Monday, November 20, 2017

For November 26, 2017 -- REign of Christ, Using Isaiah 9:2-7

OPENING PRAYER
God, in the beginning you said “Let there be light!”
And there was light.
As time goes by it seems that darkness keeps trying to win.
But your light shines in the darkness and the darkness can not overcome it.
As we gather here to worship, to celebrate the Love which binds us together as your family,
shine in our lives, enlighten our hearts, brighten our world.
We pray in the name of Jesus, who called himself the light of the world, who challenged us to share the light with others, and who taught us to pray saying...

PRAYER FOR AND ASSURANCE OF GRACE
God, you call us to live as people of the Light.
But the shadows grow long and we feel darkness overtaking us.
You call us to be people of hope.
But we listen to the latest news and despair seems so much more realistic.
You call us to pass the light on to from one neighbour to another.
But sometimes in the shadows it is difficult to see if one is a neighbour or an enemy.
God of Grace, God of Hope, God of light,
help us overcome our fear, remind us that the darkness can not overcome your light.
...time of silent prayer...
The people that walked in darkness have seen a brilliant light; on those who dwelt in a land of gloom light has dawned.” Dawn is breaking. In its light God calls us to be renewed, to live as people of the Light.
Thanks be to God. Amen.

COMMISSIONING:
Dawn is breaking, the darkness fades.
The Light is coming into the world.
Though we may walk in darkness, real or symbolic.
The Light is coming into the world.
We go out to celebrate that God’s Kingdom, the Reign of Peace and Hope, is coming.
We go out to share the Light.
We go with God, who was in the beginning, who is in the present, who will be in the future.
The Light that no darkness can overcome. Amen.