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On the radio this morning it was reported that there were 71 new cases of COVID in the county yesterday with 3 more deaths. Be Aware!
DAY 287 | Thursday, 31 December 2020 Here it is, the final day of the year 2020 and for several reasons we are ready to bid this year a farewell. One of the blessings of this year was the new neighbors we welcomed into the Woodlands. It looks as though we will be welcoming a new neighbor in early 2021 as well. When the pandemic started and we had to make huge adjustments to our lifestyles back in March, none of us knew how we would be adjusting. I do not believe any of us thought then that we would still be amid this pandemic at the end of the year. Yet here we are still watching as more people are dying from the virus. The good news is that we now have a vaccine to help in the future. March 20, 2020, I began these daily meditations, thoughts, reflections, prayers etc. for our Woodlands community to keep us strong as we faced the uncertainty of the future. We have gone through a range of feelings and emotions over these 287 days. The Church Mouse wanted to help with the daily thoughts to share some different ideas and some humor. As time progressed, different neighbors asked if I minded if they shared these daily thoughts with friends. My church, Christ First UMC, asked if it was OK to include the daily writings on its website. I soon was given the title “The Woodlands Shepherd.” Friends who heard what I was doing asked to be included in the emails. As of this date, I really have no idea how many people are receiving and passing along these words. In all honesty, I did not expect to be writing daily for these many days. I promise you I will continue for as long as necessary. As we bid farewell to 2020, Judy and I want to thank all of you for the blessing you have been to us. We are looking forward to the times when we can gather as a community and share in picnics and other activities. We want to wish you God’s blessings as we begin a new year, a time for new beginnings. Holy and Gracious God, we have relied on your presence and your guidance through this past, difficult year. Our prayers continue to lift our neighbors who are experiencing health issues and who need to sense your presence. Be with every one of us as we contemplate the beginning of a new year. Continue to surround us with the hope, peace, love, and joy of the observance of the coming of Christ into our world. May we be aware of your Holy Spirit as we journey onward as your people. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings. Amen A Prayer for New Year's Eve “As we stand at the threshold of a new year, O Lord, help us remember that our times are in your hand. We come to thank you, for years we have had and for the opportunity of entering this new year with your Spirit as our guide and help. Therefore, we bow in gratitude and love before you that we may properly show that we know the Source of all heavenly grace and blessings. In Christ's name. Amen.”
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Day 286 | Wednesday, 30 December 2020
Christmastide “There was no room in the inn. "We're booked solid," said the innkeeper. God was ready to give the world a Messiah, but the world wasn't ready for a Savior. So, the lamb of God was born in a lambing stall; the shepherds worshiped him there. Let us worship him here - and now.” A Christmastide Invocation: “Almighty God, you have wondrously revealed yourself in the Holy Child of Bethlehem. By faith we kneel beside the manger-throne, hoping that somehow, he will be born in us here and now. For Jesus’ sake, grant that we may share in a new birth of faith. Teach us to recognize your presence in our lives and bring us at the last to the realm of your glory, through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” Perhaps another Christmastide Hymn that is not one of the most familiar carols is the hymn “In the Bleak Midwinter” words: Christina G. Rossetti, 1872 (Luke 2:8-14) 1. “In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago.” 2. “Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.” 3. “Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the beloved with a kiss.” 4. “What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him; give my heart.” Another is “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” words: Polish carol; trans. by Edith M. G. Reed, 1925 (Luke 2:6-20) 1. “Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing, Christ the babe is Lord of all. Swift are winging angels singing, noels ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the babe is Lord of all.” 2. “Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow: Christ the babe was born for you.” A Christmastide prayer: “O light of the World, we come forth from the darkness into a new dawn! With the dawning of your Son, we sing forth your praise. For now, the earth has a savior, a Christ! Grant us wisdom grant us courage to follow him faithfully, through the lands of Egypt, through the trials of doubt, through the times of persecution and testing. Even as our savior leads us, we know that he brings the goodness and blessing of God each day. For new birth, for new life, for the path ahead into final glory, we give our thanks and praise. Amen!” A Christmastide blessing: “May Jesus, wonderful Counselor, grant us wisdom. May Jesus, mighty God, establish and uphold us in righteousness. May Jesus, Prince of Peace, sustain us in love from this time forth and forevermore. Amen” Day 285 | Tuesday, 29 December 2020
