A Prayer Written for the Songs of the Season Celebration
Lord, It was a good decision to send your Son, Jesus. And to send Jesus as a baby born in a manger was an even better idea. Just a baby without any power, any money, any place to stay.
We thank you dear God that you did not send our Savior of the world as a powerful King;
striking fear, wielding iron, causing innocent blood to be shed.
If Jesus had come to the world as a warrior, none would be able to stand find grace for sin.
We all surely would die for our transgressions, for our human-ness.
A baby we can deal with, we can understand, we can love.
We can approach a baby in a manger.
We can rejoice with his dear young mother offering her life for the life of this child.
We can stand beside his sturdy father who protected what was not his, but listened when the angels spoke.
Yes Dear Lord, we can see ourselves among the shepherd, among the wise men, among the curious bystanders.
Thank You Dear Lord, that this child, this baby in the manger, would grow to become a King.
We thank you that this baby will grow to strike fear in the hearts of those who should know better;
We remember He will experience the wielding of iron;
That His life will cause His own innocent blood to be shed.
As we sing to you Lord, we remember the sacrifice, and we remember the new life offered.
Lord, we sing our praise to you. May you be most blessed.
Amen.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Thursday, December 15, 2005
SCRIPTURE READINGS Leading to Sunday Decembe 25, 2005
SCRIPTURE READINGS for Sunday December 25, 2005
Monday:
Luke 1 Jesus Family
Luke is writing a careful and accurate account of the ministry of Jesus the Christ. We start with John the Baptist and gain an understanding of Jesus’ extended family relationships.
Tuesday:
Luke 2 The Birth of Christ
Do not be afraid. Read on about the birth of Jesus and his life as a child.
Wednesday:
Matthew 1:18-2:23 Matthew’s Version
From the Birth to the Wise Men to Herod’s murder of the children, we read the beginning of the Good News from another point of view.
Thursday:
Isaiah 9:1-7 Vision of a Savior
Light and life are predicted by Isaiah. Read what Isaiah says the Christ will accomplish.
Friday:
Philippians 3:1-4:7 Press On
The baby has accomplished Isaiah’s predictions. Paul offers proof and power for living.
Saturday:
Luke 2:1-20 Again, The Birth of Christ
Consider that this new birth, the baby Jesus, is a offering of God to the world. Creation is enhanced, a new version of the old program has been introduced into the world. Above the groans of a world filled with pain and trouble sings this new song of hope and peace. We can almost feel the power of the radiant birth. The child with this humble beginning is the high King of Heaven and we are all the subjects of this new reality. Everything is new. Words fail us, yet even the animals understand what cannot be spoken. In one miracle followed by another we open our hearts and sing forth the glory of the promise which this new birth brings to the broken world. Every song sings life. Only, always life.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
Sermon Title: “Songs of Life”
Monday:
Luke 1 Jesus Family
Luke is writing a careful and accurate account of the ministry of Jesus the Christ. We start with John the Baptist and gain an understanding of Jesus’ extended family relationships.
Tuesday:
Luke 2 The Birth of Christ
Do not be afraid. Read on about the birth of Jesus and his life as a child.
Wednesday:
Matthew 1:18-2:23 Matthew’s Version
From the Birth to the Wise Men to Herod’s murder of the children, we read the beginning of the Good News from another point of view.
Thursday:
Isaiah 9:1-7 Vision of a Savior
Light and life are predicted by Isaiah. Read what Isaiah says the Christ will accomplish.
Friday:
Philippians 3:1-4:7 Press On
The baby has accomplished Isaiah’s predictions. Paul offers proof and power for living.
Saturday:
Luke 2:1-20 Again, The Birth of Christ
Consider that this new birth, the baby Jesus, is a offering of God to the world. Creation is enhanced, a new version of the old program has been introduced into the world. Above the groans of a world filled with pain and trouble sings this new song of hope and peace. We can almost feel the power of the radiant birth. The child with this humble beginning is the high King of Heaven and we are all the subjects of this new reality. Everything is new. Words fail us, yet even the animals understand what cannot be spoken. In one miracle followed by another we open our hearts and sing forth the glory of the promise which this new birth brings to the broken world. Every song sings life. Only, always life.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
Sermon Title: “Songs of Life”
Monday, December 05, 2005
Daily Readings Leading to Sunday December 11, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday December 11, 2005
Monday:
Isaiah 60:1-5 Celebrate the Messiah
Arise, shine. Think shepherds in the field.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 60:19-22 Everlasting Light
This is one strong promise for all time.
