December 16 – Advent 3

 

Zephaniah 3:14–20

Sing, daughter of Zion; God comes to bring you home.

 

Isaiah 12:2–6 (VU p. 880)

Proclaim God’s deeds to the nations.

 

Philippians 4:4–7

Rejoice in God always! Again I say, Rejoice!

 

Luke 3:7–18

John warns the crowds, “You brood of vipers!”

Spark

Display an axe and a felled Christmas tree. What do you do with your leftover Christmas trees? What do you with anything that is in excess?

Theme Engagement Question

What do you have so much of that you could give half away and not really notice that it is gone? Why is giving a spiritual practice?

With Children

Everyone is created to be and become a unique part of creation. Share with the children the story The Smallest Tree by Debra (on the Web) or The Tale of Three Trees retold by Angela Elwell Hunt (David C. Cook, 1989) or Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry (Doubleday, 2000). God has created us to offer our gifts to creation.

Sermon Starter

Christmastime highlights those who have and those who have not, and amidst all the exchanging of gifts, there are many opportunities to give to someone who has little. One year, a friend of mine, knowing I had everything I needed, gave me the gift of a goat—purchased for a family in a developing country.

 

The reading from Philippians invites us to give thanks for what we have, but also to reflect on what we have in abundance. What do we have so much of that we could give half away? What can we bring or give that is needed by the world beyond where we live? This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and reflect on all that his life stands for, let us consider giving gifts that will benefit many who have much less than we do.

Hymns

Zephaniah 3:14–20

VU 2                “Come, thou long-expected Jesus”

VU 30              “Hail to God’s own anointed”

VU 677            “O God of every nation”

VU 680            “Isaiah the prophet has written of old”

MV 120           “My soul cries out”

 

Isaiah 12:2–6

VU 240            “Praise, my soul, the God of heaven”

 

Philippians 4:4–7

VU 213            “Rejoice, the Lord is King”

VU 232            “Joyful, joyful we adore you”

VU 249            “Rejoice in the Lord always”

VU 644            “I was there to hear your borning cry”

 

Luke 3:7–18

VU 29              “Hark, the glad sound”

VU 68              “All poor ones and humble”

VU 222            “Come, let us sing”

Wild Goose (Iona) “Not the powerful, not the privileged” from Innkeepers and Light Sleepers

Looking to the Stars for a Sign

Words: Amelia Koh-Butler

Tune: We Three Kings

 

Looking to the stars for a sign

Seeking for the wisdom divine

Moon and sun and light from heaven

How do they all align?

 

O, tell us, stars from heaven’s glove

What’s the news of pain or love?

Watching, waiting, hoping, praying,

Bring us news from skies above.

 

Hopefully, we long for the sight

Of creation’s purpose and might.

Watching ever, sleeping never,

Moth-like we seek the light.

 

Frankincense have I well prepared

As a holy gift to be shared

Burn for prayer in worship fair

This priestly gift will show I cared.

 

Sacred is the task that is set

Holy work we must not forget

Here the vision for our mission

Find the star, directions get.

 

Ointment used for blessing at death

Given nearer baby’s first breath

Sign of crying, living, dying

For suffering this life is blessed.