Jan 12: Jesus Heals and Teachers-Mark 2:1-22, Psalm 103:6-14
Jan 19: Parables in Mark-Mark 4:1-34, Psalm 126
Jan 26: Jesus and the Gerasene Demon– Mark 5:1-20, Psalm 89:1-4
Feb 2: Jairus’ Daughter Healed-Mark 5:21-43, Psalm 131
Feb 9: Death of John the Baptist-Mark 6:1-29, Psalm 122
Feb 16th: What Defiles-Mark 7:1-23, Psalm 51:1-3, 6-7
Feb 23: Transfiguration-Mark 8:27-9:8, Psalm 27:1-4
Feb 26 Ash Weds Passion Prediction Mark: 9:30-37, Psalm 32:1-5 (order of worship/bulletin)
Parables of Mark
Image found here
Call to Worship
Lord give us the ears to hear and the eyes to see
Let our light shine!
Teach us the truth of your parables
Come let us learn about the Lord
Call to Worship
Plant the seed in our hearts
Let us tend it and let it grow
May our church be like the tree of heaven, with room for all
Come let spend some time at home with God
Call to Worship
The Lord has done great things for us
Let us rejoice
May those who sow in tears, reap with shouts of joy
Come, let us shout to the Lord, for he does great things.
Prayer of Confession: God, we know we have trouble letting everyone into the nest. We claim there is not enough room, or resources, or we discriminate against the odd ducks who look or act different than us. Remind us that the kingdom of heaven is like a tree of bounty with enough food and room for all, and teach us to be more open, accepting and to share more we pray.
Prayer of Confession: I confess that my tears do not feel like they are watering anything today. I have forgotten what seeds I have planted, and have lost hope that they will grow. You know what work has been done, you know that the tending counts, help the good things grow into harvest I pray.
Assurance of Pardon: God promises that we will come home with shouts of joy, carrying a harvest of grace, Know the good news: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen.
Eucharist Prayer: God, you planted the very first seeds with Adam and Eve and continue to tend the gardens of the earth. On the day of Jesus’ resurrection, the first thing he did was to kneel in the dirt, and be mistaken for a gardener, because he is the gardener. May this meal together plan the seeds of grace in our souls to be tended and grown. Send your Holy Spirit on these elements to nourish us and our community we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication/Prayer of the Day: Lord let us tend what needs to be tending. Help us to root out the weeds, and water and nourish all that is good in the world, help us to grow we pray. Amen.
Hymns: To God Be the Glory; Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God; Somebody’s Knocking At Your Door; Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise;
With Children: Treasure Hunt: explain that finding the meaning of parables is like a treasure hunt; plant seeds/mustard seeds; cut out and glue lots of kinds of birds on a big tree/nest;
Other Weeks of Seeds of Prayer Narrative Lectionary Resources available here
Jesus Heals and Teaches
Call to Worship
Bless the Lord, O my soul
Let all that is within me, bless his holy name
Bless the Lord all the angels that do his bidding and heed his word
Bless the Lord all of his work, bless the Lord O my soul.
Call to Worship
The Lord blesses and forgives
Bless God’s Holy Name
The Lord heals and comforts
Bless God’s Holy Name
Mighty is the God who loves us
Bless God’s Holy Name
Call to Worship
Those who wandered in darkness have seen the Light
God is good
Though we are dust God’s steadfast love is forever
All the Time, God is good.
Prayer of Confession: Lord we confess we are but dust, like dandelions in the field, we flourish and then quickly wither away. Because of this, we have trouble understanding that your love is forever. We live in fear of the day you stop living, hearing or acting. Remind us that your righteousness will extend to our children’s, children’s children we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Confession: Lord, we know so many humans who are suffering. We see how quickly life passes and we are afraid to act, afraid that we are too minuscule to matter. Remind us that love is everlasting, remind us that you are good all the time, remind us that we are but the seeds and that whatever we plant will be increased tenfold and a hundredfold past our time. Give us the courage to plant these seeds of healing we pray.
Assurance of Pardon: Grass withers and seasons change, but God’s love is from everlasting to everlasting; know the truth In Jesus Christ we are forgiven
Assurance of Pardon: God does not deal with us according to our sins but according to his love, which is mightier the the sun and longer than that seasons. Know the truth. Christ loves and forgives us.
Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord help us to spread healing wherever we go, planting the seeds of love and giving the words of hope, we pray. Amen.
Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Open us up to the Love of Jesus Christ, so that we can feel the hope of our ancestors and the energy of our children, continue to weave us together as a community so we no longer see our aches and pains, but our collective strength, we pray.
Communion Prayer: God, you created the world into being. Giving Adam and Eve gardens and animals and each other to take care of. When we faltered, and tried to climb mountains and build ladders to reach you, you stooped to earth in the form of Jesus Christ. Teaching us through love and healing and listening Jesus took the time to show us the value of grace and forgiveness. And when he ascended into heaven, he gave us this meal to celebrate our forgiveness, as many times as we need it. We ask you to send your Holy Spirit upon these elements so we might truly consume the bits of the Jesus Christ we need so that we can practice grace in the world. We pray this together. Amen.
Hymns: Great is Thy Faithfulness, Taize: Bless the Lord My soul, There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in This Place, There is A Balm in Gilead, We Walk By Faith and Not By Sight, Take My Life
With Children: Practice Anointing with Oil/Praying for those who are sick, Make cards for those who are ill, Put band aids on a world map and pray for places in need (Venezuela, Syria, Australia, Iran are appropriate this week in my context), Talk about forgiveness and how that is a different kind of healing/go over the Lord’s Prayer, Go over the Apostles’ Creed Talk about the Christmas story: review you are in the middle of Jesus Life. Play Doctor, Give Forgiveness to one another: symbolize it with cool band aids.
Note: Be cautious of Ableist language and assumptions: Be sure to point out that God loves everyone exactly as they are and it’s more important to be a good person–be sure to emphasize that there is no such thing as a perfect body.
Other Weeks of Seeds of Prayer Narrative Lectionary Resources available here
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life,* and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Luke 1:26-30, 2:1-5
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 38Then 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.
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
Luke 1:46-56
46 And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
48 for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’
56 And Mary remained with her for about three months and then returned to her home.
Luke 2:5-7
5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:8-12
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’
Luke 2:16-20
16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ 3When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’
7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ 9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Luke 2:13-14
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14 ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
John 3:16-17
16 ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.17 ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Lessons & Carols
https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2019/12/17/christmas-eve-bulletin/. Early Confession & Communion, includes Magnificat
https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2018/12/19/carols-lessons-order-of-worship/
https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2017/12/23/christmaseve-liturgy-lessons-and-carols/
Collection of Readings telling the story
Call to Worship/Confession and other Prayer resources https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/prayer-links-for-advent-narrative-lectionary-dec-24th-morning/
Sermon Thoughts: https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2014/12/17/the-waiting-room-adoption-narrativelectionary-joseph-christmas/
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: Room at the Inn
Bulletin at https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTgbxV99WSkxbYAabjnQ
Full script for service at https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTgbxusXJyI-R2418hTw
Prelude “ O Holy Night”
FIRST LESSON Luke 1:26-30, 2:1-5
CAROL #43 v. 1&3 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
WELCOME Pastor
SECOND LESSON Luke 1:46-56
CAROL #5 “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
Holy Communion
Invitation from Christ
The Lord be with you
And also with you
Lift up your hearts
We lift our hearts to the lord
Give thanks to the Lord our God It is right to give our thanks and praise….(prayer continues) Let us continue our prayer with a silent offering of our confession. (Silence) In the grace if God let us eat this bread and drink this cup in celebration of the Forgiveness Jesus brings
….and praying as his son taught us to pray……..The Lord’s Prayer (unison)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the glory and power forever. Amen.
Bread & Cup: Communion will be taken by intinction, where congregants come forward and dip the bread in the cup. If you need assistance, the pastor will come to serve you individually.]
THIRD LESSON Luke 2:5-7
CAROL # 24 “Away in a Manger”
Lighting of the Christ Candle: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love & Christ
(All Children are invited forward to assist with the lighting)
FOURTH LESSON Luke 2:8-14
CAROL # 23 “Angels We Have Heard on High”
CONFESSION OF FAITH
Christ the light of the world has come to dispel the darkness of our hearts.
In his light let us examine ourselves and confess our sin God our Father, you sent your Son full of grace and truth: forgive our failure to receive him. Jesus our Saviour, you were born in poverty and laid in a manger: forgive our greed and rejection of your ways. Spirit of love, your servant Mary responded joyfully to your call: forgive the hardness of our hearts.
