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Go Tell It on the Mountain, Silent NightHark the Herald Angels SingO Come, O Come EmmanuelLesson 1 Isaiah 9:2,6-7Emmanuel/Come Thou Long Expected JesusLesson 2 Isaiah 11:1-9 "The Branch From Jesse"Lo How A Rose (JN) Lesson 3 Isaiah 40: 1-5 "Comfort for God's People"Prepare the Way of the Lord Lesson 4 Luke 1:26-38 "The Birth of Jesus Foretold"The King of Us All Lesson 5 Luke 2:1-7 "The Birth of Jesus"O Little Town of Bethlehem Infant Holy, Infant LowlyLesson 6 Luke 2:8-16 "The Shepherds and the Angels"Angels We Have Heard On High The First NoelLesson 7 Matthew 2:1-11 "The Visit of the Magi"We Three Kings Lesson 8 John 1:1-5, 10-12, 14 "The Word Became Flesh"Joy to the WorldO Holy NightO Come All Ye Faithful
At this time of year we all are looking out for what is somehow lacking in the lives of our loved ones so that we may run out to the local mega-mall and purchase it. But as we try and make up through shopping for the physical things we lack, let's never forget that the ultimate lackings in our life are not physical but spiritual.
An impact is a forcible contact between two or more things. When God moves forward there is an impact. God meets darkness and evil with light and love. Jesus' impact on our lives comes as our sin, struggle, hurt and pain, meet his goodness, healing, mercy and hope. When those who accept the adventure into a life with God meet the world, we will meet the same things God meets. We feel the impact on our lives. The challenge is to move forward with God knowing that what lies ahead will be real life even when the impact includes joy and sorrow, hurt and healing, death and life. We will remember stories like: sending of the 70 (Luke 10:1-20), references to the many encounters Jesus had with people.
On this Sunday we will be receiving stewardship commitments. We are offered an opportunity to focus on what the journey ahead requires of us. What do we need for the journey and what must we leave behind? Excess baggage will surely slow us down and having the right tools and getting in shape will bring unimagined joy to the journey. We get in shape by walking with God in worship, prayer and reading scripture. We find meaning in the walk as we look for opportunities to give and receive love and care. We lighten our load by giving with outrageous generosity. When we let go of the grip we have on our things we find new energy and a freedom that makes the journey a joy. 4 of 5 part series
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