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Confession: Psalm 126

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;

Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great thing for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb!

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!

He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Let us begin the day by rejoicing!

Let us acknowledge our Lord’s love and concern and allow our bodies to break forth into happy hilarity!

The Lord has done such wonderful things for us;

Let us be glad!

The day before us is uncertain.

We know not what we will encounter on our way.

While we rejoice with those who rejoice,

We shall also weep with those who suffer.

While we may be surprised by joy,

We may also pass through corridors of darkness.

Wherever we go, we go forth as sons and daughters of the living God.

And we go forth to touch the lives of people with his healing love.

O Lord, we confess that we have not always rejoiced in your gifts. We have not always trusted completely in you. We have not lived as your children and servants. We have often put ourselves ahead of you and others. We have focused on the weeping and failed to live the joyful, abundant life you have called us to.

Please forgive us these and all our sins for Jesus’ sake and enable us by your mercy and the power of the Holy Spirit to be joyful, knowing we are yours, now and forever.

Isaiah 61: 1-3

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn to Zion - to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

John 1:6-8, 19-28

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light…

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)

They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Children’s Sermon:

Sermon: “Joy on Display”

Prayers & Benediction:

WEEKLY GIVING:

This season we celebrate the greatest, most perfect gift ever given to humankind - Jesus, Redeemer, Messiah! May you daily receive His grace and joyfully live, and give, in His love! As you plan your Christmas giving, please consider a special gift of love to Redeemer in celebration of Him who is the perfect gift.

Thank you for continuing to support Redeemer and others through offerings in person during worship, sending via mail, or electronically through Givelify or other electronic options. Anyone with questions about how to give remotely may refer to the attached PDF.

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