Collect: Proper 2

Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep us, we pray, from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with free hearts these things which belongs to your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

Isaiah 62:6-12 . . . an expression of great expectation and rejoicing: salvation comes to Jerusalem

Psalm 97 . . . The awesome Lord and Ruler who brings judgement and light to the righteous.

Titus 3:4-7 . . . a summary of the story of our salvation.

Luke 2:1-20 . . .  the story of the birth  of Jesus amid humble circumstances.

A YouTube Sermon:  Jesus, what a Christmas Promise, by Scott UMC

The Angels’ Sermon is the Christian’s Song –  A documented Sermon by Pastor Rolf Preus

After Reading these Christmas sermons (day 1 and day 2), and having some idea about this Liturgical Season’s teaching and purpose, I hear  God’s voice inviting me to come consciously home. I heard it today and I heard it yesterday.  I’ll hear it tomorrow, and the rest of this Christmas season.   I feel I am hearing  John the Baptist, in the wilderness, asking me to bring my shadows to the fore.  I feel compelled to confess my sins and give thanks (The-general-thanksgiving prayer) and begin my personal purification process, anew.