A SEASON OF WONDER - Amazon S3€¦ · Web viewA SEASON OF WONDER. Opening the Door to Divine Encounters. Advent Worship Series - Week 3 (December 17, 2006) WORSHIP SERVICE OUTLINE

A SEASON OF WONDEROpening the Door to Divine Encounters

Advent Worship Series - Week 3 (December 17, 2006)

WORSHIP SERVICE OUTLINESEach worship outline contains all elements needed for your worship service. The order of each service presented is only a suggestion. No doubt changes will be needed to accommodate the flow and worship style of your corps. The outlines are flexible and allow opportunities to “cut and paste” as needed. If you are blessed with instrumental or vocal music resources, you may find there is more structured material here than needed. It is recommended that the headings of each section of the service be included in the bulletin.

Announcements & Offering

Call to Worship:

The first evangelists were shepherds. It was a task for which they had no skill, no special gift. No theological teaching or individual training. What they had, and all they had, was a divine encounter.

(Moments With the Savior, page 34)

The Bethlehem shepherds had a remarkable night. Instead of their usual quiet sheep-watching activities, they encountered an angel’s message, listened to a heavenly choir, and ran to find a most wondrous Baby. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we—like the shepherds—need to close the door on business as usual and open ourselves to divine encounters that herald the coming King. As we intentionally step away from our everyday routines, we’ll find our hearts opening to the wonder of heaven on earth.

(Mainstay Church Resource, Advent Implementation, page 7-8)

SB#108 – Hark! The herald angels sing

HC270 – Hark! The herald angels sing

TB-270 – Hark! The Herald Angels SingHC-270

HTD4-T5 (3 vs.)

HCD25-T20Additional Optional Songs

SB#100 – Angels, from the realms of glory TB-398 – Come and Worship (Regent Sq.)

HTD4-T12 (4 vs.)

SB#112 – It was on a starry nightHC#180 – It was on a starry night

TB-535 – sameHC-280

No CDHCD16-T20

SB#114 – Light of the world

HC#146 – Here I am to Worship

TB-653 – Here I am to WorshipHC-146 HCD13-T16

SB#116 – O come, all ye faithfulHC#140 – O Come, All Ye Faithful

TB-496 – Adeste FidelesHC-140

HTD3 –T1 (3 vs.)

HCD12-T20

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Drama: Timmy the Elf

Candle Lighting: [The first two candles should be lit before you begin.]

Leader: The Scriptures are full of surprising and remarkable encounters with the Divine. Person after person met God in extraordinary or ordinary

ways. In this week, when we celebrate Christ's nativity, we are reminded that even now our Lord reveals himself to those who are watching.

As we light the third candle (light the candle now), let's seek to set aside our frantic schedules and open ourselves to the possibility of God

coming into our lives in unexpected ways. Lord, give us eyes to see you at every turn this week.

Response: Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus.

Leader: This will take a radical departure from business as usual. We may be called to say no to certain things, to some people, and even to ourselves. It's possible God will bid us to say yes to some things that are beyond our comfort level. And we'll certainly need to be still.

This week is an invitation to keep vigil and pray, to stand on tiptoe, watching for every hint, every whisper of God himself.

Response: Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus.

Leader: Lord, give us the grace to make the challenging choices we need to make, and fill us with anticipation and awe as we look for you. May the miracle of your birth flood us with the wonder of Christmas.

(Mainstay Church Resource, Advent Implementation, page C-153) HC#57 – Open My Eyes HC=57 HCD4-T17

Additional Optional SongsSB#133 – Wonderful counselor

HC#10 – The Light has Come

TB-859 – The Light has ComeHC-10

No CD

HCD1-T10HC#45 – While We are Waiting, Come HC-45 HCD3-T15HC#72 – Emmanuel HC-72 HCD6-T12SB#82 – Jesus, name above all namesHC#82 – Jesus, Name Above All Names


No CDHCD7-T12

HC#120 – In the Manger HC-120 HCD10-T20HC#123 – Shine on Us HC-123 HCD11–T13

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SB#32 – How deep the Father’s love for usHC#127 – How Deep the Father’s Love for us

