Welcome

The time draws near to celebrate our Savior’s birth! Welcome to worship, which is part of our preparation. It’s good to be here together.

Preparation for Worship

“The LORD has done great things for us, and we [rejoice]” (Psalm 126:3, NRSV). Tune our hearts, God, to sing your praises now and always.

Prayer Ventures

Winter solstice – On this shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, give thanks for the brilliant light of God’s love.

Stewardship of your whole life

Matthew 1:20b – An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

The story of Joseph’s dream reminds us that God’s plans sometimes require us to depart from what we know and expect. As followers of Jesus, may we be able to find the courage and flexibility to be good stewards of all God’s amazing gifts.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.

A Quote From Fr. Richard Rohr

You are created in the image of God from the very beginning. This is the basis for God’s justice: Since everyone is made in the image of God, then we need to recognize, honor, and respect the image of God in everyone.
No exceptions.