A Letter to Mary’s Mother 2.0
[Matthew 2:1-12 ESV] Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
[Isaiah 60:1-6 ESV] Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD.
Call To Worship – Psalm 72:1-8 – responsive reading #795
Leader:
1 Give the king your justice, O God,
All:
and your righteousness to the royal son!
Leader:
2 May he judge your people with righteousness,
All:
and your poor with justice!
Leader:
3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness!
and the hills, in righteousness!
All:
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the needy,
and crush the oppressor!
give deliverance to the needy,
and crush the oppressor!
Leader:
5 May he live while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon,
throughout all generations!
and as long as the moon,
throughout all generations!
All:
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth!
like showers that water the earth!
Leader:
7 In his days may righteousness flourish,
and peace abound,
till the moon be no more!
and peace abound,
till the moon be no more!
All:
8 May he have dominion from sea to sea,
and from the river to the ends of the earth!
and from the river to the ends of the earth!
Music
#254 – We Three Kings v 1-4
#245 – The First Noel
#242 – Love Came Down at Christmas
#245 – The First Noel
#242 – Love Came Down at Christmas
#228 – He is Born