May the God of all healing and forgiveness draw you to himself, that you may behold the glory of Jesus Christ the Word made flesh, and be cleansed from all your sins, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
FIFTH LESSON Luke 2:16-20
CAROL # 50 “There’s A Star in the East”
SIXTH LESSON & Offering Matthew 2:1-12
CAROL # 66 “We Three Kings” v. 1-4
SEVENTH LESSON Luke 1:46-55
CAROL #40 “Joy to the World”
EIGHTH LESSON John 3:16-17
CAROL (insert) “Silent Night”
•(Please encircle the nativity so we can pass the light of Christ to the entire congregation.)
Note: Micah 4-5can also be used throughout Advent
Advent 4: Zechariah’s Song: Waiting for Shalom Luke 1:5-13 [14-25], 27-80, Psalm 113, Micah 4-5
Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes
Narrative Lectionary Advent Liturgy
More Advent Resources for the Series Year 2 Mark
Luke 1:5-25, 57-80
https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=4222
Stresses the parallels between Abraham/Sarai and John/Elizabeth and the long history leading to salvation.
https://clergystuff.com/daily-devotions/luke-15-13-57-80-zechariahs-song
Devotional on Zechariah’s song and John as the last prophet of the Messiah (newly discovered NL site)
http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2305-08532013000100035
This dramatic, scholarly monologue, examines the events that Luke 1 recounts, retelling them from the eyewitness viewpoint of Elizabeth, from a female and gynocentric perspective.
https://www.preceptaustin.org/luke-1-commentary
Multiple translations & commentaries of Luke 1 presented in interlinear fashion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedictus_(Song_of_Zechariah)
Wikipedia on Song of Zechariah
https://zenit.org/articles/reflection-on-canticle-of-zechariah/
Pope John Paul II on the Song of Zechariah
Exegetical commentary on Song of Zechariah from the Evangelical Free Church tradition
https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/zechariahs-song/
https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/truth-for-life/
Sermons on Zechariah’s Song by Alistair Begg (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alistair_Begg)
https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-christmas-zecharaiah-song-benedictus-luke-1 Sermon: What did Zechariah sing? Includes retelling of story in Buechner-style fashion
https://spaciousfaith.com/new-testament-texts/luke-15-25/
Another one that reminds me of Buechner, but more pointed at the listeners than the last
https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/zechariah%E2%80%99s-song
Sermon Zechariah’s song of salvation focusing on the salvation of the listeners
For Psalm 113 resources, see https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTrw8s7zJwjvREBpy8
For Psalm 113 bulletin, see https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTry3rylKpfkNxFuf6
For a sermon (in two voices) on Psalm 113 focusing on word study, see https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTry4vtnRwmk5Lx4b1
For bulletin on Song of Zechariah/Fourth Sunday of Advent which we are treating as joy: Includes opening prayer, call to worship, rite of confession, hymns, offering prayer, Advent candle lighting (but we are calling this Sunday “joy.”) https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTgbxGz2NX22aFtG-eCA
Images
Newly discovered site for NL bulletin covers and other NL resources!! https://clergystuff.com/free-stuff#narrative-lectionary-2019-20-bulletin-covers Look for Zechariah’s song
Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwavglPhNGA
James Beuaregard’s song is based on Luke 1:67-79; request chords/lyrics/notation from jamesbeauregardmusic@gmail.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rYw41Tkk_c
Chant of Canticle of Zechariah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feBexmmxpjo
Vaughn-Williams version of Song of Zechariah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne9DOokin9s
A contemporary take with Powerpoint including lyrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm-2aEZKh4k
An animated musical theater-style version of Zechariah’s song (likely entitled “His name is John!”)
