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2015 Advent Devotional Booklet

Inspired by the sermon series “A Progressive Christmas Feast”

by Rev. Bill Haygood

WELCOME TO ADVENT! The Advent season is a busy one for the Allen family. Shopping, parties, wrapping, rehearsals, etc... For us, the busy season leaves us desperate for a way to center ourselves in what’s truly important. Advent candle lighting is a nightly ritual for our family, which always begins four Sundays prior to Christmas. Below is how we celebrate, I hope it will be useful to you: We turn off all the lights, except for those on the Christmas tree. The Advent wreath is on the table and the appropriate candles are lit; one candle each night of the first week, two candles the second week, three candles during the third week, and four candles on the fourth Sunday of Advent. On Christmas Eve, we light the middle candle to celebrate the coming of Christ into our world. Then we follow the booklet by reading the scripture and the devotional aloud. We close with each person around the table offering a brief prayer. Then someone reads the printed prayer from the booklet. We then snuff the candles, while singing a stanza of a hymn related to that candle, for example, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” for hope, “Silent Night” for peace, “Joy to the World” for joy and “Away in the Manger” for love (The songs of Advent are on the next page). We conclude our Advent time with the entire house dark, except for the lights of the Christmas tree and proclaim loudly, “Happy Advent!” I sincerely hope this booklet helps you prepare your heart this Advent Season. Advent wreaths and candles may be found at craft stores and are well worth the small investment.

Happy Advent! Dr. Sterling Allen

Director of Music and Worship Arts

SONGS FOR CANDLE LIGHTING!

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

“Silent Night” Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

“Joy to the World” Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room,

and heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing.

“Away in a Manger”

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,

The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

“O Come All Ye Faithful” O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, born the King of angels;

O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him,

Christ the Lord.

November 29, 2015 A reading from John chapter 3, verse 16:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

We come together to light a candle at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember that Christ is the only son of the Father - God’s flesh on Earth. We light this candle as God’s love is revealed in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Let Your goodness Lord appear to us, that we made in your image, conform ourselves to it. In our own strength we cannot imitate Your majesty, power, and wonder nor is it fitting for us to try. But Your mercy reaches from the heavens through the clouds to the earth below. You have come to us as a small child, but you have brought us the greatest of all gifts, the gift of eternal love Caress us with Your tiny hands, embrace us with Your tiny arms and pierce our hearts with Your soft, sweet cries. Amen.

-St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Song for candle extinguishing: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

November 30, 2015 A reading from Jeremiah chapter 33, verse 14-16:

“‘The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.’

We come together to light a candle at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember that Christ is God’s promise fulfilled. We light this candle as God’s love is revealed in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

-A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson Song for candle extinguishing: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

December 1, 2015 A reading from Romans chapter 10, verse 9-18:

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame,” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

We come together to light a candle at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember that Christ is the bedrock of our faith – our salvation. We light this candle as God’s love is revealed in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Give us, O God, the vision, which can see Your love in the world in spite of human failure. Give us the faith to trust Your goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness. Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts. And show us what each one of us can do to set forward the coming of the day of universal peace. Amen.

-Astronaut Frank Borman (Apollo 8), 1968 Song for candle extinguishing: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

December 2, 2015 A reading from Isaiah chapter 11, verse 1-3a and 6-10:

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD— and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD

as the waters cover the sea. In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.

We come together to light a candle at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember incredible peace that comes with Christ. We light this candle as God’s love is revealed in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Father, you make this holy night radiant with the splendor of Jesus Christ our light. We welcome Him as Lord, true light of the world. Bring us to eternal joy in the kingdom of heaven where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit—one God, forever and ever. Amen.

-International Committee on English in the Liturgy

Song for candle extinguishing: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

December 3, 2015 A reading from Isaiah chapter 25, verse 6-10:

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine — the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” The hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain; but Moab will be trampled in their land as straw is trampled down in the manure.

We come together to light a candle at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember that Jesus’ life was in preparation for the ultimate act of love – the Christ act. We light this candle as God’s love is revealed in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Let the just rejoice, for their justifier is born. Let the sick and infirm rejoice, For their savior is born. Let the captives rejoice, For their Redeemer is born. Let slaves rejoice, for their Master is born. Let free men rejoice, For their Liberator is born. Let All Christians rejoice, For Jesus Christ is born. Amen.

-St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-440) Song for candle extinguishing: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

December 4, 2015 A reading from Isaiah chapter 26, verse 1-6:

In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust. Feet trample it down — the feet of the oppressed, the footsteps of the poor.

We come together to light a candle at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember that we must humble ourselves when we accept Christ. We light this candle as God’s love is revealed in Christ Jesus. Prayer: God of love, Father of all, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh. Make us a people of this light. Make us faithful to your Word that we may bring your life to the waiting world. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

-International Committee on English in the Liturgy Songs for candle extinguishing:

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” “Silent Night”

December 5, 2015 A reading from Isaiah chapter 29, verses 17-24:

In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field and the fertile field seem like a forest? In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. The ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down—those who with a word make someone out to be guilty, who ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice. Therefore this is what the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, says to the descendants of Jacob: “No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will their faces grow pale. When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction.”

We come together to light a candle at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember the generations radically changed by faith in Jesus Christ. We light this candle as God’s love is revealed in Christ Jesus. Prayer: O God, who hast caused this holy night to shine with the illumination of the true Light: Grant us, we beseech thee, that as we have known the mystery of that Light upon earth, so may we also perfectly enjoy him in heaven; where with thee and the Holy Spirit he liveth and reigneth, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen

-1979 Book of Common Prayer Songs for candle extinguishing:


December 6, 2015 A reading from Isaiah chapter 9, verse 6:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

We come together to light two candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember our family stories told by the prophets promising Christ’s coming and salvation. We light this second candle with hope found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Almighty God and Father of light, a child is born to us an a Son is given to us. Your eternal Word leaped down from heaven in the silent watches of the night, and now your Church is filled with wonder at the nearness of her God. Open our hearts to receive His life and increase our vision with the rising of dawn, that our lives may be filled with His glory and His peace, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

-International Committee on English in the Liturgy Songs for candle extinguishing:



The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

We come together to light two candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember that in Christ, we can blossom, grow, and our thirst is quenched. We light this second candle with the hope found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Lord God, we praise you for creating man, and still more for restoring him in Christ. Your Son shared our weakness: may we share his glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God—forever and ever. Amen.

-Liturgy of the Hours, Fridays in Advent Songs for candle extinguishing:


December 8, 2015 A reading from Isaiah chapter 30, verses 19-21 and 23-26:

People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. The oxen and donkeys that work the soil will eat fodder and mash, spread out with fork and shovel. In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill. The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.

We come together to light two candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember that Christ reveals the correct path for our lives. We light this second candle with the hope found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Lamb of God, You once came to rid the world of sin; cleanse me now from every stain of sin. Lord, you came to save what was lost; come once again with Your salvific power so that those You redeemed will not be punished. I have come to know You in faith; may I have unending joy when You come again in glory. Amen.

-New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

Songs for candle extinguishing: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” “Silent Night”

December 9, 2015 A reading from Genesis chapter 3, verses 9-15 and 20:

But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.

We come together to light two candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember our brother, Adam and sister, Eve whose sin was forgiven by Christ’s defeat of sin and death. We light this second candle with hope found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Father, in the wilderness of the Jordan you sent a messenger to prepare people's hearts for the coming of your Son. Help me to hear his words and repent of my sins, so that I may clearly see the way to walk, the truth to speak, and the life to live for Him, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

-Advent Prayer to be Freed from Sin and Death Songs for candle extinguishing:



“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God?” Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

We come together to light two candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember God’s love never fails—it is always there waiting on us. We light this second candle with hope found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: God our Father, you loved the world so much you gave your only Son to free us from the ancient power of sin and death. Help us who wait for his coming and lead us to true liberty. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen




For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. “See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. You will winnow them, the wind will pick them up, and a gale will blow them away. But you will rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel.

“The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together, so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

We come together to light two candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember that God will never abandon us. We light this second candle with hope found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: All-powerful God, help us to look forward in hope to the coming of our Savior. May we live as he taught, ready to welcome him with burning love and faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen




This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea. Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be blotted out nor destroyed from before me.”

We come together to light two candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember the Lord teaches us what is best and directs us in way we should go. We light this second candle with hope found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Father in heaven, our hearts desire the warmth of your love and our minds are searching for the light of your Word. Increase our longing for Christ our Savior and give us the strength to grow in love, that the dawn of his coming may find us rejoicing in his presence and welcoming the light of his truth. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

-International Committee on English in the Liturgy

Songs for candle extinguishing: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” “Silent Night”

December 13, 2015 A reading from Matthew chapter 1, verses 20b-21:

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife…She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

We come together to light three candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember how our family was sewn together by God for the salvation of the world. We light this third candle reminded of our redemption found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-1979 Book of Common Prayer

Songs for candle extinguishing: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” “Silent Night” “Joy to the World!”

December 14, 2015 A reading from Zephaniah chapter 3, verses 14-18:

Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you.

We come together to light three candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember God rejoices over us with singing. We light this third candle reminded of our redemption found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: Merciful God, who sent thy messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.



