Christmas Year C Jesus’ Parents Left the Temple W ZLOBIE LEZY 4.4.7.4.4.7.4.4.4.4.7 ("Infant Holy, Infant Lowly") Jesus’ parents left the Temple with a traveling caravan. They were sure their son was with them as they left Jerusalem. Soon they cried, “We cannot find him!” He was somehow left behind them, So they went to search for him. They went back and finally found him with the teachers of the Law. What they witnessed was astounding! What a wondrous sight they saw. For the questions he was raising Showed his knowledge was amazing; All who heard him were in awe. Still his mother had to scold him, for she’d known a parent’s fear. “We were worried!” Mary told him. “when we could not find you near!” Jesus answered Mary, saying, “Did you not know I’d be staying In my Father’s house, right here?” God of love, with earthly parents, Jesus listened, learned, and grew. In the Temple, in your presence, he knew he was home with you. We’re reminded of his … [Read more...]

Third Sunday of Advent – Year C Sing Out, All God’s People! ADESTE FIDELES 6.6.10.5.6.7.7.7.4 (“O Come, All Ye Faithful”) Sing out, all God’s people! Shout what God is doing! We need not fear the things that hurt or destroy; God is here with us, healing and renewing. O Lord, we know your presence, We trust that you are with us, We thank you that you bless us, Giving us joy. Our God loves the outcast, saves the weak and suffering, Deals with oppressors, turns our shame into praise. God, in great love, lifts up the poor and struggling. O Lord, we know your presence, We trust that you are with us, We thank you that you bless us All of our days. O Lord, we’re reminded in this holy season: Though we may struggle we are never alone. Christ is our joy, our hope and peace unending: In Christ, we know your presence; You heal us and restore us, You give us joy and bless us, Bringing us home. Biblical texts: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Tune: Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred … [Read more...]

Second Sunday of Advent – Year C "Behold," Said God, "I'm Sending One" WINCHESTER OLD CM (“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”) "Behold," said God, "I'm sending one who shall prepare my way. My messenger will make me known, But who can bear that day?" For when he comes, old ways will die; We'll change what we have been. Like fire or soap he'll purify And cleanse us from our sin. We wonder, Lord: what needs to change? What sins do we hold dear? What values should we rearrange? What judgments should we hear? May we be open to the ways You cleanse and make us new; And may we in these Advent days Be glad to welcome you. Biblical Reference: Malachi 3:1-4 Tune: Este’s Psalmes, 1592 Text: Copyright © 2012 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Click here to go to the hymn order page. … [Read more...]

First Sunday Year C God’s World Is Changing BUNESSAN 5.5.5.4 D (“Morning Has Broken”) God’s world is changing; where is it going? Nations are raging; look at their fear! Many are anxious, filled with forboding; We wait in faith, for God’s reign is near. “Look at the fig tree!” See what it’s doing. Look at the signs in heaven above. God is at work here, building, renewing, Some are afraid, but we know God’s love. This world is drifting, filled with distraction! Many are wandering; some fall away. We wait in faith! We’re ready for action. We’re on our guard to greet God’s new day. What should we do, Lord, while we are waiting? Some just sit back while troubles increase. Others respond by fighting and hating. We hear your call to work for your peace. Lord, may we use each day that we’re given— Helping the hungry, homeless and poor. Then we’ll be ready for what you’re bringing When Christ will come and reign evermore. Biblical references: Psalm 25:5-10; … [Read more...]

Christmas Year C When Mary and Joseph Sought Safety and Shelter ASH GROVE 6.6.11.6.6.11 D ("Let All Things Now Living") When Mary and Joseph sought safety and shelter, Who welcomed them gladly? Who said, “Come and stay”? Who said, “Come inside here”? Who gave food and water? Who offered a place to keep cold winds away? O Lord, we remember, and sometimes we wonder: You no longer need a small bed filled with hay. So how can we welcome you, Jesus our Savior? And how can we show that we love you today? We look all around us and see the world’s children, And so we remember they’re precious to you. As nations have chosen to help or to hurt them, O Lord, we confess nations do unto you. The youth in detention, the poor, hungry orphan, The neighbor, the stranger, the child in the pew: May we reach in love and give safety and welcome. By loving God’s children, we welcome you, too. Biblical Text: Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 25:31-46 Tune: Traditional Welsh melody ("Let All … [Read more...]