Saturday, December 26, 2020

Now What?


The First Sunday After Christmas

**Please note this service is based on the format of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada. Unless otherwise indicated, all prayers come from Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW). Hymns and other prayers have been sourced to give appropriate credit.

**NRSV translation used for the readings, unless otherwise stated.

**This is for personal use at home as the church is unable to gather in our houses of worship but together we can worship in our own homes.

Introduction to the Day

The psalmist calls on the natural world, celestial bodies, fire and earth, creatures, and all humanity, to praise God. The voices of Simeon and 84-year-old Anna join the chorus today, recognizing what God is doing in Jesus. Simeon’s song is often sung after communion, for we have seen God’s salvation in the assembled community and have held Jesus in our hands in the bread. Then, like the prophet Anna, we tell of Jesus to all who look for the healing of the world.

Confession and Forgiveness

Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God,

who forgives all our sin,

whose mercy endures forever.

Amen.

God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Most merciful God,

we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name.

Amen.

God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith.

Amen.

Gathering Song – Love Has Come (ELW #292)

            Listen Here

Greeting

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

Canticle of Praise – ELW p.213

            Listen Here

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray.

Almighty God, you wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and yet more wonderfully restored it. In your mercy, let us share the divine life of the one who came to share our humanity, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Readings

A reading from the Book of Isaiah                                                                                    61:10-62:3

To the people who returned to Jerusalem after the exile, the prophet proclaims that God’s salvation will fully come to pass. Jerusalem will become a shining light to the nations and righteousness and praise will spring up as surely as the earth puts forth vegetation.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,

    my whole being shall exult in my God;

for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

    he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,

    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its shoots,

    and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,

so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise

    to spring up before all the nations.

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,

    and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,

until her vindication shines out like the dawn,

    and her salvation like a burning torch.

The nations shall see your vindication,

    and all the kings your glory;

and you shall be called by a new name

    that the mouth of the Lord will give.

You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,

    and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Psalm 148

            Listen Here

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens;

    praise him in the heights!

Praise him, all his angels;

    praise him, all his host!

Praise him, sun and moon;

    praise him, all you shining stars!

Praise him, you highest heavens,

    and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,

    for he commanded and they were created.

He established them forever and ever;

    he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.

Praise the Lord from the earth,

    you sea monsters and all deeps,

fire and hail, snow and frost,

    stormy wind fulfilling his command!

Mountains and all hills,

    fruit trees and all cedars!

Wild animals and all cattle,

    creeping things and flying birds!

Kings of the earth and all peoples,

    princes and all rulers of the earth!

Young men and women alike,

    old and young together!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,

    for his name alone is exalted;

    his glory is above earth and heaven.

He has raised up a horn for his people,

    praise for all his faithful,

    for the people of Israel who are close to him.

Praise the Lord!

 

A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians                                             4:4-7

Paul seeks to show the Galatians that the purpose of Christ’s birth was to liberate us from the law’s condemnation so that we would be fully adopted into God’s family as beloved children.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

            Listen Here

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke                                  2:22-40

Glory to you, O Lord.

Luke’s narrative continues with stories that emphasize Jesus’ connection to Judaism. His family is devout in its observance of the law, and Jesus himself is recognized as one who will bring glory to Israel.

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,

    according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

    which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

    and for glory to your people Israel.”

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. 

The gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon 

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable and pleasing in your sight O Lord, for you are our rock and our redeemer. Amen.

The first Sunday after Christmas always seems a bit like the next day after a big party. You know there are things to be done but the energy isn’t there. And maybe there’s a little of a “now what?” feeling.

The build up to Christmas is many things – excitement, impatience, joy, stress. Hopefully some contemplation as we moved through Advent.

Christmas Eve and Day itself is joyous, full of love and joy, busy.

Whether we are talking about the build up to the birth of Jesus or the arrival of Santa Claus, December is one crazy month.

All the presents, all the food, all the church services….

Now what?

Well, for Mary and Joseph, even though Jesus is the Christ-child, he is still a Jewish baby and there are traditions to uphold.

They have observed the mandatory period of separation and are coming to the temple to present Jesus. 

They have followed the traditions and rules around having a new baby, have given him the name Jesus, and are now in Jerusalem to present him at the temple along with the required sacrifices.

It is at the temple that they run into Simeon and Anna.

Simeon was an old man, waiting to see the Messiah. He didn’t see any miracles; he didn’t see any signs; he didn’t see any wonders.  He simply saw the baby Jesus and he said, “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation which has been prepared for all people.” No miracles. No signs. No wonders. He just saw the Christ-child. He believed and that was enough.

Anna, who was eighty four years old, a widow, and poor. For her also, there were no miracles, no signs, no wonders. All she saw was the Christ child and she too believed.

I’ve often pondered what my grandparents experienced over their lives, all them living in their late-80s and early-90s. No electricity, no running water, no vehicles, 2 World Wars, the Depression, no electronics until later when TVs were invented. It is amazing to think about.

