Word Becomes Flesh Celebration
Birth of Jesus Christ in Our Lives
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Word Becomes Flesh Introduction:
As we continue on our journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas we will present and discuss several interpretations of our Christmas Scripture.
Christmas is to be interpreted as: the rebirth of our Lord, the Light shining in the darkness, witnessing to the Light, what Jesus as a child means to us, the Word becomes flesh, grace and intimacy.
Jeremiah delivers us to the intimacy of familial relationships as a model for Judah’s covenant relationship with the Lord.
The poetic context of Ps. 147 relates snow in Palestine to the Divine mystery of the Lord’s Word in our lives.

Shall We Gather at the River
Robert Lowry (1864).
Jeremiah 31:
http://youtu.be/F8EIjGXtCLk

Shall we gather at the river, Where bright angel feet have trod;
With its crystal tide forever Flowing by the throne of God?

Scripture:
I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. Jer. 31:13.
Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! Ps. 147:12.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Eph. 1:3.
The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1.

Here I am Lord – James Kilbane

Ps. 147.

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am Lord, Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

Prayer:
O Holy One,
heavenly angels spoke to earthly shepherds
and eternity entered time in the child of Bethlehem.
Through the telling of the Christmas story,
let our temporal lives be caught up in the eternal
in that same child,
that we might join shepherds and all the heavenly host
in praising the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound
John Newton. (1779).
Amazing Grace Cherokee Prayer

Eph. 1.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
was blind but now I see.

Prayer:
God has blessed creation with a great variety of gifts
and gathered all people into one family,
so that in sharing, we might strengthen
and be strengthened by one another.
We gather into our hearts and minds
the universe entrusted to us,
remembering its needs before God and this company.
Grant that these prayers, O God,
may be enfleshed by our commitment not only to pray them,
but to live them in your Son’s name. Amen.

O little town of Bethlehem
Philips Brooks (1868).

John 1.
O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting Light;
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Prayer:

Gracious God,
you have redeemed us through Jesus Christ,
the first-born of all creation,
whose birth we celebrate as the child of Bethlehem.
Bless us with every spiritual blessing,
that we may live as your adopted children
and witness to your glory
with unending praise and thanksgiving. 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!

Holy Name of Jesus 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!

Holy Name of Jesus Celebration Introduction:
Jesus Christ, Savior, is born. Mary has given birth to the Son of Man. Joseph takes his place in the background. The Shepherds will soon visit the Child King. The Wise Men are following the Star toward Bethlehem, soon to meet the Christ child after visiting Herod. This is the unfolding story of very important lives we have become familiar with as we follow the liturgical calendar.
Epiphany follows the visitation of the Wise Men. Lent follows Epiphany. Holy Week ends Lent. The Blessed Baby Jesus will be obedient to the Father, live an example to His believers (us), and die to gift us salvation. He will promise to send us the Holy Spirit. The promise will be kept. We are blessed. Praise the Lord!

Holy Name of Jesus Celebration Scripture:
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.
O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Ps. 8:9.
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. Gal. 4:4-6.
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made.” Luke 2:15.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Author Unknown.

God rest you merry, gentlemen,
let nothing you dismay,
for Jesus Christ our Savior
was born upon this day,
to save us all from Satan’s power
when we were gone astray.

Prayer:
O Holy One,
heavenly angels spoke to earthly shepherds
and eternity entered time in the child of Bethlehem.
Through the telling of the Christmas story,
let our temporal lives be caught up in the eternal
in that same child,
that we might join shepherds and all the heavenly host
in praising the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

All things bright and beautiful
Cecil France’s Alexander (1848).
performed by Kidzup.

Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
God made their glowing colors,
God made their tiny wings.

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.

Man of Sorrows
P. P. Bliss (1875).
performed by Hillsong Worship

Man of sorrows what a name
for the Son of God, who came
ruined sinners to reclaim:
Hallelujah.

Prayer:
O God of ancient blessing,
your servant Mary pondered in her heart
the treasured words spoken about her Son,
our Savior Jesus Christ.
Prepare our hearts to receive his Spirit,
that our tongues may confess him Lord. Amen
Christ the Lord is risen today
Charles Wesley (1739).
performed by Joslin Grove Choral Society

1 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!
2 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!

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!

Shine the Light Devotion

We are called to carry the light of righteousness.

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness but instead expose them.” Eph. 5:11.

In my moments of grief, I pray for your consolation O Lord. In my moments of sorrow, I pray for your intervention. In my moments of loneliness, I pray for your company.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matt. 5:16.

This Little Light of Mine
Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church

Prayer:
Dear Lord, with you by my side, I am not an orphan in this world. I pray that you will take me throughout the journey of life as my heavenly Father. I pray for favor in your eyes and divine guidance in everything I do. Help me conquer the fear to face the world and embrace every challenge with renewed strength and courage for as long as you are with me. Amen. – Daily Devotion.