Luke 1:57-80 hymns (Presbyterian Hymnal)
1.68-79
1 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
2 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
186 Thy Mercy and Thy Truth, O Lord
204 Psalm 72
205 All Hail to God’s Anointed
230 This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made
236 Now Israel May Say
423 Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun
601 Song of Zechariah (Benedictus) *
602 Song of Zechariah (Benedictus) *
1.78-79
4 Creator of the Stars of Night
5.3 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
9.2 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
20 Watchman, Tell Us of the Night
30.2 Born in the Night, Mary’s Child
31.3 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
32 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
68.3 What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright
69 O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright
141.2 A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing
301.3 Lord Jesus, Think on Me
454.2+3 Blessed Jesus, at Your Word
462 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
463 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
506.1+2 Deck Yourself, My Soul, with Gladness
510.1+5 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts
511.1+5 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts
548.1+2 O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine
549.1 O Gladsome Light
550.1 O Light Whose Splendor Thrills
Psalm 113 PH
113
204 Psalm 72
205 All Hail to God’s Anointed
225 Praise the Lord! *
226 Sing Praise Unto the Name of God *
253 I’ll Praise My Maker
254 Psalm 146
600 Song of Mary (Magnificat)
113.1-4
185 Psalm 33
213 God, Our Lord, a King Remaining
214 O Come and Sing Unto the Lord
215 Come, Sing with Joy to God
220 All People That on Earth Do Dwell
227 Not Unto Us, O Lord of Heaven
423 Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun
477 Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim
491 Stand Up and Bless the Lord
113.3
205.3 All Hail to God’s Anointed
229.3 From All That Dwell Below the Skies
423.1 Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun
473.5 For the Beauty of the Earth
546 The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended
113.4-6
148 At the Name of Jesus
155 Rejoice, the Lord Is King
185.10 Psalm 33
191.3 God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength
194 Peoples, Clap Your Hands!
204.8-11 Psalm 72
205.3+4 All Hail to God’s Anointed
213 God, Our Lord, a King Remaining
227.1 Not Unto Us, O Lord of Heaven
259.1 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
113.5-9
49.2 Once in Royal David’s City
67.4 Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning
253.2+3 I’ll Praise My Maker
254.9 Psalm 146
332 Live Into Hope
600.4 Song of Mary (Magnificat)
Advent 3: Rebuilding the Temple: Waiting for Joy Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13, Luke 2:25-32, Psalm 126 (used for Ruth), Psalm 98, Psalm 30
Note: Micah 4-5can also be used throughout Advent
Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes
Narrative Lectionary Advent Liturgy
More Resources for rest of Advent
Call to Worship
Praise to the Lord our God who is good.
God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Our eyes have seen salvation. A light for revelation which you have prepared for all peoples.
Joy to the World! Let us repeat the sounding Joy!
Call to Worship
Sing to the Lord a new Song
God has down marvelous things
God remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of faithfulness
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Call to Worship
Let the seas roar, and all that fills it
Let the world roar and all who live in it
Let the floods clap their hands, let the hills sing together for joy.
The Lord is coming! Praise the Lord!
Prayer of Confession: Lord, we confess that often times it feels like everything is crumbling; our buildings, our homes, our relationships, our savings, our jobs, our faith. You promise us that all can be rebuilt, in such a way that it will not even be recognizable. Some people will cry at the changes, others will shout out with joy. Teach us how to be part of the rebuilding, the joy and the love, we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Confession: God, we confess that we are waiting for joy to come. We don’t feel joy to the world, we feel like the waiting goes on forever. Sometimes, the growing and the changes that need to be made and instead of celebrating the changes, we cry out in the midst of it all. Hold us while we cry, we pray, and help us to do the work and the waiting to be transformed we pray.
Prayer of Dedication/the Day: As we wait for you and dwell deeply into the season of Advent we pray that you rebuild us. Transform the work we do into works of faith, Strengthen the support we give to one another with the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and light our hearts on fire with the light of the Holy Spirit we pray.
Eucharist Prayer: Lord God, remind us that you are the alpha and omega. At the beginning of the earth you breathed your spirit across the oceans, and they clapped for joy, and then you gently awakened us with your breath. You are with us from our first laugh, to our first cry. You help us when we are building up and when we are falling up. You restore our souls, refresh our spirits and rebuild our faith. Send your spirit onto these elements so that we might be restored, refreshed and rebuilt we pray.
Hymns: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Joy to the World, Come Sing to God (Psalm 30 Ellacombe), When God Delivered Israel (Psalm 126), God of Ages Whose Almighty Hand, Savior of the Nations, Come, Com Thou Long-Expected Jesus, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (which really could be seen as more prophetic than Christmas-day)
With Children: Knock over towers and rebuild, build things with Clay, Cry/Shout at the same time and see if you can tell the difference, Create a chain of prayers (paper chain) perhaps hang it on a Christmas tree, Create Christmas Cards for those in need
Image by Jan Richardson; copyrighted and available for $15 or if you buy a membership. Go to
https://janrichardsonimages.com/details.php?gid=60&pid=560
This one is less mature/developed than some I have done, but there is a lot out there since this is also RCL.
Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes
Narrative Lectionary Advent Liturgy
EXEGESIS
https://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc4.Is.xli.html
As if it were designed for a prophetic summary of the New Testament, it begins with that which begins the gospels, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness” (ch. xl. 3), and concludes with that which concludes the book of the Revelation, “The new heavens and the new earth,” (ch. lxvi. 22).
“Speak to the heart of Jerusalem (v. 2); speak that which will revive her heart, and be a cordial to her and to all that belong to her and wish her well. Do not whisper it, but cry unto her: cry aloud, to show saints their comforts as well as to show sinners their transgressions; make her hear it:”
We must get into such a frame of spirit as will dispose us to receive Christ and his gospel: “Prepare you the way of the Lord; prepare yourselves for him, and let all that be suppressed which would be an obstruction to his entrance. Make room for Christ: Make straight a highway for him.”
http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=3491
(RCL context) Images, juxtapositions and sudden, surprising comfort
http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2254 (RCL context) Three proclamations build on the imperative to comfort God’s people in verse 1: highway in the desert; the Words; heralding good tidings.
http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah40a.htm “Voices Crying Out: Comfort and Transformation in an Age of Mass Incarceration,”
“How might Christians raise awareness of different forms of exile in our nation and world?”
https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1099 (NL context)
Double imperative: Comfort! Comfort! The people of Jerusalem are not “deserving” of comfort according to the norms of retributive justice, but God insists — no, commands — that they be comforted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H4DcY7g3R8&feature=youtu.be
Two minute Youtube video on “The people are like grass.”
See complete list of Isaiah 40:1-11 Working Preacher commentaries at https://www.workingpreacher.org/search/Default.aspx?cx=001947499050786061073:fplx-aun2rq&q=Isaiah%2040&cof=FORID:10&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&search_domain=WWW
Preaching and Worship resources from Calvin College’s curated resources
TEXT
Jewish Bible translation
https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/15971/jewish/Chapter-40.htm
Word study
Comfort
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H5162&t=KJV
speaking comfortably
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3820&t=KJV
bringing good tidings
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1319&t=KJV
LITURGY RESOURCES
BULLETIN
Advent candlelighting; opening prayer; call to worship; rite of confession; hymns; offering prayer; and a confession of faith. Please note **/*** at the end indicating sources and give appropriate credit. If not **/*** then from Barb Hedges-Goettl, please give credit if using/adapting these as well. Thank you.
https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTgbczUlfR4L9bVY0YzQ
LITURGICAL PIECES
Call to worship
https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/11/call-to-worship-isaiah-40-1-11.html
Opening liturgy
https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/11/opening-liturgy-isaiah-40-1-11.html
More from worship.blogspot.com at
https://re-worship.blogspot.com/search?q=+Isaiah+40
Scroll down to see the Isaiah 40 links
In the context of Blue Christmas/Longest Night; if you’re not doing a separate service, you could provide for folks in need of this kind of a service this week. See
https://cmbs.mennonitebrethren.ca/worship_resources/blue-christmas-longest-night/
MUSIC
Hymns
https://sermonwriter.com/hymn-list/isaiah-401-11-hymns/
https://hymnary.org/browse/scripture/Isaiah/40
Handel’s “Messiah”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_dfK-LGFNw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAw-sRbnU34
IMAGES
https://janrichardsonimages.com/search.php?search=isaiah+40&match_type=all
Note: these are copyrighted and available for a fee or if you pay to be a member.
By Rev Barb Hedges-Goettl. Full time special ed Administrator, part time Co-pastor and part-time Liturgy writer.
The underlined numbers indicate that a (numbered so they know which is which) Chrismon ornament is to be hung by congregants.
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (#1 – Flower ornament)
Opening Prayer Creator of the stars of night, Your people’s everlasting light,O Christ, Redeemer of us all, We pray you, Hear us when we call.
Amen. (#2 Star ornament)
Advent Candle Lighting: Hope Jeremiah 33:14-18
We light this candle as a sign of the hope found in Christ. Advent means coming. We are preparing ourselves for the days which are surely coming. In those days, says the Lord, “I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” Our Hope, our Lord, Emmanuel is coming. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Call to Worship: Go Tell It on the Mountain (#3 – Horn ornament) Blue Hymnal, 29, v.
