Our Sacred Roots: The Priesthood of All Believers

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Our Sacred Roots: The Priesthood of All Believers

T h e U r b a n M i n i s t r y I n s t i t u t e a m i n i s t r y o f W o r l d I m p a c t , I n c .

Our Sacred Roots: The Priesthood of All Believers

The Sacred Roots Annual 2021-2022 Revised Common Lectionary Year C

TUMI Press • 3701 East 13th Street Nor th, Suite 100 • Wichita, Kansas 67208

Our Sacred Roots: The Priesthood of All Believers The Sacred Roots Annual 2021-2022

© 2021. The Urban Ministry Institute. All Rights Reserved. Copying, redistribution, and/or sale of these materials, or any unauthorized transmission, except as may be expressly permitted by the 1976 Copyright Act or in writing from the publisher is prohibited. Requests for permission should be addressed in writing to:

The Urban Ministry Institute 3701 East 13th Street, Suite 100 Wichita, KS 67208

Published by TUMI Press, a division of World Impact, Inc. The Urban Ministry Institute is a ministry of World Impact, Inc.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, © 2001 by Crossway Bible, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved.

Table of Contents

The Season of Advent: The Coming of Christ

10

Nov. 28 - Dec. 4, 2021 •

Week 1

First Sunday of Advent: Anticipation

14

Dec. 5 - 11 • Second Sunday of Advent: Annunciation

Week 2

20

Dec. 12 - 18 • Third Sunday of Advent: Affirmation

Week 3

26

Dec. 19 - 25 • Fourth Sunday of Advent: Arrival

Week 4

32

The Celebration of Christmas: The Birth of Christ

38

Dec. 24 • Christmas Eve

43

Dec. 25 • Christmas Day: The Nativity of the Lord

48

Dec. 26, 2021 - Jan. 1, 2022 •

Week 5

First Sunday after Christmas Day

54

Jan. 1, 2022 • Holy Name of Jesus / New Year’s Day

60

Jan. 2 - 8 • Second Sunday after Christmas Day

Week 6

66

The Season after Epiphany: The Manifestation of Christ

72

Jan. 6 • The Epiphany of the Lord

76

Jan. 9 - 15 • The Baptism of the Lord,

Week 7

First Sunday after the Epiphany

82

Jan. 16 - 22 • Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Week 8

88

Jan. 23 - 29 • Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Week 9

94

Week 10 Jan. 30 - Feb. 5 • Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany 100 Feb. 2 • The Presentation of the Lord 106 Week 11 Feb. 6 - 12 • Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany 112 Week 12 Feb. 13 - 19 • Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany 118 Week 13 Feb. 20 - 26 • Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany 124 Week 14 Feb. 27 - Mar. 5 • Transfiguration Sunday, Last Sunday before Lent 130

The Season of Lent: The Lowliness of Christ

136

Mar. 2 • Ash Wednesday

142

Week 15 Mar. 6 - 12 • First Sunday in Lent

148

Week 16 Mar. 13 - 19 • Second Sunday in Lent

154

Week 17 Mar. 20 - 26 • Third Sunday in Lent

160

Week 18 Mar. 27 - Apr. 2 • Fourth Sunday in Lent

166

Week 19 Apr. 3 - 9 • Fifth Sunday in Lent

172

The Observance of HolyWeek: The Passion of Christ

178

Week 20 Apr. 10 - 16 • Palm Sunday, Sixth Sunday in Lent

182

Apr. 11 • Monday of Holy Week

188

Apr. 12 • Tuesday of Holy Week

194

Apr. 13 • Wednesday of Holy Week

200

Apr. 14 • Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)

206

Apr. 15 • Good Friday

212

Apr. 16 • Holy Saturday

218

The Season from Easter to Pentecost: Eastertide The Resurrection of Christ

224

Week 21 Apr. 17 - 23 • Easter Sunday, Resurrection of the Lord 228 Week 22 Apr. 24 - 30 • Second Sunday of Easter 234 Week 23 May 1 - 7 • Third Sunday of Easter 240 Week 24 May 8 - 14 • Fourth Sunday of Easter 246

