Welcome: –

Liturgy for Advent 4 – Love: –

The candle of Hope, the candle of Peace, the candle of Joy, and then the candle of Love are lit.

  A reading from John 3: 16 and 17,

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the World to condemn the World, but in order that the World might be saved through him.”

  What does Christmas mean to you; family and friends, traditions and food, presents and music?

  All that God does is for His glory.  The means by which He has chosen to be glorified varies, but the ultimate goal of His glory doesn’t.  In that sense, Christmas is mainly about God putting His glory on display for the World to see, to honour, and in which to delight.

  But God’s glory is not some mystical, subjective thing. It is the unlimited greatness of His unchanging being on display.  It is the specific expression of specific attributes.  One of the primary attributes of God on display in Christmas is His love.

  Have we considered how central the love of God is to the meaning of Christmas?  That’s the heart of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

  The nature of God has been hijacked by all sorts of people with all sorts of intentions.  Some redefine it to show the goodness of God.  There are those who speak of God’s love such that He is not angry with sin, but is glad for everyone who would come to Him on their own terms.  In that sense, love is something like affirming people no matter what.  Others redefine it to argue for God’s non-existence.  There’s no way, they boldly assert, that a loving God would allow for the kinds of evil and suffering that exists in the World today.  In that sense, love is something like the commitment to hold back the most extreme forms of evil and suffering from the most innocent among us.

  But just like we are not free to redefine God, we are not free to redefine the love of God.  He is not whatever we might make Him out to be, and neither is His love.  In simple and common terms, the love of God is the affectionate pursuit of that which is best for the World.  It does not mean that He’s happy about everything the people of the World do.  And it does not mean that He will end all suffering.  But it does mean that God’s delight is to bring to Humankind what Humankind needs most.

  God’s kind of love for the World might not sound normal and natural.  God loves the fallen, broken, treasonous people of the World.  As the particular expression of the love of God mentioned in this passage makes clear, the love of God is not directed only at the lovely in the World, but at the sinful rebel; at those who have willingly chosen to reject God and make Him their enemy.  This is the only passage in the New Testament that explicitly describes God’s love for the World in this way.  It is an awesome reality.

[David Vanacker in The Love of God is shown through Christmas]

(https://gracewyoming.com/the-love-of-god-is-shown-through-christmas/)

  Sing praise to the Father, Creator and King,

Whose mercy has taught us a new song to sing;

Who made us, and loved us, though rebels and lost,

And planned our redemption at infinite cost.

You are invited to listen to, or join in singing the Song ‘The Three Drovers’

(from Five Australian Christmas Carols)

 Verse 1 of 3

Across the plains one Christmas night, three drovers riding blithe and gay,

looked up and saw a starry night, more radiant than the Milky Way;

and on their hearts such wonder fell, they sang with joy “Noel!  Noel!”

“Noel!  Noel!  Noel!”

Verse 2 of 3

The air was dry with Summer heat, and smoke was on the yellow Moon,

but from the heavens, faint and sweet, came floating down a wondrous tune,

and, as they heard, they sang full well, those drovers three, “Noel!  Noel!”

“Noel!  Noel!  Noel!”

Verse 3 of 3

The black swans flew across the sky, the wild dog called across the plain,

the starry lustre blazed on high, still echoed on the Heavenly strain,

and still they sang “Noel!  Noel!” those drovers three “Noel!  Noel!”

“Noel!  Noel!  Noel!”

John Wheeler

Prayer of Praise  

(from Uniting in Worship Red Book p290, An Aust Prayer Book p184, Opening Prayers p9) 

All Nations sing your praise, Almighty God, all Peoples sing of your merciful kindness, because of the great hope that is represented in the incarnate Jesus Christ, your Word clothed in our likeness, but whose nature is so very different to ours. 

For in Christ we see the brightness of your glory and the fullness of your love for your Creation.  For in Christ we see the blessing that is ours because you walk with us and share every minute of our lives. 

Yet, who are we that you should come to us?  Who are we that you should consider redeeming us?  It is solely because of your great love that you have brought about your mighty and wonderful work in the World.

