1John 2:22-28; Psalm 98:1-4; John 1:19-28

John knew
he was
the voice
of one
crying out
in the desert
to make straight
the way
of the Lord

Jesus knew
he was
Son of God
Son of Man
Love and Light
Truth
and The Way
Bread for our hunger
Healer
and Friend
ushering the way
to a place
called Heaven
and something
Eternal

Who are we?
Who are you?

Numbers 6: 22-27

May the LORD bless you
and keep you!
May the LORD let his face
shine upon you,
and be gracious to you!
May the LORD look upon you kindly
and give you peace!

How has the Lord blessed you?
How have you blessed the Lord?

1John 2:18-21; Psalm 96:1-2,11-13; John 1:1-18

in the beginning
His Word
came to Life
as Light
to a world
in darkness
bringing Truth
to all
that is not-

incarnate God
we live in faith
in the joy
of His song
where the heavens
are glad
and the earth
rejoices
the sea
and all that fills it
resounds
the trees exalt
before the Lord
and God’s Love
as Justice
rules the earth

What Light fills your darkness?

Colossians 3:12-21

“Put on heartfelt compassion,
kindness,
humility,
gentleness,
and patience,
bearing with one another
and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance
against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you,
so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,

And let the peace of Christ
control your hearts,
the peace into which you
were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you
as in all wisdom…
singing psalms,
hymns,
and spiritual songs
with gratitude
in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do,
in word or in deed,
do everything
in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God…”

Do you let the peace of Christ control your heart?

1John 2:3-11; Psalm 96:1-6; Luke 2:22-35

knowing Him
we keep
His command
of Love
that Lights
our way
in the world’s darkness
a Glory
and Splendor
that inspires song
we raise
our voices
in rejoicing
even as we know
our hearts
will be pierced
by this Love
we Trust
what has been given
through the Mystery
of God’s Presence

Do you know Him through God’s Love?

1John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 124:2-8; Matthew 2:13-18

we experience
the burden
of our freedom
to choose in
the slaughter
of Holy Innocents
in some need
of protection
and power
or fear

we experience
the depth
of God’s love
in forgiveness
of our sin
and the freedom
in the power
of His Son’s love
who is the Light
in our darkness

Do you experience the burden of your freedom?
Do you experience the freedom of forgiveness?
What do you choose?

1John 1:1-4; Psalm 97:1-12; John 20:1-8

the light
dawns
the word
of Life
is seen
heard
touched
proclaimed
as we live
in the joy
of the Lord

though His life
was taken
He returned
and we
not forsaken
rejoice
and give thanks
as we live
in God’s Holy Spirit

Do you live in God’s Holy Spirit?
Do you see, hear and touch God’s presence?

Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59; Psalm 31: 3-8,16-17; Matthew 10:17-22

Holy Spirit
guide
of every step
your face
shines upon us
a Light
to show the way
when it feels
no one
can be trusted
we take
refuge
in you
commending
our Spirit
into you hands
we see
a Glory
in our giving
enduring
to the end
in your saving Grace

To whom do you entrust your Spirit?

Isaiah 62: 11-12; Psalm 97:1,6,11-12; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20

a city
not forsaken
where
light dawns
and
we rejoice
for nothing
we have done
but for the mercy
shown us
by a woman
who knew
her life
her seed
and
gave birth
to God’s
treasure-
spirit
lavished
upon us
through
the kindness
and love
of God
a savior
is born

Do you feel the light of His dawning?
Do you hold all of God’s treasure in your heart?
Have you felt God’s mercy born in your life?

2Samuel 7:1-5,8,16; Psalm 89:2-5, 27 and 29; Luke 1:67-79

set free
we rejoice
no longer
bound by enemies
or sin
we experience
the compassion
of our God
and the dawn
from on high
breaks upon us
to shine
in our darkness
and the shadow
of death
guiding our feet
into the way of peace

We sing of the goodness of the Lord!