The Season from Easter to Pentecost: Eastertide The Ascension of Christ

252

Week 25 May 15 - 21 • Fifth Sunday of Easter

256

Week 26 May 22 - 28 • Sixth Sunday of Easter

262

May 26 • The Ascension of the Lord

268

Week 27 May 29 - June 4 • Seventh Sunday of Easter

274

Week 28 June 5 - 11 • Day of Pentecost

280

The Season after Pentecost: Kingdomtide The Coming of the Holy Spirit

286

Week 29 June 12 - 18 • Trinity Sunday,

First Sunday after Pentecost

290

Week 30 June 19 - 25 • Second Sunday after Pentecost

296

Week 31 June 26 - July 2 • Third Sunday after Pentecost

302

Week 32 July 3 - 9 • Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

308

Week 33 July 10 - 16 • Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

314

The Season after Pentecost: Kingdomtide A Season of Christ’s Headship

320

Week 34 July 17 - 23 • Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

324

Week 35 July 24 - 30 • Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

330

Week 36 July 31 - Aug. 6 • Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

336

Week 37 Aug. 7 - 13 • Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

342

Week 38 Aug. 14 - 20 • Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

348

The Season after Pentecost: Kingdomtide A Season of Christ’s Harvest

354

Week 39 Aug. 21 - 27 • Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

358

Week 40 Aug. 28 - Sept. 3 • Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

364

Week 41 Sept. 4 - 10 • Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

370

Week 42 Sept. 11 - 17 • Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

376

Week 43 Sept. 18 - 24 • Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

382

The Season after Pentecost: Kingdomtide A Season of Christ’s Hope

388

Week 44 Sept. 25 - Oct. 1 • Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

392

Week 45 Oct. 2 - 8 • Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

398

Week 46 Oct. 9 - 15 • Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

404

Week 47 Oct. 16 - 22 • Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

410

Week 48 Oct. 23 - 29 • Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

416

The Season after Pentecost: Kingdomtide Remembering the Saints, Exalting the King

422

Week 49 Oct. 30 - Nov. 5 • Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost 429 Oct. 31 • Reformation Day 435 Nov. 1 • All Saints Day 440 Week 50 Nov. 6 - 12 • Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost 446 Week 51 Nov. 13 - 19 • Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost 452 Week 52 Nov. 20 - 26 • Reign of Christ the King 458 Nov. 24 • Thanksgiving Day (USA) 464

The Season of Advent The Coming of Christ

November 28 - December 23, 2021

“an Ark that saves God’s people”

1 Peter 3.20 . . . because they formerly did not obey,

when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

Advent is a season of anticipation and repentance which focuses on the First and Second Comings of Christ. The dual focus means that Advent both begins and ends the Christian Year (Isa. 9.1-7, 11.1-16; Mark 1.1-8). The Coming of Christ Advent anticipates the First and Second Comings of our Lord. God’s prophets foretold his Coming, and angels announced his birth to Mary and the shepherds. We affirm God’s promise fulfilled in the arrival of Messiah in Bethlehem. Week 1: Anticipation The Advent wreath reminds us of God’s eternal love, without a beginning, without an end. The candles remind us of Christ’s light coming into the world. We light the first candle looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, Immanuel, God-with-us. Week 2: Annunciation We light the second candle to announce the birth of the Savior King, as the angel Gabriel announced to Mary, and the angels announced to the shepherds. Week 3: Affirmation We light the third candle recognizing the fulfillment of God’s promise of our salvation. Week 4: Arrival We light the fourth candle in celebration of the arrival of the baby, born in a stable at Bethlehem, whose name is Immanuel, God-with-us. Celebrating Advent Advent season is the start of the Church Year calendar. By observing the Church Year, we remind ourselves that we do

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not belong to this world but operate in the earth as a peculiar people whose citizenship is in the New Jerusalem. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival” and the season has a dual focus of remembering the first coming of Christ and looking forward to his second coming. Theologically speaking, the season of Advent signifies a time of both preparation and hope. Therefore, preaching during Advent has traditionally emphasized both repentance and joy. Like other seasons in the Church Year, at Advent we use colors to remind us of theological truths. The primary color of Advent is purple (the color of royalty) which is used to remind us that we are awaiting the coming of a king. The secondary color of Advent is green (the color of life) used to remind us that God is sending the One who will make all things new. The Advent candles consist of five candles: three purple, one pink, and one white candle. The purple candles (lit on the Sundays of week one, two, and four) remind us that we are awaiting royalty, and the sole pink candle (which is lit on the third week), affirms God’s intent to eliminate all fear and restore creation through the coming Messiah. The final white center candle (called the Christ Candle), is lit on Christmas Day, and calls us to rejoice in the incarnation of the Son of God into the world. The greenery around the candle reminds us that we are proclaiming the promise of new life that Messiah brings. The flames of the candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world who shines in the darkness and that the darkness cannot overcome the light. By lighting one new candle each week we remind ourselves that God is doing something in the world and that more is yet to come. • The first candle is the Anticipation candle which remembers the prophecies made about the Messiah who was to come.

