Blessings in Song Christmas Caroling for the Community as Spirit of Peace Missional Community Brings Reflection Upon This Last Year and Christmas Caroling to the People throughout the community, including Care Centers and the Homebound.
May the Lord Bring Abundant Blessings to You! Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus. Spirit of Peace.
Spirit of Peace Missional Community Invites All Interested People of All Ages to Celebrate a Joyful Merry Christmas this Year!
The Spirit Missional Community Engages in many Focused Spiritual Religious Christmas Spirit Activities throughout the Christmas Season.
Two of These Activities Are Faith Hope Love Joy Peace and Twelve Days of Christmas.
All Are Welcome to Join Our Missional Community in the Presentation of Faith Hope Love Joy Peace FHLJP which discusses and assists in preparing for the Grand Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ.
All Are Welcome to Join Our Missional Community in the Presentation of Twelve Days of Christmas which May Surprise You the First Time You Experience this Activity which Walks Us from Christmas Day through Epiphany. Hint: One item Discussed is a well-known Christmas Season song!
Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus and the Spirit of Peace Missional Community.
Twelve Days of Christmas
All Are Welcome to Join Our Missional Community in the Presentation of Twelve Days of Christmas which May Surprise You the First Time You Experience this Activity which Walks Us from Christmas Day through Epiphany.
Hint: One item Discussed is a well-known Christmas Season song!
Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus along with the Spirit of Peace Missional Community.
Twelve Days of Christmas begins on the traditional celebrated calendar day of our Lord Jesus Christ’s birth, December 25th, and follows through to the Celebration of Epiphany on January 6th, where we find the acknowledgment by the Magi, Three Kings, that Jesus Christ is the Savior, Son of God.
There is a lot that happens in the Liturgical Calendar in this period of time.
Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus and our Spirit of Peace Missional Community invite you to follow along and share the experiences on the journey with us!
Historical context:
There is a popular historical notion researched by Canadian hymnologist, Hugh D. McKellar, found in his article, “How to Decode the Twelve Days of Christmas.” His research suggests that “The Twelve Days of Christmas” lyrics were intended as a catechism song to help young Catholics learn their faith, at a time when practising Catholicism was criminalised in England (1558 until 1829). https://www.liveabout.com/does-the-twelve-days-of-christmas-have-a-hidden-meaning-3299065
Our classic twelve days song is theorized to have a fundamental relationship to the religious based twelve days of Christmas in the following manner:
Partridge in a Pear Tree – Jesus Christ;
Two Turtle Doves – The Old and New Testaments;
Three French Hens – The three virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity;
Four Calling Birds – Four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John;
Five Golden Rings – First five books of the Old Testament;
Six Geese-a-Laying – Six days of creation before God’s rest on the seventh day;
Seven Swans-a-Swimming – Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit;
Eight Maids-a-Milking – Eight Beatitudes;
Nine Ladies Dancing – Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit;
Ten Lords-a-Leaping – Ten Commandments;
Eleven Pipers Piping – Eleven faithful disciples;
Twelve Drummers Drumming – Twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.
Twelve Days of Christmas
Financial Analysis
We may all know the Twelve Days of Christmas Song. Ever wonder what investment of resources it might take to arrange an experience like this today?
Cost: All these gifts would cost a pretty penny.
Every year since 1984, a group of economists at PNC Wealth Management have figured out how much it would cost to actually buy all the things on the “Twelve Days of Christmas” list. The so-called Christmas Price Index indicates inflation and the increasing costs of certain goods. This year, for instance, if you were really going to buy everything on that list—which includes hiring drummers and dancers (per performance) and milking maids (per hour), and, presumably, a group of men who are willing to leap for pay—it would run you $114,651.17. Compare that to 1990, when you could get away with the whole shooting match for a cool $15,231.70. At today’s prices, a performance of twelve drummers drumming would set you back an average of $2,854.50, while seven swans will run you a whopping $7,000. http://m.mentalfloss.com/article.php?id=32015
Twelve Days of Christmas Song
Performed by Children Who Love to Sing
https://youtu.be/oyEyMjdD2uk
On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!
Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus along with the Spirit of Peace Missional Community.
Celebration of Joy
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!
Introduction:
Faith, Hope, Love, Joy in our pursuit of Advent preparation for the birth of our Savior Christ. Today’s focus is Joy.
In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew tells us that it is the Lord that appeared to Joseph in a dream to inform him that her child is conceived of the Holy Spirit, and he should not fear taking her as his wife. He goes on to describe the important details of their new arrival. The child will fulfill Biblical prophecy. Joseph awoke and took Mary as his wife.
In our Old Testament reading today, the prophet Isaiah tells us the story of the interaction with trusting Ahaz. A young woman will bear a son and name Him Immanuel, or God with Us! Trust in God! Isaiah foretells that Ahaz will see two fearful kings deserted. Unfortunately for Ahaz, he failed to embrace the proclamation, sought alliances instead of the seed the Lord wanted planted, and his kingdom as he knew it became one of the fallen to Assyria. The Lord did not forget His people. He brought them the prophecy fulfilled, The Lord is with You!
In Psalm 80, David orchestrates our emotional Christmas Birth of the Savior prophecy fulfillment. David is crying out for Salvation. So much time passing, so many sinful behaviors engaged, yet David trusts in the forgiving and promise fulfilling Lord. We have much to learn from this example today.
Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Romans draws a straight line from prophecy to the Savior, Son of God, descended from David. Paul tells the Romans and us that we are the Lords beloved, called by Him to be saints, blessing us with grace and peace. Joyful, Joyful our response to this proclamation!
Opening Hymn:
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel
John Mason Neale (1851).
https://youtu.be/utpZAIycWFU
Scripture:
Old Testament: Isaiah 7:10-16.
Psalm: Psalm 80:1-7; Psalm 80:17-19.
New Testament: Romans 1:1-7.
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25.
Prayer:
O God of Elizabeth and Mary, you visited your servants with news of the world’s redemption in the coming of the Savior.
Make our hearts leap with joy, and fill our mouths with songs of praise, that we may announce glad tidings of peace, and welcome the Christ in our midst. Amen.
Prayer Intentions:
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.
Prayers of the People;
God of promise, you have given us a sign of your love through the gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who was promised from ages past. We believe as Joseph did the message of your presence whispered by an angel,
and offer our prayers for your world, confident of your care and mercy for all creation. Amen.
Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. (Book of Concord).
Our Father
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Book of Concord). (Matthew 6:9-13).
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Messiah
Francesca Battistelli
https://youtu.be/D14wX0K9XJQ
Handshake of Peace
Confession
The Apostle John proclaims, If we confess our sins He who is faithful and just will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.
Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
Communion Hymn:
Do You Hear What I Hear
Carrie Underwood
https://youtu.be/ZiR6WRpg0Ug
Institution of the Lord’s Supper
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” He took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:26-28 (ESV).
Communion
Prayer:
Shepherd of Israel, may Jesus, Emmanuel and son of Mary, be more than just a dream in our hearts. With the apostles, prophets, and saints, save us, restore us, and lead us in the way of grace and peace, that we may bear your promise into the world. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Emmanuel
Hillsong
https://youtu.be/n2QlTt18Y24
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.
The Service has ended. Go in Peace.
Thanks be to God.
Spirit of Peace Missional Community Invites All Interested People of All Ages to Celebrate a Joyful Merry Christmas this Year!
The Spirit Missional Community Engages in many Focused Spiritual Religious Christmas Spirit Activities throughout the Christmas Season.
Two of These Activities Are Faith Hope Love Joy Peace and Twelve Days of Christmas.
All Are Welcome to Join Our Missional Community in the Presentation of Faith Hope Love Joy Peace FHLJP which discusses and assists in preparing for the Grand Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ.
All Are Welcome to Join Our Missional Community in the Presentation of Twelve Days of Christmas which May Surprise You the First Time You Experience this Activity which Walks Us from Christmas Day through Epiphany. Hint: One item Discussed is a well-known Christmas Season song!
Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus and the Spirit of Peace Missional Community.