Jesus is Found Celebration
Life of Jesus Christ in Our Lives
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!
Introduction:
We continue in our celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas on our journey to Epiphany.
The Prophet Isaiah is anointed with the Spirit. Isaiah means the Lord Saves. Isaiah continuously warns the unrepentant of impending judgement. Isaiah heralds a New Age and the Promise of Redemption. Isaiah tells us we will all be raised up to be Yahweh’s ministry people as priests, a concept traditionally meant for a special group. As many wait for this to happen believing it to be an event in time, we all should gather together to carry out the example of our Savior Jesus Christ and perform those good works daily that are pleasing to the Father. God is merciful and He forgives them who submit to Him.
Psalm 148 brings us an ancient poetic call to praise. There is so much reference to nature and its laws that are within God’s command. This may result in our reflection on Christmas carols and their references to nature. As we praise God’s might and presence in our lives we turn our thoughts away from ourselves and toward Him.
In Galatians, Paul argues that Jewish law should not be imposed on Gentiles. Rather Paul suggests that we can best “love our neighbors as ourself.”
Luke reminds us of the Pauline testimony that Jewish tradition states the firstborn son belongs to the Lord in a special way. Fortunately for us Jesus will bear the curse of the cross to bring us salvation as believers. Luke brings us to understand that boy Jesus is on the path to redemption as He is dedicating Himself to God in the Temple. It is affirmed to us that in this Christmas season we celebrate the Incarnation of God in His Son, our Savior, Jesus.
Scripture:
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10.
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven. Ps. 148:13.
God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Gal. 4:4-7.
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Luke 2:46.
Mary Did You Know
Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene (1991).
performed by Pentatonix, a Capella.
Mary did you know that your baby boy
Will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
Will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered
Will soon deliver you?
Prayer:
God of glory,
your splendor shines from a manger in Bethlehem,
where the Light of the world is humbly born
into the darkness of human night.
Open our eyes to Christ’s presence in the shadows of our world,
so that we, like him, may become beacons of your justice,
and defenders of all for whom there is no room. Amen.
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Charles Wesley (1739).
performed by Joslin Grove Choral Society.
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!
Prayer:
Light of life, you came in flesh,
born into human pain and joy,
and gave us power to be your children.
Grant us faith, O Christ, to see your presence among us,
so that all of creation may sing new songs of gladness
and walk in the way of peace. Amen.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley (1739).
performed by Boney M.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new born King;
peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise;
join the triumph of the skies;
with the angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Prayer:
Grant that all people may hear together the song of joy,
and find their homes in the garden of justice and hope,
that we may experience the fullness of life,
which is your will for all,
in the coming of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
poem by Pr. Edmund Sears. (1849).
performed by Dana Point Music.
It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, goodwill to men
From heavens all gracious King!”
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
Prayer:
From our mother’s womb you have known us, O God.
You call us to follow you through all our days
and seek us even when we wander.
As we advance in years,
clothe us with your love,
that we may grow in grace and find favor in your sight;
through Jesus Christ. Amen.
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!
