"A Match Made in Heaven"

Call to Worship (Jeremiah 23, Luke 1)

It is done. God has always been in charge— yesterday and today. Even when things seem out of control, God’s reign is on its way. Let us prepare the way for God.

Opening Prayer (Jeremiah 23, Colossians 1)

Faithful God, expand our thankful imaginations: to time beyond our time, to wisdom beyond our wisdom, to strength beyond our strength. As we pray for your coming reign, remind us that the whole earth is already yours. Even as we pray for things not yet seen, help us celebrate your sure, eternal reign.

Invitation

Do you see it? Can you hear it or feel it or smell it? God is up to something. The kingdom is so close. And you are invited to be part of it. In the way you live, the way you care, the way you give. So, let’s live boldly and care generously and give extravagantly.

Prayer Lord of light and life, we come to you this day in celebration of the witness of your Son Jesus Christ. Open our hearts, our spirits, and our lives to listen to his words for us. Help us to be faithful disciples for you; for we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

Revelation 19:1-8 New International Version Threefold Hallelujah Over Babylon’s Fall 19 After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2  for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” 3 And again they shouted: “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.” 4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!” 5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!” 6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”

Benediction (Colossians 1, Luke 1)

Go joyfully. Give thanks to God. Endure with strength and patience. And may your feet be guided in the ways of peace.

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.