PRAYER
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation, who has brought us light and life. Joy to you, his saints, rejoice! Immanuel has come; God abides with us. Again, I say, “Rejoice!”

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Revelation 21:3–7

 

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

 

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

 

 

PRAYER OF LOVE
Having joined us to Christ Jesus, you have sent your Spirit to dwell in us so that we may take your light and love into a dark, broken world in desperate need of you. We exalt your name by sharing your love with others until that day when you call us to eternal glory.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 139:7–14

 

Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me,

and your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,

and the light about me be night,”

even the darkness is not dark to you;

the night is bright as the day,

for darkness is as light with you.

 

For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

 

 

PRAYER OF LOVE
Having joined us to Christ Jesus, you have sent your Spirit to dwell in us so that we may take your light and love into a dark, broken world in desperate need of you. We exalt your name by sharing your love with others until that day when you call us to eternal glory.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
1 Timothy 6:11–16

 

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,  to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

 

 

PRAYER OF LOVE
Having joined us to Christ Jesus, you have sent your Spirit to dwell in us so that we may take your light and love into a dark, broken world in desperate need of you. We exalt your name by sharing your love with others until that day when you call us to eternal glory.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
1 Thessalonians 5:8–11

 

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

 

 

PRAYER OF LOVE
Having joined us to Christ Jesus, you have sent your Spirit to dwell in us so that we may take your light and love into a dark, broken world in desperate need of you. We exalt your name by sharing your love with others until that day when you call us to eternal glory.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
1 Peter 2:9

 

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

 

Philippians 2:14–15
 

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world . . .

 

 

PRAYER OF LOVE
Having joined us to Christ Jesus, you have sent your Spirit to dwell in us so that we may take your light and love into a dark, broken world in desperate need of you. We exalt your name by sharing your love with others until that day when you call us to eternal glory.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 58:6–12

 

“Is not this the fast that I choose:

to loose the bonds of wickedness,

to undo the straps of the yoke,

to let the oppressed go free,

and to break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry

and bring the homeless poor into your house;

when you see the naked, to cover him,

and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,

and your healing shall spring up speedily;

your righteousness shall go before you;

the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;

you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’

If you take away the yoke from your midst,

the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

if you pour yourself out for the hungry

and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,

then shall your light rise in the darkness

and your gloom be as the noonday.

And the LORD will guide you continually

and satisfy your desire in scorched places

and make your bones strong;

and you shall be like a watered garden,

like a spring of water,

whose waters do not fail.

And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;

you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;

you shall be called the repairer of the breach,

the restorer of streets to dwell in.

 

 

PRAYER OF LOVE
Having joined us to Christ Jesus, you have sent your Spirit to dwell in us so that we may take your light and love into a dark, broken world in desperate need of you. We exalt your name by sharing your love with others until that day when you call us to eternal glory.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 5:14–16

 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

 

 

PRAYER OF LOVE
Having joined us to Christ Jesus, you have sent your Spirit to dwell in us so that we may take your light and love into a dark, broken world in desperate need of you. We exalt your name by sharing your love with others until that day when you call us to eternal glory.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 4:18–22

 

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,

which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know over what they stumble.

 

My son, be attentive to my words;

incline your ear to my sayings.

Let them not escape from your sight;

keep them within your heart.

For they are life to those who find them,

and healing to all their flesh.

 

 

PRAYER OF LOVE
Having joined us to Christ Jesus, you have sent your Spirit to dwell in us so that we may take your light and love into a dark, broken world in desperate need of you. We exalt your name by sharing your love with others until that day when you call us to eternal glory.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Ephesians 5:8–14

 

. . . for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

 

“Awake, O sleeper,

and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

 

 

PRAYER OF JOY
Through the atoning death of Christ our Savior, the light of the gospel of his glory has shone into our sin-darkened hearts and brought us into the glorious dawn of salvation. Our hearts resound and rejoice that we are now joined to Christ and nothing can separate us from our love in him.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Hebrews 1:1–4

 

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

 

 

PRAYER OF JOY
Through the atoning death of Christ our Savior, the light of the gospel of his glory has shone into our sin-darkened hearts and brought us into the glorious dawn of salvation. Our hearts resound and rejoice that we are now joined to Christ and nothing can separate us from our love in him.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 53

 

Who has believed what he has heard from us?