Jesus is the Word (#5 – Bible ornament)
Song: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! Blue Hymnal, 31 v. 1 & 3
We are joined to Jesus in baptism
Romans 6:3-5
3All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. 4 Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (#6 – Seashell ornament)
Song: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Blue 376, v. 1-2
Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega (#7 -Alpha and omega ornament)
Revelation 21:5, 6-7 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” 6 Then he said to me,…“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my
Invitation to Confession: As we await the coming of Jesus, we know that our lives are in need of his healing touch. Let us join together in confessing our sins and shortcomings.
Prayer of Confession (unison)
God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you come among us as light shining in darkness. We confess that we do not always welcome the light, or trust the news to be good. We do not see your glory in our midst. We expect little, and hope for less. Forgive our doubt. Renew our hope so that we may receive the fullness of your grace, and live in the truth of Christ the Lord. (Silent confession.)
Assurance of Pardon (Rom. 8:34) Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.
Thanks be to God for the Good News: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Christ died and rose for us (#8 – Cross and Butterfly ornaments)
Response: O Come Let Us Adore Him Blue Hymnal, 41 v 4
Christ Jesus brings us peace (# 9 – Dove and Chi-Rho ornaments)
Passing of the Peace: The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
Prayers of the People/Lord’s Prayer (traditional)
Celebration of Birthdays and Anniversaries
Christ came as a baby (# 10 – Manger ornament)
Offering Hymn What Child is This Blue Hymnal, 53, v. 1&3
* Hymn of Praise and Dedication O Little Town of Bethlehem Blue Hymnal, 44, v.2 & 3
* Prayer of Dedication (unison)
By Rev Barbara Hedges-Goettl
O God, fill us with gratitude overflowing that we may share life and love. Bless these gifts of money, of food and of ourselves. Inspire us to praise you in all that we do, this day and throughout all our lives. In the name of Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit we pray, Amen.
Meditation: The Christmas Feast (#11-Cup ornament)
Special Music: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (Blue Hymnal, 5)
*Confession of Faith – Nicene Creed (ecumenical) Blue Hymnal, p.15
Christ is One with the Trinity (#12-Trinity ornaments)
The Lord’s Supper (from the Book of Common Worship, PCUSA, 1993)
One: The Lord be with you
Many: And also with you. Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord
It is right to give out thanks and praise.
Prayer of Great Thanksgiving
It is truly right and our greatest joy
to give you thanks and praise,
O Lord our God, creator and ruler of the universe.
You formed us in your image
and breathed into us the breath of life.
You set us in this world to love and serve you, and to live in peace with all that you have made. When we turned from you,
you did not turn from us. When we were captives in slavery, you delivered us to freedom, and made covenant to be our sovereign God. When we were stubborn and stiff-necked, you spoke to us through prophets who looked for that day
when justice shall triumph and peace shall reign over all the earth.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with the celestial choirs and with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of your name:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
You are holy, O God of majesty,
and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.
You sent him into this world to satisfy the longings of your people for a Savior,
to bring freedom to the captives of sin,
and to establish justice for the oppressed.
He came among us as one of us, taking the lot of the poor, sharing human suffering.
We rejoice that in his death and rising again, you set before us the sure promise of new life, the certain hope of a heavenly home where we will sit at table with Christ our host.
Remembering your gracious gift we take from your creation this bread and this wine and joyfully celebrate his dying and rising, as we await the day of his coming.
With thanksgiving we offer our very selves to you to be a living and holy sacrifice,
dedicated to your service.
Gracious God,
pour out your Holy Spirit upon us
and upon these your gifts of bread and wine,
that the bread we break
and the cup we bless
may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ,
that we may be one with all who share this feast,
united in ministry in every place.
As this bread is Christ’s body for us,
send us out to be the body of Christ in the world.
The Bread and the Cup
Prayer after Communion
Faithful God,
your promises stand unshaken through all generations.
Renew us in hope,
that we may be awake and alert
watching for the glorious return of Jesus Christ,
our judge and savior,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
*Closing Hymn Go Tell It on the Mountain (verse from Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers, PH #15 v. 3)
*Charge and Benediction
Postlude
*Stand in body and/or spirit
katyandtheword 
