What does it mean to wait for Jesus?  Are we to passivley stand by, to possibly be caught unawares, or are we engaged in the work of preparation?

 

READING

Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus said, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

                                                                                                                                                            

 

 

PRAYERS

As we await the coming of the Bridegroom, we offer our prayers for discerning hearts and ready faith that we might know Christ and make Him known.

 We pray for church school teachers, who awaken in their students the mystery of faith: God’s great acts of deliverance, Christ’s victory of life over death, and the eternal light that breaks through every darkness.

We pray that we might be ever watchful for your face shining through the faces of the poor and downtrodden, the wait staff and the salesperson, the toll collector and the crossing guard, lest that in missing them we may not see you.

We pray that God will place wisdom in the hearts and minds of our President and all leaders, that the decisions they make this year may bring righteousness and justice to all peoples everywhere.

We pray to be given a sense of urgency, that we may relate to others the joy of a Christ-centered life, welcoming others into our fold, and showing increase in the household of faith.

We pray in thanksgiving for those who have served in the armed forces, defending our country in times of war, and ensuring peace in places where there is instability. 

We pray in thanksgiving for those who have died, that they and all the faithful departed live with the Lord forever; let us pray.

 

 

MUSIC

Soon and Very Soon

Le Petits Chanteurs de Montigny

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2J2mH38oJQ

 

 

Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones

Yellow Cello Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w99Wzw6bowU

 

This Little Light of Mine

Sam Cooke- 1964 Live at the Copa, This Little light Of Mine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdsIjwwfhjk