Upload
others
View
0
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
WE-2
WatchedA Series of Special Services for Advent
By Arden W. Mead
WatchedWatchedWatchedWatchedWatchedWatchedWatchedWhile Shepherds
CREATIVE While Shepherds
CREATIVE While ShepherdsWhile Shepherds
CREATIVE While Shepherds
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS Watched
COMMUNICATIONS Watched
A Series of Special Services for Advent
COMMUNICATIONS A Series of Special Services for Advent
COMMUNICATIONS Watched
COMMUNICATIONS Watched
While Shepherds
COMMUNICATIONS
While ShepherdsWhile Shepherds
COMMUNICATIONS
While ShepherdsWhile Shepherds
COMMUNICATIONS
While ShepherdsWhile Shepherds
COMMUNICATIONS
While ShepherdsWatched
While ShepherdsWatched
COMMUNICATIONS Watched
While ShepherdsWatchedWatched
While ShepherdsWatched
COMMUNICATIONS Watched
While ShepherdsWatchedWatched
While ShepherdsWatched
COMMUNICATIONS Watched
While ShepherdsWatched
SAMPLESWatched
SAMPLESWatchedWatched
SAMPLESWatchedWhile Shepherds
SAMPLESWhile ShepherdsWhile Shepherds
SAMPLESWhile ShepherdsWatched
While ShepherdsWatched
SAMPLESWatchedWhile Shepherds
WatchedWatchedWhile Shepherds
Watched
SAMPLESWatchedWhile Shepherds
WatchedWatchedWhile Shepherds
Watched
SAMPLESWatchedWhile Shepherds
Watched
2 While Shepherds WatchedWE-2
CREATIVE
COMMUNICATIONS
SAMPLES
A Series of Special Services for Advent 3WE-2
Index
About While Shepherds Watched ............................4-5
Service One: The Shepherd Abraham ....................6-24
Service Two: The Shepherd Moses .......................25-43
Service Three: The Shepherd David .....................44-62
Service Four: The Bethlehem Shepherds .............63-81
Music Guide ..........................................................82-126
By Arden W. Mead. Art by Sally Beck. © 1999 by Creative Communications for the Parish, 1564 Fencorp Dr., Fenton, MO 63026.
1-800-325-9414. creativecommunications.com. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
WatchedA Series of Special Services for Advent
By Arden W. Mead
WatchedWatchedWatchedWhile Shepherds
CREATIVE
CREATIVE ............................4-5
CREATIVE ............................4-5
....................6-24
CREATIVE ....................6-24
CREATIVE
WatchedCREATIVE
WatchedA Series of Special Services for Advent
CREATIVE
A Series of Special Services for Advent
By Arden W. Mead
CREATIVE
By Arden W. Mead
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
Index
COMMUNICATIONS
Index
About While Shepherds Watched
COMMUNICATIONS
About While Shepherds Watched ............................4-5
COMMUNICATIONS
............................4-5
d Abraham
COMMUNICATIONS
d Abraham....................6-24
COMMUNICATIONS
....................6-24
.......................25-43
COMMUNICATIONS
.......................25-43
.....................44-62
COMMUNICATIONS .....................44-62
.............63-81
COMMUNICATIONS .............63-81
COMMUNICATIONS
A Series of Special Services for Advent
COMMUNICATIONS
A Series of Special Services for Advent
By Arden W. Mead
COMMUNICATIONS
By Arden W. Mead
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
While ShepherdsCOMMUNICATIONS
While ShepherdsWhile ShepherdsCOMMUNICATIONS
While Shepherds
SAMPLESAbout While Shepherds Watched
SAMPLESAbout While Shepherds Watched
Service One: The Shepher
SAMPLESService One: The Shepherd Abraham
SAMPLESd Abraham
wo: The Shepherd Moses
SAMPLESwo: The Shepherd Moses
ee: The Shepherd David
SAMPLESee: The Shepherd David
SAMPLES
4 While Shepherds WatchedWE-2
“A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise and believed. His name was Abraham ...”
So begins WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED, a series of special services for Ad-vent—a new, insightful twist on what we often consider the traditional “Christmas Shepherds.”
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED considers, week by week, the great biblical shep-herds who led, in their way, to the miracle of Jesus’ birth:
Service One • The Shepherd Abraham
Service Two • The Shepherd Moses
Service Three • The Shepherd David
Service Four • The Bethlehem Shepherds
Following the opening liturgy (employing biblical “shepherd” verses along with hymn stanzas) and scripture readings (three for each week), each service features a three-character drama. The main reader represents the title character (Abraham, Moses, David, an old Bethlehem shepherd). The second reader responds directly to the main character (Sarah, Joshua, Solomon, the Bethlehem shepherd’s grandson). The third voice, reading from the balcony or the back of the church, represents the voice of the Lord.
About While Shepherds Watched
WatchedWatchedWatchedWhile Shepherds
CREATIVE
“A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise and believed.
CREATIVE
“A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise and believed. His name was Abraham ...”
CREATIVE
His name was Abraham ...”
So begins WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED, a series of special services for Ad-
CREATIVE
So begins WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED, a series of special services for Ad-vent—a new, insightful twist on what we often consider the traditional “Christmas
CREATIVE
vent—a new, insightful twist on what we often consider the traditional “Christmas
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED considers, week by week, the great biblical shep-
CREATIVE WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED considers, week by week, the great biblical shep-herds who led, in their way, to the miracle of Jesus’ birth:
CREATIVE herds who led, in their way, to the miracle of Jesus’ birth:
Service One • The Shepherd Abraham
CREATIVE Service One • The Shepherd Abraham
About CREATIVE
About While Shepherds WatchedCREATIVE
While Shepherds Watched
COMMUNICATIONS
“A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise and believed.
COMMUNICATIONS
“A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise and believed. His name was Abraham ...”
COMMUNICATIONS
His name was Abraham ...”
So begins WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED, a series of special services for Ad-
COMMUNICATIONS
So begins WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED, a series of special services for Ad-vent—a new, insightful twist on what we often consider the traditional “Christmas
COMMUNICATIONS
vent—a new, insightful twist on what we often consider the traditional “Christmas
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED considers, week by week, the great biblical shep-
COMMUNICATIONS
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED considers, week by week, the great biblical shep-herds who led, in their way, to the miracle of Jesus’ birth:
COMMUNICATIONS
herds who led, in their way, to the miracle of Jesus’ birth:
Service One • The Shepherd Abraham
COMMUNICATIONS
Service One • The Shepherd Abraham
Service Two • The Shepherd Moses
COMMUNICATIONS
Service Two • The Shepherd Moses
Service Three • The Shepherd David
COMMUNICATIONS
Service Three • The Shepherd David
Service Four • The Bethlehem Shepherds
COMMUNICATIONS Service Four • The Bethlehem Shepherds
Following the opening liturgy (employing biblical “shepherd” verses along with
COMMUNICATIONS Following the opening liturgy (employing biblical “shepherd” verses along with hymn stanzas) and scripture readings (three for each week), each service features
COMMUNICATIONS hymn stanzas) and scripture readings (three for each week), each service features
. The main reader represents the title character (Abraham,
COMMUNICATIONS . The main reader represents the title character (Abraham, Moses, David, an old Bethlehem shepherd). The second reader responds directly to
COMMUNICATIONS Moses, David, an old Bethlehem shepherd). The second reader responds directly to the main character (Sarah, Joshua, Solomon, the Bethlehem shepherd’s grandson).
COMMUNICATIONS the main character (Sarah, Joshua, Solomon, the Bethlehem shepherd’s grandson).
About
COMMUNICATIONS
About
SAMPLES
So begins WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED, a series of special services for Ad-SAMPLES
So begins WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED, a series of special services for Ad-vent—a new, insightful twist on what we often consider the traditional “Christmas SAMPLES
vent—a new, insightful twist on what we often consider the traditional “Christmas Shepherds.”
SAMPLES
Shepherds.”
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED considers, week by week, the great biblical shep-
SAMPLES
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED considers, week by week, the great biblical shep-herds who led, in their way, to the miracle of Jesus’ birth:
SAMPLES
herds who led, in their way, to the miracle of Jesus’ birth:
Service One • The Shepherd Abraham
SAMPLESService One • The Shepherd Abraham
Service Two • The Shepherd Moses
SAMPLESService Two • The Shepherd Moses
Service Three • The Shepherd David
SAMPLESService Three • The Shepherd David
Service Four • The Bethlehem Shepherds
SAMPLESService Four • The Bethlehem Shepherds
Following the opening liturgy (employing biblical “shepherd” verses along with
SAMPLESFollowing the opening liturgy (employing biblical “shepherd” verses along with
A Series of Special Services for Advent 5WE-2
The congregation participates in the dramas by singing successive hymn stanzas (which are printed in the worship folder). At the conclusion of the drama, the pastor delivers a brief homily, which is included in this book and on the accompanying CD-ROM, along with children’s sermons for each service, prayers, and music for the organist.
The fourth service can be used by your congregation during the fourth week of Advent, or on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
CD-ROMA CD-ROM is included with this book. It contains the contents of the book in PDF form (for reprinting) and text files for the services and dramas (for revising, if you wish). Also included are PDF files for bulletins, set up and ready for reproduction. Purchase of this book grants copyright for your worshiping community.
CREATIVE
CD-ROMCREATIVE
CD-ROMA CD-ROM is included with this book. It contains the contents of the book in PDF
CREATIVE
A CD-ROM is included with this book. It contains the contents of the book in PDF CREATIVE
form (for reprinting) and text files for the services and dramas (for revising, if you
CREATIVE
form (for reprinting) and text files for the services and dramas (for revising, if you wish). Also included are PDF files for bulletins, set up and ready for reproduction.
CREATIVE
wish). Also included are PDF files for bulletins, set up and ready for reproduction.
CREATIVE
Purchase of this book grants copyright for your worshiping community.
CREATIVE
Purchase of this book grants copyright for your worshiping community.
COMMUNICATIONS
The fourth service can be used by your congregation during the fourth week of COMMUNICATIONS
The fourth service can be used by your congregation during the fourth week of Advent, or on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.COMMUNICATIONS
Advent, or on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
A CD-ROM is included with this book. It contains the contents of the book in PDF
COMMUNICATIONS
A CD-ROM is included with this book. It contains the contents of the book in PDF
COMMUNICATIONS
form (for reprinting) and text files for the services and dramas (for revising, if you
COMMUNICATIONS
form (for reprinting) and text files for the services and dramas (for revising, if you wish). Also included are PDF files for bulletins, set up and ready for reproduction.
COMMUNICATIONS
wish). Also included are PDF files for bulletins, set up and ready for reproduction.
COMMUNICATIONS
Purchase of this book grants copyright for your worshiping community.
COMMUNICATIONS
Purchase of this book grants copyright for your worshiping community.
SAMPLES
6 While Shepherds WatchedWE-2
Service One: The Shepherd Abraham
An Order Of Service .................................................7-10
Scripture Readings ................................................. 11-12
Children’s Sermon ..................................................13-14
Script .........................................................................15-19
Concluding Homily ................................................20-22
Prayers ......................................................................23-24
WatchedA Series of Special Services for Advent
By Arden W. Mead
WatchedWatchedWatchedWhile Shepherds
CREATIVE Service One: The Shepherd Abraham
CREATIVE Service One: The Shepherd Abraham
.................................................7-10
CREATIVE .................................................7-10
CREATIVE
WatchedCREATIVE
WatchedA Series of Special Services for Advent
CREATIVE
A Series of Special Services for Advent
By Arden W. Mead
CREATIVE
By Arden W. Mead
COMMUNICATIONS
Service One: The Shepherd Abraham
COMMUNICATIONS
Service One: The Shepherd Abraham
.................................................7-10
COMMUNICATIONS
.................................................7-10
................................................. 1
COMMUNICATIONS
................................................. 1
..................................................13-14
COMMUNICATIONS ..................................................13-14
.........................................................................15-19
COMMUNICATIONS .........................................................................15-19
................................................20-22
COMMUNICATIONS ................................................20-22
COMMUNICATIONS
A Series of Special Services for Advent
COMMUNICATIONS
A Series of Special Services for Advent
By Arden W. Mead
COMMUNICATIONS
By Arden W. Mead
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
While ShepherdsCOMMUNICATIONS
While ShepherdsWhile ShepherdsCOMMUNICATIONS
While ShepherdsWhile ShepherdsCOMMUNICATIONS
While Shepherds
SAMPLES
Service One: The Shepherd Abraham
SAMPLES
Service One: The Shepherd Abraham
An Order Of Service
SAMPLESAn Order Of Service.................................................7-10
SAMPLES.................................................7-10
................................................. 1
SAMPLES................................................. 1
..................................................13-14
SAMPLES..................................................13-14
.........................................................................15-19
SAMPLES.........................................................................15-19
SAMPLES
A Series of Special Services for Advent 7WE-2
An Order Of Service
—The Shepherd Abraham—Gathering..................................................... Quem.Pastores..
He whom shepherds came beholding,In the arms of faith enfolding,He, the universe upholding,
Our Good Shepherd, Christ draws near.
Lift your eyes, God’s mercy knowing;Like the stars in heaven glowing,
Count God’s blessings overflowing.Look, O shepherds, God is here!
PO Shepherd of Israel, you lead your people like a flock.CAll who believe, as Abraham did, receive your promised righteousness.PWe are the people you care for, the flock for which you provide.CYou make us lie down in green pastures; you lead us beside the still waters;
you restore our souls.PAll of us were like sheep who had gone astray, turning to our own ways.CYou lead us in the paths of righteousness for your name’s sake.PFrom death you raised our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep.CEven in the valley of darkest shadows, your rod and staff provide comfort.P“Have no fear, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”CAt your table we are secure; our heads are anointed, our cups overflow.PThe Lamb at the center of the throne will be our Shepherd, to wipe away every tear from
our eyes.
WatchedWatchedWatchedWhile Shepherds
CREATIVE
An Order Of ServiceCREATIVE
An Order Of Service
—The Shepherd Abraham—
CREATIVE
—The Shepherd Abraham—Gathering..................................................... Quem
CREATIVE
Gathering..................................................... Quem
He whom shepherds came beholding,
CREATIVE
He whom shepherds came beholding,In the arms of faith enfolding,
CREATIVE In the arms of faith enfolding,He, the universe upholding,
CREATIVE He, the universe upholding,
Our Good Shepherd, Christ draws near.
CREATIVE Our Good Shepherd, Christ draws near.
Lift your eyes, God’s mercy knowing;
CREATIVE Lift your eyes, God’s mercy knowing;
COMMUNICATIONS
—The Shepherd Abraham—
COMMUNICATIONS
—The Shepherd Abraham—Gathering..................................................... Quem
COMMUNICATIONS
Gathering..................................................... Quem
He whom shepherds came beholding,
COMMUNICATIONS
He whom shepherds came beholding,In the arms of faith enfolding,
COMMUNICATIONS
In the arms of faith enfolding,He, the universe upholding,
COMMUNICATIONS
He, the universe upholding,Our Good Shepherd, Christ draws near.
COMMUNICATIONS
Our Good Shepherd, Christ draws near.
Lift your eyes, God’s mercy knowing;
COMMUNICATIONS
Lift your eyes, God’s mercy knowing;Like the stars in heaven glowing,
COMMUNICATIONS
Like the stars in heaven glowing,Count God’s blessings overflowing.
COMMUNICATIONS
Count God’s blessings overflowing.Look, O shepherds, God is here!
COMMUNICATIONS
Look, O shepherds, God is here!
All who believe, as Abraham did, receive your promised righteousness.
COMMUNICATIONS All who believe, as Abraham did, receive your promised righteousness.
You make us lie down in green pastures; you lead us beside the still waters;
COMMUNICATIONS You make us lie down in green pastures; you lead us beside the still waters;
Even in the valley of darkest shadows, your rod and staff provide comfort.
COMMUNICATIONS Even in the valley of darkest shadows, your rod and staff provide comfort.
SAMPLES
Gathering..................................................... QuemSAMPLES
Gathering..................................................... Quem
He whom shepherds came beholding,SAMPLES
He whom shepherds came beholding,In the arms of faith enfolding,
SAMPLES
In the arms of faith enfolding,He, the universe upholding,
SAMPLES
He, the universe upholding,Our Good Shepherd, Christ draws near.
SAMPLES
Our Good Shepherd, Christ draws near.
Lift your eyes, God’s mercy knowing;
SAMPLESLift your eyes, God’s mercy knowing;
Like the stars in heaven glowing,
SAMPLESLike the stars in heaven glowing,
Count God’s blessings overflowing.
SAMPLESCount God’s blessings overflowing.
Look, O shepherds, God is here!
SAMPLESLook, O shepherds, God is here!
O Shepherd of Israel, you lead your people like a flock.
SAMPLESO Shepherd of Israel, you lead your people like a flock.All who believe, as Abraham did, receive your promised righteousness.
SAMPLESAll who believe, as Abraham did, receive your promised righteousness.We are the people you care for, the flock for which you provide.
SAMPLESWe are the people you care for, the flock for which you provide.You make us lie down in green pastures; you lead us beside the still waters;
SAMPLESYou make us lie down in green pastures; you lead us beside the still waters;
8 While Shepherds WatchedWE-2
CAnd we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.PAll who believe, as Abraham did, receive the Lord’s promised righteousness.
Where the sheep are safely grazing,Shepherds, sing, your Shepherd praising,
Grateful hearts and voices raisingTo the Lord who cares for all.
See, in answer to our yearning,God’s great love so brightly burning.
To our need the Lord is turning,For God hears our plaintive call.
The.Prayer.of.the.Day
Christians, come; the blessing ponder:Though like sheep we all did wander,
Still our Shepherd seeks us yonder,For we have been sought and found.
Gracious Shepherd, stand beside us;To green pastures gently guide us;With your rod and staff provide us;
Let your blessings still abound.
The.First.Lesson............................................. Genesis.15:1-6
Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
The.Second.Lesson..................................... Romans.4:17-25
Oh, come, blest Dayspring, come and cheerOur spirits by your advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
CREATIVE
God’s great love so brightly burning.CREATIVE
God’s great love so brightly burning.To our need the Lord is turning,CREATIVE
To our need the Lord is turning,For God hears our plaintive call.CREATIVE
For God hears our plaintive call.
Prayer
CREATIVE
Prayer of
CREATIVE
of
Christians, come; the blessing ponder:
CREATIVE
Christians, come; the blessing ponder:Though like sheep we all did wander,
CREATIVE
Though like sheep we all did wander,Still our Shepherd seeks us yonder,
CREATIVE
Still our Shepherd seeks us yonder,For we have been sought and found.
CREATIVE
For we have been sought and found.
Gracious Shepherd, stand beside us;
CREATIVE Gracious Shepherd, stand beside us;
To green pastures gently guide us;
CREATIVE To green pastures gently guide us;With your rod and staff provide us;
CREATIVE With your rod and staff provide us;
Lesson............................................. Genesis
CREATIVE Lesson............................................. Genesis
COMMUNICATIONS
The
COMMUNICATIONS
The
Christians, come; the blessing ponder:
COMMUNICATIONS
Christians, come; the blessing ponder:Though like sheep we all did wander,
COMMUNICATIONS
Though like sheep we all did wander,Still our Shepherd seeks us yonder,
COMMUNICATIONS
Still our Shepherd seeks us yonder,For we have been sought and found.
COMMUNICATIONS
For we have been sought and found.
Gracious Shepherd, stand beside us;
COMMUNICATIONS
Gracious Shepherd, stand beside us;To green pastures gently guide us;
COMMUNICATIONS
To green pastures gently guide us;With your rod and staff provide us;
COMMUNICATIONS
With your rod and staff provide us;Let your blessings still abound.
COMMUNICATIONS
Let your blessings still abound.
Lesson............................................. Genesis
COMMUNICATIONS
Lesson............................................. Genesis
Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
COMMUNICATIONS
Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
COMMUNICATIONS Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
COMMUNICATIONS omans
COMMUNICATIONS omans 4:17-25
COMMUNICATIONS 4:17-25
SAMPLES
For we have been sought and found.SAMPLES
For we have been sought and found.
Gracious Shepherd, stand beside us;
SAMPLES
Gracious Shepherd, stand beside us;To green pastures gently guide us;
SAMPLES
To green pastures gently guide us;With your rod and staff provide us;
SAMPLES
With your rod and staff provide us;Let your blessings still abound.
SAMPLESLet your blessings still abound.
Lesson............................................. Genesis
SAMPLESLesson............................................. Genesis
Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
SAMPLESOh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
SAMPLESAnd ransom captive Israel,
SAMPLESAnd ransom captive Israel,That mourns in lonely exile here
SAMPLESThat mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appear.
SAMPLESUntil the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
SAMPLESRejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
A Series of Special Services for Advent 9WE-2
The.Gospel............................................ John.8:31-47,.56-58
THE.SHEPHERD.ABRAHAMThese hymn stanzas are sung, one at a time, during the drama:
While Abram watched his flocks, the Lord of hosts drew nighTo offer precious promises beneath a star-filled sky.
Our God in love provides a wonderful surprise:A child of hope the future holds—O shepherd, lift your eyes!
A sacrifice awaits, a gracious God’s reward.With faithful Abraham behold the mountain of the Lord!
To pastures rich and green, through valleys dark and deep,In grace God chooses, calls, directs; the Shepherd leads his sheep.
The.Homily
A.Hymn.................................... The.God.of.Abraham.Praise
The God of Abr’ham praise, who reigns enthroned above,Ancient of everlasting days, and God of love.
Jehovah, great I Am! By earth and heav’n confessed;I bow and bless the sacred name forever blest.
The God of Abr’ham praise, whose all-sufficient grace Shall guide me all my pilgrim days in all my ways.
He deigns to call me friend; he calls himself my God!And he shall save me to the end through Jesus’ blood.
God by himself has sworn; I on his oath depend.I shall, on eagle wings upborne, to heav’n ascend.
I shall behold his face; I shall his pow’r adore,And sing the wonders of his grace forevermore.
The.Prayers
CREATIVE
Our God in love provides a wonderful surprise:CREATIVE
Our God in love provides a wonderful surprise:A child of hope the future holds—O shepherd, lift your eyes!CREATIVE
A child of hope the future holds—O shepherd, lift your eyes!
A sacrifice awaits, a gracious God’s reward.CREATIVE
A sacrifice awaits, a gracious God’s reward.With faithful Abraham behold the mountain of the Lord!
CREATIVE
With faithful Abraham behold the mountain of the Lord!
To pastures rich and green, through valleys dark and deep,
CREATIVE
To pastures rich and green, through valleys dark and deep,In grace God chooses, calls, directs; the Shepherd leads his sheep.
CREATIVE
In grace God chooses, calls, directs; the Shepherd leads his sheep.
Homily
CREATIVE
Homily
God
CREATIVE God of
CREATIVE of Abraham
CREATIVE Abraham
The God of Abr’ham praise, who reigns enthroned above,
CREATIVE The God of Abr’ham praise, who reigns enthroned above,
Ancient of everlasting days, and God of love.
CREATIVE Ancient of everlasting days, and God of love.Jehovah, great I Am! By earth and heav’n confessed;
CREATIVE Jehovah, great I Am! By earth and heav’n confessed;I bow and bless the sacred name forever blest.
CREATIVE I bow and bless the sacred name forever blest.
COMMUNICATIONS
A child of hope the future holds—O shepherd, lift your eyes!
COMMUNICATIONS
A child of hope the future holds—O shepherd, lift your eyes!
A sacrifice awaits, a gracious God’s reward.
COMMUNICATIONS
A sacrifice awaits, a gracious God’s reward.With faithful Abraham behold the mountain of the Lord!
COMMUNICATIONS
With faithful Abraham behold the mountain of the Lord!
To pastures rich and green, through valleys dark and deep,
COMMUNICATIONS
To pastures rich and green, through valleys dark and deep,In grace God chooses, calls, directs; the Shepherd leads his sheep.
COMMUNICATIONS
In grace God chooses, calls, directs; the Shepherd leads his sheep.
The
COMMUNICATIONS
The Homily
COMMUNICATIONS
Homily
Hymn.................................... The
COMMUNICATIONS
Hymn.................................... The
The God of Abr’ham praise, who reigns enthroned above,
COMMUNICATIONS
The God of Abr’ham praise, who reigns enthroned above,Ancient of everlasting days, and God of love.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ancient of everlasting days, and God of love.Jehovah, great I Am! By earth and heav’n confessed;
COMMUNICATIONS
Jehovah, great I Am! By earth and heav’n confessed;I bow and bless the sacred name forever blest.
COMMUNICATIONS
I bow and bless the sacred name forever blest.
COMMUNICATIONS
The God of Abr’ham praise, whose all-sufficient grace
COMMUNICATIONS
The God of Abr’ham praise, whose all-sufficient grace Shall guide me all my pilgrim days in all my ways.
COMMUNICATIONS
Shall guide me all my pilgrim days in all my ways.He deigns to call me friend; he calls himself my God!
COMMUNICATIONS He deigns to call me friend; he calls himself my God!And he shall save me to the end through Jesus’ blood.
COMMUNICATIONS And he shall save me to the end through Jesus’ blood.
God by himself has sworn; I on his oath depend.
COMMUNICATIONS God by himself has sworn; I on his oath depend.
SAMPLES
In grace God chooses, calls, directs; the Shepherd leads his sheep.SAMPLES
In grace God chooses, calls, directs; the Shepherd leads his sheep.
Hymn.................................... The
SAMPLES
Hymn.................................... The
The God of Abr’ham praise, who reigns enthroned above,
SAMPLES
The God of Abr’ham praise, who reigns enthroned above,Ancient of everlasting days, and God of love.
SAMPLESAncient of everlasting days, and God of love.
Jehovah, great I Am! By earth and heav’n confessed;
SAMPLESJehovah, great I Am! By earth and heav’n confessed;
I bow and bless the sacred name forever blest.
SAMPLESI bow and bless the sacred name forever blest.
SAMPLESThe God of Abr’ham praise, whose all-sufficient grace
SAMPLESThe God of Abr’ham praise, whose all-sufficient grace Shall guide me all my pilgrim days in all my ways.
SAMPLESShall guide me all my pilgrim days in all my ways.He deigns to call me friend; he calls himself my God!
SAMPLESHe deigns to call me friend; he calls himself my God!And he shall save me to the end through Jesus’ blood.
SAMPLESAnd he shall save me to the end through Jesus’ blood.
God by himself has sworn; I on his oath depend.
SAMPLESGod by himself has sworn; I on his oath depend.
10 While Shepherds WatchedWE-2
The.OfferingThe Lord’s Prayer or the celebration of Holy Communion
A.Benediction............................................Hebrews.13:20-21
PFrom death God has raised our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep.CHis sacrificial death guarantees the eternal covenant.PMay the God of peace provide you with every good thing you need in order to do his will.CAnd may God, through Jesus Christ, do in us what pleases him.PAnd to Christ be the glory forever and ever.CAmen.
A.Closing.Stanza......................................... Quem.Pastores
God’s dear flock, rich blessing reaping,Guided waking, guarded sleeping,
Safe within the Shepherd’s keeping,Keep the faith of Abraham!
CREATIVE
May the God of peace provide you with every good thing you need in order to do his will.CREATIVE
May the God of peace provide you with every good thing you need in order to do his will.And may God, through Jesus Christ, do in us what pleases him.CREATIVE
And may God, through Jesus Christ, do in us what pleases him.And to Christ be the glory forever and ever.CREATIVE
And to Christ be the glory forever and ever.CREATIVE
Stanza......................................... Quem
CREATIVE
Stanza......................................... Quem
God’s dear flock, rich blessing reaping,
CREATIVE
God’s dear flock, rich blessing reaping,Guided waking, guarded sleeping,
CREATIVE
Guided waking, guarded sleeping,
CREATIVE
Safe within the Shepherd’s keeping,
CREATIVE
Safe within the Shepherd’s keeping,Keep the faith of Abraham!
CREATIVE
Keep the faith of Abraham!
COMMUNICATIONS
PCOMMUNICATIONS
PFrom death God has raised our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep.COMMUNICATIONS
From death God has raised our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep.CCOMMUNICATIONS
CHis sacrificial death guarantees the eternal covenant.COMMUNICATIONS
His sacrificial death guarantees the eternal covenant.P
COMMUNICATIONS
PMay the God of peace provide you with every good thing you need in order to do his will.
COMMUNICATIONS
May the God of peace provide you with every good thing you need in order to do his will.And may God, through Jesus Christ, do in us what pleases him.
COMMUNICATIONS
And may God, through Jesus Christ, do in us what pleases him.And to Christ be the glory forever and ever.
COMMUNICATIONS
And to Christ be the glory forever and ever.
COMMUNICATIONS
Stanza......................................... Quem
COMMUNICATIONS
Stanza......................................... Quem
God’s dear flock, rich blessing reaping,
COMMUNICATIONS
God’s dear flock, rich blessing reaping,Guided waking, guarded sleeping,
COMMUNICATIONS
Guided waking, guarded sleeping,
COMMUNICATIONS
Safe within the Shepherd’s keeping,
COMMUNICATIONS
Safe within the Shepherd’s keeping,Keep the faith of Abraham!
COMMUNICATIONS
Keep the faith of Abraham!
SAMPLES
A Series of Special Services for Advent 11WE-2
Scripture Readings
—The Shepherd Abraham—The.First.Lesson............................................. Genesis.15:1-6L After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid,
Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.
The.Second.Lesson..................................... Romans.4:17-25L (As it is written, “I have made you, Abraham, the father of many nations”)—in the pres-
ence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, Abraham believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your de-scendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith “was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake
WatchedWatchedWatchedWhile Shepherds
CREATIVE
Scripture ReadingsCREATIVE
Scripture Readings
—The Shepherd Abraham—CREATIVE
—The Shepherd Abraham—Lesson............................................. Genesis
CREATIVE
Lesson............................................. Genesisthese things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid,
CREATIVE
these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord
CREATIVE
Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer
CREATIVE God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer
And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born
CREATIVE And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born
in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not
CREATIVE in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside
CREATIVE be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then
CREATIVE and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord
CREATIVE he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord
COMMUNICATIONS
—The Shepherd Abraham—
COMMUNICATIONS
—The Shepherd Abraham—Lesson............................................. Genesis
COMMUNICATIONS
Lesson............................................. Genesisthese things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid,
COMMUNICATIONS
these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord
COMMUNICATIONS
Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer
COMMUNICATIONS
God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born
COMMUNICATIONS
And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not
COMMUNICATIONS
in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside
COMMUNICATIONS
be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then
COMMUNICATIONS
and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord
COMMUNICATIONS
he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord
Lesson..................................... R
COMMUNICATIONS
Lesson..................................... Romans
COMMUNICATIONS
omansLesson..................................... RomansLesson..................................... R
COMMUNICATIONS
Lesson..................................... RomansLesson..................................... R
COMMUNICATIONS As it is written, “I have made you, Abraham, the father of many nations”)—in the pres-
COMMUNICATIONS As it is written, “I have made you, Abraham, the father of many nations”)—in the pres-
ence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the
COMMUNICATIONS ence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, Abraham believed that he would become
COMMUNICATIONS things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, Abraham believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your de-
COMMUNICATIONS “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your de-scendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was
COMMUNICATIONS scendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered
COMMUNICATIONS as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of
COMMUNICATIONS the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of
SAMPLES
Lesson............................................. GenesisSAMPLES
Lesson............................................. Genesisthese things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, SAMPLES
these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord
SAMPLES
Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer
SAMPLES
God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
SAMPLES
of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born
SAMPLES
And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not
SAMPLES
in my house is to be my heir.” But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside
SAMPLES
be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then
SAMPLESand said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lord
SAMPLEShe said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed the Lord; and the Lordeckoned it to him as righteousness.
SAMPLESeckoned it to him as righteousness.
Lesson..................................... R
SAMPLESLesson..................................... R
SAMPLESAs it is written, “I have made you, Abraham, the father of many nations”)—in the pres-
SAMPLESAs it is written, “I have made you, Abraham, the father of many nations”)—in the pres-ence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the
SAMPLESence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, Abraham believed that he would become
SAMPLESthings that do not exist. Hoping against hope, Abraham believed that he would become
12 While Shepherds WatchedWE-2
alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.
The.Gospel............................................ John.8:31-47,.56-58
LThen Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.” They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Who-ever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.”
CREATIVE
They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to CREATIVE
They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, CREATIVE
anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not CREATIVE
“Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son
CREATIVE
have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham;
CREATIVE
makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word.
CREATIVE
yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you
CREATIVE
I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to
CREATIVE
They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing
CREATIVE
them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doingyou are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is
CREATIVE
you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him,
CREATIVE
not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” Jesus said to them,
CREATIVE “We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” Jesus said to them,
CREATIVE “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I
CREATIVE “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is
CREATIVE did not come on my own, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. You are from your father the devil, and you choose
CREATIVE because you cannot accept my word. You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in
CREATIVE to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own
CREATIVE the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe
CREATIVE nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Who-
CREATIVE me. Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Who-
COMMUNICATIONS
LCOMMUNICATIONS
LThen Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you COMMUNICATIONS
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” COMMUNICATIONS
are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to
COMMUNICATIONS
They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them,
COMMUNICATIONS
anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not
COMMUNICATIONS
“Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son
COMMUNICATIONS
have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham;
COMMUNICATIONS
makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word.
COMMUNICATIONS
yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you
COMMUNICATIONS
I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.”
COMMUNICATIONS
have heard from the Father.” They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to
COMMUNICATIONS
They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing
COMMUNICATIONS
them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doingyou are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is
COMMUNICATIONS
you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him,
COMMUNICATIONS
not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” Jesus said to them,
COMMUNICATIONS
“We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” Jesus said to them,
COMMUNICATIONS
“If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I
COMMUNICATIONS
“If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is
COMMUNICATIONS
did not come on my own, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. You are from your father the devil, and you choose
COMMUNICATIONS
because you cannot accept my word. You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in
COMMUNICATIONS
to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own
COMMUNICATIONS
the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe
COMMUNICATIONS
nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Who-
COMMUNICATIONS
me. Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Who-ever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are
COMMUNICATIONS
ever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are
COMMUNICATIONS
not from God. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and
COMMUNICATIONS
not from God. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen
COMMUNICATIONS was glad.” Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen
COMMUNICATIONS ery truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.”
COMMUNICATIONS ery truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.”
SAMPLES
have heard from the Father.”SAMPLES
have heard from the Father.”them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doingSAMPLES
them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doingyou are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is SAMPLES
you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, SAMPLES
not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” Jesus said to them,
SAMPLES
“We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” Jesus said to them,
SAMPLES
“If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I
SAMPLES
“If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is
SAMPLES
did not come on my own, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. You are from your father the devil, and you choose
SAMPLES
because you cannot accept my word. You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in
SAMPLESto do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own
SAMPLESthe truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe
SAMPLESnature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Who-
SAMPLESme. Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Who-ever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are
SAMPLESever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are
SAMPLESnot from God. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and
SAMPLESnot from God. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen
SAMPLESwas glad.” Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen
SAMPLESery truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.”
SAMPLESery truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.”
A Series of Special Services for Advent 13WE-2
Children’s Sermon
—The Shepherd Abraham—I’d like to ask you to use your imagination. Let’s all look up, as straight as we can look.
What do you see? The ceiling of course. But this is where your imagination comes in. Pretend that the ceiling isn’t there. Pretend we can look beyond it, into the sky. Straight up.
Imagine it is nighttime, and we’re going to be looking for stars. That’s what God once told the shepherd Abraham to do, remember? “Look at the stars.”
Right now all we see is one star—the first star of the evening. If someone said, “Count the stars,” this would be easy, wouldn’t it? “ONE!”
Remember that. The counting started with “one.”
Now more stars are becoming visible. Can we count them? “Two, three, four, five ...” Oh oh! So many stars are becoming visible that it may take a long time to count them.
I bet there are more than a hundred there. More than a thousand. More than a mil-lion! And still counting.
WatchedWatchedWatchedWhile Shepherds
CREATIVE
Children’s SermonCREATIVE
Children’s Sermon
—The Shepherd Abraham—CREATIVE
—The Shepherd Abraham—I’d like to ask you to use your imagination. Let’s all look up, as straight as we can
CREATIVE
I’d like to ask you to use your imagination. Let’s all look up, as straight as we can
What do you see? The ceiling of course. But this is where your imagination comes
CREATIVE What do you see? The ceiling of course. But this is where your imagination comes in. Pretend that the ceiling isn’t there. Pretend we can look beyond it, into the sky.
CREATIVE in. Pretend that the ceiling isn’t there. Pretend we can look beyond it, into the sky.
Imagine it is nighttime, and we’re going to be looking for stars. That’s what God
CREATIVE Imagine it is nighttime, and we’re going to be looking for stars. That’s what God once told the shepherd Abraham to do, remember? “Look at the stars.”
CREATIVE once told the shepherd Abraham to do, remember? “Look at the stars.”
COMMUNICATIONS
—The Shepherd Abraham—
COMMUNICATIONS
—The Shepherd Abraham—I’d like to ask you to use your imagination. Let’s all look up, as straight as we can
COMMUNICATIONS
I’d like to ask you to use your imagination. Let’s all look up, as straight as we can
What do you see? The ceiling of course. But this is where your imagination comes
COMMUNICATIONS
What do you see? The ceiling of course. But this is where your imagination comes in. Pretend that the ceiling isn’t there. Pretend we can look beyond it, into the sky.
COMMUNICATIONS
in. Pretend that the ceiling isn’t there. Pretend we can look beyond it, into the sky.
Imagine it is nighttime, and we’re going to be looking for stars. That’s what God
COMMUNICATIONS
Imagine it is nighttime, and we’re going to be looking for stars. That’s what God once told the shepherd Abraham to do, remember? “Look at the stars.”
COMMUNICATIONS
once told the shepherd Abraham to do, remember? “Look at the stars.”
Right now all we see is one star—the first star of the evening. If someone said,
COMMUNICATIONS
Right now all we see is one star—the first star of the evening. If someone said, “Count the stars,” this would be easy, wouldn’t it? “ONE!”
COMMUNICATIONS
“Count the stars,” this would be easy, wouldn’t it? “ONE!”
Now more stars are becoming visible. Can we count them? “Two, three, four, five
COMMUNICATIONS Now more stars are becoming visible. Can we count them? “Two, three, four, five ...” Oh oh! So many stars are becoming visible that it may take a long time to count
COMMUNICATIONS ...” Oh oh! So many stars are becoming visible that it may take a long time to count
I bet there are more than a hundred there. More than a thousand. More than a mil-
COMMUNICATIONS I bet there are more than a hundred there. More than a thousand. More than a mil-
SAMPLES
I’d like to ask you to use your imagination. Let’s all look up, as straight as we can SAMPLES
I’d like to ask you to use your imagination. Let’s all look up, as straight as we can
What do you see? The ceiling of course. But this is where your imagination comes
SAMPLES
What do you see? The ceiling of course. But this is where your imagination comes in. Pretend that the ceiling isn’t there. Pretend we can look beyond it, into the sky.
SAMPLES
in. Pretend that the ceiling isn’t there. Pretend we can look beyond it, into the sky.
Imagine it is nighttime, and we’re going to be looking for stars. That’s what God
SAMPLESImagine it is nighttime, and we’re going to be looking for stars. That’s what God once told the shepherd Abraham to do, remember? “Look at the stars.”
SAMPLESonce told the shepherd Abraham to do, remember? “Look at the stars.”
Right now all we see is one star—the first star of the evening. If someone said,
SAMPLESRight now all we see is one star—the first star of the evening. If someone said, “Count the stars,” this would be easy, wouldn’t it? “ONE!”
SAMPLES“Count the stars,” this would be easy, wouldn’t it? “ONE!”
Remember that. The counting started with “one.”
SAMPLESRemember that. The counting started with “one.”
Now more stars are becoming visible. Can we count them? “Two, three, four, five
SAMPLESNow more stars are becoming visible. Can we count them? “Two, three, four, five
14 While Shepherds WatchedWE-2
That’s what God told the old shepherd Abraham: “Try to count the stars. That’s how many children I will give you. That’s how many blessings I will give you, because you trust in me.”
One day, we know, there would be a special star in the sky—a star to let people know that a special child of Abraham had been born. You know who that is, don’t you?
If you were counting, Jesus’ star would be a long way from where we began. But for today, we’re looking with Abraham at the beginning. The counting begins with “one”—with Abraham and Sarah’s baby, Isaac.
“ONE!”
But once the counting begins, well, it’s like counting stars.
One baby—baby Isaac—will eventually lead to another baby. Baby Jesus is coming soon. Which is good, because we’re counting on him.
CREATIVE
“one”—with Abraham and Sarah’s baby, Isaac.CREATIVE
“one”—with Abraham and Sarah’s baby, Isaac.
But once the counting begins, well, it’s like counting stars.
CREATIVE
But once the counting begins, well, it’s like counting stars.
One baby—baby Isaac—will eventually lead to another baby. Baby Jesus is coming
CREATIVE
One baby—baby Isaac—will eventually lead to another baby. Baby Jesus is coming soon. Which is good, because we’re counting on him.
CREATIVE
soon. Which is good, because we’re counting on him.
COMMUNICATIONS
that a special child of Abraham had been born. You know who that is, don’t you?COMMUNICATIONS
that a special child of Abraham had been born. You know who that is, don’t you?
If you were counting, Jesus’ star would be a long way from where we began. But COMMUNICATIONS
If you were counting, Jesus’ star would be a long way from where we began. But for today, we’re looking with Abraham at the beginning. The counting begins with COMMUNICATIONS
for today, we’re looking with Abraham at the beginning. The counting begins with “one”—with Abraham and Sarah’s baby, Isaac.
COMMUNICATIONS
“one”—with Abraham and Sarah’s baby, Isaac.
“ONE!”
COMMUNICATIONS
“ONE!”
But once the counting begins, well, it’s like counting stars.
COMMUNICATIONS
But once the counting begins, well, it’s like counting stars.
One baby—baby Isaac—will eventually lead to another baby. Baby Jesus is coming
COMMUNICATIONS
One baby—baby Isaac—will eventually lead to another baby. Baby Jesus is coming soon. Which is good, because we’re counting on him.
COMMUNICATIONS
soon. Which is good, because we’re counting on him.SAMPLES
soon. Which is good, because we’re counting on him.SAMPLES
soon. Which is good, because we’re counting on him.
A Series of Special Services for Advent 15WE-2
Script
—The Shepherd Abraham—This dialog homily includes three characters: Abraham, Sarah, and a Voice that represents the Word of the Lord.
Abraham and Sarah may speak from the front of the congregation—perhaps from the pulpit and the lectern. Costuming of these two characters is at your discretion, remembering that, when church dramas are concerned, less is often more.
The Voice speaks from the back of the church or the balcony.
The drama begins with a hymn stanza sung by the congregation. At points in the drama, successive stanzas will be sung. (Hymn stanzas to Potsdam SM.)
While Abram watched his flocks,The Lord of hosts drew nighTo offer precious promises
Beneath a star-filled sky.
Abraham: What is it about shepherding that makes a person look to the sky? Is it just that sheep are so close to the ground, that a person needs an oc-casional change of view? Or is there more to it than that?
Voice: Abram, Abram, look to the sky.
Sarah: Have you been out looking at the sky again, Abraham?
WatchedWatchedWatchedWhile Shepherds
CREATIVE
—The Shepherd Abraham—CREATIVE
—The Shepherd Abraham—This dialog homily includes three characters: Abraham, Sarah, and a Voice
CREATIVE
This dialog homily includes three characters: Abraham, Sarah, and a Voice
Abraham and Sarah may speak from the front of the congregation—perhaps
CREATIVE
Abraham and Sarah may speak from the front of the congregation—perhaps from the pulpit and the lectern. Costuming of these two characters is at your
CREATIVE from the pulpit and the lectern. Costuming of these two characters is at your discretion, remembering that, when church dramas are concerned, less is often
CREATIVE discretion, remembering that, when church dramas are concerned, less is often
The Voice speaks from the back of the church or the balcony.
CREATIVE The Voice speaks from the back of the church or the balcony.
The drama begins with a hymn stanza sung by the congregation. At points in
CREATIVE The drama begins with a hymn stanza sung by the congregation. At points in
COMMUNICATIONS
—The Shepherd Abraham—
COMMUNICATIONS
—The Shepherd Abraham—This dialog homily includes three characters: Abraham, Sarah, and a Voice
COMMUNICATIONS
This dialog homily includes three characters: Abraham, Sarah, and a Voice that represents the Word of the Lord.
COMMUNICATIONS
that represents the Word of the Lord.
Abraham and Sarah may speak from the front of the congregation—perhaps
COMMUNICATIONS
Abraham and Sarah may speak from the front of the congregation—perhaps from the pulpit and the lectern. Costuming of these two characters is at your
COMMUNICATIONS
from the pulpit and the lectern. Costuming of these two characters is at your discretion, remembering that, when church dramas are concerned, less is often
COMMUNICATIONS
discretion, remembering that, when church dramas are concerned, less is often
The Voice speaks from the back of the church or the balcony.
COMMUNICATIONS
The Voice speaks from the back of the church or the balcony.
The drama begins with a hymn stanza sung by the congregation. At points in
COMMUNICATIONS
The drama begins with a hymn stanza sung by the congregation. At points in the drama, successive stanzas will be sung. (Hymn stanzas to Potsdam SM.)
COMMUNICATIONS
the drama, successive stanzas will be sung. (Hymn stanzas to Potsdam SM.)
is it about shepherding that makes a person look to the sky? Is
COMMUNICATIONS is it about shepherding that makes a person look to the sky? Is it just that sheep are so close to the ground, that a person needs an oc-
COMMUNICATIONS it just that sheep are so close to the ground, that a person needs an oc-
SAMPLES
This dialog homily includes three characters: Abraham, Sarah, and a Voice SAMPLES
This dialog homily includes three characters: Abraham, Sarah, and a Voice that represents the Word of the Lord. SAMPLES
that represents the Word of the Lord.
Abraham and Sarah may speak from the front of the congregation—perhaps
SAMPLES
Abraham and Sarah may speak from the front of the congregation—perhaps from the pulpit and the lectern. Costuming of these two characters is at your
SAMPLES
from the pulpit and the lectern. Costuming of these two characters is at your discretion, remembering that, when church dramas are concerned, less is often
SAMPLES
discretion, remembering that, when church dramas are concerned, less is often
The Voice speaks from the back of the church or the balcony.
SAMPLESThe Voice speaks from the back of the church or the balcony.
The drama begins with a hymn stanza sung by the congregation. At points in
SAMPLESThe drama begins with a hymn stanza sung by the congregation. At points in the drama, successive stanzas will be sung. (Hymn stanzas to Potsdam SM.)
SAMPLESthe drama, successive stanzas will be sung. (Hymn stanzas to Potsdam SM.)
While Abram watched his flocks,
SAMPLESWhile Abram watched his flocks,The Lord of hosts drew nigh
SAMPLESThe Lord of hosts drew nighTo offer precious promises
SAMPLESTo offer precious promises
16 While Shepherds WatchedWE-2
Abraham: And have YOU been standing by the tent flap watching me, Sarah?
Sarah: One can learn a lot by standing at the tent flap, I have learned.
Voice: Next spring your wife Sarah will bear a son, Abraham.
Abraham: And you laughed.
Sarah: Yes, I did, you silly old man. Do you remember how old I was when I heard that prediction?
Abraham: It was more than a prediction, my dear. It was a promise. And yes, I do remember how old you were ... because I remember how old I was. And how often I would cast my eyes to the heavens, especially at night. And I would wonder—wonder at the stars.
Voice: Count the stars if you can, Abram. So will be the descendants with which I will bless you. As many as the stars of heaven.
Sarah: And you believed, didn’t you, Abraham? You believed.
Voice: Abraham believed, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
Abraham: Yes, I believed .... And you laughed.
Sarah: Look at the sky and anticipate a baby. That was the essence of the Lord’s promise.
Abraham: Look at the sky and anticipate a baby.
Sarah: It was a wonderful message, Abraham.
Abraham: It still is.
Sarah: Look at the sky and anticipate a baby.
Abraham: A message for the ages.
Sarah: I was still laughing when the baby was born.
Abraham: Isaac, you named him.
Sarah: Laughter.
Abraham: Laughter.
Sarah: Isaac, the song of a shepherd.
Abraham: A very old shepherd.
CREATIVE
was more than a prediction, my dear. It was a promise. And yes, I CREATIVE
was more than a prediction, my dear. It was a promise. And yes, I do remember how old you were ... because I remember how old I was. CREATIVE
do remember how old you were ... because I remember how old I was. And how often I would cast my eyes to the heavens, especially at night. CREATIVE
And how often I would cast my eyes to the heavens, especially at night. And I would wonder—wonder at the stars.
CREATIVE
And I would wonder—wonder at the stars.
the stars if you can, Abram. So will be the descendants with
CREATIVE
the stars if you can, Abram. So will be the descendants with which I will bless you. As many as the stars of heaven.
CREATIVE
which I will bless you. As many as the stars of heaven.
And you believed, didn’t you,
CREATIVE
And you believed, didn’t you, Abraham? You believed.
CREATIVE
Abraham? You believed.
Abraham believed, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
CREATIVE
Abraham believed, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
es, I believed .... And you laughed.
CREATIVE es, I believed .... And you laughed.
CREATIVE ook at the sky and anticipate a baby. That was the essence of the Lord’s
CREATIVE ook at the sky and anticipate a baby. That was the essence of the Lord’s
COMMUNICATIONS
Sarah:COMMUNICATIONS
Sarah:
Abraham:
COMMUNICATIONS
Abraham: It
COMMUNICATIONS
It was more than a prediction, my dear. It was a promise. And yes, I
COMMUNICATIONS
was more than a prediction, my dear. It was a promise. And yes, I do remember how old you were ... because I remember how old I was.
COMMUNICATIONS
do remember how old you were ... because I remember how old I was. And how often I would cast my eyes to the heavens, especially at night.
COMMUNICATIONS
And how often I would cast my eyes to the heavens, especially at night. And I would wonder—wonder at the stars.
COMMUNICATIONS
And I would wonder—wonder at the stars.
Count
COMMUNICATIONS
Count the stars if you can, Abram. So will be the descendants with
COMMUNICATIONS
the stars if you can, Abram. So will be the descendants with which I will bless you. As many as the stars of heaven.
COMMUNICATIONS
which I will bless you. As many as the stars of heaven.
And you believed, didn’t you,
COMMUNICATIONS
And you believed, didn’t you,
Abraham believed, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
COMMUNICATIONS
Abraham believed, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
es, I believed .... And you laughed.
COMMUNICATIONS
es, I believed .... And you laughed.
COMMUNICATIONS
ook at the sky and anticipate a baby. That was the essence of the Lord’s
COMMUNICATIONS
ook at the sky and anticipate a baby. That was the essence of the Lord’s
Look at the sky and anticipate a baby
COMMUNICATIONS
Look at the sky and anticipate a baby.
COMMUNICATIONS
.Look at the sky and anticipate a baby.Look at the sky and anticipate a baby
COMMUNICATIONS
Look at the sky and anticipate a baby.Look at the sky and anticipate a baby
Abraham.
COMMUNICATIONS
Abraham.
SAMPLES
And you believed, didn’t you, SAMPLES
And you believed, didn’t you,
oice:SAMPLES
oice: Abraham believed, and it was counted to him as righteousness.SAMPLES
Abraham believed, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
Y
SAMPLES
Yes, I believed .... And you laughed.
SAMPLES
es, I believed .... And you laughed.Yes, I believed .... And you laughed.Y
SAMPLES
Yes, I believed .... And you laughed.Y
SAMPLES
ook at the sky and anticipate a baby. That was the essence of the Lord’s
SAMPLES
ook at the sky and anticipate a baby. That was the essence of the Lord’s promise.
SAMPLES
promise.
Look at the sky and anticipate a baby
SAMPLESLook at the sky and anticipate a baby
It was a wonderful message,
SAMPLESIt was a wonderful message,
Look at the sky and anticipate a baby
SAMPLESLook at the sky and anticipate a baby
I was still laughing when the baby was born.
SAMPLESI was still laughing when the baby was born.
A Series of Special Services for Advent 17WE-2
Sarah: And his very old wife. Don’t tell me you didn’t laugh too, Abraham.
Abraham: I guess I haven’t stopped laughing, Sarah. The promise of the Lord was just so great, so beyond anything one could even imagine ... so impossible ...
Sarah: And we named him Isaac.
Abraham: Laughter.
Our God in love providesA wonderful surprise:
A child of hope the future holds—O shepherd, lift your eyes!
Sarah: Have you been looking at the sky again, Abraham? What is it about shepherding that makes you look up like that? It seems you’re always looking at the sky.
Abraham: Not the sky this time, my dear Sarah. This time my vision is lower than the sky. I find myself looking toward the horizon.
Sarah: So you intend to do it, then? Even though Isaac is our only son—the only hope we have for God’s great promise to come true?
Abraham: I have no choice, Sarah, for the Lord God has spoken.
Voice: Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love. Take him to the land of Moriah, and I will show you a mountain where you must sac-rifice your son.
Sarah: Your only son Isaac!
Abraham: Whom I love.
Voice: And I will show you a mountain.
The sacrifice awaits,A gracious God’s reward.
