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Woship Resources 2009-2010 — Year C: Live Generously, Love Courageously
Return to Year C: 2009-2010
Resource Index
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Praising the Giver of Gifts
Second Sunday after Christmas
Scriptures: Jeremiah 31:7–14; Psalm 147:12–20; Ephesians
1:3–14;
John 1:1–18; Mosiah 1:52; Doctrine and Covenants 85:7
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Praise
Come and praise the Lord your God!
He makes your city gates strong and blesses your people by giving them
children.
As soon as God speaks, the earth obeys.
He covers the ground with snow like a blanket of wool,
and he scatters frost like ashes on the ground.
God sends down hailstones like chips of rocks.
Who can stand the cold? At his command the ice melts,
the wind blows, and streams begin to flow.
Shout praises to the Lord!
—Psalm 147 Contemporary English Version excerpts
Scripture for Peace: Mosiah 1:52
Prayer for Peace
Hymn of Praise: “Earth and All Stars” verses 1 and 2 only HS 49
OR “We Thank Thee, God, for Eyes to See” HS 465
OR “Give Thanks” NS 11
Praising God for the Gift of Christ: John 1:1–5, 14; Ephesians 1:3–10
Hymn: “Look at This Man, Born of God” HS 230
Communion Message
Based on John 1:1–18
Ministry of Music
Preparation of the Emblems
Have a soloist sing one of the following during the breaking of the bread
and pouring of the wine.
“The Table of the Lord” (See
www.lnwbooks.com/products/hymns/193.htm# for lyrics and tune.)
OR “We Would See Jesus” verses 1 and 4 HS 217
OR “Word of God, Come Down on Earth” HS 227
Preparation of Ourselves
Silent Prayer of Confession
OR “We Open Ourselves to the Spirit”
Blessing and Serving of the Bread
Blessing and Serving of the Wine
Disciples’ Generous Response
Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to
integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries
Mission Tithes. Generosity stories are provided to keep the church in touch
with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ.
Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information
as part of your offertory ministry. Visit
www.CofChrist.org/generositystories to print a copy, or contact your
pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.
Scripture of Gifts: Doctrine and Covenants 85:7
Blessing and Receiving of Oblation and Mission Tithes
*Hymn: “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” HS 493
*Prayer of Blessing
*Postlude
Sermon Helps
Scriptures: Jeremiah 31:7–14; Psalm 147:12–20; Ephesians 1:3–14;
John 1:1–18
Exploring the Scriptures
The prologue of John’s Gospel is of central importance to the Christian
faith. “And the word became flesh” (John 1:14) is an affirmation of the
far-reaching significance for our thinking about God, the creation, our lives in
the world, and our discipleship.
When the scripture speaks about the “Word,” it is acknowledging Christ’s
relationship with God, God’s relationship with creation, and Christ’s
relationship with us. The essence of this story is that it is the story of God’s
most generous of gifts, Jesus Christ.
This text leads the hearer/reader to give heartfelt thanks to God for this
precious gift—a gift testified to by John as “the true light, which enlightens
everyone.” However the light which came into the world was not received by all,
“but to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become
the children of God” (v. 12).
On this second Sunday after Christmas, the church is given a time to reflect
on the generous gift given to humankind in every age. Will we receive this gift?
Will we accept this light into our life?
This being the first Sunday of the new year, we are invited to God’s table of
grace to acknowledge the light that transforms us and calls us to testify like
John so that our neighbors, friends, and co-workers might receive the light of
Christ.
Central Ideas
1. Christ is the light that shines in the darkness—the light that gives
life to all creation.
2. John came to testify of the truth of God’s light that has come into
the world. We too are called to testify that Christ’s light is available to
all, and those who receive the light can become the children of God.
3. The table of grace and truth calls us into relationship with God’s
word revealed in Christ. This word has the potential to transform us,
bringing new life into daily living.
Questions for the Speaker
1. What is the relationship between the Word and God? the Word and
creation? the Word and darkness?
2. How are you called like John to testify to the light of Christ in the
world?
3. What does it mean to be given the power to become the children of God?
4. How does the Communion during Christmastide and on the first Sunday of
the new year cause you to reflect on the light in your life for the year
ahead?
Return to Year C: 2009-2010
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