Wednesday:
John 8 Jesus is the Light of the World
Much is packed into just a few verses. From the story of the woman caught in adultery to Jesus foretelling his own death this passage moves in and out of our focus on the Christmas season.
Thursday:
John 9 Healing of the Blind Man
Jesus heals a man born blind. The religious leaders then unceremoniously toss the man out of the temple. They are outraged that Jesus would heal this man on a Sabbath. The cause and effect assumption is that any physical ailment must be a result of sin. So these religious leaders conclude what Jesus has done by this healing is to forgive sin. What is so odd about this passage is that the leaders were right but did not know it; Jesus does have the power to forgive sin. I will be using this text on Sunday and hope you will take some time to consider this powerful story. Read about the parents who are ready to deny almost anything out of fear for the power of the religious elite. Read about the compassion of Christ as he encounters the man born blind a second time. Read about the honesty of the man born blind who proclaimed simply, “Lord, I believe.” Now, think Christmas!
Friday:
John 10 The Good Shepherd
This three chapter reading from the gospel of John concludes with Jesus offering that he is the “good shepherd.” Still, Jesus is rejected by the religious leaders. Think about Christmas again.
Saturday:
1 John 1:5-2:17 God is Light
Paul speaks clearly of Jesus’ mission; It fits nicely and is powerful in a Christmas context!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: John 8:12, 9:1-41
Sermon Title: “Light of the World”
Monday:
Isaiah 60:1-5 Celebrate the Messiah
Arise, shine. Think shepherds in the field.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 60:19-22 Everlasting Light
This is one strong promise for all time.
Wednesday:
John 8 Jesus is the Light of the World
Much is packed into just a few verses. From the story of the woman caught in adultery to Jesus foretelling his own death this passage moves in and out of our focus on the Christmas season.
Thursday:
John 9 Healing of the Blind Man
Jesus heals a man born blind. The religious leaders then unceremoniously toss the man out of the temple. They are outraged that Jesus would heal this man on a Sabbath. The cause and effect assumption is that any physical ailment must be a result of sin. So these religious leaders conclude what Jesus has done by this healing is to forgive sin. What is so odd about this passage is that the leaders were right but did not know it; Jesus does have the power to forgive sin. I will be using this text on Sunday and hope you will take some time to consider this powerful story. Read about the parents who are ready to deny almost anything out of fear for the power of the religious elite. Read about the compassion of Christ as he encounters the man born blind a second time. Read about the honesty of the man born blind who proclaimed simply, “Lord, I believe.” Now, think Christmas!
Friday:
John 10 The Good Shepherd
This three chapter reading from the gospel of John concludes with Jesus offering that he is the “good shepherd.” Still, Jesus is rejected by the religious leaders. Think about Christmas again.
Saturday:
1 John 1:5-2:17 God is Light
Paul speaks clearly of Jesus’ mission; It fits nicely and is powerful in a Christmas context!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: John 8:12, 9:1-41
Sermon Title: “Light of the World”
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Daily Reading Leading to December 4, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday December 04, 2005
Monday:
Isaiah 42:1-9 The Song of the Servant
Is the servant in this passage the nation of Israel or is this a look forward to the Messiah? Some think both are true. In either case, God is surely understood as powerful and active.
Tuesday:
Psalm 22 Psalm of Deliverance
When Jesus was on the cross this is one of the passages he quoted. Take a look at verse one, then read the whole Psalm aloud.
Wednesday:
Matthew 5 The Beatitudes
This first section of the sermon on the mount is know to us as the beatitudes. One preacher has called these the “Be-Attitudes.” Try this on!
Thursday:
Matthew 6-7 Sermon on the Mount
Christ has a lot to say when preaching up on that hill. Much of our understanding of our life in Christ comes from this wonderful sermon.
Friday:
Galatians 5 The Nature of Our Call
The result of our life in Christ is our faith expressed through loving deeds.
Saturday:
Luke 4:16-43 Christ: The Transformer
Jesus makes quite a mess of his homecoming. He has things stirred up and people more than just talking. I can only imagine what his mother must have been saying to him about his behavior. It seems the local folks remember him as a boy and probably still chuckle about the story his mother used to tell about Jesus’ miracle birth. Now it gets really weird for the hometown as he proclaims he is the Messiah.
Jesus is saying he is not coming to help things move along a little better, work more smoothly, or stay steady on the path. Instead Jesus is talking total makeover, a total transformation. Everything is about to change, and he is the change agent. Powerful, Unsettling, Moving!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Luke 4:16-30
Sermon Title: “Transformers”
Monday:
Isaiah 42:1-9 The Song of the Servant
Is the servant in this passage the nation of Israel or is this a look forward to the Messiah? Some think both are true. In either case, God is surely understood as powerful and active.
