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Woship Resources 2008-2009 — Year B: Be a Sanctuary of Christ's Peace
Return to Year B: 2008-2009
Resource Index
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Shine!
Second Sunday after Christmas
Scriptures: Jeremiah 31:7–14; Psalm 147:12–20; Ephesians
1:3–14; John 1:1–18/1:1–19 IV; III Nephi 5:63; Doctrine and
Covenants 128:8c
The worship center displays a blooming plant, a flashlight, a solar-powered
object such as a calculator, and a small cake with “smart candles”—the type that
are difficult to snuff out. The flashlight and the calculator should be turned
on and the candles lit.
Note: The theme scripture is divided into four segments to be shared
throughout the service. Before each segment the reader should sound a chime or
bell and say, “Listen to the living word of scripture.”
Prelude
Welcome/Sharing Joys and Concerns
Call to Worship: John 1:1–3a
*Hymn of Prayer: “Word of God, Come Down on Earth” verses 1 and 2
HS 227
OR “Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service” HS 17
*Invocation
*Response
Scripture Reading: John 1:3b–5
Focus Moment: “In Him Was the Light of All”
Using the worship center, help the children understand what it means to
say Jesus was a light.
As light helps us to see where we are going, so Jesus helps us to see
more clearly the path we must take in life. As light causes the plant to
grow and blossom, so Jesus helps us to grow and flourish in life. As the
sunlight gives power to the calculator to perform its function, so Jesus
empowers us to do what we must do. Finally (after the children try to
blow out the candles only to have them light up again), as you can see,
these candles are not easily blown out, so you can understand that Jesus’
light cannot be extinguished.
Hymn of Response: “Shine, Jesus, Shine” NS 45
OR “Walk in the Light” HS 303
Scripture Reading: John 1:14, 16–18
Ministry of Music: “My Children, Hear Ye Him, My Word” HS 205
Have a soloist or small group sing verses one and four.
OR Congregational Hymn: “There’s a Spirit in the Air” HS 214
Scripture Reading: John 1:9–13
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: III Nephi 5:63 and/or Doctrine and Covenants 128:8c
Reflection
Our scripture lesson clearly shows two different choices in response
to Jesus: either rejection or receiving and believing in him. Early in
dealings with the people of Israel, God said, “I set before you a
choice.” Today as stewards, we can also make vastly different choices in
response to the light of Christ. We can opt for “conspicuous
consumption,” investing our time and resources solely in personal
pleasures, or we can use them to further God’s kingdom on earth. Which
choice will you make this day?
Blessing and Offering of Oblation and Mission Tithes
Communion Message
Based on John 1:1–18
A Communion Prayer
Have a youth read this.
Lord, as we partake of this bread and wine, may we do so in the awareness
of your light, shining in our darkness. May its glow guide us in our
journey, empower us in our life circumstances, and fill us with your joy.
May we commit ourselves once again in this new year to reflect the glory of
your light as we continue on the path of discipleship. Amen.
Communion Hymn: “Word of God, Come Down on Earth” verses 3 and 4 HS
227
OR “Father, Who in Jesus Found Us” HS 331
Blessing and Serving of the Bread and Wine
Prayer for Peace
*Hymn: “Holy Ground” NS 13
OR “Send Forth Thy Light, O Zion” HS 317
*Benediction
*Response
*Postlude
Sermon Helps
Scriptures: Jeremiah 31:7–14; Psalm 147:12–20; Ephesians 1:3–14;
John 1:1–18/1:1–19 IV
Exploring the Scriptures
Light comes into the world and God judges people by their response to it.
Here, light is truth and reality, and darkness is illusion, falseness, and
distortion.
In the world today, what qualities are satisfying in people’s lives? Some
people think revenge, material wealth, sensuality, comfort, security, and
political power will create meaning in life. However, those things, when desired
and earned, sometimes ring hollow.
Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. His message is that the love of
God and of each other is the source of meaning in life. Relationships,
generosity, community, and love are the foundations of satisfaction.
This seems simple when stated plainly. Our lives are lived as a testimony to
what we believe. Do our lives testify that life comes through love, generosity,
and community? Or do our choices reflect a more distorted understanding, aiming
for self-determination and safety through possessions and position?
We need communion and life in a faith community to help pull us back to that
central message of love and generosity. Human understanding reacts to an
uncertain and painful world by trying to build up protection against confusion
and vulnerability. Jesus Christ calls us to live our lives in community where we
can give and receive love. As we share together in the Lord’s Supper, we sense
the strength of community and are reminded again of our foundation in Jesus
Christ and his call to us to shine in the world’s dark places.
This scripture connects the Word, light, and flesh. The creative power
of God combines with the clarity of the message of love and then lives with and
through humanity. The Word became Jesus Christ—one who not only visited
humanity, but came and lived with them for a time.
When Moses gave the law, it was not his law. When Jesus Christ came with
grace and truth, they were his to give. The grace Jesus brought overcame the
wrath of the law, and his truth overcame the shadow of meaningless ceremony. The
law cannot give pardon or strength, so there had to be another way for people to
continually reconnect with God and the love of God.
Just as we use words to communicate our thoughts and feelings to others, God
used Jesus Christ, the Word, to reveal love to creation. Jesus speaks through us
to share this love with all of creation now, in this time. No one was beyond the
scope of God’s love when Jesus came. No one is beyond the scope of that love
now. Our faithfulness is in sharing that love.
Central Ideas
- Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, and when we take Communion,
we remember that and become part of it all again.
- John was not the light, but he testified of the light that would
enlighten everyone. We are called to do the same.
Questions for the Speaker
- Have you had a memorable Communion experience where you strongly felt
the grace and truth of Jesus Christ?
- Can you remember a time when God moved through you and you were tempted
to take personal credit for the ministry that resulted?
- Think of a time when you were part of an experience where a light shone
in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. Did the normal use of
“power” change in that situation? What was strength and what was weakness?
Return to Year B: 2008-2009
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