December 31, 2023
Lectionary Texts
Isaiah 61.10-62.3 God has dressed us up for something special like a wedding. As God causes living things to grow out of the ground, God’s goodness grows out of human history. God’s people will be light for the world.
Psalm 148 A hymn of praise that every part of Creation sings.
Galatians 4. 4-7 When the time was right God sent a child, born as our human sibling, so that together we could be children of God, and inherit God’s Spirit.
Luke 2. 22-40 Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple. Simeon and Anna see in the child the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Preaching Thoughts
This is often a “light-weight” Sunday. People are home with family, all “Holidayed out,” and less likely to attend worship. And this year it’s also New Year’s Eve. Sheesh. In 40 years of ministry I never cancelled a service because I thought people wouldn’t come. (Though there was once when we canceled because they couldn’t come, when the snow was up over the doors, and a few times we expected only those who could ski or snowshoe in.) There’s always exhausted families, but there’s also someone who doesn’t have family, isn’t into partying, and really wants their church community—so think of them, too.
People may be tired of Christmas tunes, having heard Christmas themed Muzak for the last 6 weeks—but this is only the 7th day of Christmas! (Yes, the carol is right: there are 12 days.) Let it still be Christmas. Today is a great chance to use all those “B Side” carols they haven’t heard much of:
“He Is Born,” “Cold December Flies Away,” “On Christmas Night,” “Rocking,” “Sing We Now of Christmas,” you know, those.
Anna and Simeon
It’s a common mistake to think the story of Anna and Simeon occurs when Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to be circumcised, eight days after his birth, in Lk. 2.21 But Luke 2.22 is a jump ahead to “the time for their purification” (specifically Mary’s purification) which would be at least 40 days after the birth. Not that it matters much, but do get the story straight.
In some ways Anna and Simeon offer us something like those “God moments” people share in worship or small groups: times when they saw God’s grace or presence in a particular experience. Anna and Simeon’s joy is not only about this wonderful little baby, but how he fits into their deep hopes for God’s people. Simeon is “looking forward to the consolation of Israel;” Anna spoke of the child to “all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Simeon says, “OK God, you can let me die now: I’ve seen what I was waiting for.” The birth of Christ is not about a cute little baby. It’s about God’s intent for humanity, God’s hope—and how God is unfolding the healing of the world in our midst. The birth of the holy child, like any little event in our lives, can reveal not just the warm sentimental glow of a God who wants nice things to happen to us, but the intent of a God who wants to change human history and bring healing to a deeply wounded world. And the means God chooses are always humble, ordinary people.
On the 7th Day of Christmas it can seem like the Christmas message is old. Time to move on. But Anna and Simeon remind us that faith is a long haul. They’ve been working their hope for a lot longer than seven days. Anna is 84, and never leaves the temple, fasting and praying night and day; we can assume Simeon is also old, and thinking of death. Christmas is not about a lovely night, or even a 12-day holiday, but a lifetime of faith, of prayer and service and hope, with our eyes on the big picture, the long road.
Simeon says “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed.”Note he says falling and rising, not rise and fall. First we die, then we rise. And this is no sweet little Christmas tableau: the fate Simeon predicts for this little baby is opposition. Simeon, the realist. He says to Mary “A sword shall pierce your heart.” Many have said this refers to the pain of her witnessing his crucifixion. But Luke doesn’t say Mary was there. More likely Simeon (Luke) is referring to the sword of discernment that divides true from false: even Mary will have to make a choice about following Jesus.
Simeon’s prayer, the Nunc Dimittis (“Now dismiss me” in Latin), is the basis for ancient prayers and chants, often used in evening worship and prayer services as God “dismisses” us to sleep. You’ll recognize it in some of my prayers.
Call to Worship
1. [ Luke 2.30-32]
Holy One, you gather your people in peace, according to your word;
for our eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples.
a light for revelation to the people of the world.
and glory to those who bear your light.
Bless us as we worship, that we may see the light of your glory,
wonder at the mystery of your presence.
and bear your light faithfully into the world.
Eternal God, Living Word, and Spirit of Life,
we rejoice at your birth among us.
Holy child, come to us now, and make us holy by your presence.
2.
Wonder of wonders! Christ is born!
The Child of God has come to dwell with us.
The Word is made flesh.
The Divine is with us, and among us.
Earth is blessed.
All life is holy.
We worship in awe, in joy, and in love. Alleluia!
3. [from John 1.14-18]
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was present to God, and the Word was God.
In the Word was life, and the life was the light of all people.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us,
and we have seen the glory of the Word,
the delight and attention given an only child,
full of grace, full of truth.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
4.
Love is infinite, enveloping all that is.
Love is as invisible as gravity, and just as strong.
Love is the seed of the universe, the the womb of life.
Love is God, eternal and perfect.
And yet love is also made flesh, right here and now.