TB-663 – same HC-127

No CDHCD11-T17

SB#77 – Fairest Lord JesusHC#151 – Fairest Lord Jesus

TB-206 – AscalonHC-151

HTD5-T1 (3 vs.)HCD14-T11

HC#156 – Enter In HC-156 HCD14-T16HC#169 – Hallelujah HC-169 HCD15-T19HC#176 – Holy is the Lord HC-176 HCD16-T16HC#179 – Come to Jesus HC-179 HCD16-T19HC#186 – When I look into your holiness HC-186 HCD17-T16HC#187 – Jesus, Messiah HC-187 HCD17-T17SB#376 – King of kings, majestyHC#219 – King of Kings, Majesty


No CDHCD20-T19

HC#220 – Incarnate HC-220 HCD20-T20HC#226 – I Worship You HC-226 HCD21-T16

SB#113 – Joy to the world! TB-87 – Joy to the World!

HTD4-T9 (3 vs.)

Additional Optional SongsSB#100 – Angels, from the realms of glory TB-398 – Come and

Worship (Regent Sq.)

HTD4-T12 (4 vs.)



No CDHCD16-T20

SB#114 – Light of the world


TB-653 – Here I am to WorshipHC-146 HCD13-T16

SB#103 – Christians awake, salute the happy morn

TB-476 – same HTD10-T1 (3 vs.)

SB#104 – Come, Thou long expected Jesus,

TB-370 – Hyfrydol HTD1-T14 (3 vs.)

SB#105 – Do you know the song that the angels sang

TB-627 – Glory in the Highest

No CD

SB#106 – Go, tell it on the mountain,

HC260 – Go, tell it on the mountain

TB-631 – same

HC-260

HTD11-T4 (2 vs., start with chorus)HCD24-T20

SB#107 – Hark the glad sound! The Savior comes,

TB-87 – Joy to the World!

D4-T9 (3 vs.)

SB#108 – Hark! The herald angels sing

HC270 – Hark! The herald angels sing

TB-270 – Hark! The Herald Angels SingHC=270

HTD4-T5 (3 vs.)

HCD25-T20SB#115 – If I were a star then I would shine, shine, shine

TB-773- Noel No CD

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SB#116 – O come, all ye faithfulHC#140 – O Come, All Ye Faithful


HTD3 –T1 (3 vs.)

HCD12-T20

SB#125 – The angel Gabriel from Heaven came,

TB-624 – Gabriel’s Message

No CD

SB#126 – The first noel the angel did say TB-857 – The First Noel

HTD6-T18 (3 vs.)

SB#127 – The virgin Mary had a baby Boy,

TB-871 – same HTD11-T3 (3 vs.)

SB#133 – Wonderful counselor

HC#10 – The Light Has Come

TB-859 – The Light Has ComeHC-10

HCD1-T10

HC#61 – Crown Him King of Kings HC-61 HCD5-T11SB#39 – Joyful, joyful, we adore TheeHC#121 – Joyful, Joyful

TB-367 – EuropeHC-121

HTD3-T11 (4 vs.)HCD11–T11

SB#73 – All hail the power HC#141 – All Hail the Power

TB-69 – DiademHC-141

HTD6-T7 (4 vs.)HCD13 –T11

SB#358 – Crown him with many crownsHC#241 – Crown him with many crowns

TB-162 – DiademataHC-241


CF#14 – Good Christian Men Rejoice CF-14 No CDCF#17 – Angels we have heard on high CF-17 No CDCF#22 – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen CF-22 No CDCF#23 – I Heard the Bells CF-23 No CD

Responsive Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Reader 1: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

Reader 2: An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

Reader 3: and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,

Reader 1: "Do not be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to

you; he is Christ the Lord.

Reader 3: "This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Reader 2: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

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All Three "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his Readers: favor rests."

Reader 1: When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

Readers 2 & 3: "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

Reader 1: So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the

word concerning what had been told them about this child.

