let every heart prepare

December 1st was our church's annual Women's Christmas Potluck Brunch.  I was asked to provide a musical program, that traditionally has some spoken words throughout.  After searching and searching online for someone else's words that would communicate the things I had been thinking about, I felt the Lord calling me to write my own words.  I sang a song to get us started and my dear friend read the words while I played softly.  Together the group sang familiar words of Christmas carols.  We had a blessed time of worship.  Someone told me afterward that I should put these words "on the internet" for others to use.  
So here they are.


song: Once More (from Travis Cottrell's Christmas album, Ring the Bells)

In the beginning, God.
Before there was time and space and people, God had a plan.
He created the earth, sky and sea, animals of all kinds and then He breathed.
He breathed life into the first person.

From that point on, God watched His people try to be good enough - try to do right and live right.  He watched them fumble through on their own.
They thought they were so smart, some of them.
Others felt so lonely and insignificant.
God loved them all the same.
God so loved His world.

In His perfect timing, God laid out His plan and in His perfect way, God chose a small and seemingly insignificant town to be the landmark that would change eternity.

song: O Little Town of Bethlehem

O come to us.
Abide in us.
Lord, You are God with us - Emmanuel.

God, do You see me?
God, do You hear me?
God, they say You love me.  How can I know?

It's Christmas - a time thick with memories and traditions.
A time to remember You, Jesus.
You came to be with us, to be one of us. To show Your love for us.
There was so much confusion surrounding Your birth and Your life.
Should I shy away from confusion in my own life?

Christmas.  Noel.
Jesus You came.

song: The First Noel

God's Word says:
"See I care about you, and I will pay attention to you."

God's Word says:
"I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you.  I will take out your stoney, stubborn heart and give you a tender and responsive heart."

God's Word says:
"The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still."

The Lord comes in a whisper.
Will I quiet myself to hear it?

song: Silent Night (Emmanuel) ~ Matt Maher

We are here today: we face the dawn of Redeeming grace.
The sun rises and the sun sets - You, O Lord inspire our praise.
The gift of Jesus, the Love poured down: fill our hearts once again.
Refresh our imaginations.
Renew our commitment to live, walk and love through Your grace.

You alone are worthy.
Jesus, precious gift of life for now and eternity.
We bow our hearts, we bow our lives before You.
Only You.

song:  O Come Let Us Adore Him

I'm linking up with Sunday Setlists - even though this was a Saturday - to share this reading and offer it for your use.  Please let me know if you plan on using it!