Tuesday:
Psalm 22 Psalm of Deliverance
When Jesus was on the cross this is one of the passages he quoted. Take a look at verse one, then read the whole Psalm aloud.
Wednesday:
Matthew 5 The Beatitudes
This first section of the sermon on the mount is know to us as the beatitudes. One preacher has called these the “Be-Attitudes.” Try this on!
Thursday:
Matthew 6-7 Sermon on the Mount
Christ has a lot to say when preaching up on that hill. Much of our understanding of our life in Christ comes from this wonderful sermon.
Friday:
Galatians 5 The Nature of Our Call
The result of our life in Christ is our faith expressed through loving deeds.
Saturday:
Luke 4:16-43 Christ: The Transformer
Jesus makes quite a mess of his homecoming. He has things stirred up and people more than just talking. I can only imagine what his mother must have been saying to him about his behavior. It seems the local folks remember him as a boy and probably still chuckle about the story his mother used to tell about Jesus’ miracle birth. Now it gets really weird for the hometown as he proclaims he is the Messiah.
Jesus is saying he is not coming to help things move along a little better, work more smoothly, or stay steady on the path. Instead Jesus is talking total makeover, a total transformation. Everything is about to change, and he is the change agent. Powerful, Unsettling, Moving!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Luke 4:16-30
Sermon Title: “Transformers”
Monday, November 21, 2005
Scripture Reading for Sunday Nov. 27, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday November 27, 2005
Monday:
John 1:1-18 Before the Birth
In the beginning reminds us of Genesis and of all things before God created. This passage offers that Jesus was with God and had a part in creation from the very beginning. Beautifully written, this is a wonderful passage upon which to meditate.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 53:1-12 The Servant Song
As you read consider Jesus Christ in every verse.
Wednesday:
Hebrews 8 The New Covenant
Read about Jesus and our covenant. Now Pray!
Thursday:
Matthew 27:1-54 The End of Life
The death of Jesus Christ was painful. Couldn’t God have figured another way? And yet, Jesus is God and takes the sin of the world so that we might have salvation and everlasting life. Any offering we could give had the potential of being easily corrupted. Only an offering from God, of God, would be good enough. See the love?
Friday:
John 18 The End of Life II
We need another witness to offer another testimony of what happened. Here is John’s.
Saturday:
John 19 & 20 The Significance of Jesus’ Death
An odd reading for this time of year, perhaps. We are much more comfortable with this reading at Easter. What could the death of Jesus have to do with Christmas? Even more important; what does Jesus’ death have to say to us in the midst of our preparing for the baby Jesus’ birth? The short answer is: Everything. For the long answer: Read the entire Bible. We will go with the short answer Sunday focus deeply on the love of God.
From the humble birth in a stable to an even more humbling death upon a cross, we find meaning in both events. Placing the beginning and what appears to be an ending side by side we make a life changing discovery. It is about love. It is all about love!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: John 19:26-28 & 20:11-18
Sermon Title: “It’s About Love
Monday:
John 1:1-18 Before the Birth
In the beginning reminds us of Genesis and of all things before God created. This passage offers that Jesus was with God and had a part in creation from the very beginning. Beautifully written, this is a wonderful passage upon which to meditate.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 53:1-12 The Servant Song
As you read consider Jesus Christ in every verse.
Wednesday:
Hebrews 8 The New Covenant
Read about Jesus and our covenant. Now Pray!
Thursday:
Matthew 27:1-54 The End of Life
The death of Jesus Christ was painful. Couldn’t God have figured another way? And yet, Jesus is God and takes the sin of the world so that we might have salvation and everlasting life. Any offering we could give had the potential of being easily corrupted. Only an offering from God, of God, would be good enough. See the love?
Friday:
John 18 The End of Life II
We need another witness to offer another testimony of what happened. Here is John’s.
Saturday:
John 19 & 20 The Significance of Jesus’ Death
An odd reading for this time of year, perhaps. We are much more comfortable with this reading at Easter. What could the death of Jesus have to do with Christmas? Even more important; what does Jesus’ death have to say to us in the midst of our preparing for the baby Jesus’ birth? The short answer is: Everything. For the long answer: Read the entire Bible. We will go with the short answer Sunday focus deeply on the love of God.
From the humble birth in a stable to an even more humbling death upon a cross, we find meaning in both events. Placing the beginning and what appears to be an ending side by side we make a life changing discovery. It is about love. It is all about love!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: John 19:26-28 & 20:11-18
Sermon Title: “It’s About Love
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