Reader 2: And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Reader 3: The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

(Mainstay Church Resource, Advent Implementation, page C-159)

H#4-499 – Be Still for the Presence HCD3-T19Additional Optional Songs

SB#133 – Wonderful counselor

HC#10 – The Light has Come

TB-859 – The Light has ComeHC-10

No CD

HCD1-T10HC#45 – While We are Waiting, Come HC-45 HCD3-T15HC#72 – Emmanuel HC-72 HCD6-T12SB#82 – Jesus, name above all namesHC#82 – Jesus, Name Above All Names


No CDHCD7-T12

HC#123 – Shine on Us HC-123 HCD11–T13SB#114 – Light of the world


TB-653 – Here I am to WorshipHC-146

No CD

HCD13-T16SB#861 – In Christ aloneHC#149 – In Christ Alone

TB-132HC-149

No CDHCD13-T19




HC#156 – Enter In HC-156 HCD14-T16HC#169 – Hallelujah HC-169 HCD15-T19HC#176 – Holy is the Lord HC-176 HCD16-T16HC#187 – Jesus, Messiah HC-187 HCD17-T17SB#376 – King of kings, majestyHC#219 – King of Kings, Majesty


No CDHCD20-T19


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SB#132 – While shepherds watched their flocks by night

TB-125 – Winchester OldTB-123 – same

HTD11- 15 (4 vs.)

Prayer: [Piano continues to play chorus]

Dear Savior, I thank you that you are my Savior and my Lord. Thank you for coming. And for placing yourself at our mercy. Take me to the stable to learn from you. To the manger. To the cloths. To a quiet place in the straw. There I pray you would give me the right eyes and ears that I may see you wherever you might come, hear you however you might speak.

Take me to the fields to learn from the shepherds. Give me the lowly heart of those shepherds, who, because of their humility, were entrusted with such great revelation. Give me their listening heart, which with fear and trembling hung on to every word that fell from heaven. Give me their searching heart, which left their work to scour the barns of Bethlehem to find you.

It is no wonder the announcement of your birth came to them—the lowly, the listening, the searching. And it is no wonder they were chosen to be the first evangelists.

Please grant me the grace, fairest Lord Jesus, that someday I might experience a spilling of heaven’s glory on the fields over which I watch. Grant me an echo of some angelic song amid the monotones of my day-to-day work. And grant me a heart to behold heavenly things in the humblest of places… Amen.

(Moments With the Savior, page 37-38)

Movie Clip

Close to Jesus – The Stories of Those He Touched Disc 2 – Joseph of Nazareth (Distributed by Artisan Home Entertainment)Scene 10 – A Savior is BornLength: Start: 1:02:11 Shepherds by fireEnd: 1:05:32 “…they’re here for Him.”

(Additional Optional Movie Clips)

Jesus of Nazareth (Distributed by Artisan Home Entertainment)Scene 18 – The Shepherds ComeLength: Start: 49:41 Star…”Give it to me…”End: 52:08 Star

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Message – Open Your Heart’s Door to Divine Encounters

HC#120 – In the Manger HC-120 HCD10-T20Additional Optional Songs

HC#148 – Agnus Dei HC-148 HCD13-T18SB#77 – Fairest Lord JesusHC#151 – Fairest Lord Jesus



HC#156 – Enter In HC-156 HCD14-T16HC#169 – Hallelujah HC-169 HCD15-T19HC#176 – Holy is the Lord HC-176 HCD16-T16HC#179 – Come to Jesus HC-179 HCD16-T19HC#186 – When I look into your holiness HC-186 HCD17-T16HC#187 – Jesus, Messiah HC-187 HCD17-T17SB#376 – King of kings, majestyHC#219 – King of Kings, Majesty


No CDHCD20-T19


Benediction:Almighty and ever-living God, before the earth was formed and even after it ceases to be, you are God. Break into our short span of life and let us see the signs of you…Throughyour Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Mainstay Church Resource, Advent Implementation, page C-177)

Vocal Benediction:

SB#116 – O come, all ye faithful

HC#140 – O Come, All Ye Faithful


HTD3 –T1 (3 vs.)