We are truly humbled and amazed that Jesus should so readily leave the glory of Heaven and of fellowship with you so as to enter the World in such a humble way; but more, that he was humbly obedient to the point of death on the cross. 

He made Himself a servant to show us how to lead.  He gave his life so that we might live.  He suffered so that we might share in his glory. 

He took the full burden of our sin as our scapegoat.  He is the living proof that you, O God, are with us and for us, and if you are for us, of whom, then, should we fear. 

All praise be to you, loving God, for your limitless mercy and grace towards each of us.  May we always be thankful, and not take it for granted.  To your glory we pray.  Amen.

You are invited to listen to, or join in singing the Hymn ‘Love came down at Christmas’ 

MHB138  AHB243  TiS317

Verse 1 of 3

Love came down at Christmas,

love all lovely, love divine,

love was born at Christmas

star and angels gave the sign.

Verse 2 of 3

Worship we the Godhead,

love incarnate, Love divine;

worship we our Jesus:

but wherewith for sacred sign?

Verse 3 of 3

Love shall be our token,

love be yours and love be mine,

love to God and all men,

love for plea and gift and sign.

Christina Rossetti

Prayer of Confession 

(from Uniting in Worship Red Book p290, An Aust Prayer Book p184, Opening Prayers p9) 

Merciful God, we acknowledge that we are no different to those of the World.  We confess in contrite humbleness that we too transgress your Law of Love and Obedience. 

We are ashamed of that within ourselves which makes neither for good will towards others nor growth for goodness within ourselves.  We show neither hearts of compassion nor do we live lives of kindly service. 

We seek the company and favour of the popular, and neglect the humble and the lonely.  We forget the joy that should be ours because of your promise to come to us and to be with us. 

We do not express our thanks for the many things that you provide for us out of your bountiful goodness.  We deliberately rebel against you and are shameful.  Our guilt and disgrace is all too evident to you, and we stand in judgement.

Take away our sins and renew our souls, so that we may know the joy of sins forgiven and of our spirits being in fellowship with You.  Lord, have mercy upon us and incline our hearts to listen to your voice and to follow your commands. 

Lift our minds to hear the voice which announces the glory of God made flesh, and open our hearts to receive the Spirit who prepares us for the coming again of the Christ. 

Reign in us so that we may experience the unity of the Holy Spirit for which you desire.  

May we know with assurance the righteousness that is ours because you have loved us so dearly and have bought our reconciliation by the death and resurrection of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  To your glory and honour we pray.  Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness 

(from Hebrews 10: 10) 

The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews tells us that because Jesus Christ did what God wanted Him to do, we are all purified from sin by the offering that he made of his own body, once and for all.  Having confessed our sins before God, we have the assurance then that God has heard our prayer, that our sins have been forgiven because we have put our trust and faith in Jesus.

Thanks be to God.

You are invited to listen to, or join in singing the Hymn ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ 

MHB859  AHB237  TiS312

Cecil Alexander

Prayer of illumination   

Almighty, gracious Father, for as much as our whole salvation depends upon our true understanding of your holy Word, grant to all of us that our hearts, being freed from worldly affairs, may hear and comprehend your holy Word with all diligence and faith, that we may rightly understand your gracious will, cherish it, and live by it with all earnestness, to your praise and honour, through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

(Prayer of Martin Bucer: 1538)

(https://www.reformedworship.org/article/september-1991/pioneer-reformed-worship-celebrating-500th-anniversary-martin-bucer)

Reformed Worship 21 © September 1991 Worship Ministries of the Christian Reformed Church.  Used by permission.

Bible Readings

Isaiah 49:

1  Listen to me, distant Nations, you people who live far away.  Before I was born, the LORD chose me and appointed me to be His servant.  2  He made my words as sharp as a sword.  With His own hand He protected me.  He made me like an arrow, sharp and ready for use. 

5  Before I was born, the LORD appointed me; He made me His servant to bring back His people, to bring back the scattered people of Israel.  The LORD gives me honour; He is the source of my strength.

6  The LORD said to me,

“I have a greater task for you, my servant.  Not only will you restore to greatness the people of Israel who have survived, but I will also make you a light to the Nations – so that the World may be saved.”