Love has been born among us, and within us.
Christ is born! Alleluia!
5.
Light of God, calling all Creation into being, awaken us to new life this holy day.
By your creating light, renew all Creation with the glory of your grace.
Light of Christ, born among us, illumine our hearts.
By your life-giving light, create us anew in your image.
Light of the Spirit, rising in our hearts, chase away all darkness.
By your ever-present light, make us one with you,
that with your angels we may sing your good news to all the world.
6.
Leader: Alleluia! Christ is born
All: Alleluia! Grace is in our midst; love is among us!
Let us live in the light of the Holy Child.
Alleluia! Let us worship in the spirit of Christ. Alleluia!
Collect / Prayer of the Day
1.
God, you have come among us as a child. Give us grace to attend. Give us hearts to see and to wonder. Give us courage to follow. Speak to us, who long for the fulfillment of your desire. Amen.
2.
God of miracles,
in the hard labor of a mother, your love is revealed.
In the quiet support of a patient father your presence is revealed.
In the tender face of a newborn child your glory is revealed.
In the worship of your devoted people your grace is revealed.
May we witness, your love in our worship.
May we bear witness to your love in our lives. Amen.
3.
Loving God, you have poured your Spirit into us so that we are your children. We rejoice in your love for us. We listen for your voice, as an infant listening to the voice of its mother. Speak to us, and fill us with your light. Amen.
4.
Loving God, your Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we have beheld his glory. Bring your Word to life in us now, as we hear and reflect on your scriptures. O Come, Emmanuel, and be born in us. Amen.
5.
God of Grace, when Anna and Simeon saw Jesus in the temple, they knew that you were present. As we gather in this church, open our eyes to see your presence here. Be with us and bless us with a spirit of prayerfulness and mindfulness, in our worship and throughout our lives. We pray in the name and the spirit and the presence of Christ. Amen.
6.
Eternal God, we give thanks that you choose to come to us and live with us. By the birth of Christ you have revealed to us our salvation, and set us free from the power of sin and death. Bless us this holy day, that we may receive the holy child with faith, serve him in tenderness of heart, and walk with him in ministry all of our days, in the grace of your Spirit. Amen.
7.
God of love, the Christ child is born among us. Give us faith to honor him, in all the ways he appears among us. Give us grace to tend to all who are small, tender, and vulnerable, for Christ is among them. Give us wisdom to tend to the small child within us, the infant Divine, who grows and strengthens, who blesses us from within. Open our eyes, God, to your presence. Amen.
8.
God of all majesty, we thank you, for you have revealed your glory and your tender compassion in Jesus. We who long for the redemption of the world rejoice, for we have seen your salvation. Bless us as we hear and reflect on your scripture, and throughout our lives, that we may behold Jesus’ presence, and shine with his light. Amen.
9.
Womb of Love, you have given birth to Jesus, who is not only our Chief and our Leader, our Teacher and Savior, but also our brother. In awe we celebrate. In gratitude we thank you. In wonder we worship. Alleluia! Amen.
10.
God of all majesty, we thank you, for you have revealed your glory and your tender compassion in Jesus. We who long for the redemption of the world rejoice, for we have seen your salvation. Bless us as we hear and reflect on your scripture, and throughout our lives, that we may behold Jesus’ presence, and shine with his light. Amen.
Listening Prayer
(suitable as a Collect, preparation for hearing scriptures, or invitation to prayer)
Newborn Christ, Infant of God,
we take you in our arms.
We behold your light, our salvation,
your promise fulfilled.
We wonder, We praise.
We hold you.
Prayer for a New Year
God of love, we stand on the threshold of a new year.
All that we have done this year, we have done;
and what we have not done remains undone.
We let it go, and place it in your hands.
Bless the seeds of love we have sown;
forgive all in which we have failed your love;
and set us free to begin anew.
As you give us the gift of a new year
we receive it with humble joy,
and we covenant to spend it according to your will.
Guide us, use us, that by your Holy Spirit
Christ may be born in us. Amen.
Response / Creed / Affirmation
1. [Lk. 2.30-32]
We believe in God, Creator of all that is and all that is to come, whose promises are sure and whose will is love and blessing.
We follow Christ: born of Mary, fully human and fully divine, our brother and our Savior, God’s presence among us, our salvation, which God has prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the world and for glory to God’s people. In his human life we see all of God’s promises fulfilled, all of God’s love embodied, and all of God’s power hidden. He loved and served; he was crucified and raised from the dead; he is with us still, if we open our hearts to see him.
We trust in the Holy Spirit, who leads us; the church, the body of Christ, who accompanies us; the communion of saints, who surround us, the forgiveness of sin, which frees us; the resurrection, which gives us courage; and the mystery of eternal life, which is God’s life hidden in this world. Amen.