HCD12-T20Additional Optional Songs

HC#61 – Crown Him King of Kings HC-61 HCD5-T11SB#73 – All hail the power HC#141 – All Hail the Power

TB-69 – DiademHC-141

HTD6-T7 (4 vs.)HCD13 –T11

SB#861 – In Christ aloneHC#149 – In Christ Alone

TB-132HC-149

No CDHCD13-T19






HCD16-T20No CD

SB#106 – Go, tell it on the mountain,

HC#260 – Go, tell it on the mountain

TB-631 – same

HC-260

HTD11-T4 (2 vs., start with chorus)HCD24-T20

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Week #3DRAMA

Timmy the ElfBy Martyn Scott Thomas

© 2006 by Martyn Scott Thomas. All rights reserved. Used by permission.Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Synopsis: A man takes the only job he can get during the Christmas season – one of Santa’s elves – a job he obviously hates.

Characters: Tim Cavanaugh – (36) a temporary elfTimmy Thompson – (7) a talkative young boy (* could be played by an adult if no child is able to play the part)

Props/Costumes: Elf costume for Tim. Mall-type Christmas decorations if possible. Little boy clothes for Timmy (if played by an adult).

Setting: Santa’s Village at the local shopping mall.

Running Time: 4:00 minutes.

[Tim is standing center stage, looking completely bored and embarrassed to be working as an elf.]

Timmy: [enters and walks up to Tim] Can I see Santa Claus?

Elf: [frustrated and unfeeling, as if this is the hundredth time he has had to answer the same question] Santa had to go feed the reindeer. He’ll be back in half an hour.

Timmy: Can I wait in line until he comes back?

Elf: Whatever you want.

Timmy: [continuing his thought] ‘Cause I want to make sure I’m the first in line to see him when he comes back.

Elf: I’m sure you’ll be first, because you’re the only one in line.

Timmy: Great. Are you a real elf? ‘Cause I always thought elves were much shorter. You’re pretty tall for an elf.

Elf: I’m only a part time elf. I’m really an accountant.

Timmy: [spoken very quickly] Are all accountants so tall? My dad is tall. He says it’s ‘cause he eats his vegetables and drinks his milk. But I don’t like broccoli, so I’ll probably be shorter than him when I grow up. Maybe I’ll be an elf. Do elves have to eat broccoli, ‘cause they

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probably don’t want to be real tall?

Elf: Listen, I’m only an elf because it’s all the temp agency could find for me. As soon as Christmas is done, it’s back to the unemployment office for me.

Timmy: What’s the unemployment office? Is it like the principal’s office? ‘Cause I went to the principal’s office once. My dad got mad at me then. He said I shouldn’t be talking so much in class. Did you ever go to the principal’s office?

Elf: Look, little boy, Santa will be back soon. Is it possible that until then you could take your dad’s advice and not talk so much?

Timmy: Sure. Hey, what’s your name? Do elves have people names or do they have elf names?

Elf: [cutting him off] My name is Tim, I mean Timmy, [almost embarrassed] Timmy the Elf.

Timmy: Hey, my name’s Timmy, too. Timmy Thompson. We have the same name. Can you believe it? I have the same name as an elf. Do you think I can be an elf when I grow up?

Elf: Listen, Timmy, I think it’s almost scary, and kind of depressing, that we have the same name, but I really think we should both keep quiet so we don’t scare the reindeer away.

Timmy: Are they real close? ‘Cause I thought I smelled something funny. Do you think I can help feed them? I’ve never seen a real reindeer. Can I ride one?

Elf: [cutting him off, again] Listen, Timmy, I’m not real sure when Santa’s coming back [looking around and hoping to see Santa returning], but I’m sure if you tell me what you want, I can pass it on to the big man. That way, you won’t have to wait so long.

Timmy: Oh, I don’t mind waiting. It’s kind of neat talking to an elf. I can’t wait to tell all my friends. They’ll want to come talk to you, too.

Elf: [angrily, then catching himself] I’m not a real elf and Santa Claus is not . . . really . . . um . . . I mean, he’ll be really glad that you waited so long to see him. [looking at his watch] Really long.

Timmy: [a bit puzzled at his outburst] Are you okay, Timmy the Elf?

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Elf: Yeah, I’m fine. I think these tights are cutting off circulation or something. [pause] So, what do you want for Christmas, anyway?

Timmy: I don’t think it counts if I only tell an elf.

