Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/yv8p7hny
Drop down dew from above, you heavens,
and let the clouds rain down the Just One;
let the earth be opened and bring forth a Savior. Isaiah 45
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires, known,
and from whom no secrets are hid:
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Music: https://tinyurl.com/ycn4djk5
O Lord, open my lips.
And my mouth will declare your praise.
Make haste, O God, to deliver me;
make haste to help me, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Praise to you, O Christ, Alleluia!
HYMN: William Cowper
Tune: Nun danket all http://tinyurl.com/37chwmtz
1. Heal us, Emmanuel, hear our prayer;
we wait to feel thy touch;
deep-wounded souls to thee repair,
and Savior, we are such.
2. Our faith is feeble, we confess
we faintly trust thy word;
but wilt thou pity us the less?
Be that far from thee, Lord!
3. Remember him who once applied
with trembling for relief;
“Lord, I believe,” with tears he cried;
“O help my unbelief!”
4. She, too, who touched thee in the press
and healing virtue stole,
was answered, “Daughter, go in peace:
thy faith hath made thee whole.”
5. Like her, with hopes and fears we come
to touch thee if we may;
O send us not despairing home;
send none unhealed away.
PSALMS
Psalm 78 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/uq2kpk3)
1 Hear my law, O my people *
incline your ears unto the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable *
I will declare hard sentences of old;
3 Which we have heard and known *
and such as our fathers have told us;
4 That we should not hide them
from the children of the generations to come *
but to shew the honour of the Lord,
his mighty and wonderful works that he hath done.
5 He made a covenant with Jacob, and gave Israel a law *
which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children;
6 That their posterity might know it *
and the children which were yet unborn;
7 To the intent that when they came up *
they might shew their children the same;
8 That they might put their trust in God *
and not to forget the works of God, but to keep his commandments;
9 And not to be as their forefathers,
a faithless and stubborn generation *
a generation that set not their heart aright,
and whose spirit cleaveth not stedfastly unto God;
10 Like as the children of Ephraim *
who being harnessed, and carrying bows,
turned themselves back in the day of battle.
11 They kept not the covenant of God *
and would not walk in his law;
12 But forgat what he had done *
and the wonderful works that he had shewed for them.
13 Marvellous things did he in the sight of our forefathers,
in the land of Egypt *
even in the field of Zoan.
14 He divided the sea, and let them go through *
he made the waters to stand on an heap.
15 In the day-time also he led them with a cloud *
and all the night through with a light of fire.
16 He clave the hard rocks in the wilderness *
and gave them drink thereof, as it had been out of the great depth.
17 He brought waters out of the stony rock *
so that it gushed out like the rivers.
18 Yet for all this they sinned more against him *
and provoked the most Highest in the wilderness.
19 They tempted God in their hearts *
and required meat for their lust.
20 They spake against God also, saying *
Shall God prepare a table in the wilderness?
21 He smote the stony rock indeed,
that the water gushed out, and the streams flowed withal *
but can he give bread also, or provide flesh for his people?
22 When the Lord heard this, he was wroth *
so the fire was kindled in Jacob,
and there came up heavy displeasure against Israel;
23 Because they believed not in God *
and put not their trust in his help.
24 So he commanded the clouds above *
and opened the doors of heaven.
25 He rained down manna also upon them for to eat *
and gave them food from heaven.
26 So man did eat angels’ food *
for he sent them meat enough.
27 He caused the east-wind to blow under heaven *
and through his power he brought in the south-west-wind.
28 He rained flesh upon them as thick as dust *
and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea.
29 He let it fall among their tents *
even round about their habitation.
30 So they did eat, and were well filled;
for he gave them their own desire *
they were not disappointed of their lust.
31 But while the meat was yet in their mouths,
the heavy wrath of God came upon them,
and slew the wealthiest of them *
yea, and smote down the chosen men that were in Israel.
32 But for all this they sinned yet more *
and believed not his wondrous works.
33 Therefore their days did he consume in vanity *
and their years in trouble.
34 When he slew them, they sought him *
and turned them early, and enquired after God.
35 And they remembered that God was their strength *
and that the high God was their redeemer.
36 Nevertheless, they did but flatter him with their mouth *
and dissembled with him in their tongue.
37 For their heart was not whole with him *
neither continued they stedfast in his covenant.
38 But he was so merciful, that he forgave their misdeeds *
and destroyed them not.
39 Yea, many a time turned he his wrath away *
and would not suffer his whole displeasure to arise.
40 For he considered that they were but flesh *
and that they were even a wind that passeth away,
and cometh not again.
41 Many a time did they provoke him in the wilderness *
and grieved him in the desert.
42 They turned back, and tempted God *
and moved the Holy One in Israel.
43 They thought not of his hand *
and of the day when he delivered them from the hand of the enemy;
44 How he had wrought his miracles in Egypt *
and his wonders in the field of Zoan.
45 He turned their waters into blood *
so that they might not drink of the rivers.
46 He sent lice among them, and devoured them up *
and frogs to destroy them.