COVID update. As of 12/28 at 3:00PM the number of cases in the county has risen to 3,415 with 399 active and 1,926 in isolation. The cases in the following areas are: 14701 – 898; Dunkirk – 525; Fredonia – 469; Lakewood – 131; Bemus – 115 and Frewsburg – 129. Total deaths are now at 29. As we continue our journey through Christmastide, I want to share a couple more less familiar Christmastide hymns. As you read through these verses, listen to the story being told. The first hymn is “The Friendly Beasts” 12th century French Carol; translation anon. (Luke 2:7) 1. “Jesus, our brother, strong and good, was humbly born in a stable rude, and the friendly beasts around him stood, Jesus, our brother, strong and good.” 2. “I,” said the donkey, shaggy and brown, “I carried his mother uphill and down, I carried his mother to Bethlehem town; I,” said the donkey, shaggy and brown.” 3. “I,” said the cow, all white and red, “I gave him my manger for his bed, I gave him hay to pillow his head; I,” said the cow, all white and red.” 4. “I,” said the sheep with curly horn, “I gave him my wool for his blanket warm, he wore my coat on Christmas morn; I,” said the sheep with curly horn.” 5. “I,” said the dove, from the rafters high, “I cooed him to sleep that he should not cry, we cooed him to sleep, my mate and I; I,” said the dove, from the rafters high.” 6. Thus all the beasts, by some good spell, in the stable dark were glad to tell of the gifts they gave Emmanuel. The gifts they gave Emmanuel.” The next hymn is “That Boy-Child of Mary” words: Tom Colvin, 1969 (Luke 2:7) Refrain: “That boy-child of Mary was born in a stable, a manger his cradle in Bethlehem.” 1. “What shall we call him, child of the manger? What name is given in Bethlehem?” Refrain: “That boy-child of Mary was born in a stable, a manger his cradle in Bethlehem.” 2. “His name is Jesus, God ever with us, God given for us in Bethlehem.” Refrain: “That boy-child of Mary was born in a stable, a manger his cradle in Bethlehem.” 3. “How can he save us, how can he help us, born here among us in Bethlehem?” Refrain: “That boy-child of Mary was born in a stable, a manger his cradle in Bethlehem.” 4. “Gift of the Father, to human mother, makes him our brother of Bethlehem.” Refrain: “That boy-child of Mary was born in a stable, a manger his cradle in Bethlehem.” 5. “One with the Father, he is our Savior, heaven-sent helper of Bethlehem.” Refrain: “That boy-child of Mary was born in a stable, a manger his cradle in Bethlehem.” 6. “Gladly we praise him, Love and adore him, give ourselves to him of Bethlehem.” Refrain: “That boy-child of Mary was born in a stable, a manger his cradle in Bethlehem.” Gracious gift giving God, we are still in awe of your gift of your Son to us so long ago. We especially celebrate your gift during this season as we share gifts of love with one another. We are thankful for the animals who were in the stable that night and for their gifts as reflected in the hymn. Bless this child of Bethlehem who is our Savior. Lord, receive our gifts and hear our prayers. Amen. Day 284 | Monday, 28 December 2020
A Christmastide Beginning: “To us, watchful and waiting, a gift has been slipped into our midst. A tiny child, born in a manger, a gift of peace to troubled souls and dangerous streets, a gift of joy to sad hearts and cautious lives, a gift of hope to wearied brows and oppressed peoples. A tiny baby. A gift from God meant for us. Open your hearts, raise your voices, give thanks to the Giver, welcome the Gift!” A Christmastide Invocation: “This wonderful season, O Lord, is our opportunity to acknowledge your loving gift to us in Christ our Savior. Therefore, we come humbly and joyfully into your presence to express our unrestrained thankfulness and our words of love for the greatest blessing we have ever received. With eternal gratitude, we pray in your Son's blessed name. Amen.” A wonderful Christmastide Hymn is “Once in Royal David’s City” words: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1848 (Luke 2:7) Quite often this hymn was the beginning of the Christmas Eve service with the first stanza sung by a Soprano soloist in the back of the sanctuary, unaccompanied. The organist, congregation and choir would join in on the next verse as the choir processed to the chancel. 1. “Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed; Mary, loving mother mild, Jesus Christ, her little child.” 