December 15, 2015 A reading from Numbers chapter 24, verses 2-7 and 15-17:

When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him and he spoke his message: “The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly, the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened: “How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, your dwelling places, Israel! “Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the LORD, like cedars beside the waters. Water will flow from their buckets; their seed will have abundant water. “Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted. Then he spoke his message: “The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly, the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth.

We come together to light three candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember that we should follow the star that leads us to Christ. We light this third candle reminded of our redemption found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: O Lord, stir up thy power, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let thy bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.



December 16, 2015 A reading from Zephaniah chapter 3, verses 1-2 and 9-13:

Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled! She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD, she does not draw near to her God. “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder. From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings. On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from you your arrogant boasters. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill. But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the LORD. They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid.”

We come together to light three candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember the prophets who described how life is different with Christ. We light this third candle reminded of our redemption found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: O Christ our God, your nativity, has shed the light of knowledge upon the world. Through it, those who had been star-worshipers learned through a star to worship you, O Son of Justice, and to recognize in you the one who rises and who comes from on high. O Lord, glory to you! Amen.

-Feast of the Nativity Liturgy


December 17, 2015 A reading from Isaiah chapter 45, verses 6-8, 18, and 21-25:

…so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things. “You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the LORD, have created it. For this is what the LORD says—he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited—he says: “I am the LORD, and there is no other. Declare what is to be, present it—let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me…Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, ‘In the LORD alone are deliverance and strength.’” All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame. But all the descendants of Israel will find deliverance in the LORD and will make their boast in him.

We come together to light three candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember there is no other God, but YAHWEH. We light this third candle reminded of our redemption found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: O Wisdom, O Holy Word of God, You govern all creation with your strong, yet tender care. Come, and show your people the way to salvation. Amen.

-The Great “O” Antiphon for December 17th


December 18, 2015 A reading from Genesis chapter 49, verses 2 and 8-10:

“Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel…Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you. You are a lion’s cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.”

We come together to light three candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember Christ is the Lion of Judah. We light this third candle reminded of our redemption found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: Come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free. Amen.



December 19, 2015 A reading from Jeremiah chapter 23, verse 5-8:

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior. “So then, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when people will no longer say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,’ but they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the descendants of Israel up out of the land of the north and out of all the countries where he had banished them.’ Then they will live in their own land.”

We come together to light three candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember that Jesus is our righteous savior and there is no other. We light this third candle reminded of our redemption found in Christ Jesus. Prayer: O Flower of Jesse's stem, You have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; Kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid. Amen.



December 20, 2015 A reading from Luke chapter 2, verses 16-18:

So the shepherds hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was laying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

We come together to light four candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember how upon Jesus’ birth all communication changed. With the birth of this very special child, God is with us and we are not alone. We light this fourth candle celebrating our new relationship through Christ Jesus. Prayer: O Key of David, O Royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom. Amen.

-The Great “O” Antiphon for December 20th Songs for candle extinguishing:

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” “Silent Night” “Joy to the World!” “Away in the Manger”

December 21, 2015 A reading from Judges chapter 13, verses 2-7 and 24-25:

A certain man of Zorah, named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, had a wife who was childless, unable to give birth. The angel of the LORD appeared to her and said, “You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” Then the woman went to her husband and told him, “A man of God came to me. He looked like an angel of God, very awesome. I didn’t ask him where he came from, and he didn’t tell me his name. But he said to me, ‘You will become pregnant and have a son. Now then, drink no wine or other fermented drink and do not eat anything unclean, because the boy will be a Nazirite of God from the womb until the day of his death.’” The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the LORD blessed him, and the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.

We come together to light four candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember that Samson was the chosen one to save the people of Israel from human oppression and Jesus is the chosen one to save Israel from all evil and death. We light this fourth candle celebrating our new relationship through Christ Jesus. Prayer: O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Amen.


Songs for candle extinguishing: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” “Silent Night” “Joy to the World!” “Away in the Manger”

December 22, 2015 A reading from Micah chapter 5, verses 1-4:

Marshal your troops now, city of troops for a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel’s ruler on the cheek with a rod. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

We come together to light four candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember Jesus is our shepherd, who protects us from all evil. We light this fourth candle celebrating our new relationship through Christ Jesus. Prayer: O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust. Amen.

-The Great “O” Antiphon for December 22nd Songs for candle extinguishing:


December 23, 2015 A reading from Malachi chapter 3, verses 1-4:

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.

We come together to light four candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember that perfection in Christ is attainable, but not easily attained. The first step is faith in Christ Jesus. We light this fourth candle celebrating our new relationship through Christ Jesus. Prayer: O Emmanuel, King and Lawgiver, Desire of the nations, Savior of all people, Come and set us free, Lord, our God! Amen.

