Worship on Sunday, February 24 …
Our Epiphany Series – The Light of the World! – has been leading us here … to engage and explore what it means to BE the light of the world!
╬ YOU are!
It makes perfect sense for Jesus to say, “I am the light of the world.” Of course. He’s Jesus. And we’re fine with him affirming us and our discipleship: “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." Of course. We’re followers of the Son. Therefore, we don’t walk in darkness, but dwell in the Epiphany light of Christ. But then Jesus has the audacity to say, “YOU are the light of the world!” Now that’s something else altogether … until we realize: this is what Epiphany is all about and where Jesus has been leading us, all along.
God is calling us all to be light in God’s world!
- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org
PRAYER OF THE DAY -----------------------
Blessed Christ, you are the true light shining in all of us. Fill us with the power of your Spirit, that we might bear your light everywhere, to shine with the brilliance of your forgiveness, grace and love. Amen.
READINGS -------------------------------------
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
60 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2 For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. 3 Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Psalm 112:1-9
1 Praise the Lord! Happy are those who revere the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.
Second Reading: Acts 13:44-52
44 The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. 46 Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. 49 Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-16
5 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Worship this Sunday, February 17 …
Our Epiphany Series – The Light of the World! – invites us to understand ourselves as the redeemed people of God, people on whom the redeeming light of God has shined in Christ Jesus. We need to explore what that means!
╬ “Redeeming Light!”
Redemption is a church word, a Biblical word, a faith word. It’s also a cultural word, a moral word, and an economic word. We use it a lot, for a lot of things. But what does it mean? What does it mean to redeem, and be redeemed, as the word is used in The Word, in Scripture and in the epiphany of God that comes into the world in Christ? We discover, in fact, that redemption is a central role and function of the light of Epiphany. We are invited to embrace this gift of grace, to dwell in it, to live in this light of redemption, and be made whole once more.
Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings.
In the words of the old spiritual, “Let it shine on, let it shine on, let the light from the lighthouse shine on me!”
- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org
PRAYER OF THE DAY ----------------
God of grace, shine your redeeming light into our lives, that we may be restored and made whole again in you. And shine that light through us for the sake of the world your Son comes to save. Amen.
READINGS --------------------------
First Reading: Exodus 27:20-21
20 You shall further command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of beaten olives for the light, so that a lamp may be set up to burn regularly. 21 In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that is before the covenant, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening to morning before the Lord. It shall be a perpetual ordinance to be observed throughout their generations by the Israelites.
Psalm 27:1-4,11-13
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh — my adversaries and foes — they shall stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.
4 One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.
13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage. Wait for the Lord!
Second Reading: Revelation 22:1-7
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; 4 they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. 6 And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true, for the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place." 7 "See, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."
Gospel: Luke 11:33-36
33 "No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but if it is not healthy, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore consider whether the light in you is not darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when a lamp gives you light with its rays."
Worship this Sunday, February 10 …
In the joy of the focus of our Epiphany Series – The Light of the World! – we must inevitably engage those times when the light dims; those places in life – for us, for Jesus, for everyone – when shadows loom, and we experience the …
╬ “Dying of the Light!”
There come times in every life when the light seems to fail. When darkness looms around us, within us, and we find ourselves dwelling in shadow, once again. It may result from things beyond our control, harsh circumstance, misfortune. Perhaps it is our own failing that brings us into a place of darkness, chaos. A sense of darkness can attend dramatic changes in our life, or the loss of someone or something we love. Experiencing dark times is pervasive, maybe inevitable. Jesus himself is not spared. But there is a hope that glimmers, even in the shadows; a promise from God of a light no darkness can overcome. Even in the darkest night, there is a light beyond.
Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings.
Times of spiritual darkness will come. How blessed we are not alone, but make the journey together, in the presence of the light that never fails!
- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org
PRAYER OF THE DAY -------------
Creating God, draw us close when the light seems to fail. When darkness threatens to overwhelm us, shine the light of your Christ all the stronger. Call us forth from the shadows to walk in your light once more. Amen.
READINGS ----------------------
First Reading: Job 18:5-8,18-21
5 "Surely the light of the wicked is put out, and the flame of their fire does not shine. 6 The light is dark in their tent, and the lamp above them is put out. 7 Their strong steps are shortened, and their own schemes throw them down. 8 For they are thrust into a net by their own feet, and they walk into a pitfall. 18 They are thrust from light into darkness, and driven out of the world. 19 They have no offspring or descendant among their people, and no survivor where they used to live. 20 They of the west are appalled at their fate, and horror seizes those of the east. 21 Surely such are the dwellings of the ungodly, such is the place of those who do not know God."
Psalm 139:1-12
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.
5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
7 Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,"
12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Second Reading: 1 John 2:7-11,15-17
7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 Whoever says, "I am in the light," while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has brought on blindness. 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; 16 for all that is in the world — the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches — comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.
Gospel: John 12:27-36
27 "Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say — 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." 30 Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 34 The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" 35 Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light."
LOOKING AHEAD to worship on Sunday, February 3…
Our Epiphany Series celebrates The Light of the World! This week, we focus on how the light of Christ, shining in us, has the power to transform life for us and for others, especially those in need.
╬ “Transforming Power of Light!”
Just as Jesus is revealed as the manifestation of God in the world, we are called to be manifestations of that light and grace, ourselves. Today, Pr. Tim Anderson will share with us about the progress of our mission initiative in East Austin. The work we are doing, in league with our Austin City Lutheran partner churches, has already made a material difference in meeting supplemental food needs in what is described as a “food desert.” Now, with our new initiative in early childhood education, we are creating the potential for life-transforming education ministry at the most important time in young lives, and for families for whom quality programming has been beyond reach.
Readings and the Prayer of the Day are below.
It is good to celebrate with you in this season of Light!
- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org
PRAYER OF THE DAY --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Creating God, your light shines within us. By the power of your Spirit, strengthen and encourage us to be light for your world. To shine the light of your Christ into the lives of others, especially those who languish in the shadows. Amen.
READINGS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Reading: Isaiah 9:2-8
1 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Psalm 13
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God! Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
4 and my enemy will say, "I have prevailed"; my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.
Second Reading: Acts 22:6-15
6 Paul said, "While I was on my way and approaching Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' 8 I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' Then he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.' 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 I asked, 'What am I to do, Lord?' The Lord said to me, 'Get up and go to Damascus; there you will be told everything that has been assigned to you to do.' 11 Since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, those who were with me took my hand and led me to Damascus. 12 "A certain Ananias, who was a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews living there, 13 came to me; and standing beside me, he said, 'Brother Saul, regain your sight!' In that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. 14 Then he said, 'The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear his own voice; 15 for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard.
Gospel: John 12:44-50
44 Then Jesus cried aloud: "Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. 47 I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, 49 for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me."
