A Congregational Responsive Reading of Psalm 46 – led by two voices

Reader 1:     God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Reader 2:     God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

All:              “Be still, and know that I am God!”

Reader 1:    Because God is our refuge and strength we will not fear, though the earth should change.

Reader 2:     Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

Reader 1:     Though its waters roar and foam,

Reader 2:     Though the mountains tremble with it tumult.

All:              God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Reader 1:     There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.

Reader 2:     God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;

Reader 1:     God will help it when the morning dawns,

Reader 2:     The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice and the earth melts.

All:              The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge!

Reader 1:     Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what he has done.

Reader 2:     He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; and burns the shields with fire. 

All:              “Be still, and know that I am God!”

Reader 1:     “I am exalted among the nations.”

Reader 2:     “I am exalted in the earth.”

All:             The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge!

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A Christmas Prayer – Luke 2:8-14

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has be born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find him wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to all whom God favors.”  – Luke 2:8-14

May Your glory shine upon us O God.

Calm us and take away all our fears.

        Incline our ears, our hearts and our minds to hear the good news which brings great joy to all; the news of   Christ the Savior.

            May we, together with family and friends and all of your people, join with the angels in praising You.

                May our lives bring glory to You O God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and bring peace to all we meet.

                     Amen.