With faithful Abraham beholdThe mountain of the Lord!
CREATIVE
Our God in love providesCREATIVE
Our God in love providesA wonderful surprise:CREATIVE
A wonderful surprise:A child of hope the future holds—
CREATIVE
A child of hope the future holds—O shepherd, lift your eyes!
CREATIVE
O shepherd, lift your eyes!
you been looking at the sky again, Abraham? What is it about
CREATIVE
you been looking at the sky again, Abraham? What is it about shepherding that makes you look up like that? It seems you’re always
CREATIVE
shepherding that makes you look up like that? It seems you’re always
ot the sky this time, my dear Sarah. This time my vision is lower than
CREATIVE
ot the sky this time, my dear Sarah. This time my vision is lower than the sky. I find myself looking toward the horizon.
CREATIVE the sky. I find myself looking toward the horizon.
you intend to do it, then? Even though Isaac is our only son—the
CREATIVE you intend to do it, then? Even though Isaac is our only son—the
only hope we have for God’s great promise to come true?
CREATIVE only hope we have for God’s great promise to come true?
d God has spoken.
CREATIVE d God has spoken.
ake your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love. Take him to the
CREATIVE ake your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love. Take him to the
COMMUNICATIONS
Abraham:COMMUNICATIONS
Abraham:
you been looking at the sky again, Abraham? What is it about
COMMUNICATIONS
you been looking at the sky again, Abraham? What is it about shepherding that makes you look up like that? It seems you’re always
COMMUNICATIONS
shepherding that makes you look up like that? It seems you’re always looking at the sky.
COMMUNICATIONS
looking at the sky.
ot the sky this time, my dear Sarah. This time my vision is lower than
COMMUNICATIONS
ot the sky this time, my dear Sarah. This time my vision is lower than the sky. I find myself looking toward the horizon.
COMMUNICATIONS
the sky. I find myself looking toward the horizon.
you intend to do it, then? Even though Isaac is our only son—the
COMMUNICATIONS
you intend to do it, then? Even though Isaac is our only son—the only hope we have for God’s great promise to come true?
COMMUNICATIONS
only hope we have for God’s great promise to come true?
I have no choice, Sarah, for the Lor
COMMUNICATIONS
I have no choice, Sarah, for the Lord God has spoken.
COMMUNICATIONS
d God has spoken.
COMMUNICATIONS
ake your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love. Take him to the
COMMUNICATIONS
ake your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love. Take him to the land of Moriah, and I will show you a mountain where you must sac-
COMMUNICATIONS
land of Moriah, and I will show you a mountain where you must sac-
SAMPLES
shepherding that makes you look up like that? It seems you’re always SAMPLES
shepherding that makes you look up like that? It seems you’re always looking at the sky.SAMPLES
looking at the sky.
N
SAMPLES
Not the sky this time, my dear Sarah. This time my vision is lower than
SAMPLES
ot the sky this time, my dear Sarah. This time my vision is lower than the sky. I find myself looking toward the horizon.
SAMPLES
the sky. I find myself looking toward the horizon.
you intend to do it, then? Even though Isaac is our only son—the
SAMPLES
you intend to do it, then? Even though Isaac is our only son—the only hope we have for God’s great promise to come true?
SAMPLES
only hope we have for God’s great promise to come true?
I have no choice, Sarah, for the Lor
SAMPLESI have no choice, Sarah, for the Lor
SAMPLESake your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love. Take him to the
SAMPLESake your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love. Take him to the
land of Moriah, and I will show you a mountain where you must sac-
SAMPLESland of Moriah, and I will show you a mountain where you must sac-
18 While Shepherds WatchedWE-2
Sarah: I will lift my eyes to the hills. From whence shall come my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. I will lift my eyes to the hills.
Abraham: And when the deed was done ...
Sarah: I was standing by the tent flap once again, my laughter drained from my body like moisture from the desert.
Abraham: And your eyes were on the sky?
Sarah: On the horizon, at least. Oh, how I dreaded what I knew I would see at last, and what I would not.
Abraham: And what you saw ...
Sarah: The servants at first, the faithful servants ... and the animals, beginning to become visible there on the horizon. I could count them as they be-gan to come into view. The servants ... and the animals. And then you, Abraham. Yes, it was you. You were returning from the mountain of the Lord, there with the servants and the animals. The deed had been done. But wait! What is that? One more figure there on the horizon. No, it can’t be. One more figure there. Isaac? ... ISAAC!
Voice: Abraham! Abraham!
Abraham: Here I am, Lord.
Voice: Do not hurt the boy, or harm him in any way. For now I know that you trust the Lord, for you were willing to offer your only son.
Sarah: But instead ...
Abraham: Instead? Instead I received a gift that perhaps only a shepherd could truly appreciate.
Sarah: A ram, caught by its horns in a thicket. Look up, Abraham.
Abraham: “The Lord himself will provide the sacrifice,” I had told Isaac.
Sarah: And the Lord did.
Abraham: What is it about shepherding that leads a person to look up? What is it that casts one’s eyes to the skies ... and finds there the message of a child-to-be?
Sarah: To be a sacrifice?
CREATIVE
the horizon, at least. Oh, how I dreaded what I knew I would see CREATIVE
the horizon, at least. Oh, how I dreaded what I knew I would see at last, and what I would not.CREATIVE
at last, and what I would not.
And what you saw ...
CREATIVE
And what you saw ...
he servants at first, the faithful servants ... and the animals, beginning
CREATIVE
he servants at first, the faithful servants ... and the animals, beginning to become visible there on the horizon. I could count them as they be-
CREATIVE
to become visible there on the horizon. I could count them as they be-gan to come into view. The servants ... and the animals. And then you,
CREATIVE
gan to come into view. The servants ... and the animals. And then you, Abraham. Yes, it was you. You were returning from the mountain of
CREATIVE
Abraham. Yes, it was you. You were returning from the mountain of the Lord, there with the servants and the animals. The deed had been
CREATIVE
the Lord, there with the servants and the animals. The deed had been done. But wait! What is that? One more figure there on the horizon.
CREATIVE
done. But wait! What is that? One more figure there on the horizon. No, it can’t be. One more figure there. Isaac? ... ISAAC!
CREATIVE No, it can’t be. One more figure there. Isaac? ... ISAAC!
CREATIVE not hurt the boy, or harm him in any way. For now I know that you
CREATIVE not hurt the boy, or harm him in any way. For now I know that you trust the Lord, for you were willing to offer your only son.
CREATIVE trust the Lord, for you were willing to offer your only son.
COMMUNICATIONS
Abraham:COMMUNICATIONS
Abraham:
Sarah:
COMMUNICATIONS
Sarah: On
COMMUNICATIONS
On at last, and what I would not.
COMMUNICATIONS
at last, and what I would not.
Abraham:
COMMUNICATIONS
Abraham: And what you saw ...
COMMUNICATIONS
And what you saw ...
he servants at first, the faithful servants ... and the animals, beginning
COMMUNICATIONS
he servants at first, the faithful servants ... and the animals, beginning to become visible there on the horizon. I could count them as they be-
COMMUNICATIONS
to become visible there on the horizon. I could count them as they be-gan to come into view. The servants ... and the animals. And then you,
COMMUNICATIONS
gan to come into view. The servants ... and the animals. And then you, Abraham. Yes, it was you. You were returning from the mountain of
COMMUNICATIONS
Abraham. Yes, it was you. You were returning from the mountain of the Lord, there with the servants and the animals. The deed had been
COMMUNICATIONS
the Lord, there with the servants and the animals. The deed had been done. But wait! What is that? One more figure there on the horizon.
COMMUNICATIONS
done. But wait! What is that? One more figure there on the horizon. No, it can’t be. One more figure there. Isaac? ... ISAAC!
COMMUNICATIONS
No, it can’t be. One more figure there. Isaac? ... ISAAC!
COMMUNICATIONS
not hurt the boy, or harm him in any way. For now I know that you
COMMUNICATIONS
not hurt the boy, or harm him in any way. For now I know that you trust the Lord, for you were willing to offer your only son.
COMMUNICATIONS
trust the Lord, for you were willing to offer your only son.
Instead I received a gift that perhaps only a shepherd could
COMMUNICATIONS
Instead I received a gift that perhaps only a shepherd could
ram, caught by its horns in a thicket. Look up, Abraham.
COMMUNICATIONS ram, caught by its horns in a thicket. Look up, Abraham.
d himself will provide the sacrifice,” I had told Isaac.
COMMUNICATIONS d himself will provide the sacrifice,” I had told Isaac.
COMMUNICATIONS is it about shepherding that leads a person to look up? What is
COMMUNICATIONS is it about shepherding that leads a person to look up? What is
SAMPLES
gan to come into view. The servants ... and the animals. And then you, SAMPLES
gan to come into view. The servants ... and the animals. And then you, Abraham. Yes, it was you. You were returning from the mountain of SAMPLES
Abraham. Yes, it was you. You were returning from the mountain of the Lord, there with the servants and the animals. The deed had been SAMPLES
the Lord, there with the servants and the animals. The deed had been done. But wait! What is that? One more figure there on the horizon.
SAMPLES
done. But wait! What is that? One more figure there on the horizon. No, it can’t be. One more figure there. Isaac? ... ISAAC!
SAMPLES
No, it can’t be. One more figure there. Isaac? ... ISAAC!
Abraham!
SAMPLES
Abraham! Abraham!
SAMPLES
Abraham!
SAMPLES
e I am, Lord.
SAMPLES
e I am, Lord.
not hurt the boy, or harm him in any way. For now I know that you
SAMPLESnot hurt the boy, or harm him in any way. For now I know that you
trust the Lord, for you were willing to offer your only son.
SAMPLEStrust the Lord, for you were willing to offer your only son.
Instead I received a gift that perhaps only a shepherd could
SAMPLESInstead I received a gift that perhaps only a shepherd could
SAMPLES ram, caught by its horns in a thicket. Look up, Abraham.
SAMPLES ram, caught by its horns in a thicket. Look up, Abraham.
A Series of Special Services for Advent 19WE-2
Abraham: No, my dear Sarah! To be restored. To be alive at last. To make laughter possible once more. To open the future to the promises of God.
Voice: Abraham, come where I lead you.
Abraham: Ah. The voice of one calling like a shepherd.
Voice: Abraham, come where I lead you. The whole world will be blessed thereby.
Abraham: I will follow, Lord!
To pastures rich and green,Through valleys dark and deep,
In grace God chooses, calls, directs;The Shepherd leads his sheep.
CREATIVE
To pastures rich and green,CREATIVE
To pastures rich and green,CREATIVE
Through valleys dark and deep,
CREATIVE
Through valleys dark and deep,In grace God chooses, calls, directs;
CREATIVE
In grace God chooses, calls, directs;
CREATIVE
The Shepherd leads his sheep.
CREATIVE
The Shepherd leads his sheep.