Acts 13:

44  The next Sabbath, nearly everyone in the town of Antioch in Pisidia came to hear the Word of the Lord.  45  When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; they disputed what Paul was saying and insulted him.  46  But Paul and Barnabas spoke out even more boldly:

“It was necessary that the Word of God should be spoken first to you.  But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we will leave you and go to the Gentiles.  47  For this is the commandment that the Lord has given us:

“I have made you a light for the Gentiles, so that all the World may be saved.”  (Isaiah 42: 6, 49: 6) 

This is the Word of God.

Praise to you Almighty God.

Luke 1:

67  John’s father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he spoke God’s message:

68  “Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel!  He has come to the help of His People and has set them free.  69  He has provided for us a mighty Saviour, a descendant of His servant David.  70  He promised through His holy Prophets long ago  71  that He would save us from our enemies, from the power of all those who hate us.  72  He said that He would show mercy to our ancestors and remember His sacred covenant.  73  With a solemn oath to our ancestor Abraham,  74  He promised to rescue us from our enemies and allow us to serve Him without fear,  75  so that we might be holy and righteous before Him all the days of our life.

76  You, John, will be called a Prophet of the Most High God.  You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare His road for Him,  77  to tell His People that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven.  78  Our God is merciful and tender.  He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us  79  and to shine from Heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace.”

This is the Gospel of our Lord.

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

You are invited to listen to, or join in singing the Hymn

‘Away in a Manger’

  TiS318  AHB242  MHB860

Anonymous

Sermon

  We will listen to this YouTube clip.

‘Have you any room?’

C. H. Spurgeon

December 1862

There is a period of 400 years from the time of Malachi, the last of the Old Testament Prophets, until the time of the New Testament.  This period of 400 years has been called a time of ‘silence’, for the voice of God was not heard nor was there any message given by God during those 400 years. 

September 7BC – the angel Gabriel visits Zechariah – Luke 1: 8 – 20 

March 6BC – the angel Gabriel visits Mary – Luke 1: 26 – 38 

                        Mary visits Elizabeth – Luke 1: 39 & 40 

                        Elizabeth’s exclamation of praise – Luke 1: 41 – 45 

                        Mary’s song of praise – Luke 1: 46 – 55 

June 6BC – the birth of John – Luke 1: 57 – 66 

                    Zechariah’s prophetic song of praise – Luke 1: 67 – 79 

                    Mary returns to Nazareth in Galilee – Luke 1: 56 

July 6BC –  the angel visits Joseph in a dream – Matthew 1: 18 – 23 

                    Joseph marries Mary – Matthew 1: 24 

December 6BC – Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem – Luke 2: 1 – 5 

                   the birth of Jesus – Luke 2: 6 & 7, Matthew 1: 25 

                   the angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds – Luke 2:8 – 12 

                   the shepherds heard the choir of angels singing praises to God – Luke 2: 13 & 14

                   the shepherds visited Jesus and his parents – Luke 2: 15 – 20 

  And, then, in roughly a fifteen-month period, encompassing the pregnancy of Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah the priest  (Luke 1: 5 – 7)  , and the mother of John  (Luke 1: 57)  , who would become known as “the Baptist”  (Luke 3: 1 – 3)  , and the corresponding pregnancy of Mary, the wife of Joseph  (Matthew 1: 24, Luke 2: 5)  , and the mother of Jesus  (Luke 1: 32 and 2: 6 & 7, Matthew 1: 25)  , God spoke to the World eight times, either through the visitation of an angel to a person, or of angels singing to a group of people, or through the Holy Spirit inspiring a person to speak.

  This chart lists these eight times when God spoke to the World in the context of God acting in the World through the birth of John and the birth of Jesus.  The corresponding passages in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke are listed, with those eight times when God spoke being in bold lettering.  I have taken some liberty with listing the date when the angel visited Joseph in a dream and when Joseph subsequently married Mary.

  We need to remember that the events outlined in these first few chapters of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke involved only those of the house of Mary’s family and of the house of Joseph’s family in Nazareth in Galilee  (Luke 1: 26)  , the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth in their hometown in the “hill country of Judea”  (Luke 1: 39)  , and the house in which was located the stable in which Mary and Joseph initially resided during their stay in Bethlehem in Judea  (Luke 2: 4)  .

