Theme of the Day: A Real Christmas Will Lift Up The Lowly
By this time of the holiday season, people are often weighted down. They feel guilty about presents that are not perfect, or parties that did not go as planned, or year-end projects that did not get completed. To top it all off, now is when it dawns on people how little attention they have given to the spiritual preparation Advent invites.
If that is how we feel, perhaps the frenzy of December has done us a favor. We have been stretched to our limits. We have been made painfully aware of our shortcomings. We have been humbled. Perfect! For being made aware of our weakness does not disqualify us from God’s care. It does the opposite. IT is what prepares us for the work he does best. He is a God who lifts up the lowly.
Luke 1:39-55
Micah 5:2-5a
Hebrews 10:5-10
Psalm 85A
218-219 (Magnificat from Vespers)
327 – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
328 – The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
953 – Holy God, We Praise Your Name
315 – Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord
Prayer of the Day: Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the burden of our sins, and make us ready for the celebration of your birth, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel. Alleluia.