This Week’s Theme
The Word Became Flesh
John 1.1-18
Jesus of Nazareth is the incarnation of the Word of God. As the divine logos he became flesh, was seen in the world, the very one who also was in the beginning with God, and was God. All things were made through him, in him was life, and that life was the light of humankind. He enlightens everyone coming into the world, and although he was in the world, and though the world did not know him, he still grants life to all who receive him, to all who believe. In Jesus, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us all, the glory of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. No one knows God apart from him, for he, as the Son of God, reveals the Father to the world. In his coming to earth, Jesus as the eternal Word made the Father known to the world; in him, the eternal Word became flesh, and walked among us, announcing life to all.
Preparing Our Hearts
Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation
We beseech Thee, O Lord, bestow on Thy servants the increase of faith, hope, and charity; that as they glory in the Nativity of Thy Son our Lord, they may, by Thy governance, not feel the adversities of this world; and also that what they desire to celebrate in time, they may enjoy to all eternity; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ Leonine Sacramentary (Bright, p. 22)
Call to Worship
Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, amen.
Praising Our God
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.
Praise and Thanksgiving (songs and prayers)
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father,
And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning,
Is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, amen.
Listening to His Voice
Chronological Reading for the Day
Sunday: Exod. 13-15
Lectionary Readings for the Day
Psalm: Ps. 147.12-20
OT: Jer. 31.7-14
Gospel: John 1.1-18
NT: Eph. 1.3-14
Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling
Responding in Faith
The 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, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick 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.
*In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).
Prayers of Confession
Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need.
Assurance of Pardon
Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen.
Petitions and Supplications, Ending with The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
~ Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)
Doxology (and/or closing song)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Departing to Serve
Benediction
We beseech Thee, O Lord, bestow on Thy servants the increase of faith, hope, and charity; that as they glory in the Nativity of Thy Son our Lord, they may, by Thy governance, not feel the adversities of this world; and also that what they desire to celebrate in time, they may enjoy to all eternity; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ Leonine Sacramentary (Bright, p. 22)
Affirmation for the Day
In Jesus of Nazareth, the eternal Word that was God and with God in the beginning has become flesh and dwelt among us.
Pray without Ceasing – Flash Prayer for the Day
Cause me to know the Father through you alone, O Word of life, the Word made flesh.
For Your Weekly Journey
Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
The Savior Is Born, Christ the Lord, Luke 2.8-20
Book Reading
Packer, Knowing God
Special Church Year Service
The Epiphany of the Lord: Monday, January 6, 2020