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Mini-Worship
Dec 24-29, 2024
Take a few deep breaths and center yourself and quiet down
Entering the presence of God
(M) Happy are those who make the LORD their trust.
Happy are those whose hope is in the LORD their God.
(W) He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
Let his steadfast love and his faithfulness
keep us safe forever.
(All) O sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Adoration :
God, our creator and redeemer, we praise you that your wisdom is so compassing. Your sovereignty is so vast and deep. Your will is so steadfast. Your love is so holy and abundant. We praise and thank you for the way you come to save us. In the name of Jesus Christ.
Scripture Reading
Isaiah 9:1-7; Matthew 1:18-21; Luke 2:1-14 (NIV)
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Thoughts to ponder and share
By the will of God, in God's timing, our Savior Christ Jesus was born. God from the ancient time to eternal turned his face toward us and made his face shine upon us. He did not forget his promises. He did not abandon the humans he created. He took the human form. He became a baby. He came into us and into our time. He dwelled among us and lived with us. He intended to shepherd us personally. He was to become our peace, our ransom and our salvation. He was to become our wisdom, our righteousness and our holiness.
We all know, loneliness is our worst enemy. To have someone be with us gives a wonderful feeling. Recall those good friends? loved ones? confiders? Remember those good Samaritans in our difficult times? Those guides who pointed to the directions in our lost? Those helping hands in our helpless moments? Those who turned our dreams into realities in our waiting? Those who strengthened us in our weariness? Their presence brought us a good news: I care about you; I see you precious; I will watch over you; I will help you; I will save you; I'll teach you and guide you; I'll take you into the kingdom of light; I love to be a part of your existence; I desire to interact with you; I desire to walk along with you; I want to make friends with you; I care about your joy, peace, life and happiness; I want you to dwell in my love; ...etc. You see, how precious it is to have someone with us! Is this "being with" a longing that we all have?
The God who created us and made us knew that we would have such a longing. He did not leave us as loners. He sent his own son Jesus into our world to redeem us and to be with us. He promised to walk with us through this life journey, leading us back to eternal home to face to face with him in eternal joy and happiness. Meantime, he cares us what kind of condition we live in at present time. He wants to save us and to teach us how to live at present time in the world he had created. He wants to become our best friend. He gives us the Holy Spirit to be with us.
God personally chose those weak, lowly and despised shepherds to receive and to announce the greatest news: "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Blessed are the poor in spirit. Blessed are the pure in heart. Blessed are the meek. These people will see God. They will receive Jesus Christ. They will have eternal life. They will have the reign of God in their lives. They will have hope, peace, joy and love. They will get a best friend in this life journey. Are you ready to say yes to this Jesus in this season?
Prayer Suggestions:
Dear God, year after year you keep remembering us. In this season, again we hear from your Holy Spirit and angels. They gently bring us your holy peace, warm love, sure hope, glory of life and contagious joy through your son Jesus. We simply want to hug you and tell you: how wonderful your presence is. In this season, let your children announce once again the greatest news concerning all of us: Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Let your children join the angel choir singing out: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. Savior Christ Jesus, welcome your arrival. Welcome you into our hearts. We love you. Amen.
Benediction
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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