2. [from John 1.1-18]
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. What has come into being in the Word was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of human will, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of parents’ only child, full of grace and truth.
From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Begotten, who is close to God’s heart, who has made God known.
3. [based on John 1.1-5, 14]
Leader: “In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was present to God, and the Word was God.”
All: The Word is love, and it is love we honor and love we live.
“In the Word was life, and the life was the light of all people.”
Love has blessed us; love has birthed us and brought us to this day.
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us,
and we have seen the glory of the Word,
the delight and attention given an only child,
full of grace, full of truth.”
In Jesus we have seen God’s love.
It is that love we give ourselves to, to receive from,
to learn from, and to practice.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. “
As shepherds returned to their fields telling of the good news,
we go into the fields of our daily lives, proclaiming in words and deeds,
in devotion and in justice, the new birth of God’s love among us. Alleluia!
Poetry
Christmas Blessing
May the coming of Christ
deepen your wonder
and widen your gratitude.
May the helpless child
bring forth your tenderness
and strengthen your love.
May the gentle mother
give you courage to embrace the holy
and find the divine in yourself.
May the child who shares our death
bring light into your darkness,
and hope to your weariness.
May the holy family in the stable
open your heart to the poor,
the homeless, the refugee.
May the child sought by soldiers
embolden you to cry out
and empower you to resist injustice.
May the angels who sing above you
awaken your heart
and surround you with beauty.
May the One Who Comes
remind you of your belovedness
and fill you with kindness and mercy,
and give you joy.
Eucharistic Prayer
See Eucharistic Prayers and Responses (Sanctus, Acclamation and Amen) set to familiar Christmas tunes).
[After the introduction, the body of the prayer may be read responsively with the presiding leader(s) and congregation, or by the leader(s) alone.]
1.
God is with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Holy One, our God.
It is good and beautiful to give God our praise.
Creator God, from the beginning
you have made all things through your Word,
in which is life, and the light of all people.
The light shines in the darkness
and the darkness cannot overcome it.
Therefore we sing your praise:
[Sanctus, spoken or sung:]
Holy, holy, holy One, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
Hosanna in the highest.
[or alternate version]
The true light that enlightens everyone
was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world was made through him,
yet the world did not know him.
For to all who receive Christ
God gives power to become children of God,
born not of the flesh nor of human will,
but born of God.
[ The Blessing and Covenant ]
As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.
Therefore, remembering these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves as a living and holy sacrifice,
in union with Christ’s offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
[Memorial Acclamation, spoken or sung:]
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
—or—
Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restores our life.
Christ will come again in glory.
[or alternative]
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
full of grace and truth; and we have beheld his glory;
and from this glory we all receive, grace upon grace.
No one has ever seen God; Christ makes God known.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts, O God,
that they may be for us the Body and Blood of Christ.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us,
that we may be for the world the Body of Christ,
prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the world
and for glory to you.
[Spoken or sung]
Amen.
_____________________
2.
God is with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Holy One, our God.
It is good and beautiful to give God our praise.
Creator God, we bless you in peace,
for according to your word our eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the world and for glory to your people Israel.
For your Word is made flesh, your love embodied among us.
For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so you have caused righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.
In the fulness of time you sent a Son, born of a woman,
so that we might receive adoption as your children.
Therefore with all Creation we sing your praise:
[Sanctus, spoken or sung:]
Holy, holy, holy One, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
Hosanna in the highest.
[or alternate version]
Blessed are all who come in your name,
and blessed is Jesus, your Christ, born of a woman,
who brings your love to our side,
in whom we hold your presence in our arms.
In him your promises are fulfilled
In his love is the healing of the world.
Source of the dying and rising of many,
he was a sign that was opposed.
He was crucified and yet you raised him from the dead.
(The Blessing and Covenant)
As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.
Therefore, remembering these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves as a living and holy sacrifice,
in union with Christ’s offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
[Memorial Acclamation, spoken or sung:]
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
—or—
Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restores our life.
Christ will come again in glory.
[or alternative]
Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup,
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
Pour out your Spirit on us,
that we may be for the world the Body of Christ,
a crown of beauty in the hand of the Holy One,
and a royal diadem in the hand of God.
As a child Christ evokes our love;
so in his life and teaching he calls forth our love.
Send us now in love, in service to this child,
and to all the children of the world,
in the name of Christ and the power of your Holy Spirit.
[Spoken or sung]
Amen.
____________
* The Blessing and Covenant
[I usually don’t print the words. I want people to be looking at the bread, not their bulletins.]
On the night in which he gave himself for us
Jesus took bread, blessed it,. broke it, and gave it to his disciples,saying,
“Take and eat; this is my body.”
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup,
blessed it with thanks and gave it to them, saying,
“Drink of this, all of you. This is my blood,
poured out for you and for many, in a new Covenant,
which is the forgiveness of sin.”