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• The second candle is the Annunciation (i.e. announcement) candle which remembers the an nouncement made by Gabriel to Mary and by the angels to the shepherds. • The third candle is the Affirmation candle which recognizes that by sending the Messiah, God has affirmed and fulfilled the promises that he made to humanity.

• The fourth candle is the Arrival candle which celebrates the birth of Christ.

• The center white candle, called the Christ Candle, is lit on Christmas Day – “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus! Let us all with one voice join together with Charles Wesley (1744) and Rowland Hugh Prichard (1855) in singing: Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free. From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of ev’ry nation, joy of ev’ry longing heart. Born Thy people to deliver, born a Child and yet a King. Born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit, rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all-sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.

© Public Domain.

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First Sunday of Advent: Anticipation November 28 - December 4, 2021

WEEK 1

Advent joyously affirms the First and Second comings of our Lord. Through the prophets, God foretold the Messiah’s appearing to his people, Israel. Through the angels, he announced his birth to Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds. Let us reverently ponder the sure promise of God – the Deliverer will come and ransom captive Israel and the world.

THIS WEEK’S THEME God Fulfills His Promise, Jeremiah 33.14-16

The expectation of the Kingdom is a vision of restoration and blessing, of the Lord turning desolate streets and uninhabited cities into places where mirth, gladness, and song resound. The Lord promises that the days are coming when he will fulfill the promise he has made to Israel and Judah, and that he will raise up a righteous Branch for David’s throne. As the Lord of covenant faithfulness and grace, he will keep his word – the One whose name is “the Lord is our righteousness” shall come, in God’s time, for God’s glory.

Daily Devotional Guide Preparing Our Hearts

Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation O LORD Jesus Christ, Who hast warned us that “in such an hour as we know not the Son of man cometh,” make us so watchful every day that we may be truly prepared when it shall please Thee to call us hence, and grant us then a share in those eternal joys which Thou hast prepared for Thy faithful servants, O Lord, Thou Lover of souls. Amen. ~ Rev. G. H. Sharpe, A.D. 1891, in Selina Fitzherbert Fox, A Chain of Prayer Across the Ages: Forty Centuries of Prayer from 2000 B.C.-A.D. 1916 . New York, NY: E.P. Dutton, 1943. p. 211.

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Call toWorship Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, amen. Praising Our God Te Deum Laudamus You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.

Praise and Thanksgiving (Songs and Prayers)

Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father, And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.

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Listening to His Voice

Chronological Reading for the Day Sunday: Gen. 1-3

Monday: Gen. 4-6; 1 Chron. 1.1-4 Tuesday: Gen. 7-10; 1 Chron. 1.5-23 Wednesday: Gen. 11-14; 1 Chron. 1.24-27 Thursday: Gen. 15-17 Friday: Gen. 18-20 Saturday: Gen. 21-24

Lectionary Readings Psalm: Ps. 25.1-10 Gospel: Luke 21.25-36

OT: Jer. 33.14-16 NT: 1 Thess. 3.9-13

Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling

Responding in Faith

The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. * In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).

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Prayers of Confession Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need. Assurance of Pardon Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen. Petitions and Supplications, Ending with the Lord’s Prayer Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

~ Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)

Doxology (and/or closing song) Praise God fromwhom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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Departing to Serve

Benediction Stir up, O Lord, Thy power, and come; and mercifully fulfil that which Thou hast promised to Thy Church unto the end of the world. Stir up, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our hearts to prepare the ways of Thine Only-begotten Son; that by His Advent we may be enabled to serve Thee with purifiedminds; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

~ Gelasian Sacramentary, in J. Robert Wright, Readings for the Daily Office from the Early Church . NewYork: The Church Hymnal Corporation, 1991. p. 16.

Affirmation for the Day Sunday: The LORD God has promised to end war and pain and to consummate his Kingdom, in his own time and method. Monday: The Lord will fulfill the promise that he made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Tuesday: In the days of the fulfillment of his promise, the Father will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, the Messiah. Wednesday: The Messiah of God will execute justice and righteousness in the land, ushering in God’s kingdom life among his people. Thursday: In the days of Messiah, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell securely. Friday: Jerusalem will become the namesake of the LORD, being called: “The LORD is our righteousness.” Saturday: The hope of Messiah’s coming is the anchor of our spirituality, faith, and service to God.

