Blue Christmas – A gathering for the season

Monday, December 6th at 7:30PM

Welcome

Thoughts from Chris

Selected Scripture Readings

Poem by pastor and author, Ted Loader

O God, empty me of angry judgments,

aching disappointments, and anxious trying.

And breathe into me something like quietness and confidence.

That the lion and the lamb in me

may lie down together and be led

by a trust as straightforward as a little child.

Catch my pride and doubt off guard that,

At least for the moment,

I may sense your presence and your caring,

And be surprised by a sudden joy

Rising in me now

To sustain me in the coming then.

 

Song, “Always Good,” with lyrics and music by Andrew Peterson.

Poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along the unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head

“There is no peace on earth,” I said,

“For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men.”

Till ringing, singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

 

Message from Chris

Scripture Reading from Matthew

Poem by pastor and author Walter Wangerin, Jr. “Ragman”

Silent Prayer for each other

Poem by poet and professor Denise Levertov “For the New Year, 1981”

I have a small grain of hope— one small crystal that gleams clear colors out of transparency.

I need more.

I break off a fragment to send you.

Please take
this grain of a grain of hope so that mine won’t shrink.

Please share your fragment so that yours will grow.

Only so, by division, will hope increase,

like a clump of irises, which will cease to flower unless you distribute
the clustered roots, unlikely source—
clumsy and earth-covered—

of grace.

 

Song, “Be Ye Glad,” written by Michael Kelly Blanchard

Words of Parting & Blessing