Awake, awake, you people of God, put on your festive garments.
For God has already clothed us with the garments of salvation and has covered us with the
robe of righteousness.
Gracious God, this Advent season stirs a longing to have Christ come alive within us, yet we allow ourselves to become enslaved to cynicism, selfishness, and greed. In a season for freely giving and receiving, we tend to live by debt and obligation. We rush from task to task, scarcely opening our eyes to the peace and beauty around us. We glory in the visions of the old man Zechariah in the temple, which were fulfilled in his wife, Elizabeth; but our ministry to the elderly in our midst falls short. We sing of One who was laid in a borrowed manger, but we ignore the poor and homeless among us. We decry the violence of a wicked king, yet we are too often silent in the face of abuse and injustice around us. For these and all our sins, forgive us, we pray, gracious God.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God Incarnate, who lived among us as foretold by the prophets, who was descended from the royal line of David, and who was baptized in the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might.
He does not judge by what his eyes see, nor decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he judges the poor and decides with equity for the meek of the earth. We believe in the coming reign of God when justice will be established in the earth.
How wonderful it is to see a messenger coming across the mountains who brings good news, the news of peace, who announces salvation, who says, “Your God reigns.” The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
Christ, the Light of the world, empower us to shine as lights in this dark world of sin.Christ, the Creative Word, by whom all things were made, lead us into good stewardship of creation that we and our children may preserve and enjoy the world entrusted to us.
Christ, the Living Truth, give us the spirit of wisdom and understanding that sees beyond temporal values to discern your truth and to declare it. Christ, our Righteous Judge, give us courage to stand by the poor, the meek, and the oppressed; and strengthen our support for all who are their advocates.
Christ, the Lamb of God, send us forth as your ambassadors of reconciliation in a broken and troubled world; bring peace to the conflicts of nations, races, and tribes. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that we might proclaim the mighty acts of him who called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light. May our lives show forth that which we truly are. We pray in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
May the Lord make us increase in love for one another and for all. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to become more like Christ as we eagerly await his coming.
Lord, the light of your love is shining, In the midst of the darkness shining,
Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us, Set us free by the truth you now bring
us,
Shine on me. Shine on me.
Shine, Jesus shine, Fill this land with the Father’s glory.
Blaze, Spirit blaze, Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river flow, Flood the nations with grace and mercy.
Send forth your word, Lord and let there be light.
As we gaze on your kingly brightness, So our faces display your likeness,
Ever changing from glory to glory; Mirrored here may our lives tell your story.
Shine on me. Shine on me.
(Graham Kendrick, 1987)
Watchword for the Week
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
Luke 1:68
Watchword for Today
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth. Psalm 86:11
Doctrinal Text
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, we are confronted with many paths. Help us to walk in your way of compassion, humility, self-giving, and love. May our choices honor you. In Christ, we pray.
AMEN
Statement of Purpose
By the grace of God to make disciples of all people, both local and global. To enhance the deeper experiences with our Lord Jesus Christ through prayer, Bible Study, witnessing and the worship hour
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