Elf: Oh, you can tell Santa yourself. I’m just curious as to what little boys want these days? When I was young, I always wanted cowboy stuff.

Timmy: I just want one thing – a doll.

Elf: [a little surprised, trying to correct] You mean an action figure, right? Like a G. I. Joe or something.

Timmy: No. I just want a doll. It’s for my little sister.

Elf: Well, why doesn’t she just wait in line with you and tell Santa herself?

Timmy: She can’t. She doesn’t talk.

Elf: Oh, is she just a baby?

Timmy: No, she’s five. She just doesn’t talk. Mommy says she’s special.

Elf: So, you’re waiting in line to talk to Santa for her?

Timmy: Yeah. She really likes dolls.

Elf: I’m sure she does. But, are you sure you don’t want to ask Santa for anything for you?

Timmy: No, I just like to see my sister smile.

Elf: I’m sure you do. But isn’t there even one thing you would want this Christmas?

Timmy: Well, I guess there is one thing. But, I don’t think Santa can get it.

Elf: I don’t know. Santa’s pretty good at getting things.

Timmy: Well, I’d really like it if he could make Sara talk. But, I think I need to ask God about that one.

Elf: [taken aback] You’re a great big brother, Timmy. I’m very proud that we have the same name. I’m sure your sister is very proud of you, too.

Timmy: Hey, do elves have sisters? Or are there just boy elves? I’ve never

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seen a girl elf, except maybe on TV, but I think that was just made up.

Elf: [interrupting and pointing] Timmy, look. Here comes Santa. Why don’t you go on ahead? I’m sure he’ll be very happy to see you.

Timmy: [exits] Thanks, Timmy the Elf. Merry Christmas.

Elf: [looking at Timmy, but almost to himself] Merry Christmas, Timmy Thompson. And God bless you.

[Blackout]

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A SEASON OF WONDEROpening the Door to Divine EncountersAdvent Worship Sermon - Week 3

Text: Luke 2:8-20

INTRODUCTION:A computer magazine displayed this advertisement, which depicted a woman’s early encounter with a Christmas present:

I can’t stand secrets. My husband and kids always hide my presents because they know I’ll try to sneak a peek if I can. This year was no exception. I waited until they were all asleep, then tip-toed down the hallway, crept down the stairs, very quietly…yikes…remember the second step creaks! And…oh, wow, HOORAY! It’s a Gateway Family PC! I didn’t care if the whole family heard me. Did I feel like a kid again? You bet! Thanks, Gateway, this has been the best holiday ever in the whole world!

We’ve strayed a long way from that first Christmas, haven’t we? This woman’s encounter with the new computer brought forth praise for the computer company. (Why wasn’t she praising her family?)

But what a different spirit she had from that of the shepherds that first Christmas. They returned to the fields “glorifying and praising God” after having seen the Christ child.

Lest we look for some supernatural transpiration like the shepherds, let us remind ourselves that our most common encounters with the Lord are during our everyday routine. Actually, that was the shepherds’ case as well (v. 8). They were just minding their business when—BAM!—the sky lit up like fireworks, an angel appeared and talked to them, and a gazillion angels followed up by shouting praises to God!

What is the purpose of such encounters, and how do we open up our heart’s door to them? A look at the shepherds reveals two answers:

DIVINE ENCOUNTERS REVEAL CHRIST TO US

What was the purpose of the angel’s encounter with the shepherds? First of all, the angel wanted to give them courage because they were terrified!

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid” (vv. 9-10a).

Then, he wished to bring them joyous good news: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (v. 10).

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His primary purpose was to tell them that their Savior had been born: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (v.11).

He gave them directions where to find Jesus: “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (v. 12).

Finally, he and all the angels intended to bring the shepherds and all people new joy and peace: The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told (v. 20).

It’s the same with us.

The presence of the Lord replaces fear with courage, which is good news in itself!

The Savior also guides us to abide with him in joy and peace as we learn to glorify and give praise to him.

How many times have we missed these spiritual boosts by not looking for them? God wants to reveal more of himself to us, which results in our becoming more like Christ.

The shepherds show us that the purpose of divine encounters reveals Christ to us. But how do we open our heart’s door to those encounters?