And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a young plant,

and like a root out of dry ground;

he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,

and no beauty that we should desire him.

He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;

and as one from whom men hide their faces

he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

 

Surely he has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the LORD has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

 

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,

yet he opened not his mouth;

like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,

and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,

so he opened not his mouth.

By oppression and judgment he was taken away;

and as for his generation, who considered

that he was cut off out of the land of the living,

stricken for the transgression of my people?

And they made his grave with the wicked

and with a rich man in his death,

although he had done no violence,

and there was no deceit in his mouth.

 

Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;

he has put him to grief;

when his soul makes an offering for guilt,

he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;

the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;

by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,

make many to be accounted righteous,

and he shall bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,

and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,

because he poured out his soul to death

and was numbered with the transgressors;

yet he bore the sin of many,

and makes intercession for the transgressors.

 

 

PRAYER OF JOY
Through the atoning death of Christ our Savior, the light of the gospel of his glory has shone into our sin-darkened hearts and brought us into the glorious dawn of salvation. Our hearts resound and rejoice that we are now joined to Christ and nothing can separate us from our love in him.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
John 17:1–5

 

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

 

 

PRAYER OF JOY
Through the atoning death of Christ our Savior, the light of the gospel of his glory has shone into our sin-darkened hearts and brought us into the glorious dawn of salvation. Our hearts resound and rejoice that we are now joined to Christ and nothing can separate us from our love in him.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
John 12:27–36

 

“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

 

 

PRAYER OF JOY
Through the atoning death of Christ our Savior, the light of the gospel of his glory has shone into our sin-darkened hearts and brought us into the glorious dawn of salvation. Our hearts resound and rejoice that we are now joined to Christ and nothing can separate us from our love in him.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 17:1–6

 

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.

 

 

PRAYER OF JOY
Through the atoning death of Christ our Savior, the light of the gospel of his glory has shone into our sin-darkened hearts and brought us into the glorious dawn of salvation. Our hearts resound and rejoice that we are now joined to Christ and nothing can separate us from our love in him.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
John 12:44–46

 

And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

 

 

PRAYER OF JOY
Through the atoning death of Christ our Savior, the light of the gospel of his glory has shone into our sin-darkened hearts and brought us into the glorious dawn of salvation. Our hearts resound and rejoice that we are now joined to Christ and nothing can separate us from our love in him.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
John 8:12

 

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

 

 

PRAYER OF PEACE
Though you shared your light with us, we preferred to walk in darkness. So yet again, you brought light into our world, this time in the form of your own son Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and came to earth to dispel the darkness of sin and reconcile us to you. We lift grateful hearts in praise for such a Savior.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 60:1–3

 

Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,

and thick darkness the peoples;

but the LORD will arise upon you,

and his glory will be seen upon you.

And nations shall come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your rising.

 

 

PRAYER OF PEACE
Though you shared your light with us, we preferred to walk in darkness. So yet again, you brought light into our world, this time in the form of your own son Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and came to earth to dispel the darkness of sin and reconcile us to you. We lift grateful hearts in praise for such a Savior.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 2:8–14

 

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

 

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

 

 

PRAYER OF PEACE
Though you shared your light with us, we preferred to walk in darkness. So yet again, you brought light into our world, this time in the form of your own son Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and came to earth to dispel the darkness of sin and reconcile us to you. We lift grateful hearts in praise for such a Savior.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Micah 5:2–5

 

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me

one who is to be ruler in Israel,

whose coming forth is from of old,

from ancient days.

Therefore he shall give them up until the time

when she who is in labor has given birth;

then the rest of his brothers shall return

to the people of Israel.

And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD,

in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.

And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great

to the ends of the earth.

And he shall be their peace.

 

When the Assyrian comes into our land

and treads in our palaces,

then we will raise against him seven shepherds

and eight princes of men.

 

 

PRAYER OF PEACE
Though you shared your light with us, we preferred to walk in darkness. So yet again, you brought light into our world, this time in the form of your own son Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and came to earth to dispel the darkness of sin and reconcile us to you. We lift grateful hearts in praise for such a Savior.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 59:14–20

 

Justice is turned back,

and righteousness stands far away;

for truth has stumbled in the public squares,

and uprightness cannot enter.