Yet, it is important to grasp how significant this was for the people involved, how they responded to their recognition that God was initiating something of such importance, not just in the lives of Elizabeth and Zechariah and of Mary and Joseph, not just for the People of God in Judea, but for the whole of Humanity. 

  There was the expressed immediate obedience to the Word of God by both Mary  (Luke 1: 38)  and by Joseph  (Matthew 1: 24)  .

  There was the awe and amazement expressed by the household and the neighbours of Elizabeth and Zechariah at the time of the birth of their son, John  (Luke 1: 65)  , as we read,

“Everyone who heard (of the birth of John) thought about it and asked,

‘What is this child going to be?’

For it was plain that the Lord’s power was upon him.”  (Luke 1: 66) 

  And the shepherds, after their visit to the family in the stable, “went back (to the minding of their sheep) singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen”.  (Luke 2: 20) 

  Upon the birth of their son, John, Elizabeth and Zechariah must have been contemplating to what sort of life God was calling him.  The timeline in Luke 3: 1 indicates that it was at around 29AD that John commenced his ministry, seemingly over 30 years after his birth.  As such, Elizabeth and Zechariah may no longer have been alive to witness this.

  But, equally, upon the birth of John, Elizabeth and Zechariah must have also been contemplating to what sort of life God was calling the child of Mary, to whom their child, John, was to lead people and to prepare people to listen and to obey him  (Luke 3: 15 – 17)  .  We gain an awareness of their understanding on these issues in Zechariah’s prophetic words spoken at the birth of John, when he regained the power of speech  (Luke 1: 64)  . 

  The angel originally said to Zechariah that his son would “be a great man in the sight of God”, “filled with the Holy Spirit”, “strong and mighty like the Prophet Elijah”, “who will turn disobedient people back to the way of thinking of the righteous”, and “will get the Lord’s people ready for Him.”  (Luke 1: 15 – 17)  .

  In line with these words, upon the birth of John, Zechariah said,

“You, my child will be called a Prophet of the Most High God.  You will go ahead of Him, to prepare His road for Him,”  (Luke 1: 76)  .

And for what purpose?

“to tell His People that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven.”  (Luke 1: 77) 

“You, my child will be called a Prophet of the Most High God.  You will go ahead of Him, to prepare His road for Him, to tell His People that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven.”  Luke 1: 76 & 77 

  These words are a reference to the writings of the Prophet Isaiah  (Isaiah 40: 3)  and of the Prophet Malachi  (Malachi 3: 1)  ,which foretold of just such a God-sent Prophet, with just such a God-sent purpose, relating to the God-sent Messiah.

  We need to look at these words carefully , because they convey that Zechariah and Elizabeth understood quite well that their son, John, was to prepare the people of God for the coming of a person, and that that person would be God Himself.  From the context and structure of these two sentences, the “Him” of whom Zechariah spoke is clearly to be equated with and is the same person as “the Most High God”.  Thus, Zechariah is writing of the coming of God in incarnate form, in Human form.  Elizabeth showed the identical understanding that God would come incarnate in Human form, for, when Mary visited her, Elizabeth was led to declare,

“Why should this great thing happen to me, that my Lord’s mother comes to visit me?”  (Luke 1: 43) 

And Zechariah is making it clear that the coming of God, incarnate in Human form, will be to save people by forgiving their sins.

  Earlier in his speech, Zechariah made reference to God providing “a mighty Saviour, a descendant of King David”  (Luke 1: 69)  .

  Thus, Zechariah is stating that God will come in Human form, as a descendant of King David, who will come as a mighty Saviour, to save His people of their sins.  The one who is coming will come “to help the People of God and set them free”  (Luke 1: 68b)  , as God had promised throughout the Ages through the Prophets  (Luke 1: 70; 2 Samuel 7: 12, Isaiah 9: 11)  , as God had promised to Abraham  (Luke 1: 73; Genesis 22: 16 – 18)  , to Isaac  (Genesis 26: 3 – 5)  , to Jacob  (Genesis 28: 13 & 14)  , and to the ancestors of the People of Israel  (Luke 1: 72; Micah 7: 20)  .