2. “He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all, and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall. With the poor, the scorned, the lowly lived on earth our Savior holy.” 3. “Jesus is our child-hood’s pattern, day by day, like us he grew; he was little, weak, and helpless, tears and smiles like us he knew; and he feeleth for our sadness, and he shareth in our gladness.” 4. “And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love; for that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heaven above; and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone.” A Christmastide Prayer: In this season, “Earth does ring. We stand at the center of history and the center of time. We stand with the poor who have long awaited their deliverance. We stand with all those for whom there is no room in any inn - and know that their shelter is now assured. We stand with the brokenhearted, knowing that Jesus Christ is Lord and that no circumstance can separate us from the love of God. All this - and more, in the form of a child! Thanks be to you, almighty God, before whom even the valleys are made strong and the mountains humbled. Amen.” A Christmastide Blessing: May the light that surrounds our Lord’s birthplace illumine your spirit and warm your heart. May you be spared, at least for a few moments, the static of the world and enjoy a clear reception of the angelic song. And may the love of God revealed in the holy Child move you to feel and show love for others, especially for any you may find difficult to love. Amen” Day 283 | Sunday, 27, December 2020
The assigned Scripture readings for this the first Sunday in Christmastide are: Isaiah 61:10 – 62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7 and Luke 2:22-40. I am taking a preacher’s prerogative and ignoring the above scriptures and instead will share the birth story from Luke. After all, it is only two days after Christmas. Luke 2:1-20 Jesus’ birth 2 In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. 2 This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. 3 Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. 4 Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. 5 He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom. Announcement to shepherds 8 Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. 9 The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.10 The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. 11 Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. 12 This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, 14 “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” 15 When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” 16 They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. 18 Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. 20 The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told. How would you have like to have been a shepherd out in the fields that night and have an angel come and tell you some wonderful news? First, you would have to get over the shock of an angel appearing to you, a shepherd. Then, you would probably have a debate with the other shepherds about what just happened. Why us? We are pretty low on the list, after all we live with and smell like sheep. Should we go into town? Shepherding was a despised occupation in the eyes of the first-century elite, and the angels’ announcement to shepherds is an example of God choosing to favor the disfavored. Those of you who have or are reading Caste, what do you think about the shepherds? In 1700, Nahum Tate wrote the words to the carol “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” 1. “While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, the angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around, and glory shone around.” 6. “All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; good will henceforth from heaven to earth begin and never cease, begin and never cease” Lord, thank you so much for giving us your Son. There are times when we feel like shepherds and long for an angel to bring us good news. May your peace and good will continue to come to us and never cease. Gracious God hear our prayers. Amen. Day 282 | Saturday, 26 December 2020