47 He gave their fruit unto the caterpillar *
and their labour unto the grasshopper.
48 He destroyed their vines with hail-stones *
and their mulberry-trees with the frost.
49 He smote their cattle also with hail-stones *
and their flocks with hot thunderbolts.
50 He cast upon them the furiousness of his wrath,
anger, displeasure, and trouble *
and sent evil angels among them.
51 He made a way to his indignation,
and spared not their soul from death *
but gave their life over to the pestilence;
52 And smote all the first-born in Egypt *
the most principal and mightiest in the dwellings of Ham.
53 But as for his own people, he led them forth like sheep *
and carried them in the wilderness like a flock.
54 He brought them out safely, that they should not fear *
and overwhelmed their enemies with the sea.
55 And brought them within the borders of his sanctuary *
even to his mountain which he purchased with his right hand.
56 He cast out the heathen also before them *
caused their land to be divided among them for an heritage,
and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.
57 So they tempted, and displeased the most high God *
and kept not his testimonies;
58 But turned their backs, and fell away like their forefathers *
starting aside like a broken bow.
59 For they grieved him with their hill altars *
and provoked him to displeasure with their images.
60 When God heard this, he was wroth *
and took sore displeasure at Israel.
61 So that he forsook the tabernacle in Silo *
even the tent that he had pitched among men.
62 He delivered their power into captivity *
and their beauty into the enemy’s hand.
63 He gave his people over also unto the sword *
and was wroth with his inheritance.
64 The fire consumed their young men *
and their maidens were not given to marriage.
65 Their priests were slain with the sword *
and there were no widows to make lamentation.
66 So the Lord awaked as one out of sleep *
and like a giant refreshed with wine.
67 He smote his enemies in the hinder parts *
and put them to a perpetual shame.
68 He refused the tabernacle of Joseph *
and chose not the tribe of Ephraim;
69 But chose the tribe of Judah *
even the hill of Sion which he loved.
70 And there he built his temple on high *
and laid the foundation of it like the ground
which he hath made continually.
71 He chose David also his servant *
and took him away from the sheep-folds.
72 As he was following the ewes great with young ones he took him *
that he might feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
73 So he fed them with a faithful and true heart *
and ruled them prudently with all his power.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 78 (Karl Kohlhase: http://oremus.org/chant/Psalm-78-KH.mp3)
Listen, listen, listen, O my people
Listen, my people, to instruction;
give ear to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable,
and utter dark sayings of old,
Which we have heard and known,
our fathers passed on to us.
Not hiding them from their children,
but telling generations to come
The praise of the LORD and his strength,
the wonderful works he has done.
He established a witness in Jacob,
and appointed a law in Israel,
Which he commanded our fathers,
to teach them to their children,
that ages to come might know,
even children yet to be born,
Listen, listen, listen, O my people
They’d rise to tell their children,
to fix their hearts upon God
And not to forget the works of God,
but keep all his commands,
And not be like their fathers,
a stubborn rebellious age,
who would not prepare its heart,
with spirits unfaithful to God.
Ephraim’s sons were archers with bows,
but left in the day of battle.
Not keeping God’s covenant,
refusing to walk in his law;
forgetting about his deeds,
his miracles that he showed them.
His wonders before their fathers,
in Egypt and Zoan’s field.
Listen, listen, listen, O My people
Dividing the sea so they passed through,
making the waters stand in a heap.
Leading with cloud by day,
with a light of fire by night.
He split the rocks in the wilderness,
gave drink in full like the ocean depths.
He brought a stream from the rock,
made waters run down like rivers.
Yet they persisted in sin in the desert
against the Most high.
In their heart putting God to the test,
by asking for food they desired.
Against their God they grumbled,
in deserts will God set table?
He struck the rock so that waters,
gushed forth in flowing streams.
Listen, listen, listen, O My people
PRAYER
God of pilgrims,
strengthen our faith, we pray.
Guide us through the uncertainties of our journey,
and hold before us the vision of your eternal kingdom,
made known to us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCW
THE WORD OF GOD
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: “Ask a sign from the Lord your God. Make it as deep as the grave or as high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I won’t ask; I won’t test the Lord.”
Then Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Isn’t it enough for you to be tiresome for people that you are also tiresome before my God? Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel. He will eat butter and honey, and learn to reject evil and choose good. Before the boy learns to reject evil and choose good, the land of the two kings you dread will be abandoned. The Lord will bring upon you, upon your people, and upon your families days unlike any that have come since the day Ephraim broke away from Judah—the king of Assyria.”
On that day, the Lord will whistle for the flies from the remotest streams of Egypt and for the bees that are in the land of Assyria. They will come and settle in the steep ravines, in the cracks of the cliffs, in all the thornbushes, and in all the watering holes.
On that day, the Lord will shave with a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates—with the king of Assyria—the head and the pubic hair, and will cut off the beard as well.
On that day, one will raise a young cow and two sheep and will eat butter because of the abundance of milk, for all who remain in the land will eat butter and honey.
