The Future Breaking into the Present

The Second Sunday After Christmas – January 2nd, 2022

The message for January 2nd is based on the messages of the Hebrew prophets to the people of Juda who had been exiled to Babylon. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.” This is just one of many messages given by the prophets. The prophets speak of the future as it it has already happened. God’s promises can be
counted on.

“The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel”. (Jerimiah 31:31) These prophetic oracles gave rise to expectations of the coming kingdom of God through God’s Messiah. In the womb of darkness and despair, the Lord was creating hope for a future that would result in the redemption of the people once and for all.

The message for us is similar. When we are brought to our knees and can no longer help ourselves from possible disaster; the effect of this is often repentance, turning to God, and surrendering our lives to God’s promises for a new rebirth of life. Jesus is the fulfillment of these prophesies. He too confronted the darkness, but in the end, he rose victorious and now walks with us such that we too will experience his victory over darkness and live in the light of God’s redemptive mercy, forgiveness, and love. And we receive these gifts in the same way in
which they were delivered by the prophets, namely, through the word and the Spirit. While we cannot avoid the darkness, through Christ, neither will the darkness overcome us.

Order of Worship

Prelude: “Overture and Pastorale, Messiah” G.F. Handel
“The Holy Boy” John Ireland
Greeting and Announcements:
Hymn
*Apostolic Greeting:
*Prayer of the Day

FIRST READING: Jeremiah 31: 7-14
SECOND READING: Ephesians 1: 3-14
Piano: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” by John F. Wade, Arranged by Martha Mier
Children’s Time
*GOSPEL: John 1: 1-18
Sermon: “The Future Breaking into the Present” Pastor Dan Severson
*Sermon Hymn: Congregation chooses two carols and we sing two verses of each

*Apostles Creed:
Confession and Forgiveness
Words of institution
*The Lord’s Prayer
Distribution
Blessing
Reception of new members
Prayers
*Benediction
*Sending Hymn
*DISMISSAL:
Postlude: French Romantic Noels Cesar Franck, Jules Massene