WE OPEN OUR HEART’S DOOR BY ACKNOWLEDGING GOD IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

First, by watching diligently for divine encounters.

The shepherds were only watching their flocks. It was business-as-usual. In one sense, Christmas is not unlike any other time of year. There are sheep on the hillside now, just like there were last week and like there will be next month. Deadlines are deadlines. The door to new opportunities depends on meeting them. But in another sense, Christmas is the time to take a fresh look at what really matters. Will it be just another day of work, or will it be a time to pursue the wonders of God’s love? Unlocking the door to a season of wonder means closing the door to business-as-usual so we can be open to divine encounters when they come.

The shepherds knew the wonder. The angels had told them the most incredible story they ever heard! The long-awaited deliverer of Israel—the Messiah—had been born, today, just a few miles away.

However, wonder is as wonder does. The question becomes: Will we intentionally seek out and discover for ourselves what we know God says is true? Will we make our way to Bethlehem to ponder the wonderful One? The shepherds did. Hear the rest of Luke’s words:

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When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told (vv. 15-20).

Did you get that? It wasn’t until after the shepherds closed the door on their routines and left the sheep behind that they discovered for themselves that the wonder was true. Only when we intentionally “go to Bethlehem” will we experience firsthand what we have been told ever since we first heard the Christmas story as children.

You remember—that story about peace among those with whom God is pleased, and you dared to believe that was you. The story that left you wide-eyed with wonder because of words like “good news of great joy.” A story that talked about the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. Grace and truth. Good news. Great joy. God’s pleasure. Peace. And every year we come to the familiar lines of that age-old drama and think, Is it really true? Is it really possible?

Do you know how to know that wonder? You’ve got to find a way to leave your work at work and then close the front door behind you as you come home to a place that is symbolically decorated with all kinds of wondrous reminders. That’s how you leave the sheep on the hillside and wind your way to Bethlehem. You intentionally carve out time to ponder the wonder you already know about.

Intentionally is the operative word here. Intentionally. You must choose to do what Mary did—to treasure all these things in your heart. No one is going to do that for you. And if you simply rely on your inner compass, it won’t happen either. The arrow on your compass probably points to the office or the workshop or the factory or the store, not the stable.

I’m not going to promise a celestial show like the shepherds had. But who is to say what God will say to you—and how he will say it? Just believe that God will be trying to get your attention. Agreed? Great!

Now, to recognize divine encounters when they come, you’ve got to create some margin in your schedule. Isolate your thoughts and internalize the good news and great joy. To find the peace that too often is a hope instead of heart-reality, you will have to figure out what you can do to create that kind of isolation. Putting a lid on your kettle (a little Salvation Army humor!) of work-related commitments is one thing. Leaving your work at work is another. Recognizing God in every person you meet, and how he’s working in

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every situation you run into, is a third. The truth is, this is too busy a time of year to actually delete much from your “to-do” list. But perhaps there are a few things you could eliminate to make space for some contemplation and personal worship.

CONCLUSION:A poem by Charles Wesley was the only hymn accepted into the Church of England’s Book of Common Prayer—and that was by mistake! The book’s printer did not know the Church did not like Wesley’s hymns. He needed some space filled, so he printed the hymn as a poem. When the error was discovered, attempts were made to remove it, but the poem was so popular it was allowed to remain! Written in 1738, it still moves us:

Hark! the herald angels sing:Glory to the new-born King;Peace on earth, and mercy mild,God and sinners reconciled.Joyful, all ye nations rise,Join the triumph of the skies;With the angelic host proclaim,Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Chorus:Hark! the herald angels sing:Glory to the new-born King.

The Lord Jesus has divine appointments for us every day, even at Christmastime, when the routine takes a temporary deviation from the norm. He wants to reveal himself to us and through us to others during this special season, as we, along with the angels and shepherds, shout, “Glory to the newborn King!”

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Documents

A SEASON OF WONDER - Amazon S3€¦ · Web viewA SEASON OF WONDER. Opening the Door to Divine Encounters. Advent Worship Series - Week 3 (December 17, 2006) WORSHIP SERVICE OUTLINE