Holy Innocents Reflection
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!

Holy Innocents Introduction:
In the Gospel of Matthew Magi follow the Star from the East to Judea to visit the newborn child who will become King of the Jews. King Herod seeks advice then directs the Magi to Bethlehem. Herod asks the Magi to let him know where they find the child. After an angel visits the Magi informing them not to tell Herod of the Christ child, the Magi leave quietly without disclosing further information. Herod was distraught for he feared the prophecy of this new King. Not knowing the identity or location of the child, Herod orders his army to kill all boys in his kingdom two years of age and under.
Jeremiah’s prophecy was fulfilled as Rachel wept for her young children.

Scripture:
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

“A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”

Matt. 2:13-18.

Prayer:
We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents Of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Hear My Words O Gracious Lord (Innocents). (1850).

Prayer:
Nurturing God,
remembering the exile of the holy family
and Herod’s slaughter of the children,
we remember all who need our sustaining love.
Hear our prayers for the church and the community in the world. Amen.

O Lord Holy Innocents
O Lord, the holy innocents
Laid down for Thee their infant life,
And martyrs brave and patient saints
Have stood for Thee in fire and strife.

We wear the cross they wore of old
Our lips have learned like vows to make;
We need not die; we cannot fight;
What may we do for Jesus’ sake?

O day by day each Christian child
Has much to do, without, within;
A death to die for Jesus’ sake,
A weary war to wage with sin.

When deep within our swelling hearts
The thoughts of pride and anger rise,
When bitter words are on our tongues,
And tears of passion in our eyes.

Then we may stay the angry blow,
Then we may check the hasty word,
Give gentle answers back again,
And fight a battle for our Lord.

With smiles of peace and looks of love,
Light in our dwellings we may make,
Bid kind good humor brighten there,
And still do all for Jesus’ sake.

There’s not a child so weak and small
But has his little cross to take,
His little work of love and praise,
That he may do for Jesus’ sake.

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!

Holiday Blessings
It is a Great Year! We Look Forward to the New Year.
We have Faith and Hope that this New Year will Bring You Love and Joy in All that Concerns You!
Our Wish for Your Happiness and Peace is in Our Prayers!

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
Peace & Joy! Michael, Cathy and the Spirit of Peace Missional Community.

Christmas Celebration
Birth of Jesus Christ in Our Lives
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Christmas Celebration Introduction:
Our Christmas message:
Isaiah recognizes the challenges in life experiencing the destruction brought on by war, poverty and social unrest. These events are recorded in biblical times; modern versions are still with us today. Isaiah states the need for faith and hope as he foretells the promise of future celebration. Light will replace darkness. Oppression will be removed. The people will realize new birth and opportunities. A child will be born who will lead people to salvation, knowledge, freedom and celebration.
Psalm 96 summons all to acknowledge the reign of our Lord over all the heavens and the world as we know it. Not only do we acknowledge that our Creator God is Lord of all, but also that the Christ Child is our Savior. Our Lord reigns in justice for everyone everywhere for all time.
Paul’s letter to Titus tells us the grace of our Lord is there for and brings salvation to all. The knowledge, understanding and accomplishment of birth, death and resurrection are wrapped up in the grace that Christ brings us.
Luke offers believers assurance and a challenge. Luke assures us that God is working to make the world a place blessed by Jesus. We must enlarge our vision of God’s purposes, and join the movement where the Lord leads us to a renewed world.

Scripture:
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts. Ps. 96:8.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. Titus 2:11.
The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11.

Go Tell It On the Mountain
African American Spiritual Song
John Wesley Work

Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born.

Prayer:
O Holy One,
heavenly angels spoke to earthly shepherds
and eternity entered time in the child of Bethlehem.
Through the telling of the Christmas story,
let our temporal lives be caught up in the eternal
in that same child,
that we might join shepherds and all the heavenly host
in praising the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

What Child Is This (Greensleeves)
W. Chatterton Dix performed by Gardiner Sisters

What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

Prayer:
With the angels of heaven we proclaim your glory, O God.
As the radiance of your presence lights up the heavens,
we pray for enlightenment
for your church on behalf of the whole world.

Grant that, through our prayers,
our lives may radiate the presence of Christ
to all who dwell on earth,
for he is our Lord for ever and ever. Amen.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley (1739).
Performed by Chris Tomlin

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:
God of all ages,
in the birth of Christ
your boundless love for your people
shattered the power of darkness.
Be born in us with that same love and light,
that our song may blend with all the choirs of heaven and earth
to the glory of your holy name. 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!

Journey to Nativity in Bethlehem
with us and Pastor Brad at Community of Grace

Bethlehem

Enjoy an educational Scriptural adventure where we will participate, present and learn about the history, community and Biblical Times where our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was born.

Feel free to dress in costume as a person might in Bethlehem on the night our Lord was born.