First Sunday after Christmas Day - C

Object: A piece of paper for each child. The pieces of paper should be the size of typing paper or larger.

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Isaiah 62:1-5
The proclamation of Isaiah reminds the people of Israel that they are not forsaken. They are, in fact, blessed by God. God celebrates them, vindicates them, renews and restores them. What joy there must be in this prophecy. Can you imagine being seen as forsaken and abandoned for centuries and knowing yet, that God is going to free you, vindicate you, bless you, and proclaim to the world that you are God’s beloved?

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord. (vv. 5-6)

It happened twenty years ago a few days after the death of Eli, our beloved West Highland Terrier. We were missing him fiercely as we were putting away dog toys and discovering hidden chewy bones. My wife, Jo, remembers:

Call to Worship:

At the wedding at Cana in Galilee, Jesus provided best quality wine for all the guests. We are his guests at his table today and he provides best quality wine for us. In our worship today let us enjoy all that Jesus provides for us.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we reject your wine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to appreciate the quality of all that you give us.
Christ, have mercy.

If we wanted to give a name to this psalm, we might call it "A Song of Exuberant Praise." The psalmist is unrestrained in voicing his praise to God. And the list of things for which God is praised is impressively exhaustive. Within the scope of five short verses, God is praised for steadfastness, faithfulness, righteousness, judgment, and salvation. These divine qualities affect not only human existence but also extend to the heavens, clouds, mountains, the great deep, and even animals.

Theme For The Day
With Jesus, wonders never cease.

Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 62:1-5
So Shall Your God Rejoice Over You

It had been a standard practice, in years past, that the most popular month for weddings was June. The idea of someone being a June bride was without doubt not just normal, but expected. As our society has moved in so many directions, it has become the case that June no longer holds the fascination as it once did. We do know that weddings are always the source of much anticipation and, at times, problems.

David Donald's biography of Abraham Lincoln is a special effort to help us feel along with Mr. Lincoln the thoughts of his heart and mind as he aspired to the presidency. Mr. Lincoln had an earnest desire to be of special service to the nation he knew was in deep trouble. One senses the compassion he had for all the people. He also recognized that the people could survive only as one nation. No one knew better than he that not everyone would agree with his purpose and will in leading the people.

The miracle that Jesus performed at the wedding at Cana in today's Gospel is recalled in the prayer that begins the Rite of Marriage in the Lutheran Book of Worship:

Eternal God, our creator and redeemer, as you gladdened the wedding at Cana in Galilee by the presence of your Son, so by his presence now bring your joy to this wedding. Look in favor upon __________ and __________ and grant that they, rejoicing in all your gifts, may at length celebrate with Christ the marriage feast which has no end. Amen.