The text this week is Isaiah 61:1-4, the verses Jesus used to introduce his ministry in Luke 4. The Worship will focus on the fact that Jesus brings good news to the troubled heart. The visual them will be trees in winter, after the line in the passage that calls those who are comforted ‘Oaks of Righteousness’
Prelude:
Deliver Us – Andrew Peterson
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
And a cool ‘Skit Guys’ video of the same song
Luke 1:46-53 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
Isaiah 61:1-4 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. 4They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Offertory:
Come Children of This Long Discarded Night
After Exposition:
In the Bleak Midwinter Sissel, with lyrics
In the Bleak Midwinter – Twila Paris
After Story:
O Holy Night