GREETING (adapted from Psalm 118:24)
This is the day that you have made, O God.
We rejoice and are glad in it.
HYMN 234 “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
PSALM 132
PRAYER
God of the greatest news and everlasting joy,
with love David wanted to build a house for you,
but you vowed to build his house with an eternal heir.
Prophets announced you would indeed do this.
Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph saw him.
Shepherds and magi worshiped this heir you sent us.
But we are shocked by how many hated him.
His conduct and candid speech appalled so many,
and none liked the mirror he held up to our behavior.
Lots of priests, teachers and elders loathed him.
The first Herod sent henchmen to kill this usurper.
The next Herod and Pilate gladly saw Jesus crucified.
But our Christ could not be so easily silenced.
He was the eternal One, heir to David’s throne.
A beloved Son of yours could not be held by death.
When we saw him yield his life on the cross,
and then watched him be raised from the dead,
we saw love, a very powerful and irresistible love.
That love of yours took hold of our hearts,
and your holy child conquered our lawlessness.
God, we love that you loved us in spite of our sin.
Now it is easy for us to love your child who
would quiet fierce winds and crashing waves,
cast out demons and raise the dead from their tombs.
The Christ-child topples the high and mighty,
and lifts up the downtrodden and the powerless.
He introduces the power of love into a world of sin.
He tears down the gates of hell and death,
and raises a kingdom of your forgiven people.
From your right hand he rules with righteousness.
This child, heaven-sent and Bethlehem-born,
rules us with your most powerful force – love.
To this love we dedicate our lives, now and forever. Amen.
GATHER WITH A CONGREGATION OF CHRISTIANS
TO CONTINUE THE WORSHIP OF GOD
ON THIS DAY OF JOYFUL RESURRECTION.
Copyright 2020. Robert D. Ingram, 32746 Jourden Rd., Albany, Ohio 45710 (dr.bobingram@gmail.com). Used by permission.
