Sermons

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMThis morning we are going to tell the story of the birth of Jesus as told by the gospels of Luke and Matthew, AND as told by you! We ask that you listen for the following words to be spoken within the story, and to respond as written: Shepherds Yo, Sheep! Sheep Baa! Night Silent night, holy night (sung with piano accompaniment) Angel Hallelujah! Hallelujah! (sung with piano accompaniment)

Magnificat Luke 1:46-55 Carl Witt Cantor 1: For God has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day, all generations will call me blessed: For God has done great things for me, and holy is his name. RESPONSE Cantor 2: God has shown mercy on those who fear him in every generation. God has shown the strength of his arm; he has scattered the proud in their conceit. RESPONSE. Cantor 1: God has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. God has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. RESPONSE. Cantor 2: God has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he remembered his promise of mercy; The promise God made to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children, forever. RESPONSE.

Second Reading Mark 1:1-8 New Testament p. 34 For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, Thanks be to God.

In This Place Daniel Meyer There is a welcome for the weary; There is a rest for it is here we Find the power of our family’s healing love; For as Christ has welcomed all by grace, There is a welcome in this place. There is healing for the hurting; There is a balm, for it is certain That our God is here to heal; For as God has healed us all by grace, There is a healing in this place. There is a comfort for our sorrow; There is a hope for each tomorrow. God’s compassion reaches to our needs, For as Christ brings comfort through God’s grace, There is a welcome, there is a peace in this place.