We will ring in the new year with our worship at 11 am on January 1. The church remembers this day as The Feast of the Holy Name. We will continue to celebrate Christmas -- this is the 8th day of the 12 days of Christmas; do you remember what my true love sent on the eighth day? (Me neither.)
News and Announcements:
SunJan 1 Combined Service
MonJan 2Office Closed
TuesJan 3Daughters of the King meeting –
Executive 1st Tuesday leadership committee
WedJan 4 Bible Study
Mid Week Eucharist
Celebration Band
ThurJan 5Choir practice
Brownie Troop Meeting
SunJan 8Early Service –
Celebration Service –
Traditional Service –
Volunteers Needed: January 7-14 2012
Mission ofHope Isle of Wight
Every year many people endure homelessness in Smithfield and we at ChristChurch aim to help make a life a little more comfortable for those who face this reality.
**Please contact Demere and John Bates or look for the sign up volunteer sheets in the Church hall next week.
**Or call the office for more details 757 357 2826
ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE CONGREGATION:Starting Monday, January 9th, at Wayne Willis will be leading a study group based on the CBS series, “Where was God in 911?” There will be big screen excerpts from the series followed by questions and exploration of faith, doubt, our expectations and definitions of God. This should be a dynamic time together...hope to see you there. THE SEEKERS
Reading January 1 2012 Combined Service
Reader:A reading from Exodus [34:1-8]
At God’s command, Moses fashions two new tablets of stone to replace those he destroyed in anger at the people’s lack of faith. The Lord then descends from a cloud and proclaims his holy Name.
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word.
God spoke to Moses: "Cut out two tablets of stone just like the originals and engrave on them the words that were on the original tablets you smashed. Be ready in the morning to climb Mount Sinai and get set to meet me on top of the mountain. Not a soul is to go with you; the whole mountain must be clear of people, even animals—not even sheep or oxen can be grazing in front of the mountain."
So Moses cut two tablets of stone just like the originals. He got up early in the morning and climbed Mount Sinai as God had commanded him, carrying the two tablets of stone. God descended in the cloud and took up his position there beside him and called out the name, God. God passed in front of him and called out, "God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Still, he doesn't ignore sin. He holds sons and grandsons responsible for a father's sins to the third and even fourth generation."
At once, Moses fell to the ground and worshiped, saying, "Please, O Master, if you see anything good in me, please Master, travel with us, hard-headed as these people are. Forgive our iniquity and sin. Own us, possess us."
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
ChristChurch welcomes you this Christmas and throughout the year. May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through.
Join us for our celebration of Christmas at any or all of these special services!
Christmas Eve -- Dec. 24, 2011 -- 7 pm -- Christ Mass with children's pageant
Christmas Eve -- Dec. 24, 2011 -- 11 pm -- Christ Mass with special music beginning at 10:40
Christmas Day -- Dec. 25, 2011 -- 11 am -- Christ Mass with Baptism and blessing of the gifts
Feast of the Holy Name -- January 1 -- 11 am -- Still celebrating Christmas with this one Sunday service!
Readings Christmas Eve 2011
Reader:A reading from Isaiah [9:2-7]
The prophet’s hymn foretells the coming of a new king who will establish a glorious kingdom and rule in peace forever.
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
light! sunbursts of light!
You repopulated the nation,
you expanded its joy.
Oh, they're so glad in your presence!
Festival joy!
The joy of a great celebration,
sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.
The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—
all their whips and cudgels and curses—
Is gone, done away with, a deliverance
as surprising and sudden as Gideon's old victory over Midian.
The boots of all those invading troops,
along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,
Will be piled in a heap and burned,
a fire that will burn for days!
For a child has been born—for us!
the gift of a son—for us!
He'll take over
the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
Strong God, Eternal Father,
Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He'll rule from the historic David throne
over that promised kingdom.
He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing
and keep it going
With fair dealing and right living,
beginning now and lasting always.
The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies
will do all this.
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word. Readings Christmas Eve 2011
+The First Lesson: The prophet’s hymn foretells the coming of a new king who will establish a glorious kingdom and rule in peace forever
A Reading from Isaiah [9:2-7]
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Reader: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God
Psalm 96 Page 725, BCP
Sing to the LORD a new song; * sing to the LORD, all the whole earth.
Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; * proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations * and his wonders among all peoples.
For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; * he is more to be feared than all gods.
As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; * but it is the LORD who made the heavens.
Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! * Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!
Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; * ascribe to the LORD honor and power.
Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; * bring offerings and come into his courts.
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; * let the whole earth tremble before him.
Tell it out among the nations: "The LORD is King! * he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity."
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it; * let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy
before the LORD when he comes, * when he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness * and the peoples with his truth.
+The Second Lesson: Jesus the Savior has offered himself to free us from our sins. As we await the appearance of God's glory, we are to be disciplined in doing God’s will.
A Reading from Titus [-14]:
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
Reader: The Word of the Lord People: Thanks be to God
Readings Christmas Day 2011
+The First Lesson: The prophet rejoices that the Lord will bring comfort to his people. The salvation God offers will extend to the ends of the earth.
A Reading from Isaiah [52:7-10]
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
the return of the LORD to Zion.
Break forth together into singing,
you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the LORD has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The LORD has bared his holy arm
before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
Reader: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God
Psalm 98 Page 727, BCP
Sing to the LORD a new song, *
for he has done marvelous things.
With his right hand and his holy arm * has he won for himself the victory.
The LORD has made known his victory; * his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel* and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands; * lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
Sing to the LORD with the harp, * with the harp and the voice of song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn * shout with joy before the King, the LORD.
Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, * the lands and those who dwell therein.
Let the rivers clap their hands, * and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD,
when he comes to judge the earth.
In righteousness shall he judge the world * and the peoples with equity.
+The Second Lesson: In the past, God has spoken through the prophets. But Jesus, God’s own Son, shows forth the Lord’s infinite grace perfectly as the bearer of divine nature.
A Reading from Hebrews [1:1-4,5-12]:
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son;
today I have begotten you"?
Or again,
"I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son"?
And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
"Let all God's angels worship him."
Of the angels he says,
"He makes his angels winds,
and his servants flames of fire."
But of the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke [-38]
People respond: Glory to you, Lord Christ
Mary is told by an angel that she has found favor with God, and has been chosen to bring God’s Son into the world.
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 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. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 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. 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. For nothing will be impossible with God." 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.
Nathan receives a prophecy that the Lord will have an enduring relationship with David and his descendents. They will rule forever because they enjoy the Lord’s favor.
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word.
Before long, the king made himself at home and God gave him peace from all his enemies. Then one day King David said to Nathan the prophet, "Look at this: Here I am, comfortable in a luxurious house of cedar, and the Chest of God sits in a plain tent."
Nathan told the king, "Whatever is on your heart, go and do it. God is with you."
But that night, the word of God came to Nathan saying, "Go and tell my servant David: This is God's word on the matter: You're going to build a 'house' for me to live in? Why, I haven't lived in a 'house' from the time I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt till now. All that time I've moved about with nothing but a tent. And in all my travels with Israel, did I ever say to any of the leaders I commanded to shepherd Israel, 'Why haven't you built me a house of cedar?'
"So here is what you are to tell my servant David: The God-of-the-Angel-Armies has this word for you: I took you from the pasture, tagging along after sheep, and made you prince over my people Israel. I was with you everywhere you went and mowed your enemies down before you. Now I'm making you famous, to be ranked with the great names on earth. And I'm going to set aside a place for my people Israel and plant them there so they'll have their own home and not be knocked around any more. Nor will evil men afflict you as they always have, even during the days I set judges over my people Israel. Finally, I'm going to give you peace from all your enemies.
Your family and your kingdom are permanently secured. I'm keeping my eye on them! And your royal throne will always be there, rock solid."
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word.
7:45 and 11 Services – ADVENT 4
+The First Lesson: Nathan receives a prophecy that the Lord will have an enduring relationship with David and his descendents. They will rule forever because they enjoy the Lord’s favor.
A Reading from 2 Samuel [7:1-11, 16]
Now when the king was settled in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, "See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent." Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that you have in mind; for the LORD is with you."
