Take a few minutes to intentionally go through the following. Pray the prayers, sit back and listen to the video clips. If you're with someone, do it together! If you're alone, read the prayer and sermon out loud; you may hear it differently than if you read it silently.
Know that I have prayed for you, and that others are doing this this morning along with you.
Peace of Christ to you.
(If you are reading this in your e-mail, click here to go to North St. News site to be able to view the videos.)
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Collect (Prayer)
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Reflection through Music
This is something I recorded a few weeks ago. I've long enjoyed playing Advent & Christmas music on the piano, and this is one of my favorites. As I said last week, I take it as the weekly theme song of Advent. It's a bit different in style, but as you listen, think about what it means to sing and pray, "Come, God and be with us ('Emmanuel')."
Scripture Reading - Psalm 80
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might,
and come to save us!
Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us the scorn of our neighbours;
our enemies laugh among themselves.
Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Scripture Viewing - Luke 1:39-55
This is the passage known as "Mary's Song," or often, the Magnificat. It is Mary's song of praise after she's visited with her cousin, Elizabeth, and they both share in the joy of the children within them, knowing of the Lord's hand at work. The words in the video are set to Vivaldi's Gloria in excelsis Deo, which means "Glory to God in the Highest!"
Video - Lighting of the Advent Wreath & a Word on "Waiting for Peace"
Closing Song - An Invitation to Christmas Eve Gathering of Light
If you're in town on Christmas Eve, I really hope to see you at sundown (4:16 PM) for our annual Gathering of Light. This song is your invitation:
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If you would like to worship live with a congregation online in addition to this, I really appreciate the ministry of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. You can worship "with" them at 11:45 EST by clicking here.