COMMUNICATIONS
VCOMMUNICATIONS
V
Abraham:
COMMUNICATIONS
Abraham: I will follow
COMMUNICATIONS
I will follow
Through valleys dark and deep,
COMMUNICATIONS
Through valleys dark and deep,In grace God chooses, calls, directs;
COMMUNICATIONS
In grace God chooses, calls, directs;The Shepherd leads his sheep.
COMMUNICATIONS
The Shepherd leads his sheep.
SAMPLES
20 While Shepherds WatchedWE-2
Homily
—The Shepherd Abraham—A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...
It’s a message we’re accustomed to hearing during this season. It’s an image that’s easy to envision as we wait for Christmas Day.
“Easy to envision”? Make that “hard to avoid”! It seems that nearly half of our traditional Christmas hymns mention those heaven-gazing shepherds and the heavenly message they received:
• Take “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” for example. Who is harking? Why, the shepherds, of course! And the message they receive? “Glory to the newborn King!”
• “Angels from the Realms of Glory.” These are the same angels, winging their flight to Bethlehem’s shepherds, bidding them “come and worship.”
• What more needs to be said of the hymn entitled, “While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night”?
• And, lest we forget, the “We” in the title of “Angels WE Have Heard on High” is the ragtag group of sheep herders, repeating the “Glo-o-o-o-o-orious” mes-sage they had received.
A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...
WatchedWatchedWatchedWhile Shepherds
CREATIVE
HomilyCREATIVE
Homily
—The Shepherd Abraham—CREATIVE
—The Shepherd Abraham—A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...
CREATIVE
A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...
It’s a message we’re accustomed to hearing during this season. It’s an image that’s
CREATIVE
It’s a message we’re accustomed to hearing during this season. It’s an image that’s easy to envision as we wait for Christmas Day.
CREATIVE
easy to envision as we wait for Christmas Day.
“Easy to envision”? Make that “hard to avoid”! It seems that nearly half of our
CREATIVE “Easy to envision”? Make that “hard to avoid”! It seems that nearly half of our traditional Christmas hymns mention those heaven-gazing shepherds and the
CREATIVE traditional Christmas hymns mention those heaven-gazing shepherds and the
ake “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” for example. Who is harking? Why, the
CREATIVE ake “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” for example. Who is harking? Why, the shepherds, of course! And the message they receive? “Glory to the newborn
CREATIVE shepherds, of course! And the message they receive? “Glory to the newborn
COMMUNICATIONS
—The Shepherd Abraham—
COMMUNICATIONS
—The Shepherd Abraham—A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...
COMMUNICATIONS
A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...
It’s a message we’re accustomed to hearing during this season. It’s an image that’s
COMMUNICATIONS
It’s a message we’re accustomed to hearing during this season. It’s an image that’s easy to envision as we wait for Christmas Day.
COMMUNICATIONS
easy to envision as we wait for Christmas Day.
“Easy to envision”? Make that “hard to avoid”! It seems that nearly half of our
COMMUNICATIONS
“Easy to envision”? Make that “hard to avoid”! It seems that nearly half of our traditional Christmas hymns mention those heaven-gazing shepherds and the
COMMUNICATIONS
traditional Christmas hymns mention those heaven-gazing shepherds and the
ake “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” for example. Who is harking? Why, the
COMMUNICATIONS
ake “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” for example. Who is harking? Why, the shepherds, of course! And the message they receive? “Glory to the newborn
COMMUNICATIONS
shepherds, of course! And the message they receive? “Glory to the newborn
from the Realms of Glory.” These are the same angels, winging their
COMMUNICATIONS
from the Realms of Glory.” These are the same angels, winging their flight to Bethlehem’s shepherds, bidding them “come and worship.”
COMMUNICATIONS flight to Bethlehem’s shepherds, bidding them “come and worship.”
hat more needs to be said of the hymn entitled, “While Shepherds Watched
COMMUNICATIONS hat more needs to be said of the hymn entitled, “While Shepherds Watched
nd, lest we forget, the “We” in the title of “Angels WE Have Heard on High”
COMMUNICATIONS nd, lest we forget, the “We” in the title of “Angels WE Have Heard on High” is the ragtag group of sheep herders, repeating the “Glo-o-o-o-o-orious” mes-
COMMUNICATIONS is the ragtag group of sheep herders, repeating the “Glo-o-o-o-o-orious” mes-
SAMPLES
A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...SAMPLES
A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...
It’s a message we’re accustomed to hearing during this season. It’s an image that’s SAMPLES
It’s a message we’re accustomed to hearing during this season. It’s an image that’s easy to envision as we wait for Christmas Day.
SAMPLES
easy to envision as we wait for Christmas Day.
“Easy to envision”? Make that “hard to avoid”! It seems that nearly half of our
SAMPLES
“Easy to envision”? Make that “hard to avoid”! It seems that nearly half of our traditional Christmas hymns mention those heaven-gazing shepherds and the
SAMPLES
traditional Christmas hymns mention those heaven-gazing shepherds and the heavenly message they received:
SAMPLES
heavenly message they received:
ake “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” for example. Who is harking? Why, the
SAMPLESake “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” for example. Who is harking? Why, the
shepherds, of course! And the message they receive? “Glory to the newborn
SAMPLESshepherds, of course! And the message they receive? “Glory to the newborn
from the Realms of Glory.” These are the same angels, winging their
SAMPLESfrom the Realms of Glory.” These are the same angels, winging their flight to Bethlehem’s shepherds, bidding them “come and worship.”
SAMPLESflight to Bethlehem’s shepherds, bidding them “come and worship.”
hat more needs to be said of the hymn entitled, “While Shepherds Watched
SAMPLEShat more needs to be said of the hymn entitled, “While Shepherds Watched
A Series of Special Services for Advent 21WE-2
... his name was ABRAHAM.
Were you surprised? Surprised to hear not the voices of frightened, happy Bethlehem shepherds this first week of Advent ... but the ancient voices of Abraham and Sarah?
Were you surprised?
Perhaps it isn’t so surprising. In fact, in listening to the voices today we may have stumbled upon the notion that all of this—all of this shepherd business—is par for God’s course! Consider the facts:
• A shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...
• The promise had to do with the birth of a baby ...
• The baby is ... an IMPOSSIBLE baby. Keep in mind that, although virgins and barren, elderly women are at opposite ends of the spectrum, the possibility of a baby coming from either source is equally bleak ...
• The promised baby had something significant to do with nothing less than ... GOD’S GREAT PLAN TO SAVE A FALLEN HUMANITY! This, again, is an “opposite ends of the spectrum” idea. Isaac, the first promised baby, sig-nified the beginning of a great nation—the same nation, fed on God’s word and God’s will, that would eventually cradle the Christ Child.
But there is more! There is the SACRIFICE.
And here, again, we find a significant similarity in our heaven-gazing shepherds.
In each case, GOD HIMSELF provides the means of salvation. A ram is sent down—ENTANGLED in a thicket to save Isaac’s life. Isn’t it ironic? Abraham was a shepherd. He certainly could have provided a ram had God asked for one. But no ... GOD provided the ram. GOD provided the sacrifice.
And ... well, you certainly must have figured out where I’m going. Any of you who have seen a baby swaddled (and, yes, they still swaddle babies. Go to any hospital nursery and wait ... and watch ... and you will see a nurse wrap a receiving blanket around a baby with swift, tight proficiency) .... Any of you who have seen a baby swaddled know how ... what? ... ENTANGLED they are ....
CREATIVE
God’s course! Consider the facts:CREATIVE
God’s course! Consider the facts:
shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...CREATIVE
shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...
omise had to do with the birth of a baby ...
CREATIVE
omise had to do with the birth of a baby ...
he baby is ... an IMPOSSIBLE baby. Keep in mind that, although virgins and
CREATIVE
he baby is ... an IMPOSSIBLE baby. Keep in mind that, although virgins and barren, elderly women are at opposite ends of the spectrum, the possibility
CREATIVE
barren, elderly women are at opposite ends of the spectrum, the possibility of a baby coming from either source is equally bleak ...
CREATIVE
of a baby coming from either source is equally bleak ...
promised baby had something significant to do with nothing less than
CREATIVE
promised baby had something significant to do with nothing less than ... GOD’S GREAT PLAN TO SAVE A FALLEN HUMANITY! This, again, is
CREATIVE ... GOD’S GREAT PLAN TO SAVE A FALLEN HUMANITY! This, again, is an “opposite ends of the spectrum” idea. Isaac, the first promised baby, sig-
CREATIVE an “opposite ends of the spectrum” idea. Isaac, the first promised baby, sig-nified the beginning of a great nation—the same nation, fed on God’s word
CREATIVE nified the beginning of a great nation—the same nation, fed on God’s word and God’s will, that would eventually cradle the Christ Child.
CREATIVE and God’s will, that would eventually cradle the Christ Child.
COMMUNICATIONS
Were you surprised?COMMUNICATIONS
Were you surprised?
Perhaps it isn’t so surprising. In fact, in listening to the voices today we may have COMMUNICATIONS
Perhaps it isn’t so surprising. In fact, in listening to the voices today we may have stumbled upon the notion that all of this—all of this shepherd business—is par for COMMUNICATIONS
stumbled upon the notion that all of this—all of this shepherd business—is par for God’s course! Consider the facts:
COMMUNICATIONS
God’s course! Consider the facts:
shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...
COMMUNICATIONS
shepherd looked to the sky, received a promise, and believed ...
omise had to do with the birth of a baby ...
COMMUNICATIONS
omise had to do with the birth of a baby ...
he baby is ... an IMPOSSIBLE baby. Keep in mind that, although virgins and
COMMUNICATIONS
he baby is ... an IMPOSSIBLE baby. Keep in mind that, although virgins and barren, elderly women are at opposite ends of the spectrum, the possibility
COMMUNICATIONS
barren, elderly women are at opposite ends of the spectrum, the possibility of a baby coming from either source is equally bleak ...
COMMUNICATIONS
of a baby coming from either source is equally bleak ...
promised baby had something significant to do with nothing less than
COMMUNICATIONS
promised baby had something significant to do with nothing less than ... GOD’S GREAT PLAN TO SAVE A FALLEN HUMANITY! This, again, is
COMMUNICATIONS
... GOD’S GREAT PLAN TO SAVE A FALLEN HUMANITY! This, again, is an “opposite ends of the spectrum” idea. Isaac, the first promised baby, sig-
COMMUNICATIONS
an “opposite ends of the spectrum” idea. Isaac, the first promised baby, sig-nified the beginning of a great nation—the same nation, fed on God’s word
COMMUNICATIONS
nified the beginning of a great nation—the same nation, fed on God’s word and God’s will, that would eventually cradle the Christ Child.
COMMUNICATIONS
and God’s will, that would eventually cradle the Christ Child.
And here, again, we find a significant similarity in our heaven-gazing shepherds.
