He Stirs Our Heart

~~~ 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16 ~~~ 

~~~ Psalm 89 ~~~ Luke 1:67-79 ~~~

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Christmas is the season for joy and happiness,

even when you are carrying the sad loss of a loved one.

It is a time for remembering all the good things 

God has brought into your life.

Zechariah was quick to praise God 

with his prophecy as soon as his voice was restored.

This canticle is recited as part of morning prayer each day.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;

for he has come to his people and set them free...

God comes to us a tiny baby.
He stirs our hearts with his quiet cooing.
He melts our hearts with his surprising smile.
He gives us hope as he grabs hold of our finger.

God comes to us as a tiny baby;
inviting us to a closer look...
inviting us to his caress his soft delicate cheek.

God sends his mercy to us in the pure
heart of the infant Jesus.

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

The manger calls us to kneel in wonder and awe...
our salvation is revealed within the crib.

Silent Night, Holy Night,
All is calm, all is bright...

Sing carols today with all your heart.
It is love, grace, beauty, and mercy
of which we sing.

O Little Town of Bethlehem
how still we see thee lie!

O come let us adore him.
O come let us adore him.
O comes let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

May the Glory of his Light shine on us forever.

~~~Peace~~~
Joy
to the World!

Lift Your Voices to the Lord

~~~ 2Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a-16 ~~~ Psalm 89 ~~~ Luke 1:67-79 ~~~

 

For ever I will sing

the goodness of the Lord.

 

 

When Zechariah finally got his voice back he was a changed man.

 

He was filled with the Holy Spirit as he witnessed

the power of God right in his own home.

He had been given an 'energy drink' from God

 and his faith was on fire.

 

He was already an elder in the synagogue but now

he was blessed with new eyes.

 

The gospel today gives us the Canticle of Zechariah...

his personal song.

 

 

"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
for he has come to his people and set them free..."

 

His canticle tells of the greatness of God.

He sings from his heart as he holds his son in his arms.

This is the best lullaby he has to sing.

 

"You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins."

 

Everyone who comes in close contact with the holiness of

the birth of our Lord is filled with joy.

This intense joy causes some to break forth in song.

When love and joy come together

the best way to express it is through song.

 

Let us join our voices with those who sang of their

joy so long ago.

Sing a new song to the Lord.

For today a child is given to us...

he is Holy...

He comes to save us.

Come, O Come, Emmanuel!

My Soul in Stillness Waits!