As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.
Prayer of Dedication / Sending / after Communion
[Adapt as needed.]
1.
Gracious God, we thank you for (the mystery that you give yourself to us / this mystery in which you have given yourself to us.) Your Word was made flesh, and has dwelt among us. Your light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
2.
Gracious God, we thank you for (the mystery that you give yourself to us / this mystery in which you have given yourself to us.) We give you our lives, symbolized in these gifts. Receive them with love, bless them with grace and use them according to your will. Send us into the new year as new people, people of hope, your children for the sake of the healing of the world, in the name of Christ. Amen.
3.
Gracious God, we thank you for (the mystery that you give yourself to us / this mystery in which you have given yourself to us.) You have given us the gift of Jesus, the gift of your life with us. Therefore in gratitude and joy we give you the gift of our lives with you. Receive these gifts as symbols of our lives, and use them according to your delight for the sake of the healing of the world, in the name of Christ. Amen.
4.
Gracious God, we thank you for (the mystery that you give yourself to us / this mystery in which you have given yourself to us.) For the incarnation of your Word in Christ, in this meal, in our hearts, in the Church, and in the world, we give you thanks. Send us into the world to be your Word made flesh, with the Christ child alive in us, by the power of your loving Spirit. Amen.
5.
God of light and healing, we thank you for (the mystery that you give yourself to us / this mystery in which you have given yourself to us.) Grant that in this new year Christ may be born in our hearts, dwell with us all our days, and guide us in all things. Send us into the world to embody your love, to proclaim your good news, and to serve you without fear all the days of our lives. Amen.
Suggested Songs
(Click on titles to view, and hear an audio clip, on the Music page)
Anna and Simeon’s Song (Original song)
Today I held in my trembling hands such a child so pure:
a gift of grace, God’s human face, love so tenderly given.
Wonder! Wonder! How God’s promise is sure!
Fears cease in hope and peace: earth has now become heaven.
Today I saw with my wondering eyes such a child divine!
My heart sang out for all about shone the light of the Near One.
Wonder! Wonder! That this joy could be mine.
Jesus has come to us, the Beloved, the Dear one.
Today you’ll meet in a simply way such a Presence, a Friend:
the Gentle One refuses none with God’s tender salvation.
Wonder! Wonder! Miracle without end!
Praise, pray and everyday bow in deep adoration.
Drawn by Your Light (Tune: Away in a Manger)
In darkness we gather, God, drawn by your light,
your glorious presence that blesses the night,
the light and the deep peace that Jesus imparts,
the Spirit’s bright radiance that burns in our hearts.
The light of Creation that made the first dawn,
the pillar of fire that led Israel on,
the star that led magi to where Jesus was
now draws us to worship with alleluias.
Your light shines so even the darkness is blessed
this night as we wait for the coming of Christ.
God, shine your light warmly in us by your grace,
that we may bear healing and justice and peace.
Emmanuel (Original song)
How dark is the night and how cold is the home
we have made in our pain and our sin!
How could it be that a savior would come
to be with us? Please enter in!
Welcome, Emmanuel! Welcome in!
Welcome, Emmanuel! Welcome in!
Are we alone in our failure and terror,
struggling, confused in the night?
We cannot save ourselves, weary from error,
Who will bring us the light? Welcome…
Closing our doors to the wind of Creation,
alone, we are living in fear.
Emmanuel comes now, our healing salvation,
to dwell with us, bringing love here. Welcome…
Wait, though, dear Jesus, this life will be trying:
you’ll die in sorrow and scorn.
“Yes, but I’ll bless all your living and dying.
See, in the manger I’m born.” Welcome…
Peace, Peace, Peace (Tune: Still, Still, Still)
Peace, peace, peace. God grant you peace, my friends.
The Christ child comes, so sweet and tender.
Greet him with your trust and wonder.
Peace, peace, peace, God be with you, my friends.
Love, love, love, love light your way, my friends.
Here at the manger humbly kneeling;
gladly going, serving, healing.
Love, love, love, love light your way, my friends.
Advent to Epiphany – the Story
A solo. Congregation may join in on final chorus.
(Tune: Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah)
In the darkest time of year,
a time of hope, and a time of fear,
the prophet says that God is coming to you.
And so we turn from greed and hate,
still learning to pray and watch and wait,
and sing our fragile, hopeful hallelujah.
Hallelujah…
Young Mary said her “Yes” to him,
and Jesus was born in Bethlehem,
and laid him in a manger, that’ll do you.
The light of love shone in the night.
The shepherds came to see the sight,
and angels sang a glorious Hallelujah.
Hallelujah…
Some wise men traveled from afar,
just following such a tiny star,
as if its simple light could shine right though you.
They gave their treasures to the king,
who makes you want to serve and sing,
who tells you you can be his Hallelujah.
Hallelujah…