-12.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude: Choir “Great is Thy Faithfulness” Announcements: ADVENT: The Huffman Family CALL TO WORSHIP: Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed. His compassion never fails. They are new every morning! Great is His faithfulness! The Lord is my portion. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him. Let us worship our good, faithful, and compassionate God. INVOCATION
*HYMN: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” # 88
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Father, we never truly understand the depth of our sin. We think our mistakes are momentary slip ups and forget that sin is at the center of who we are. We turn against You all throughout our lives. And yet when things fall apart or we go through the results of Your judgment we often question Your character instead of ours. Forgive us for thinking too lightly of our sin. Forgive us for the ways we turn against You in thought, word, and deed. And teach us to rely on Your love and mercy as the source of our forgiveness. Time of silent prayer. Assurance of Pardon Response – Gloria Patri # 581 * Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer of illumination Scripture: Luke 1: 46-55 Mary Esselstyn Sermon text: Lamentations 3: 1-33 *HYMN “Away in the Manger” # 114 *Apostles Creed (next to Prayer List) Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN ”Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” # 611 *Benediction *Postlude Go! Have a wonderful Sunday |
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