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Pray without Ceasing – Flash Prayer for the Day Fulfill your promise, O God, and send Messiah to us to restore and reclaim this world as your own.

For Your Weekly Journey

Weekly Reflection on the Priesthood of All Believers Christianity can never be understood when we begin with ourselves. We must recognize that the God of the universe, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is acting in history to bring about his own purposes for his glory. “God is telling his own Story and acting in his own unfolding drama, a true tale which culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ.” The person and work of the Triune God as revealed in Scripture are the objective foundation of the story.

~ Ryan Carter, Guard the Good Deposit: The Great Tradition for the Whole Church. Wichita: TUMI Press, 2019, elec. ed. Location: 267.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus God Fulfills His Promise , Jeremiah 33.14-16

Book Reading Carter, Guard the Good Deposit

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Second Sunday of Advent: Annunciation December 5 - 11, 2021 Advent joyously affirms the First and Second comings of our Lord. Through the prophets, God foretold the Messiah’s appearing to his people, Israel. Through the angels, he announced his birth to Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds. Let us reverently ponder the sure promise of God – the Deliverer will come and ransom captive Israel and the world. The Lord God of Israel, the Maker of the universe, has promised to visit and to redeem his people, and to raise up for them a horn of salvation in the house of David, his champion and servant. This coincides with what he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old: he promised that he would save his people from their enemies, restore all things under his reign, show the mercy promised to their fathers, and remember his holy covenant to Abraham and to David. The Lord will visit and redeem his people. WEEK 2 THIS WEEK’S THEME The Lord Visits and Redeems His People, Luke 1.68-79

Daily Devotional Guide Preparing Our Hearts

Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation O GOD, Father of mercies, Who didst so love the world that Thou didst give Thine only begotten Son to take our nature upon Him for us men and for our salvation, grant to us who, by His first coming, have been called into Thy Kingdom of grace, that we may always abide in Him, and be found watching and ready when He shall come again to call us to Thy Kingdom of glory; through Jesus Christ. Amen. ~ Rev. H. Stobart, Nineteenth Century, in Selina Fitzherbert Fox, A Chain of Prayer Across the Ages: Forty Centuries of Prayer, 2000 B.C.-A.D. 1916 . NewYork: E. P. Dutton, 1943. p. 211.

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Call toWorship Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, amen. Praising Our God Te Deum Laudamus You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.

Praise and Thanksgiving (Songs and Prayers)

Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father, And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.

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Listening to His Voice Chronological Reading for the Day Sunday: Gen. 25; 1 Chron. 1.28-34 Monday: Gen. 26-27 Tuesday: Gen. 28-29 Wednesday: Gen. 30-31 Thursday: Gen. 32.1-35.27 Friday: Gen. 36; 1 Chron. 1.35-2.2 Saturday: Gen. 37-39; 1 Chron. 2.3-6, 8

Lectionary Readings Psalm: Luke 1.68-79 Gospel: Luke 3.1-6

OT: Mal 3.1-4

NT: Phil. 1.3-11

Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling

Responding in Faith

The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. * In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).

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Prayers of Confession Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need. Assurance of Pardon Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen. Petitions and Supplications, Ending with the Lord’s Prayer Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

~ Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)

Doxology (and/or closing song) Praise God fromwhom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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Departing to Serve

Benediction Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of Thy people; that as they rejoice in the Advent of Thine only-begotten Son according to the flesh, so when He cometh a second time in His Majesty, they may receive the reward of eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

~ Gelasian Sacramentary, in J. Robert Wright, Readings for the Daily Office from the Early Church . NewYork: The Church Hymnal Corporation, 1991. p. 18.

Affirmation for the Day Sunday: The Lord God of Israel promised to visit and redeem his people, having raised up a horn of salvation for them in the house David. Monday: Through the mouths of his holy prophets of old, God promised his people that they would be saved from their enemies. Tuesday: God promised to show mercy to the people of Israel and to remember his oath and holy covenant that he swore to their father Abraham. Wednesday: God swore that his people would be delivered from their enemies and serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness. Thursday: John is the prophet of the Most High, charged to prepare the Lord’s way and give knowledge of his salvation to his people. Friday: Because of God’s tender mercy, the Messiah will visit us from on high, giving light to those sitting in darkness and in death’s shadow. Saturday: The Messiah will ultimately guide the feet of his people into the way of peace.

