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!

Matthew 3:1-4,23-24; Psalm 25:4-14; Luke 1:57-66

what will
this child be
born
of Truth
and miracle
known
by star gazers
shepherds and kings
as the guide
and teacher
foretold
to follow

who will
endure
the day
of his coming
as brilliant
as the radiance
of the sun
refiner
of our souls
that are set
on fire
in love

Will you endure the day of His coming?

Luke 1:46-56

our soul
proclaims
the greatness of the Lord
our spirit rejoices
in God our savior
for he has looked
upon us
with mercy
and favor
showing strength
lifting us
filling us
remembering
his promise
he is our help
we rejoice

Do you experience the favor of God?

Zep 3:14-18; Psalm 33:2-21; Luke 1:39-45

our hearts
leap
as the infant
in her womb
as we behold
the child
of Truth
who brings
a love
that will not fade
in times
of testing
but will endure
through all
that is now
and is to come
friend
of our grief
he will bring
joy
to our sorrow
and renewed life
to our world

What do you behold?

Is 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 1:26-38

the angel
came
and said
“blessed
are you…”

Do you hear what the angels are saying?

Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25; Psalm 71:3-6, 16-17; Luke 1:5-25

angels come
to our barren hearts
bringing
new life
through
His word
and the promise
of goodness
as we trust
deeply
in Him
seeing through
the deceptions
of the world
we touch
Glory
and sing
in praise

Do you hear the message of the angels?