Messengers Before Us

Litany of Confession, Grace, & Journey to the Star-Child (Advent 4)

Out of the distant past,
the people petition creation and its angels:
Praise God, all of you
who are his messengers!
Praise God, all of you
who comprise his heavenly forces! (Psalm 148:2 CEB)

Out of the past,
an ordinary young woman,
receives a visit from a messenger.
When the angel came to her, he said,
“Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28 CEB)

And on that night two millennia past,
shepherds living in the fields,
welcomed a visitor.
The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. (Luke 2:9 CEB)

Though frightened, they listened.
What they heard was remarkable and
accompanied by hope & joy.
Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11 CEB)

They left their fields;
the shepherds took action;
after a messenger stood before them.
When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” (Luke 2:15 CEB)

The messengers have come and gone.
Our sacred book reveals truths to us.
And yet we too often fail to live our lives,
in response to the message of Good News we’ve received.

Forgive us, Lord, we ask.
Forgive us, Lord, we ask.

Millennia have passed.
Forgiveness and grace for each of us, continues to ripple out of Bethlehem.
Though frightened, though confused, though imperfect,
we turn our hearts and eyes toward the Star-Child once again.

Let us sing with the hope that numbers “in the millions—thousands upon thousands.“ (Revelation 5:11b CEB)
Let us worship. Let all creation worship!

Hymn Star-Child #174 SPP

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This is all original material except the scripture quotes as indicated. Scripture quotes are from the Common English Bible, copyright 2011.

About Tim Graves

Tim is a runner, a hiker, a devoted husband, a father of two adult children, and their spouses, and a grandfather of four perfect children. A former early childhood educator, Tim is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He has served as pastor of both Disciples and United Church of Christ congregations. As we enter what we hope is the final phase of the pandemic, Tim is beginning a journey of rediscovering himself and discerning next steps. He writes from his home in Albany, Oregon and wherever the Spirit lures him.