In the Christian year the season of Christmastide began on Christmas Day and the season goes until Epiphany Day which is January 6th. If you added, that’s 12 days of Christmastide. The secular world, however, ends Christmas the day after. So being the purist that I am in terms of the Christian year, I will continue with the Christmastide season. We all enjoy the Christmas carols and each of us has a favorite. I am going to share a couple today that are probably not as familiar. The first is “He Is Born” words: traditional 19th century French carol. Refrain: “He is born, the holy Child, play the oboe and bagpipes merrily! He is born, the holy Child, sing we all of the Savior mild.” 1. “Thru long ages of the past, prophets have foretold his coming; thru long ages of the past, now the time has come at last!” (Refrain) 2. “O how lovely, O how pure is this perfect child of heaven; O how lovely, O how pure, gracious gift to human-kind!” (Refrain) 3. “Jesus, Lord of all the world, coming as a child among us, Jesus, Lord of all the world, grant to us thy heavenly peace.” Refrain: “He is born, the holy Child, play the oboe and bagpipes merrily! He is born, the holy Child, sing we all of the Savior mild.” Christmas Prayer: The Book of Hymns, 1966; alt. by Laurence Hull Stookey “Eternal God, By the birth of Jesus Christ you gave yourself to the world. Grant that, being born in our hearts, he may save us from all our sins, and restore within us the image and likeness of our Creator, to whom be everlasting praise and glory, world without end. Amen” The second is rarely used during the season if at all. I can picture Mary as I read these words of the hymn “Rock-a-Bye, My Dear Little Boy”, words: Czech carol; trans. By Jaroslav J. Vajda, 1987. 1. “Rock-a-bye, my dear little boy, dear little boy, wonder of wonders, my blessing and joy; slumber as I gently hold you, let my tender love enfold you; gift of God to me and the world, here in my arms lies so peacefully curled.” 2. Little Jesus, Infant Divine, Infant Divine, one with the Father, yet born to be mine; as I rock you calmly sleeping, angel guards their watch are keeping; precious child, one day we shall see what love has destined for you and for me.” Christmastide prayer “Loving God, we welcome you and invite you to be present in our worship. Yes, we were not ready to welcome your Son into our world on that night in Bethlehem so long ago. But today, on this side of Bethlehem, the Cross, and the Empty Tomb, we are more than ready to listen to your voice, to be obedient to your Son, and to be empowered by your Spirit. Thank you for your triune presence today made possible because you came to live among us. Amen.” Day 281 | Friday, 25 December 2020
MERRY CHRISTMAS from the Woodlands Shepherd and The Church Mouse. A Beginning: “Behold, the Morning Star of heaven; among beasts of the earth, he is stabled. The all-seeing eyes have closed in sleep. The fulness of eternity is sealed in skin. He who cradled all worlds is himself cradled in a mother’s arms. Behold, the one true God, is one of us,” An invocation for Christmas Day: “Wondrous God open our hearts and minds so we may hear once again the angels' song and know that Christ is born for us and for all. Touch the world with joy this holy day, and fill us with peace and childlike won-der. Surprise us and bless us with the simple miracle of the birth of the Christ child. Amen.” A Prayer of Confession for Christmas: “Almighty God, your love and power transform death into life, despair into hope, lifeless stumps into tender shoots and a tiny baby into the Prince of Peace. In the hearing of your Word and the repenting of our sins, transform the hardness of our hearts into lives of receptivity, following the One who came to baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.” A Christmas Prayer: “Wondrous God take us into your story. Let us be filled with wonder like the shepherds, be as loving as Mary and Joseph and sing with joy like the angels. Take us to Bethlehem and fill us with peace and surprise us with joy. Amen.” Christmas “Loving God, we thank you for poets and composers without whose inspired work Christmas would not be Christmas. We thank you for Phillips Brooks, preacher extraordinary, who wove a spell of devout words around the little town where your Son was being born long ago in the night. We thank you for George Frederick Handel, whose joyous strains of ‘Joy to the World’ break like heaven’s own light around us, no matter how deep our darkness. We thank you for Martin Luther, fighting reformer with the faith of a child, which enabled him to write ‘Away in a Manger’ while battling earthly powers and the Devil himself. For these heralds of Christmas and countless others, known or nameless, we praise your holy name. Amen” Christmas Prayer: “Joy has come to the world; peace has come on earth; we need worry no more. Immanuel, God be with us, we have prayed for so long, and now God is here. In the serendipity and surprise of a Child, in the wonder of two young parents, in the wisdom of sages and the humility of shepherds, in innkeepers who make room when there is no room, in all these narratives and more, we know your presence among us. Let us not forget, as we have unwrapped gifts, what we know here and now. The ultimate gift is your Son: Christ is born in Bethlehem, wrapped in the normal blankets of a normal child, yet containing deep within the genetics of joy, the seeds of peace, the DNA of salvation. Bless our own gift giving that it, too, be marked with joy and filled with peace. Let our gratitude to others show, and let it come straight from our gratitude for you. In the name of the Child. Amen.” A Christmas Blessing: “Cradle Christ in your hearts, bow in the presence of the Holy with praise on your lips and joy in your soul.” Day 280 | Thursday, 24 December 2020 - Christmas Eve