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Pray without Ceasing – Flash Prayer for the Day O God, who has never cast off his people, remember your covenant with Jacob, and with Isaac, and Abraham, and save for yourself a remnant who will glorify your name.

For Your Weekly Journey

Weekly Reflection on the Priesthood of All Believers We are the people of this story. We stand inside the unfolding drama of the Triune God. We live between Acts and Revelation as a part of the biblical narrative. What do we do? What part do we play? We respond to and participate in God’s person and work. Our goal is simply to help infuse the whole life of the Church with the story of God. The subjective side of the Story of God outlines four dimensions of our part in the story. Guarding the good deposit will mean rediscovering our sacred roots in our theology (or beliefs), worship, spirituality, and witness.

~ Ryan Carter, Guard the Good Deposit: The Great Tradition for the Whole Church. Wichita: TUMI Press, 2019, elec. ed. Location 318, 322.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus God Fulfills His Promise , Jeremiah 33.14-16

Book Reading Carter, Guard the Good Deposit

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Third Sunday of Advent: Affirmation December 12 - 18, 2021

WEEK 3

Advent joyously affirms the First and Second comings of our Lord. Through the prophets, God foretold the Messiah’s appearing to his people, Israel. Through the angels, he announced his birth to Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds. Let us reverently ponder the sure promise of God – the Deliverer will come and ransom captive Israel and the world.

THIS WEEK’S THEME TheWells of Salvation, Isaiah 12.2-6

Our God is the true God of salvation; in him we trust, and we need never fear anything for he is our strength and our song, and our salvation. Because of the blessed hope of the Messiah’s coming we have joy, and we will draw water from the wells of salvation. As believers clinging to the hope of eternal life in Jesus, we give the Lord thanks, call upon his name, and make his deeds known among the peoples of the earth. We declare the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, to be great in the midst of his people.

Daily Devotional Guide Preparing Our Hearts

Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation Blessed Lord, who has caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of thy holy Word, wemay embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

~ Book of English Collects, 1549, in Roger Geffen, The Handbook of Public Prayer. NewYork, NY: The Macmillan Company, 1963. p. 69.

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Call toWorship Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, amen. Praising Our God Te Deum Laudamus You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.

Praise and Thanksgiving (Songs and Prayers)

Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father, And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.

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Listening to His Voice Chronological Reading for the Day Sunday: Gen. 35.28-29; Gen. 40-41 Monday: Gen. 42.1-45.15 Tuesday: Gen. 45.16-47.27 Wednesday: Gen. 47.28-50.26 Thursday: Job 1-4 Friday: Job 5-7 Saturday: Job 8-11

Lectionary Readings Psalm: Isa. 12.2-6 Gospel: Luke 3.7-18

OT: Zeph. 3.14-20 NT: Phil. 4.4-7

Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling

Responding in Faith

The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. * In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).

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Prayers of Confession Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need. Assurance of Pardon Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen. Petitions and Supplications, Ending with the Lord’s Prayer Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

~ Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)

Doxology (and/or closing song) Praise God fromwhom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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Departing to Serve

Benediction We ask you, almighty God, let our souls enjoy this their desire, to be enkindled by your Spirit, that being filled as lamps by your divine gift, we may shine like burning lights before the presence of your Son Christ at his coming; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

~ The Gelasian Sacramentary, in Thomas C. Oden with Cindy Crosby, Ancient Christian Devotional.. Downers Grove, IL; IVP Books, 2007. p. 26.

Affirmation for the Day Sunday: The Lord is our salvation. Monday: Trust and do not be afraid. Tuesday: Draw water from the wells of salvation. Wednesday: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his name. Thursday: Make God’s deeds known in the world. Friday: The name of Jesus is exalted above every other name. Saturday: Rejoice, the Holy One is in our midst. Pray without Ceasing – Flash Prayer for the Day O Lord, who has never forsaken those who seek you, we declare you to be great and good, the Holy One of Israel in the midst of your people.

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For Your Weekly Journey

Weekly Reflection on the Priesthood of All Believers The people of God are to be a people of praise, worship, and prayer. Declaring or proclaiming God’s praise is fundamental to what it means to be priestly. It is who we are and what we do. Priests are to be people of worship in both actions and attitudes.