And yet, it is those who have lived these long and difficult lives that seem to have the most faith.

When Mary was told that she would be the vessel in which the Son of God would arrive on earth, she believed without question.

Anna and Simeon see the baby and just believe.

And now Simeon says he can rest in peace knowing that God’s promise is being fulfilled, and Anna is praising God and telling anyone who will listen about the redemption of Jerusalem.

Simeon and Anna are satisfied that God has come as promised.

As I reflected on Christmas Eve, we can be satisfied that God has come.

But now what?

On this First Sunday After Christmas, what do we do with the knowledge that God has come into our lives?

Especially this year, when our ability to articulate how we understand what God is doing in the world might be challenging.

Is it enough for now to know that the Christ-child has arrived?

Maybe it is.

The coming of Christ as this tiny human baby that wants nothing but love from his parents might be enough for now.

Have you ever held a newborn baby in your arms? Looked into their eyes, smelled their head, felt their soft skin.

There is something about holding that tiny life in your arms that makes everything else around you melt away.

In that baby there is a new beginning – for the baby, for the parents.

In the infant Christ-child there is a new beginning for us.

Into the difficulty and uncertainty that is 2020, God came into the world through this tiny baby.

And maybe, for today, when we are tired in the aftermath of Christmas, perhaps we are asking “now what”, holding that baby in our arms can be enough.

Amen

Hymn of the Day – What Child is This? (ELW #296)

            Listen Here

Creed

Let us confess the faith of our baptism, as we say the Nicene Creed:

We believe in one God,

the Creator, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Redeemer, Jesus Christ,

the only Child of God,

eternally begotten of the Creator,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

one in being with the Creator:

Through the Redeemer all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

Jesus Christ the Redeemer

came down from heaven:

by the power of the Holy Spirit

was born of the Virgin Mary, and became human.

For our sake Jesus was crucified

under Pontius Pilate,

suffered, died and was buried,

and, on the third day, rose again

in fulfillment of the Scriptures,

ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of God.

Jesus Christ will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead,

and the Reign of God will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Sanctifier, the Giver of Life,

who proceeds from God the Creator

and Jesus Christ the Redeemer,

who with the Creator and the Redeemer,

is worshipped and glorified

and who has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism

for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 

Prayers of Intercession

Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

Silence

Night and day, all creation praises you, O God. Strengthen your church across nations, denominations, and traditions. Fill us with wisdom and unify our proclamation of your forgiveness and mercy.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

All creation is holy to you, O God. You cause the earth to bring forth its shoots and gardens to spring up. Protect hibernating animals and frozen lands that wait earnestly for longer days of awakening and growth.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Lord of the nations, sound forth your justice in the ears of all leaders. Increase concern for those who are most vulnerable, especially as international leaders forge trade agreements and cooperate to end human rights abuses.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

The nations are upheld by your hand, O God. Cause righteousness and praise to spring forth, inspiring leaders to serve with compassion and integrity. Send your spirit of discernment upon legislators grappling with complex decisions for the sake of the common good.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Send the spirit of your Son into our hearts, O God. Come quickly to hearts that race with fear, hearts that break with grief, and hearts that long for wholeness. Reveal your power to heal and to save.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Adopt us into your family, O God. Bless our elders with the peace and joy of Simeon and Anna. Strengthen those who have retired, those who work in older age, and those in need of income, food, company, or health care. Connect young and old across generations.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Please take time to offer your own intercessions or to pray in silence.

Let us depart in peace, O God, according to your word. For John, apostle and evangelist, and all your saints, we give you thanks. Prepare our salvation in the sight of all your witnesses of every time and place.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

Hymn of Thanksgiving – The Bells of Christmas

            Listen Here

**Although not physically at our church buildings to share our offering together I would encourage you to set your offering of money aside so that it can be dropped off or placed in the church once services resume, to mail your offering to the church, or to make donations online. Please remember ministry is still taking place.

Thanksgiving for the Word

Praise and thanks to you, holy God, for by your Word you made all things: you spoke light into darkness, called forth beauty from chaos, and brought life into being.

For your Word of life, O God,

we give you thanks and praise.

By your Word you called your people Israel to tell of your wonderful gifts: freedom from captivity, water on the desert journey, a pathway home from exile, wisdom for life with you.

For your Word of life, O God,

we give you thanks and praise.

Through Jesus, your Word made flesh, you speak to us and call us to witness: forgiveness through the cross, life to those entombed by death, the way of your self-giving love.

For your Word of life, O God,

we give you thanks and praise.

Send your Spirit of truth, O God; rekindle your gifts within us: renew our faith, increase our hope, and deepen our love, for the sake of a world in need. Faithful to your Word, O God, draw near to all who call on you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever.

Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those

who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.

The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.

Amen.

Sending Song – Go Tell it on the Mountain (ELW #290)

            Listen Here 

Dismissal

Go forth into the world to serve God with gladness; be of good courage; hold fast to that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honor all people; love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thanks be to God.

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