A Beginning: “On a night long ago, when the stars shone brightly in the sky, Jesus Christ was born. Underneath the light of one especially bright star, Jesus Christ was born. In a plain and simple manger, Jesus Christ was born. With animals gathered all around, Jesus Christ was born. Wrapped in a mother's embrace and a father's care, Jesus Christ was born. So that we might know God better, Jesus Christ was born.” A Christmas Eve Invocation: “Holy God take us into that night long ago, and in our imaginations, let us marvel at the holy child, worship on bended knee and sing with the angels. Let us behold the tender care of Mary and the watchful care of Joseph. Let us be blessed by the gaze of the Christ child. Loving God, when we leave this place, may we leave like the shepherds, singing and praising God, for Christ is born again and again, born to set us free, born to give us hope, born to change the world. Let it happen again. Amen.” A Christmas Eve Prayer of Confession: God of seeking love: On this holy night, we would be reminded by your servant John that the little boy born in that manger In Bethlehem was your Word, the very essence of your being. We praise you that your Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth, inviting us, pleading with us, wooing us with your love- when you could have come to us with awesome power to overwhelm us and subdue us to your will. Thank you, most gracious Father, for choosing to recall us to yourself through the life and witness of one like us, your son, Jesus. Draw us once again to the light that shines about his humble birthplace. Help us to experience, at least for a brief time, the wonder of this night, the awestruck curiosity of the shepherds, the gratitude of Joseph, the happiness of Mary. Let us, if only for a moment, become like little children, in the presence of the Holy Child. The Law, John reminds us, was given through Moses, and your Son came not to destroy but to fulfill it. But the gift he brought, the gift he was, exceeded your gift of the Law. We humbly thank you for your grace and truth revealed uniquely in him who could say “I am the way, the Truth and the Life” because he was- and is. Amen” A Prayer: “Holy God, in the manger we see your love, and we are never the same, never alone, never forgotten. We have your peace tonight, your joy forever and your constant love. We are blessed, and so we sing: "Love came down at Christmas." Amen” A Prayer for Christmas Eve: Our loving God: we thank you for giving us a chance once again to celebrate the birthday of your Son. We remember with awe the signs of his arrival: the glorious singing of the Angels, the beckoning twinkle of the star, the hushed stillness of the night. We praise you for all who welcomed him: for sturdy, reliable Joseph; for beautiful, gentle Mary; for the shepherds, confused, but openhearted; and even for the cattle who looked on curiously and shared their home with him. Father, we pray that our hearts may always be open, not just to the Christ child, but to all your children - of all ages, nations, and colors. As you sent Jesus not just to his own people, but to all the world as the bearer of the good news of your love, so let us carry the good news into a divided and hurting world, beginning with our own families, congregations, and communities. Make the spirit of Christmas linger in our hearts throughout the year, that we may freely and happily share your gifts with others. We pray for those who have never heard this story of Jesus: that they may have a chance to hear it and to respond to his loving claim. We pray for others whose lives at this time are so filled with hate, violence and fear that they are unable to believe in your love. Help us to help them, so that their suffering may be relieved, and their spirits filled with hope. Reduce everywhere the murderous noise of war, so that the whole world may enjoy the stillness of Christmas Eve and clearly hear the song: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace, good will among the people.” We offer this prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus, the Christ, our Savior. Amen” A Blessing for Christmas Eve: “Let all the bells ring and all the stars sing for on this holy night, the window of heaven is open, and the angels will lead you to incredible joy and everlasting peace. Christ is born. Rejoice! Always Rejoice!” Day 279 | Wednesday, 23 December 2020