But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
7:45 and 11 Services – ADVENT 4
Canticle 15(sung at 11)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: * the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him * in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, * he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, * and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, * and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, * for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, * to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen
+The Second Lesson:
A Reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans[-27]:
Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
+The First Lesson:In the prophet’s vision, the people will rejoice because the Lord is renewing creation with righteousness and the promise of salvation.
A Reading from Isaiah [61:1-4, 8-11]
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
to provide for those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, to display his glory.
They shall build up the ancient ruins,
they shall raise up the former devastations;
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
Their descendants shall be known among the nations,
and their offspring among the peoples;
all who see them shall acknowledge
that they are a people whom the LORD has blessed.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,
my whole being shall exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.
Reader: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God
and 11 Services
Psalm 126; Also in BCP , p. 782
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, * then were we like those who dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, * and our tongue with shouts of joy.
Then they said among the nations, * "The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us, * and we are glad indeed.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, * like the watercourses of the Negev.
Those who sowed with tears * will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, * will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
+The Second Lesson:Paul tells the disciples they should always rejoice in the Holy Spirit, and exhorts them to lead holy lives and avoid all evil.
A Reading from 1 Thessalonians [-24]
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.
May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
Reader: The Word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God
In the prophet’s vision, the people will rejoice because the Lord is renewing creation with righteousness and the promise of salvation.
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word.
The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor,
heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to all captives,
pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness"
planted by God to display his glory.
They'll rebuild the old ruins,
raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They'll start over on the ruined cities,
take the rubble left behind and make it new.
Because I, God, love fair dealing
and hate thievery and crime,
I'll pay your wages on time and in full,
and establish my eternal covenant with you.
Your descendants will become well-known all over.
Your children in foreign countries
Will be recognized at once
as the people I have blessed." I will sing for joy in God,
explode in praise from deep in my soul!
He dressed me up in a suit of salvation,
he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo
and a bride a jeweled tiara.
For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers,
and as a garden cascades with blossoms,
So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom
and puts praise on display before the nations.
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word.
GOSPEL FOR SUNDAY: John 1:6-8, 19-28
John the Baptist is mistaken for the Messiah or one of the prophets, but he makes clear that his role is to prepare the way for the Lord’s coming.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Messiah." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." Then they said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, `Make straight the way of the Lord,'" as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?"
John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal." This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
CELTIC EVENSONG SERVICE FOLLOWED BY CELTIC CONCERT AND RECEPTION
Sunday, December 4 at 6:00 pm, Christ Church will offer a Celtic Evensong service which will commemorate St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, whose feast day is a few days before the December 4th date.
The service will include the lighting of candles for prayer and the opportunity for the laying on of hands in healing.This is our third Celtic service which, no doubt, will continue to touch our hearts and souls as we behold the beauty around us and absorb the spoken word and music unique to such an experience.
CELTIC CONCERT TO FOLLOW SERVICE
Join us on our Journey…….
This Advent, Christ Church is embarking on a special journey here in our community. While all of Smithfield participates in the annual Christmas Parade it is our hope to highlight our presence here and share our beautiful historic church with others. On the 10th we invite you to join in and ‘walk’ with us as we celebrate this holy season of preparation.Many of our Christ Church family will be helping out at numerous events around town this day. So come along too and ‘join us on our journey’!
Begin your day with breakfast with Santa at the SmithfieldCenter from 8:00am til 10:00am .This event is sponsored by the Kiwanis . All proceeds go towards helping underprivileged children in IOW county experience the joy of Christmas . Tickets are just $5.00 and can be purchased in advance from any Kiwanis member or purchased at the door. Contact Angie Lowry for more information.
At 11:00 Christ Church will open our doors to parade goers for a warm drink and sweet holiday treat! Hot chocolate, coffee, and Kinderpunsch will be available for purchase as well asfreshly baked Christmas treats. Also for sale will be gifted wrapped gingerbreads, holiday cupcakes, breads and more for that special gift. Those who can donated bakery goods to be sold, please get in touch with Judy Cutler 757-357-5133 or Michel Lujan 757-279-0124.
