Peace of God Celebration
Baptized with the Holy Spirit
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!
Peace of God Celebration Introduction:
In this third Sunday of Advent, we come face to face with the meaning of “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
Zephaniah’s prophetic vision of the presence of God in our lives brings us to face both judgement and joy in the same moment. If we love God as we are humanly capable, as we have always been loved by Him, we will have little to fear. “Swallow my pride” and in my humility (not thinking less of myself but thinking of myself less) I come to realize the meaning of the words “Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually helpless. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”
Isaiah’s prophecy is practiced in a song of Thanksgiving. May we lift our voices in prayer.
In time Paul learned to change his perspective on life. Paul gives us three “P”s: Perspective, Purpose and Press on. Even though life is full of challenges, many of them easily persuading us we may be headed toward dismal failure, we must trust in God, “put on our happy faces,” and be thankful for the blessings we do have now and those that will be coming our way in the future. We must stand firm in our love for God as we believe He has and will always love us.
John the Baptist is a “straight talker.” He does not offer kind words to people needing to repent their sinful ways. John wants us to understand that God’s mercy (Gospel) and justice (Law) can be considered one and the same in the believer’s spiritual life. We must open our hearts to God’s love and in turn show compassion and understanding to our neighbor. This may well require us to meet the objective by sharing our resources with our neighbor.
Scripture:
The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. Zeph. 3:15.
Surely God is my salvation. Isaiah 12:2.
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:7.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16.
Prayer:
God of hope,
you call us home from the exile of selfish oppression
to the freedom of justice,
the balm of healing,
and the joy of sharing.
Make us strong to join you in your holy work,
as friends of strangers and victims,
companions of those whom others shun,
and as the happiness of those whose hearts are broken.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O Come All Ye Faithful
“Adeste Fidelis” Latin.
Marcos Portugal (1649).
John Francis Wade (1744).
O Come All Ye Faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Prayer:
Brothers and sisters,
as we joyfully await the glorious coming of the Christ,
let us pray for the needs of the church, our community, and the world.
God of joy and exultation,
you strengthen what is weak;
you enrich the poor
and give hope to those who live in fear.
Look upon our needs this day.
Make us grateful for the good news of salvation
and keep us faithful in your service
until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives for ever and ever. Amen.
Away in a Manger
James R Murray (1887).
performed by Casting Crowns
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.
Prayer:
O God of the exiles and the lost,
you promise restoration and wholeness
through the power of Jesus Christ.
Give us faith to live joyfully,
sustained by your promises
as we eagerly await the day when they will be fulfilled
for all the world to see,
through the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Joy to the World
Isaac Watts (1719).
Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!
Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!