“Shout for joy! The Savior is coming. Sing with gladness! Our darkness shall be turned to light. Let every heart prepare a space. Let every home make ready. Let all the hungry be filled. Let all the homeless be sheltered. For a new day is dawning. The world is being made new. The Savior is coming. Sing with joy!” (behind your mask) “God of manger and star, let us enter your story once again and find ourselves kneeling with the shepherds, singing with the angels and worshiping with the Magi. Touch our hearts with the wonder of birth and the depths of your love. Speak to us in word and song and lift us to the realms of glory.” “Today we will think about another word that comes to mind at Christmas. It is the word "wonder." “The coming of Christ brings wonder. When the angels made known to the shepherds that the Savior had been born in Bethlehem, "they went with haste" to see the child. Perhaps they used "Donkey Express." They found the little family and soon were glorifying and praising God for all they had witnessed. They were so ecstatic that they simply had to tell the story to anyone who would listen. The response they received was surely predictable. St. Luke wrote that all who heard their story "wondered at what the shepherds told them" (Luke 2:18). What does it mean to "wonder"? Wonder has to do with awe, amazement, mystery, regarding that which holds us spellbound. When the astronauts landed on the moon for the first time, some Christians were in a meeting at a church. Having a television near-by, as the dramatic action began to unfold, they took time out to watch. When Neil Armstrong stepped onto the surface of the moon, they were so awestruck that they stood up and sang the Doxology. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." It was a time of mystery, wonder and gratitude. What else would have been proper? And what else but wonder is proper when we think of God walking down the stairs of heaven carrying a little baby in his arms? Wonder is what the shepherds experienced. The wise men as well. Mother Mary, too. She wondered and pondered the whole affair in her heart. Wonder of wonders then. Wonder of wonders now. “Let us pray: O God, we thank you for the great gift of Christ our Lord. Truly his coming causes our minds to swirl in wonder. Accept our deepest thanks for all that you have done for us in the sending of our Lord. In his name, we pray. Amen.” Day 278 | Tuesday, 22 December 2020
Perhaps like the congregation’s I served you are ready for my Advent writings to come to an end. Well, you will get your wish on the 24th. Advent “Holy and healing God send us Jesus once again. We are still bound by sin and fears; our world still knows the grief of children dying from hunger and young men dying in battle. Holy God, we long for an unending stream of hope and a deep reservoir of joy. Holy and just God send us Jesus once again. Deliver us from petty squabbles, bruising busyness, hardened hearts. Rule in our hearts with peace, and reign in our world with compassion. Holy and loving God send us Jesus once again. Let him be born in the words we say, revealed in the deeds we do, made alive in the care we extend. In every heart and nation, let songs of praise arise.” An Advent Hymn – “Lo, How a rose E’er Blooming” words: stanzas 1-2, 15th century German; translated by Theodore Baker, 1894; stanza 3 from The Hymnal, 1940. 1. “Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as those of old have sung. It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night.” 2. “Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, the rose I have in mind; with Mary we behold it, the Virgin Mother kind. To show God’s love aright, she bore to us a Savior, when half spent was the night.” 3. “O Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, dispel inglorious splendor the darkness everywhere. True man yet very God, from sin and death now save us, and share our every load.” An Advent Prayer of Confession: “God of angel songs and hidden miracles wing your way into our world, for we are in need of your presence. We have been caught up in so much that has not been normal this season including worry and fears. We have lost patience and misplaced hope. God of heavenly choruses and humble beginnings wing your way into our hearts. Let us know a peace that calms unrealistic expectations. Let us be lifted up by angels' song and see with new perspective what is truly important. Let love grow, for after all the presents are opened, what we need is an over-whelming sense of amazing grace. God of angel songs and humble miracles wing your way into our lives and fill us with joy. In the name of the Child of Bethlehem. Amen.” John 1 Story of the Word CEB 1 In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. 2 The Word was with God in the beginning. 3 Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. What came into being 4through the Word was , and the life was the light for all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. 9 The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. 10 The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. 11 The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. 12 But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, 13born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. |
Rev. Douglas Knopp, Pastor EmeritusArchives
April 2022
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