On that day, there will be thorns and thistles in every place where a thousand vines worth a thousand silver shekels once grew. Only those with bows and arrows will go there, because the entire land will become thorns and thistles. As for the hills that were once farmed with hoes, you won’t go there for fear of the thorns and thistles. They will become places where cattle are turned loose and sheep wander.
HYMN: Ambrose of Milan; trans. Martin Luther; trans. Calvin Seerveld ©
Tune: Nun komm der Heiden Heiland
1 Savior of the nations, come,
show yourself, the virgin’s son.
Fill with wonder, all the earth,
that our God chose such a birth.
2 Not by human power or seed
did the woman’s womb conceive;
only by the Spirit’s breath
was the Word of God made flesh.
3 Mary then was found with child,
still a virgin, chaste and mild.
God had favored her with grace
to receive the Prince of Peace.
4 Christ laid down his majesty,
passed through dark Gethsemane.
Though he left his Father’s home,
Christ now sits on God’s own throne.
5 Since the star at Bethlehem
brought new light to earth again,
may our faith shine bright each day;
faithful God, keep sin away.
6 Christ in glory, intercede
for your creatures’ suffering need.
Let your resurrecting power
soon complete the victory hour.
7 Praise to you, O Lord, we sing.
Praise to Christ, our newborn King!
With the Father, Spirit, one,
let your lasting kingdom come.
From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you.
HYMN: Michael A Perry ©
Tune: Old Yeavering http://tinyurl.com/575a2kkr
1 Like a mighty river flowing,
like a flower in beauty growing,
far beyond all human knowing
is the perfect peace of God.
2 Like the hills serene and even,
like the coursing clouds of heaven,
like the heart that’s been forgiven
is the perfect peace of God.
3 Like the summer breezes playing,
like the tall trees softly swaying,
like the lips of silent praying
is the perfect peace of God.
4 Like the morning sun ascended,
like the scents of evening blended,
like a friendship never ended
is the perfect peace of God.
5 Like the azure ocean swelling,
like the jewel all-excelling,
far beyond our human telling
is the perfect peace of God.
Jesus said, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many people will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ They will deceive many people. When you hear of wars and reports of wars, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen, but this isn’t the end yet. Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other, and there will be earthquakes and famines in all sorts of places. These things are just the beginning of the sufferings associated with the end.”
CANTICLE Isaiah 12:1-6
(Stephen Wozny https://tinyurl.com/y8lfq94d)
You will say on that day:
I will give thanks to the Lord,
Though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
and you comforted me
Refrain:
So give thanks to the Lord, and call on his name,
Shout, and sing for joy, all you daughters of Zion,
He is with you now, the Son of God!
He is with you now, the Son of God.
Behold, my God is salvation; I will not be afraid;
The Lord, my God, is my song; I will sing of all he’s done,
and make everything known Refrain
I will sing his name! I will sing his name!
I will sing his name for all the world and everyone!
Sing his name! I will sing his name!
I will sing his name for all the world and everyone!
Sing his name! I will sing his name!
I will sing his name for all the world and everyone!
He is with you now, the Son of God.
THE PRAYERS WS2
God, our hope,
we rejoice that you became flesh and made your dwelling among us,
even as we long for your return.
As we wait, our hearts overflow with gratitude:
for the beauty of creation . . .
for your work in the world . . .
for signs of peace and reconciliation . . .
for our community and its leaders . . .
for your work accomplished through your church, especially for . . .
For all these reasons and so much more we give you praise.
As we celebrate the first coming of your Son as a helpless child,
we also yearn for his return,
for the day in which there will be no more sorrow, pain, or death.
Today we remember in prayer:
the nations of the world . . .
those in authority . . .
the needs of the community . . .
the church universal, its mission, and those who minister . . .
the local congregation and its ministry, especially . . .
those with particular needs . . .
We offer these prayers in the name Jesus Christ, our source of hope. Amen.
Setting by Eric Wyse:2
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread;
and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
God of deep soil
and luxuriant growth;
you call us from
our shallow selves
to find our depth in you:
may we abide in him alone
who can teach us who we are;
through Jesus Christ, the true vine. Amen. PIC
Music: https://tinyurl.com/y9efvwm5
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. 2 Cor. 13:14
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BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.
WS2 The Worship Sourcebook, 2nd edition, © 2013, Faith Alive Christian Resources
The three main scripture readings are © 2011 Common English Bible.
The traditional language psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern language version of Psalm 78 is in the version sung by Karl Kohlhase http://www.k4communications.com/karl/index.html.
Musical links are usually either to artists’ albums posted on Spotify or to recordings made available at smallchurchmusic.com. Audio stripped from YouTube videos is footnoted accordingly above.
Compilation © 2023 Stephen T. Benner. All links worked at the time they were created, but I cannot accept responsibility for their content or any damage resulting from their use. The linked content is under the control of the respective content creators and is subject to change at any time. Any copyright texts included in this compilation are provided for non-commercial purposes related to study or worship. Please contact the respective copyright holders for permission to use the texts in other contexts.
Oremus 