~ Scott Breslin. Embracing Our Priestly Nature at Work. Eugene, OR: Resource Publications, 2017. p. 38.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus God Fulfills His Promise , Jeremiah 33.14-16

Book Reading Carter, Guard the Good Deposit

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Fourth Sunday of Advent: Arrival December 19 - 25, 2021

WEEK 4

Advent joyously affirms the First and Second comings of our Lord. Through the prophets, God foretold the Messiah’s appearing to his people, Israel. Through the angels, he announced his birth to Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds. Let us reverently ponder the sure promise of God – the Deliverer will come and ransom captive Israel and the world.

THIS WEEK’S THEME He Shall Be Their Peace, Micah 5.2-5a

Micah addresses the little town of Bethlehem-Ephrathah, that though it was small and insignificant, out of this village would come for the LORD the one who was destined to be the Messiah Ruler, the one anointed by God to deliver his people, the very one, too, who would become Israel’s “Ruler” whose origins are from old, from ancient times. The one for whom Israel waited is none other than the babe of Bethlehem, Jesus Christ. He will shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, and his people will dwell securely in his Kingdom of peace.

Daily Devotional Guide Preparing Our Hearts

Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation Show us, O Lord, thy glory shining through the veil of our flesh, and reveal unto us the lowliness and gentleness of Christ, who, though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, and took upon him the form of a servant, that he might deliver us from every bondage, and enrich us with the treasures of thy grace. Amen. ~ Roman Missal, in James Ferguson and Charles L. Wallis, eds. Prayers for Public Worship: A Service Book of Morning and Evening Prayers Following the Course of the Christian Year. NewYork: Harper & Brothers, 1958. p. 31.

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Call toWorship Blessed are you, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed is your Kingdom, both now and forever, amen. Praising Our God Te Deum Laudamus You are God: we praise you; you are the Lord; we acclaim you; you are the eternal Father: All creation worships you. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. The glorious company of apostles praise you. The noble fellowship of prophets praise you. The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you; Father, of majesty unbounded, your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father. When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin’s womb. You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God’s right hand in glory. We believe that you will come and be our judge. Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.

Praise and Thanksgiving (Songs and Prayers)

Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father, And to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen, amen.

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Listening to His Voice

Chronological Reading for the Day Sunday: Job 12-14 Monday: Job 15-18 Tuesday: Job 19-21

Wednesday: Job 22-25 Thursday: Job 26-29

Lectionary Readings Psalm: Luke 1.46b-55 Gospel: Luke 1.39-55

OT: Mic. 5.2-5a

NT: Heb. 10.5-10

Reflection: Silence and/or Journaling

Responding in Faith

The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. * In the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the term catholic refers to the Church’s universality, through all ages and times, of all languages and peoples. It refers to no particular tradition or denominational expression (e.g., as in Roman Catholic).

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Prayers of Confession Let us now confess our sins to God and receive mercy and grace to help in our time of need. Assurance of Pardon Having faithfully confessed and renounced your sin, Christ also has been faithful to forgive your sins and to purify you from all unrighteousness. It is certain, that there is One who has spoken to the Father in your defense, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. His grace and peace are with you now. Amen. Petitions and Supplications, Ending with the Lord’s Prayer Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

~ Matthew 6.9-13 (KJV)

Doxology (and/or closing song) Praise God fromwhom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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Departing to Serve

Benediction Eternal God, through long generations you prepared a way for the coming of your Son, and by your Spirit you still bring light to illumine our paths. Renew us in faith and hope that we may welcome Christ to rule our thoughts and claim our love, as Lord of lords and King of kings, to whom be glory always. Amen.

~ 136, in The Theological andWorship Ministry Unit. Book of CommonWorship . Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1993. p. 173.

Affirmation for the Day Sunday: God’s king will be born in Bethlehem. Monday: Christ’s coming was foretold from ancient days.

Tuesday: Christ is our strong shepherd. Wednesday: In Christ, we dwell secure. Thursday: Christ himself is our peace.

Pray without Ceasing – Flash Prayer for the Day O God, we welcome the arrival of your King-Messiah into the world, the one whom you have chosen to be Savior and Lord over your people and the nations, Jesus our Lord.

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For Your Weekly Journey

Weekly Reflection on the Priesthood of All Believers God is the same God working the same purposes from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. It can be easy to get lost in the laws of Leviticus or the stories of the Judges. While there is always more to learn about the Bible, never forget that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are always working to destroy the works of the devil and redeem the world.