But, on a much broader scale, God is coming

“to shine from Heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death”  (Luke 1: 79) 

  The Prophet Isaiah spoke of the servant of God who would be a light to the Nations – so that the World may be saved  (Isaiah 49: 6)  .

  The Apostle John spoke of Jesus as “the source of Life, which brought light to Humanity, the light that shines in the darkness, and which the darkness has never put it out  (John 1: 4 & 5)  .

  The Apostle Paul was inspired by these words of the Prophet Isaiah to bear witness to Jesus the Christ as God’s light to the Nations, as he travelled on his missionary journeys  (Acts 13: 47)  .

  Thus, there is the understanding in the words of Zechariah that the saving work of God’s mighty Saviour who is coming will not be limited to the People of Judea, but will encompass all the Nations, all of Humanity.

  There is no mention in Zechariah’s words of the rites and rituals and practice of the animal sacrificial system then in operation as the central tenet of Jewish religious practice and worship.  Thus, we are led to understand that this saving work of God’s mighty Saviour will be accomplished outside of the rites and rituals and practice of the Jewish animal sacrificial system. 

  It was the Prophet Isaiah who declared that God’s mighty Saviour would be “put to death for the sins of people”, would “endure the suffering that should have been ours” because of our sins, and whose death would the sacrifice to bring forgiveness of (our) sins”.  (Isaiah 53: 4 to 10) 

  Thus, we have encompassed in the prophetic words of Zechariah the Gospel message, the understanding of God, incarnate in Human form, coming of His own free will to rid the World of the darkness of sin and death, to offer Himself as the sacrifice that was needed for the forgiveness of sins and to redeem Humanity back to a right relationship with Himself, all

because “our God is merciful and tender”  (Luke 1: 78)  .

  So what?  What should be the response of people to this saving work of God’s mighty Saviour?  What should be the response of people to God’s tender mercies towards us? 

  Zechariah spoke of God’s intent that we should allow God “to guide our steps into the path of peace”  (Luke 1: 79)  .

Charles Spurgeon, in the poem that we heard on the YouTube as the commencement of this talk, asks the question,

“Have you room for Jesus Christ, God’s King of glory, born in a stable, to come and dwell within you?  (Charles H. Spurgeon  December 1862) 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq_OgVBedNM&ab_channel=Wonderhunt )

  For it is only as we humble ourselves before God, and open our hearts, and minds, and thoughts, and emotions, and will to God, that God can guide us on the path of peace for which He seeks for us to follow.

  Let us remain seated and quiet as we listen to this poem.

‘Not just a baby’ 

He’s just a bay, ten fingers, ten toes,

two eyes, two ears, one mouth and one nose.

He’s just a baby, cries out for mum’s arms

as he lies in a manger in the innkeeper’s barn.

He’s just a baby, yet the sky changed its form

as a new star appeared when this baby was born.

He’s just a baby, yet the hosts of Heaven sang,

“Hallelujah!” to this baby, “Hallelujah Son of Man!”.

He’s just a baby, yet drove a mad King wild

who stained the streets with innocence looking for this child.

Why?

Because he’s just a baby yet will walk on the seas,

feed thousands with nothing, and perform miracles with ease.

He’s just a baby, yet will carry out the Law,

live a life of perfection so Man will fear no more.

He’s just a baby, yet will speak to every Nation,

every broken heart and lost soul he will fight for their salvation.

He’s just a baby, yet when they call him ‘man’,

they will shout for crucifixion and drive nails through his hands.

He’s just a baby, yet at his final breath

all Creation will shake mourning his death.

He’s just a baby, yet when he’s laid in his grave

he will rise three days later victorious to save.

He is just a baby when we look in his festive cot,

but the truth is he’s not just a baby,

he is the Almighty Son of God.

Written by Faith & Paul Syrstad

You are invited to listen to, or join in singing the Hymn

‘Angels, from the realm of glory’

 MHB119  AHB235  TiS309

Verse 1 of 5

Angels, from the realms of glory

wing your flight o’er all the Earth,

you, who sang Creation’s story,

now proclaim Messiah’s birth:

come and worship Christ, the newborn King,

come and worship, worship Christ the newborn king.

