December 18th Virtual Worship
| The Order of Worship |
|---|
| The Bells Call Us To Worship |
| Prelude |
| Call to Worship |
| Hymn of Adoration |
| Confession of Sin |
| Kyrie |
| Assurance of Pardon |
| Greeting of Peace |
| Gloria |
| Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: Emmanuel and Prince of Peace |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Emmanuel and Prince of Peace
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
[Reading above - Psalm 98]
Twelve times in Matthew’s gospel he uses the phrase, this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet. This phrase has at least two purposes, connection with the God of the Hebrew people and their sacred story, and a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness through time and history. In this case, a connection is made to the time of Isaiah when the residents of Judea and Jerusalem were feeling very uncertain about the future. In that uncertainty there was a promise made that a new leader would come forth to fulfill God’s purposes for Shalom. This leader would be given the name Emmanuel, which means God is with us. Matthew understands the fulfillment of this promise in the son born to Mary and Joseph. Indeed, we have found the gift of reconciliation and peace in Jesus. We bear witness to the fulfillment of this promise when we follow Jesus’ way of peace through justice.
Questions for Reflection:
How do you experience the presence of God in your life? What difference does it make to cultivate the mindfulness of Emmanuel in your life?
How do you bear witness to the peace that comes from Emmanuel?
How does your witness advance a more peaceful and just world?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
The next time you face a dilemma or a moment of uncertainty before taking action, take a few deep breaths and as you do so silently intone, God is with me. Then, take action with Emmanuel as your constant companion.
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
create a to-do list of discipleship actions
list questions you want to explore
write prayers, stories, poems, or letters
be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