COMMUNICATIONS
And here, again, we find a significant similarity in our heaven-gazing shepherds.
COMMUNICATIONS
In each case, GOD HIMSELF provides the means of salvation. A ram is sent
COMMUNICATIONS
In each case, GOD HIMSELF provides the means of salvation. A ram is sent down—ENTANGLED in a thicket to save Isaac’s life. Isn’t it ironic? Abraham was
COMMUNICATIONS down—ENTANGLED in a thicket to save Isaac’s life. Isn’t it ironic? Abraham was a shepherd. He certainly could have provided a ram had God asked for one. But
COMMUNICATIONS a shepherd. He certainly could have provided a ram had God asked for one. But
COMMUNICATIONS And ... well, you certainly must have figured out where I’m going. Any of you who
COMMUNICATIONS And ... well, you certainly must have figured out where I’m going. Any of you who have seen a baby swaddled (and, yes, they still swaddle babies. Go to any hospital
COMMUNICATIONS have seen a baby swaddled (and, yes, they still swaddle babies. Go to any hospital nursery and wait ... and watch ... and you will see a nurse wrap a receiving blanket
COMMUNICATIONS nursery and wait ... and watch ... and you will see a nurse wrap a receiving blanket
SAMPLES
barren, elderly women are at opposite ends of the spectrum, the possibility SAMPLES
barren, elderly women are at opposite ends of the spectrum, the possibility of a baby coming from either source is equally bleak ...SAMPLES
of a baby coming from either source is equally bleak ...
promised baby had something significant to do with nothing less than
SAMPLES
promised baby had something significant to do with nothing less than ... GOD’S GREAT PLAN TO SAVE A FALLEN HUMANITY! This, again, is
SAMPLES
... GOD’S GREAT PLAN TO SAVE A FALLEN HUMANITY! This, again, is an “opposite ends of the spectrum” idea. Isaac, the first promised baby, sig-
SAMPLES
an “opposite ends of the spectrum” idea. Isaac, the first promised baby, sig-nified the beginning of a great nation—the same nation, fed on God’s word
SAMPLES
nified the beginning of a great nation—the same nation, fed on God’s word and God’s will, that would eventually cradle the Christ Child.
SAMPLES
and God’s will, that would eventually cradle the Christ Child.
But there is more! There is the SACRIFICE.
SAMPLESBut there is more! There is the SACRIFICE.
And here, again, we find a significant similarity in our heaven-gazing shepherds.
SAMPLESAnd here, again, we find a significant similarity in our heaven-gazing shepherds.
SAMPLESIn each case, GOD HIMSELF provides the means of salvation. A ram is sent
SAMPLESIn each case, GOD HIMSELF provides the means of salvation. A ram is sent down—ENTANGLED in a thicket to save Isaac’s life. Isn’t it ironic? Abraham was
SAMPLESdown—ENTANGLED in a thicket to save Isaac’s life. Isn’t it ironic? Abraham was a shepherd. He certainly could have provided a ram had God asked for one. But
SAMPLESa shepherd. He certainly could have provided a ram had God asked for one. But no ... GOD provided the ram. GOD provided the sacrifice.
SAMPLESno ... GOD provided the ram. GOD provided the sacrifice.
22 While Shepherds WatchedWE-2
Is that what the Bethlehem shepherds saw? That IS what the angel bid them see, after all—”A baby, WRAPPED IN SWADDLING CLOTHES.” How far is that from what Abraham saw when he first gazed at the ram?
A shepherd looked to the heavens, received a promise, and believed ...
He may not be the shepherd we were expecting this Advent season.
But the promise is really the same, isn’t it?
And so is the GOD who made the promise!
And when it comes right down to it ... isn’t SALVATION what this God was up to all along?
CREATIVE
And so is the GOD who made the promise!CREATIVE
And so is the GOD who made the promise!
And when it comes right down to it ... isn’t SALVATION what this God was up to
CREATIVE
And when it comes right down to it ... isn’t SALVATION what this God was up to
COMMUNICATIONS
He may not be the shepherd we were expecting this Advent season.COMMUNICATIONS
He may not be the shepherd we were expecting this Advent season.
But the promise is really the same, isn’t it?COMMUNICATIONS
But the promise is really the same, isn’t it?
And so is the GOD who made the promise!
COMMUNICATIONS
And so is the GOD who made the promise!
And when it comes right down to it ... isn’t SALVATION what this God was up to
COMMUNICATIONS
And when it comes right down to it ... isn’t SALVATION what this God was up to
SAMPLES
A Series of Special Services for Advent 23WE-2
Prayers
—The Shepherd Abraham—Prayer Of The Day
Stir up, O Lord, your mighty power. Come quickly. Save us. We need protection from the grave dangers of our sins. We require release from the sin-shackles that bind us. You, O Key of David, have the power to forever free us, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
PrayersO Shepherd of Israel, you lead your people like a flock. Come and lead us now, we pray.
In order that we may not want, lead us to the green pastures of your gracious Word and to the still waters of your precious promises.
In order that our faith may flourish, lift our eyes, as once you lifted those of Abra-ham, to anticipate the blessings you bestow upon us through the promised seed of Abraham, Jesus Christ our Lord, the perfect sacrifice whom you provided so that we may not perish, but have eternal life.
Within the congregations of your Church, send faithful shepherds to call your people with your own voice and lead them in the paths of righteousness for your name’s sake.
WatchedWatchedWatchedWhile Shepherds
CREATIVE
PrayersCREATIVE
Prayers
—The Shepherd Abraham—CREATIVE
—The Shepherd Abraham—Prayer Of The Day
CREATIVE
Prayer Of The DayStir up, O Lord, your mighty power. Come quickly. Save us. We need protection
CREATIVE
Stir up, O Lord, your mighty power. Come quickly. Save us. We need protection from the grave dangers of our sins. We require release from the sin-shackles that
CREATIVE from the grave dangers of our sins. We require release from the sin-shackles that bind us. You, O Key of David, have the power to forever free us, for you live and
CREATIVE bind us. You, O Key of David, have the power to forever free us, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
CREATIVE reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
COMMUNICATIONS
—The Shepherd Abraham—
COMMUNICATIONS
—The Shepherd Abraham—Prayer Of The Day
COMMUNICATIONS
Prayer Of The DayStir up, O Lord, your mighty power. Come quickly. Save us. We need protection
COMMUNICATIONS
Stir up, O Lord, your mighty power. Come quickly. Save us. We need protection from the grave dangers of our sins. We require release from the sin-shackles that
COMMUNICATIONS
from the grave dangers of our sins. We require release from the sin-shackles that bind us. You, O Key of David, have the power to forever free us, for you live and
COMMUNICATIONS
bind us. You, O Key of David, have the power to forever free us, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
COMMUNICATIONS
reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
Prayers
COMMUNICATIONS
PrayersO Shepherd of Israel, you lead your people like a flock. Come and lead us now, we
COMMUNICATIONS
O Shepherd of Israel, you lead your people like a flock. Come and lead us now, we
In order that we may not want, lead us to the green pastures of your gracious Word
COMMUNICATIONS In order that we may not want, lead us to the green pastures of your gracious Word
In order that our faith may flourish, lift our eyes, as once you lifted those of Abra-
COMMUNICATIONS In order that our faith may flourish, lift our eyes, as once you lifted those of Abra-ham, to anticipate the blessings you bestow upon us through the promised seed of
COMMUNICATIONS ham, to anticipate the blessings you bestow upon us through the promised seed of Abraham, Jesus Christ our Lord, the perfect sacrifice whom you provided so that
COMMUNICATIONS Abraham, Jesus Christ our Lord, the perfect sacrifice whom you provided so that
SAMPLES
Stir up, O Lord, your mighty power. Come quickly. Save us. We need protection
SAMPLES
Stir up, O Lord, your mighty power. Come quickly. Save us. We need protection from the grave dangers of our sins. We require release from the sin-shackles that
SAMPLES
from the grave dangers of our sins. We require release from the sin-shackles that bind us. You, O Key of David, have the power to forever free us, for you live and
SAMPLES
bind us. You, O Key of David, have the power to forever free us, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
SAMPLES
reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
Prayers
SAMPLESPrayers
O Shepherd of Israel, you lead your people like a flock. Come and lead us now, we
SAMPLESO Shepherd of Israel, you lead your people like a flock. Come and lead us now, we
In order that we may not want, lead us to the green pastures of your gracious Word
SAMPLESIn order that we may not want, lead us to the green pastures of your gracious Word and to the still waters of your precious promises.
SAMPLESand to the still waters of your precious promises.
24 While Shepherds WatchedWE-2
In the midst of the joy which surrounds us in these days, let your rod and staff com-fort those who walk through dark valleys: the sick and the sorrowing, the needy and the afflicted, the hungry and the homeless, and those who wander like sheep without a shepherd. Anoint them with the oil of your compassion, and let their cups of blessing overflow.
Let there be peace on earth, O God. Wherever there is strife, let good will prevail.
And lift our eyes, as once you lifted Abraham’s, to the joy which awaits when Christ, who came as you had promised, will come again. Unite us then with Abraham and Sarah, with Isaac and Rebekah, with all the faithful saints who heard your Word and did your will, trusting in your wondrous promises.
It is in the name of Jesus Christ we pray, fulfiller of your Word.
Amen.
CREATIVE
who came as you had promised, will come again. Unite us then with Abraham and CREATIVE
who came as you had promised, will come again. Unite us then with Abraham and Sarah, with Isaac and Rebekah, with all the faithful saints who heard your Word CREATIVE
Sarah, with Isaac and Rebekah, with all the faithful saints who heard your Word CREATIVE
and did your will, trusting in your wondrous promises.CREATIVE
and did your will, trusting in your wondrous promises.
It is in the name of Jesus Christ we pray, fulfiller of your Word.
CREATIVE
It is in the name of Jesus Christ we pray, fulfiller of your Word.
COMMUNICATIONS
Let there be peace on earth, O God. Wherever there is strife, let good will prevail.COMMUNICATIONS
Let there be peace on earth, O God. Wherever there is strife, let good will prevail.
And lift our eyes, as once you lifted Abraham’s, to the joy which awaits when Christ, COMMUNICATIONS
And lift our eyes, as once you lifted Abraham’s, to the joy which awaits when Christ, who came as you had promised, will come again. Unite us then with Abraham and
COMMUNICATIONS
who came as you had promised, will come again. Unite us then with Abraham and Sarah, with Isaac and Rebekah, with all the faithful saints who heard your Word
COMMUNICATIONS
Sarah, with Isaac and Rebekah, with all the faithful saints who heard your Word
COMMUNICATIONS
and did your will, trusting in your wondrous promises.
COMMUNICATIONS
and did your will, trusting in your wondrous promises.
It is in the name of Jesus Christ we pray, fulfiller of your Word.
COMMUNICATIONS
It is in the name of Jesus Christ we pray, fulfiller of your Word.
SAMPLES