Power

Announcements

Gift cards for the children at La Estrella need to be in by next Sunday.

Opening Prayer

God of winter and starlight, you have promised us your presence: to live among us, to right all wrongs, to bring good things to all who wait for your new day. In these dark days, we look for signs of your coming: the sounds of children at play, the music that fills our hearts with anticipation, the company of all who serve the last and the least. Make us at home with righteousness, that we may be ready to walk in your holy ways. Amen.

Advent Reading

Songs:

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (PG)

“Go, Tell It on the Mountain” (Bailey)

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (Bailey)

Chrismon Tree ornament

Pastoral Prayer

Directing God, who has offered us a way through the darkness to your light, be with us this day as we rush headlong into this holiday season. Remind us again of the wonders that you have in store for us. We are getting wrapped up in ribbon, tape, and paper to the point where we can no longer move. We are prisoners of our own best intentions, reflected in our gifts. Break through the clutter and the darkness of our souls. Shine your light on our path. Calm our spirits, lift our hearts to you. As we have lifted so many names and situations to you for your healing and comforting love, we also bring our lives, our selves for your care and mercy. Help us remember that you always care for us. You have sent us your very best, not in a greeting card, but in the person of Jesus, your beloved Son, that we might come out of our darkness and into the light of your Kingdom. Heal and protect us, gracious Lord. Shine your light again in our lives that we may see the true spirit of this season is in loving and taking time to listen and care for our selves and for others. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. AMEN.

Song:

“Angels from the Realms of Glory” (PG)

“Glory in the Highest” (Bailey)

Scripture Reading

Mark 1:1–8 NRSV

1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ” 4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Sermon: “The King Is Coming in Power”

Having surveyed the mess around us, the next step is asking who is going to do something about it? Who is going to step up and clear away the rubble? Who is going be a part of the clean- up crew? Who is ready to work?

<Crickets chirping>

You feel like that sometimes, don’t you? You feel that no one is listening; no one is responding. You keep issuing the invitation, but it often lies unattended in the midst of the people of God. We aren’t even sure anyone even heard the call.

1. The power of God is fully revealed in Christ and his gospel. (vs. 1-3)

Mark 1:1–3 NRSV

1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ”

Romans 1:16–17 NRSV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous will live by faith.”

2. The power of God comes to the believer through repentance. (vs. 4-6)

Mark 1:4–6 NRSV

4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

Hosea 6:1 NRSV

1 “Come, let us return to the Lord; for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up.

3. The Holy Spirit empowers the believer for God’s work. (vs. 7-8)

Mark 1:7–8 NRSV

7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Ephesians 1:18–20 NRSV

18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20 God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

Closing Song:

“Do You Hear What I Hear?” (PG)

“O Come All Ye Faithful” (Bailey)

Benediction

Go out to a world that hungers for righteousness. Prepare the highway for our God: make ready the paths of peace. Amen.