"God Promises a Righteous Lord"

Call to Worship (Isaiah 7, Matthew 1)

We have been looking for a sign. Emmanuel—God with us. We have been waiting for a savior. Emmanuel—God with us. The time is near—can it be? Emmanuel—God with us. Come let us worship the God of sign, wonder, and promise.

Opening Prayer (Isaiah 7, Matthew 1)

O God, in this time of worship, may we be open to your promises, your love, and your transformation. May we vision and dream. May we be surprised. May we receive the life you give us. May we encounter Emmanuel—God with us. And may we never be the same. Amen.

Offertory

Remember, it’s about love.   God’s love for us and for all of God’s own creation. God’s love made visible in Jesus, whose very name means “he saves”. God’s love which fills us, and overflows, blessing those whose lives we intersect.

And focus on this moment of opportunity to share our financial resources, and commit to sharing our time and our talent, as we give thanks for the love which is the foundation on which we all exist.

Bring your gifts!  Share what has first been shared with you, remembering  “all good gifts around us, are sent from heaven above”.

Prayer (Isaiah 7, Matthew 1)

We come this morning, tired from rushing around, tired of trying to meet the demands and expectations of the season. Slow us down. Help us center our thoughts. Restore in us a childlike wonder, and a belief that dreams really do come true. We call on your name. Be with us and in us, Emmanuel. Amen.

Isaiah 9:2-7 New International Version 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Benediction (Isaiah 7, Matthew 1)

Go forth with a dream in your soul and a song in your heart, knowing that God's promises are always fulfilled. The time is almost here. Get ready for wonder! 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. Amen.