Monday, December 14, 2009
13 December 2009 - Advent 3C Sermon - Rejoice!
Advent III Sermon
13 December 2009
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
The Rev. Peter M. Carey
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I was asked by a young theologian recently “what is worship,” and I offered up that worship is what we do at church, we might dress up a bit, we gather, we sing, we pray, we greet one another, we hear about the story of God and God’s people. We may listen to some reflection on the Word of God. We confess, we remember Jesus’ work of redemption for us, we break bread, we sing, and we go have snacks. Actually, my answer was a bit briefer. “What is worship?” At the end of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, he offers these words, “rejoice in the Lord always.” “Rejoice.” “Always.” What is worship? Well, we should rejoice in the Lord always. Of course, we hope we do this here at church, but when we awake, and we realize we have been offered the gift of this day, we rejoice. When we drive along the highway and see the brilliant sun shining on the mountains, we rejoice. When the house is being pounded by rain, we rejoice. When we are called by a friend in need, we also rejoice.
13 December 2009
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
The Rev. Peter M. Carey
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I was asked by a young theologian recently “what is worship,” and I offered up that worship is what we do at church, we might dress up a bit, we gather, we sing, we pray, we greet one another, we hear about the story of God and God’s people. We may listen to some reflection on the Word of God. We confess, we remember Jesus’ work of redemption for us, we break bread, we sing, and we go have snacks. Actually, my answer was a bit briefer. “What is worship?” At the end of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, he offers these words, “rejoice in the Lord always.” “Rejoice.” “Always.” What is worship? Well, we should rejoice in the Lord always. Of course, we hope we do this here at church, but when we awake, and we realize we have been offered the gift of this day, we rejoice. When we drive along the highway and see the brilliant sun shining on the mountains, we rejoice. When the house is being pounded by rain, we rejoice. When we are called by a friend in need, we also rejoice.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Let your gentleness be known to everyone
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Rising in darkness, let us all keep watching
Rising in darkness,
let us all keep watching
let psalms provide our source of meditation
And sing with all our strength
hymns of adoration
to our Creator bring.
As we might praises
bring a holy ruler
so may we sing
your heavenly courts to enter
There with the saints to join
now and ever after
blessing on us confer.
Grant, blessed God head
this our prayer at dawning
that we reflect the goodness of your Presence
Your beauty shines, O Light,
O Sun, O Radiance
glory re-echoing.
~ Gregory the Great (6th century
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
New every morning is the love
New every morning is the love
Our wakening and uprising prove;
Through sleep and darkness kindly brought,
Restored to life and pow'r and thought.
New mercies, each returning day,
Come down around us while we pray;
Old fears are gone, old sins forgiven,
New thoughts of God, new grace from heaven.
If, in our daily lives, our minds
Think to bless all we meet and find,
God's City will come down to the earth;
Treasure untarnished, holy birth.
Hear us, O God, in your dear love,
Let our prayers rise to you above,
And help us, this and every day,
To live as truly as we pray.
Words: John Keble, (19thC) adapted
Monday, December 07, 2009
"Stir it up" Sunday with Bob Marley
This coming Sunday, we have the Collect which calls upon God to "stir up your power" and come among us...so, I'm preparing for our Lectionary Bible study by listening to Bob Marley...a good balm for the Monday morning grumpiness!
~The Rev. Peter M. Carey
The Collect for Advent III
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
~The Rev. Peter M. Carey
The Collect for Advent III
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
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Advent,
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