Church tours will be available at noon as well as an art exhibition and sale.Browse through a selection of local art, pictures, cards and poetry.Those who would like to give or assist with Church Tours and Church Beautification contact Pam Glanville 757-773-2700
At 12 noon come in, warm up and join us as we feed the multitudes with a Fish Fry Lunch.Gene Lowery will be chef of the day, again preparing his famous hush puppies, delicious fish and coleslaw. A drink Is included all for $7.00.Those who would like to help with the Fish fry set up, assisting Gene with the cooking, and providing customer service to our guests, please call: Dona or Gene at 757-357-5879 or Mary Cole 757-675-5777.
If you’ve ever wanted to ride in a parade here is your chance! Christ Church has entered a float in the parade with the theme “Join us on our Journey”.Costumes are provided for all riders, and those not wishing to get dressed up can walk along side the float in street clothes. Contact Tammie and Roger Ash 757-357-2718 or Michel Lujan 757-279-0124 if you’d like to assist with the float, ride or walk in the parade.
It is the last day to order poinsettias for Christmas.The cost for each plant will be $15.50.All orders must be turned in by December 4th, so that the total order may be placed on December 7th
*Order forms can be found in our Church Hall under the poinsettia poster.***Completed forms can be placed in Judy Cutler’s box.
Look for more news on the Advent Soup Community Night coming!
We’ll gather here at Church for soup and to share some of our own stories about Christmas past.
December 12 (Monday) from 6-8
Reading December 4 2011
Reader:A reading from Isaiah [40:1-11] Isaiah foretells the end of the exile of God's people in Babylon. The Lord will pardon his people and lead them to freedom.
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word.
"Comfort, oh comfort my people,"
says your God.
"Speak softly and tenderly to Jerusalem,
but also make it very clear
That she has served her sentence,
that her sin is taken care of—forgiven!
She's been punished enough and more than enough,
and now it's over and done with."
Thunder in the desert!
"Prepare for God's arrival!
Make the road straight and smooth,
a highway fit for our God.
Fill in the valleys,
level off the hills,
Smooth out the ruts,
clear out the rocks.
Then God's bright glory will shine
and everyone will see it.
Yes. Just as God has said."
A voice says, "Shout!"
I said, "What shall I shout?"
"These people are nothing but grass,
their love fragile as wildflowers.
The grass withers, the wildflowers fade,
if God so much as puffs on them
Aren't these people just so much grass?
True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade,
but our God's Word stands firm and forever."
Climb a high mountain, Zion.
You're the preacher of good news.
Raise your voice. Make it good and loud, Jerusalem.
You're the preacher of good news.
Speak loud and clear. Don't be timid!
Tell the cities of Judah,
"Look! Your God!"
Look at him! God, the Master, comes in power,
ready to go into action.
He is going to pay back his enemies
and reward those who have loved him.
Like a shepherd, he will care for his flock,
gathering the lambs in his arms,
Hugging them as he carries them,
leading the nursing ewes to good pasture.
Reader: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
People:Open our ears to hear your Word.
Readings December 4 7.45 & 11am
+The First Lesson: Isaiah foretells the end of the exile of God's people in Babylon. The Lord will pardon his people and lead them to freedom.
A Reading from Issaiah [40:1-11]
Comfort, O comfort my people,
says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that she has served her term,
that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the LORD's hand
double for all her sins.
A voice cries out:
"In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
A voice says, "Cry out!"
And I said, "What shall I cry?"
their constancy is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
when the breath of the LORD blows upon it;
surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades;
but the word of our God will stand forever.
Get you up to a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,
lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah,
"Here is your God!"
See, the Lord GOD comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep.
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
Psalm 85:1-2,8-13 Page 708, BCP
You have been gracious to your land, O LORD, * you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.
You have forgiven the iniquity of your people * and blotted out all their sins.
I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, * for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
and to those who turn their hearts to him.
Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, * that his glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth have met together; * righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Truth shall spring up from the earth, * andrighteousness shall look down from heaven.
The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, *
and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness shall go before him, * and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.
+The Second Lesson: If the Lord appears to be delaying his coming, it is only to give his people time for repentance. By leading lives of holiness, Christians can ensure their readiness.
A Reading from 2 Peter [3:8-15]
Paul gives thanks for the faith and love which are demonstrated by disciples in Ephesus. He reminds them it is Christ who is the head of the church, the body of all faithful believers.
Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.
Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.
