Isaiah 9:2-7
9:2 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.
9:3 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.
9:4 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.
9:5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
9:6 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.
9:7 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.
Sing: O Come O Come Emmanuel
O come, o come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lowly exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice Rejoice Emmanuel
Shall come to thee Oh Israel
Oh come thou day-spring come and cheer
Our spirits by thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight
Rejoice rejoice
Emmanuel shall come to thee oh Israel
2nd Corinthians 4:5-6 NEB
It is not ourselves we proclaim; we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants, for Jesus' sake. For the same God who said "Out of darkness let light shine," has caused his light to shine within us, to give the light of revelation-the revelation of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Sing: Joy Joy Joy
You've made a home
Of a bag of bones
That we might touch and hold
And see and know
Your frail frame contains
All heaven's dreams
And here lies God's campaign
To heal the world
Joy Joy Joy
Joy Joy Joy
Joy Joy Joy to the world
the Lord has come to us
the Lord has come to us
the Lord has come to us
like this, like this
Not by might or glamour
Or clothed in Caesar's armor
But with all heaven's desire
In your soul
You came so humbly
Revealed through peasantry
Who proclaim faithfully
Their King has come
Joy Joy Joy
Joy Joy Joy
Joy Joy Joy to the world
the Lord has come to us
the Lord has come to us
the Lord has come to us
like this, like this
Almighty and everliving God
We thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
Of the most precious Body and Blood
Of you Son our Saviour Jesus Christ;
And for assuring us in the holy mysteries
That we are living member of the Body of You Son,
And heirs of your eternal kingdom.
And now, Father, send us out
To do the work you have given us to do,
To love and serve you
As faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
To Him, To You, and To The Holy Spirit,
Be honour and glory, now and forever. Amen.
