Worship December 11, 2021

Let us worship!

We enter into the Advent season,

a time of Hope,

a time of Peace,

a time of Joy,

a time of Love.

We proclaim your coming, so many years ago.

We proclaim your coming, in days to come.

We proclaim, you are here with us now.

We proclaim you, O God.

Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

A prayer to center you

The celebration is near.

Our waiting and preparing is almost complete.

This week, help us to slow down and enjoy the celebration before us.

Help us to savor each moment and soak in the reality of what we do have.

Let us enjoy time with loved ones and help us to bask in your love and light and as we celebrate the wonders of your precious Son, Christ Jesus.

May our focus be on you and may we live in the moment.

May we be reminded of the wonders of your glory as we walk through this hour, this day, this week.

Amen

Holy Scripture

Luke chapter 1

Verses 26 through 38

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

 Reflection:

Finals have been taken.  Alarm clocks turned off.  Family is filing back home. Reunions and hugs and food abound.  Vacations have started or will begin soon.  For those with littles, the countdown in on as you wrap and ice and drive around looking at lights.  Christmas week is here.  We have waited, prepared, and proclaimed our way through the season of Advent.  And now we get to celebrate.

It is easy, in the midst of all the chaos and celebrating, to forget what we are really celebrating, the gift of Christ Jesus to the world.  I cannot help it; we must remember the reason for the season.  As we gather and celebrate this week, in the midst of the piles of wrapping paper and dirty dishes, if we can pause for short moments to take in the larger gifts that we have been given.  If we look past the underwear, socks, and chapstick from the stockings.  If we can look beyond the shirts and jeans, candles and jewelry from under the tree.  If we look past the gifts of the moment and reflect on the larger gifts that we are given each and every day and give thanks for those little blessings.  If we look past the hustle and bustle of Christmas day and relish the gift of love, forgiveness, hope, and joy that we have found through the gift that came to us in that little baby born in a stable so long ago.  On Christmas, when we pause long enough to soak in the squeals of delight from the youngest, and hear the joy in their laughter.  When we calm our hearts enough to see the love behind the laughs behind the old stories being told again.  When we feel the warmth of the love that fills the home on Christmas day as we celebrate with those whom God has placed in our lives, may we breathe in the moment and cherish the greater gifts we have been given. 

This is the week that the presents come out and finally get to be opened.  The stockings will be stuffed and promptly emptied.  The family and or friends will gather around the table and the celebration will finally be here.  As we gather together around the table this holiday season, may our hearts be filled with the hope, joy, peace, and love of Christ Jesus.  May we savor the moments and be strengthened in the fellowship of friends, family and faith. 

Come, Lord Jesus, Come.

Amen

Thinking it through….

How do you share your love with others?

How do you receive love from others?

What brings you the most joy in your life?

What is the greatest faith gift you have been given?

The Word in Action

Enjoy the holiday.

Take time in the midst of the chaos and craziness of this week to pause.

Look around you

Take in the sights

the sounds

the smells

the tastes

and the feelings.

Give thanks for all that is in this moment, in this day, in this week, in this year.

Look for the joy, peace, hope and love in your life and give thanks to God for the many blessings.

 Prayer of sending

O, God of deep love,

This advent season, help us to celebrate our faith in you with expectant and joyful hearts.

We know that you have walked amongst us.

Help us to live into the deep peace in the knowledge that you will come again.

Amen

Going out.

Go out into the world, renewed and revived by the word of God.

and in all that you do, may the love of Christ Jesus uphold you,

the peace of God sustain you and may the Holy Spirit guide you each step of the way

Let all God’s people say: AMEN