Truth is lacking,

and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.

 

The LORD saw it, and it displeased him

that there was no justice.

He saw that there was no man,

and wondered that there was no one to intercede;

then his own arm brought him salvation,

and his righteousness upheld him.

He put on righteousness as a breastplate,

and a helmet of salvation on his head;

he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,

and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.

According to their deeds, so will he repay,

wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies;

to the coastlands he will render repayment.

So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west,

and his glory from the rising of the sun;

for he will come like a rushing stream,

which the wind of the LORD drives.

 

“And a Redeemer will come to Zion,

to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD.

 

 

PRAYER OF PEACE
Though you shared your light with us, we preferred to walk in darkness. So yet again, you brought light into our world, this time in the form of your own son Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and came to earth to dispel the darkness of sin and reconcile us to you. We lift grateful hearts in praise for such a Savior.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
1 John 2:7–8

 

Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

 

 

PRAYER OF PEACE
Though you shared your light with us, we preferred to walk in darkness. So yet again, you brought light into our world, this time in the form of your own son Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and came to earth to dispel the darkness of sin and reconcile us to you. We lift grateful hearts in praise for such a Savior.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 130:5–6

 

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,

and in his word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord

more than watchmen for the morning,

more than watchmen for the morning.

 

 

PRAYER OF PEACE
Though you shared your light with us, we preferred to walk in darkness. So yet again, you brought light into our world, this time in the form of your own son Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and came to earth to dispel the darkness of sin and reconcile us to you. We lift grateful hearts in praise for such a Savior.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Micah 7:8–9

 

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy;

when I fall, I shall rise;

when I sit in darkness,

the LORD will be a light to me.

I will bear the indignation of the LORD

because I have sinned against him,

until he pleads my cause

and executes judgment for me.

He will bring me out to the light;

I shall look upon his vindication.

 

 

PRAYER OF HOPE

In creation, you brought your light into the darkness when you did not have to, being complete and perfect in yourself and your glory. We marvel that you created us to share in your eternal light.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
2 Corinthians 3:12–18

 

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

 

 

PRAYER OF HOPE

In creation, you brought your light into the darkness when you did not have to, being complete and perfect in yourself and your glory. We marvel that you created us to share in your eternal light.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING

Psalm 57:8–11

 

Awake, my glory!

Awake, O harp and lyre!

I will awake the dawn!

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;

I will sing praises to you among the nations.

For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the clouds.

 

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!

Let your glory be over all the earth!

 

 

PRAYER OF HOPE

In creation, you brought your light into the darkness when you did not have to, being complete and perfect in yourself and your glory. We marvel that you created us to share in your eternal light.

 

SCRIPTURE READING

Exodus 13:21–22

 

And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people. 

 

Isaiah 60:19–20

 

The sun shall be no more

your light by day,

nor for brightness shall the moon

give you light;

but the LORD will be your everlasting light,

and your God will be your glory.

Your sun shall no more go down,

nor your moon withdraw itself;

for the LORD will be your everlasting light,

and your days of mourning shall be ended.

 

 

PRAYER OF HOPE

In creation, you brought your light into the darkness when you did not have to, being complete and perfect in yourself and your glory. We marvel that you created us to share in your eternal light.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING

Psalm 104:1–4

 

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
O LORD my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
covering yourself with light as with a garment,
stretching out the heavens like a tent.
He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;
he makes the clouds his chariot;
he rides on the wings of the wind;
he makes his messengers winds,
his ministers a flaming fire.

 

 

PRAYER OF HOPE

In creation, you brought your light into the darkness when you did not have to, being complete and perfect in yourself and your glory. We marvel that you created us to share in your eternal light.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Exodus 34:5–10

PRAYER OF HOPE

In creation, you brought your light into the darkness when you did not have to, being complete and perfect in yourself and your glory. We marvel that you created us to share in your eternal light.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
Habakkuk 3:2–4

PRAYER OF HOPE
In creation, you brought your light into the darkness when you did not have to, being complete and perfect in yourself and your glory. We marvel that you created us to share in your eternal light.

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING
James 1:17–18

 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.