Worship Craft » Christmas http://worshipcraft.com Modern Resources for Timeless Worship Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:05:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 The Blessing of Bethlehem Advent Benediction http://worshipcraft.com/advent-benediction-bethlehem-benediction/ http://worshipcraft.com/advent-benediction-bethlehem-benediction/#comments Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:26:11 +0000 admin http://worshipcraft.com/advent-benediction-bethlehem-benediction/

For the final Sunday of this year’s Advent season, my benediction looks toward the tiny town of Bethlehem for the momentous event that changed everything for history and for you and me…

O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie;

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, The silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light;

The hopes and fears of all the years, Are in thee tonight.

Phillips Brooks/Lewis Redner

Bethlehem Benediction [Micah 5:2-5]

Out of tiny Bethlehem came the Brightest Morning Star,

the Glory of God,

The Son, our Savior.

Out of tiny Bethlehem came the Shepherd of our flock,

He stands in the strength of the Lord,

He stands in the majesty of the name of God.

He is our salvation and security.

Be blessed in the majestic name of Jesus,

Son of God,

Holy Shepherd,

Holy One of Israel,

Your Salvation and Strength.

Be a blessing to others though you may feel as tiny as Bethlehem.

Show the Love of Jesus.

Live as the Son lived.

Help others find the Shepherd, The Holy One, Their Salvation and Strength.

May the blessing be birthed in you.

Amen

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[Originally Published on Love, Acceptance, Forgiveness]

]]> http://worshipcraft.com/advent-benediction-bethlehem-benediction/feed/ 0 Advent Benediction of Rejoicing http://worshipcraft.com/advent-benediction-of-rejoicing/ http://worshipcraft.com/advent-benediction-of-rejoicing/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:22:24 +0000 admin http://worshipcraft.com/advent-benediction-of-rejoicing/

imageWeek three of our Advent worship brings us to our focus on rejoicing. One week closer to the blessed Savior’s birth and we celebrate His entry into our plane of existence. Worship leaders and pastors can bless their hearers by reminding them of the words of the Prophets who came before them.  This week’s benediction is rooted in the reading from Zephaniah (3:14-15) [tweet]

Benediction of Rejoicing

As Mary knew, may you also be blessed to know,
the joy of anticipation, the joy the change to come.
.
The prophets shouted God’s promise,
‘Be glad and rejoice with all your heart;
The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy.’
.
You are blessed in knowing that the Bright Morning Star,
would come,
did come,
and will come.
.
Be blessed, community of faith,
rejoice and share the news and the light of the Star!
God’s greatest blessings on you.

Amen

[Originally published at Love, Acceptance, Forgiveness]

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Image Coach O

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