-The Great “O” Antiphon for December 23rd Songs for candle extinguishing:


December 24, 2015 A reading from Matthew chapter 2, verse 11:

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

We come together to light the candles at Christ’s table as members of his family. When families gather for a meal at the table, they share stories about the past and plan for the future. Today we remember the greatest gift we’ll ever receive. The gift of Christ comes at no cost to us; the gift of eternal love from God the Father. We light the Christ Candle remembering God’s gift in Christ Jesus. Prayer:

O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give to them. Help them to know one another better, and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join them all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.

-Pope John XXIII

Songs for candle extinguishing: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” “Silent Night” “Joy to the World!” “Away in the Manger” “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

Please join us for worship at Good Shepherd this evening at

3:00pm (Children’s), 5:00pm (Traditional), 7:00pm (Contemporary)

POINSETTIA HONORARY DEDICATIONS (as of November 24, 2015)

Donor: Dedication: Linda Shearer Our children and grandchildren Sue Gortemiller My granddaughters: Courtney, Emily, and Laney Billingsley Becky Leakey Mark and Lisa Eaves Debbie Blackshear Jason, Cynthia, Brooke, Brandon, and Briley J.P., Mackenzie, and Jackson Blackshear Benadine and Cleve Allen Sterling, Jennifer, and Hannah Allen Sterling & Jennifer Allen Cleve and Benadine Allen Billy and Ilene Albert Jan Anderson Naomi Zopfi

Herbert, Jr. and Cathie Klatte Tyler, Austin, and Taylor Klatte Scott and Bianca Anderson Lucas Anderson

POINSETTIA MEMORIAL DEDICATIONS (as of November 24, 2015)

Donor: Dedication: Phyllis Hamilton Robert Hamilton Nelson and Ruth Jones Nelson and Hazel Jones Donald and Anna Ratajski Douglas and C. James Ratajski Robert and Shirley Jones Charlie Jensen Kelly Drozd Paden James Drozd Martha Jean Davis Shani and Fred Bentsen Don and Judy Bentsen Stan Ball Christi Bentsen Shari Ball

Carol Stuart Phil Stuart Kathy Shores Millie Wilkinson Doug Shores Nelma Cowser Dale Houston Cowser Brooke Marrs Rona Abshire Kathy Juenke Dave Ledet Henry Juenke Becky Leakey Bonita Delozier Wanda Parsons Micah Kirk Parsons Paul & Debbie Blackshear John and Irma Blackshear Charlie and Patsy Hauck Kristen Sodolak Mary Ellen Gosnell Tom Hollis Garland Hollis Ruby Bloodworth Donnie Harman Lily Cosse’ Robert and Lily Locke Roy, Sr. and Doris Cosse' Benadine and Cleve Allen Reagan Allen Matt J. Milosecich II Matt J. Milosevich Renee Sternaman Evan & Nicholas Sternaman Brenda Kubiak Rusty Best Jan Anderson Arnold and Elizabeth Anderson

Robert Zopfi Jeannine Beveridge Buddy Beveridge Carey Burden Sheila Carver

Charles Tomsick

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES December 9 – Journey Christmas Party (4th-5th grades), 6:00 –8:00 pm December 9 – Youth Christmas Party, 6:00 –8:00 pm December 13, 5:00pm – Christmas at Good Shepherd Concert Christmas at Good Shepherd is an opportunity to welcome the season through music and the spoken word. This ensemble cast will feature our own Chancel Choir and Orchestra, the Peals of Joy Handbell Choir, dancers, actors, and many more. This year's concert will also feature our guest artist Blair Doerge. Please reserve your complimentary tickets HERE. Childcare will be available for 5 years and under. December 18th – Hayride, Santa, S'mores & More! Join us for one of our most popular holiday events! Go on a hayride to see Christmas lights, take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus and take pictures in the Nativity. Bring a blanket or chairs and watch Christmas movies on our big screen while you eat hotdogs and roast marshmallows for s'mores and drink hot chocolate. A FREE, fun night our for the family right here in your neighborhood! Christmas Eve Services of Worship 3:00pm–Family Service. This year our family service will feature an impromptu Christmas pageant everyone can participate in if you desire! 5:00pm–Traditional worship celebration with favorite Christmas hymn carols and special music by the Chancel Choir and Orchestra. 7:00pm–Our Praise Band will be leading a contemporary service to celebrate Christmas Eve! December 27 - The Sunday after Christmas On this Sunday we will have one Worship Service only, at 10:00am. Nursery and Wee Rock (our preschool worship program) will be available. No other Sunday School classes will be meeting. Our regular schedule will resume on January 3rd. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church 20155 Cypresswood Drive

Cypress, Texas 77433 www.goodchurch.us

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