~ Ryan Carter. Guard the Good Deposit: The Great Tradition for the Whole Church . Wichita: TUMI Press, 2019. p. 39.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus God Fulfills His Promise , Jeremiah 33.14-16

Book Reading Carter, Guard the Good Deposit

Special Church Year Services Christmas Eve: Friday, December 24, 2021 Christmas Day: Saturday, December 25, 2021

The Celebration of Christmas The Birth of Christ

December 24, 2021 - January 5, 2022

“a Temple where God is loved”

Zechariah 2.10-11 Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.

Christmas is a celebration of the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God, the Word made flesh in the world. It celebrates the birth of Christ. In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. [2] This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. [3] And all went to be registered, each to his own town. [4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, [5] to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. [6] And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. [7] And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. [8] And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. [10] And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12] And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, [14] “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” [15] When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

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[16] And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. [17] And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. [18] And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. [20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. ~ Luke 2.1-20 (ESV) Christmas celebrates the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God, the Word made flesh. He enters the world to reveal the Father’s love to humankind, to destroy the devil’s work, and to redeem his people from their sins. Although the highest christological reflection has sought to plumb the depths of this mystery, only faith, awe, and worship can draw near to its richness. In order to redeem humankind from its waywardness, to reconcile creation that was cursed at the Fall, to destroy the enemies of God, and to reveal the Father’s glory to the world, the eternal Word became a human being. The One through whom the Father created trillions of galaxies by his omnipotent, creative Word, was joined to human likeness, and entered the world as a baby boy. And all this for love and grace. This grand celebration and time of remembrance is an invitation to wonder, to meditate upon a truth that can easily be recited in the dry theological language of the schools, but can never be fathomed fully. Who can possibly grasp the total meaning of the Christ-child, the One sent and anointed by God to reign forever after he conquered sin and death through his passion? As Christians, we join the shepherds and the Magi at the foot of the baby boy, and quietly, reverently bow with Mary and Joseph under the gleam of the star that rested above him who would one day become King of kings and Lord of lords. His coming is soon, and we eagerly wait still for that time when the prophets’ foretellings will become true. Yes, the

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kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of this child, and he will reign forever and ever.

At Christmas, believers worldwide celebrate the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem, the Lord Jesus Christ. Together we affirm that Jesus was – and is – God’s only begotten Son, the Word made flesh, and the human son of the Virgin Mary. In him we see the love of God revealed for all humankind. He is God’s mystery that causes broken hearts to marvel and rejoice. This little child would fulfill the prophecy of a Savior who, by dying and rising, would conquer humanity’s mortal enemy, the devil, free us from sin’s bondage and curse, and restore creation under the reign of God. “Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King!”

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

Hark, the Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; With th’ angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.” Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold Him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail, the incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.” Hail the heav’n born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, ris’n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

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Come, Desire of nations, come! Fix in us Thy humble home. Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring seed, bruise in us the serpent’s head; Adam’s likeness now efface, stamp Thine image in its place; Second Adam from above, reinstate us in Thy love. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”

~ Charles Wesley, Felix Mendelssohn. © Public Domain.

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Christmas Eve December 24, 2021

U

Christmas celebrates the birth of Messiah, Jesus, who is the incarnation of the Son of God, Mary’s child. He is the Wordmade flesh, the conqueror who enters this fallen world to reveal to us the Father’s love, to destroy the devil’s work, and to redeem his people from their sins.

TODAY’S THEME Glory to God in the Highest, Luke 2.1-20

Joseph went up from Nazareth of Galilee to Bethlehem, the city of David, to be registered for the census with Mary, his betrothed, who was pregnant. While they were there, Mary went into labor and gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger. In the fields nearby, angels proclaimed the good news: Christ the Lord is born in Bethlehem, the city of David. They burst into a joyful song of praise and glory to the Father, whose love gave to us the gift of his only Son for our deliverance and salvation.

Daily Devotional Guide Preparing Our Hearts

Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation Who are we, Lord God, that you should come to us? Yet you have visited your people and redeemed us in your Son. As we prepare to celebrate His Birth, make our hearts leap for joy at the sound of your word, and move us by your spirit to bless your wonderful works. We ask this through himwhose coming is certain, whose day draws near, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

~ 146, in The Theological andWorship Ministry Unit. Book of CommonWorship . Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1993. p. 177.

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