Verse2 of 5

Shepherds, in the fields abiding,

watching o’er your flocks by night,

God with Man is now residing,

yonder shines the infant Light:

come and worship Christ, the newborn King,

come and worship, worship Christ the newborn king.

Verse 3 of 5

Wise Men, leave your contemplations,

brighter visions beam afar,

seek the Great Desire of Nations,

you have seen his natal star:

come and worship Christ, the newborn King,

come and worship, worship Christ the newborn king.

Verse 4 of 5

Saints, before the alter bending,

watching long in hope and fear,

suddenly the Lord descending,

in his Temple shall appear:

come and worship Christ, the newborn King,

come and worship, worship Christ the newborn king.

Verse 5 of 5

Though an infant now we view him,

he shall fill his Father’s throne,

gather all the Nations to him;

every knee shall then bow down:

come and worship Christ, the newborn King,

come and worship, worship Christ the newborn king.

James Montgomery

Offering

Offering Prayer    

Holy God, this Advent season we wait with love,

your love for Humanity,

which you seek for us to live out in our lives and to share with others.

And we give with love.

Receive these gifts offered as our response to your love for us,

and use them for your works of love in our World.  Amen.

(from Offertory Prayers for Advent by Joanna Harader from Spacious Faith 1 December 2017)

Prayers for Others

In our uncertain world we bring before you today our concerns.  We are sometimes fearful of the condition of the World with the evidence of so much cruelty and greed.  

Have mercy on our World and all Humankind.

We pray for leaders of the nations, that they would gain vision to understand the important issues of our time.  May they have courage to uphold what they believe to be just and right.

We pray for countries where there is war and hunger and poverty, where there is so much suffering and hardship for the people, with cholera and poor medicine.

Father God, you sent your Son into the world to be the Saviour of all who believe.  You promised that he will come again to be our judge.  At this Advent time, increase in us the attitude of watchfulness and prayer, that we might always be ready to meet him.

May our lives be active in service and a witness to your living presence in our lives.

We pray for the church throughout the world, the great family of which we are a part.

Give strength and wisdom to church leaders, that they may seek your will in all situations.

We pray for families.  Lord Jesus, you came into the world and lived in a human family, so you know the ups and downs of normal family life.

We pray for our own families and especially children as they grow up, that they might learn how to face the difficulties and celebrate the joys of everyday life.

We remember those families this year who are caught in financial difficulties, those who face unemployment and hardship.

May they have the constant comfort of the knowledge of your love and care for them.

We also remember those families where lives have been shattered by the family being broken up, whether by desertion, cruelty or death.

Heal the deep wounds that have been made and give them such a sense of your fatherly love that they may be able to form new and loving relationships.

We remember those suffering in mind, body or spirit.  We remember those who are hurting.

We ask that your tender mercy would reach them and fill their lives with your peace and healing grace. 

(http://www.thisischurch.com/prayer_worship/intercession/advent4yearb2008.htm)

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil,

For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,

Now and forever.  Amen.

You are invited to listen to, or join in singing the Hymn:

‘Child in the manger’

 TiS319  AHB241

Mary Macdonald

translated by Lachlan Macbean

Benediction    

‘The Gift of God’s Love’

At the back of each tinsel-tied package

exchanged at this gift-giving season,

unrecognised often by many

lies a deeper, more meaningful reason,

for, born in a manger at Christmas,

as a gift from the Father above,

an infant, whose name was called Jesus,

brought Mankind the gift of God’s love.

And the gifts that we give have no purpose

unless God is part of the giving,

and unless we make Christmas a pattern

to be followed in everyday living.

Helen Steiner Rice

(from God’s Garden of Grace p8 & 9)

And may the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, rest upon you and remain with you always.  Amen.

You are invited to listen to, or join in singing the Benediction Song

“Rejoice and be Merry”  Carols for Choirs 1 number 32

Verse 1 of 1

Rejoice and be merry in songs and in mirth!

O praise our Redeemer, all mortals on Earth!

For this is the birthday of Jesus our King,

who brought us salvation, his praises we’ll sing.

Traditional English Carol