Theme of the Day: Peace On Earth
On Christmas Eve a choir of angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” So, where is this peace on earth? Between nations? There are always wars going on somewhere. In our country? Disagreements have only grown more contentious, one group screaming angrily at another group. We might not even have perfect peace in our homes! So, what were the angels singing about?
They were singing about peace between a holy God who hates sin and human beings who sin every day. Because of what Christ did as our Savior, there is no hostility between us and God, only peace and love. We have the peace of salvation in our hearts. As we draw near the end of life, like elderly Simeon or Anna, we have the peace of knowing of the glorious eternal life that is to come. As this peace with God fills our hearts, it moves us to live in peace with each other too.
Luke 2:22-40
1 Kings 8:6-13
Colossians 3:12-17
Psalm 111
970 – In Peace and Joy I Now Depart
351 – He Whose Praise the Shepherds Sounded
355 – Let All Together Praise Our God
943 – Isaiah, Mighty Seer
359 – We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth
342 – O Jesus Christ, Your Manger Is
Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, in mercy you sent your one and only Son to take upon himself our human nature. By his gracious coming, deliver us from the corruption of our sin, and transform us into the likeness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations. Alleluia.