Advent 2014 | Jesus Shapes Our Love: His Choice, His Cost, His Cross

Special Emmaus City Advent Liturgy  | Sunday, December 21, 2014 –

Jesus Shapes Our Love: His Choice, His Cost, His Cross

  

Jesus Shapes Our Love | His Choice, His Cost, His Cross Homily Audio:

For the previous Advent liturgy notes, click on the links below:

Advent 2014 | Jesus Is Our Peace: The Whole Christmas Story
Advent 2014 | Jesus Is Our Joy: Why We Need Advent

 

Jesus Shapes Our Love | His Choise, His Cost, His Cross Passage and Homily Notes

  

Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew 2:1-11
1 John 3:11-18

Love showcases itself in the Christmas story. We can enter the story looking at it through the eyes of Joseph, the eyes of the wise men and finally, Jesus, who is the culmination of love. As you listen keep these things in mind:

 love is an unimaginable choice, 
love is an unpredictable journey or cost, 
and love is an undeniable cross.

(1) Love is an unimaginable choice

1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. – Matthew 1:18-25

“The character of Joseph, the man God chose for his Son to have for an earthly father, is not only interesting, it is also instructive to us. There are many who are righteous, but who are not kind. There are many who are kind, but who are not righteous. Joseph, however, loved God and his law, and that love of God touched his heart, causing him to be a kind man. When God chose a human father for his Son, he chose a man who would be righteous and kind, qualities that reflect God the Father himself. Is that not instructive for every one of us to be like our heavenly Father, and to be like Jesus’ earthly father? Righteous and kind. Concerned for God’s law. Concerned for God’s people.” – Ligon Duncan

(2) Love is an unpredictable journey or cost

2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. – Matthew 2:1-11

“The Lord Jesus has many ‘hidden ones,’ like these wise men. … these verses show us a splendid example of spiritual diligence. What trouble it must have cost these wise men to travel from their homes to the house where Jesus was born! How many weary miles they must have journeyed! The fatigues of an Eastern traveler are far greater than we can at all understand. The time that such a journey would occupy must have been very great. The dangers to be encountered were neither few nor small. But none of these things moved them. They had set their hearts on seeing him ‘who has been born king of the Jews’ (v. 2), and they never rested till they saw him. … What does our religion cost us?” – J.C. Ryle

(3) Love is an undeniable cross

3:11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. … 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. – 1 John 3:11, 14-18

"He found a Golgotha, where He was crucified, even in Bethlehem, where He was born; for to His tenderness then the straws were almost as sharp as the thorns after, and the manger as uneasy as the cross at last. From the creche to the cross is an inseparable line. What a wonder that the eternal Word of God did not shun being born. Grace and Truth is a person – Jesus come to you in the flesh." – John Donne (1572-1631 A.D.), metaphysical poet and cleric

Jesus Shapes Our Love | His Choice, His Cost, His Cross Hymns and Songs

  Hark the Herald Angels Sing lyrics and melody

By Austin Stone Worship (original by Charles Wesley)

1739 A.D.

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

You Are God and You Are Good lyrics and melody

By Austin Stone Worship

2014 A.D. 

 

For the fatherless, we pray be the Father.

Let those who lost their way be understood.
For the widow and the broken – 
Be the Lover who will hold them.
We know that You are God and You are good.
Yes, we know that You are God and You are good.

For those who mourn today, be the comfort,

And who hunger after You, be satisfied.

You bless the poor in spirit for heaven is their kingdom.
We know that You are God and You are good.

Yes, we know that You are God and You are good. 

You are God, You're the risen King.
You are good, Lord of everything.
No mountain, no valley could ever separate us from Your love.
You are God and You are good.
Yes, we know that You are God and You are good.

As we look upon Your Word, God give us vision.
Restore us by the power of Your blood.
Come now, Holy Spirit – when You whisper let us hear it.
We know that You are God and You are good.
Yes, we know that you are God and you are good.

So come now in power!
And let our chains be broken!

Pour out Your Spirit!

Jesus, our hearts are open!

You are God, You're the risen King.

You are good, Lord of everything.

No mountain, no valley could ever separate us from Your love.

No power, no darkness, could ever stand between us!

No mountain, no valley could ever separate us from Your love!

You are God and You are good.

Yes, we know that You are God and You are good. 

O Come All Ye Faithful lyrics and melodyBy Future of Forestry (original by John Wade as "Adeste Fideles")

1751 A.D. 

O Come All Ye Faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

O Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word.
Give to our Father glory in the Highest;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Next Post: Advent 2015 | Rejoice! Jesus Comes to Bring Us Reconciliation and Restoration

– Sully

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Emmaus City Liturgy | Sunday, November 16, 2014 – Citizens of the Kingdom (Special)

Special Emmaus City Liturgy  | Sunday, November 16, 2014 – Citizens of the Kingdom with Pastor Keith Allen from Redemption Church

Citizens of the Kingdom Homily Audio:

For previous special Sunday liturgies, click on the links below:

• Sunday, March 23, 2014 – Person of Peace
• Sunday, April 20, 2014 – Jesus Comes to Us (Easter Sunday)
• Sunday, May 11, 2014 – Prayer and Praise 1 of 2
• Sunday, May 25, 2014 – Devotion is Abiding: A Constant Returning and Remaining
• Sunday, June 1, 2014 – Prayer and Praise 2 of 2
• Sunday, June 8, 2014 – Out of Egypt: The Exodus Story
• Sunday, July 20, 2014 – Why We Should Love Jesus' Church and What She is For

Citizens of the Kingdom Homily Notes

   Ephesians 2:19-22

How we view what Jesus will do when He returns (i.e. eschatology) impacts how we live today. Revelation 21 showcases when heaven and earth will meet and God will be with His people forever. The Scriptures begin and end with God with His people in holy communion.

What do we see in the Trinity? Sacrificial and selfless love, submission, service, encouragement, relationship, joy, etc. Sin distorts this type of giving relationship between us and God and with each other.

Jesus is the cornerstone for re-establishing what God's family is supposed to act like and love each other on earth as it is in heaven (1 Peter 2:1-12). By His Holy Spirit, God is moving through His people today to fit them into a whole and holy household (Ephesians 2:11-22).

 Citizens of the Kingdom Communion and Special Music

Purpose and Prayers for Communion

Come on Home by Brady Troops

Citizens of the Kingdom Hymns and Songs

  Be Still My Soul lyrics and melody

By Page CXVI (Katherine von Schlegel)

1752 A.D.

 

Be still my soul, the Lord is on your side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to your God to order and provide
In ever change, He will remain.

Be still my soul, your God will undertake
To guide the future as in ages past.
Your hope, your mind, your will let nothing shake.
All now mysterious shall be bright.

Be still my soul, the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone
Sorrow's forgot, love's joy restored.

Be still my soul. (6x) And praise Him. (6x)

God I Look to You lyrics and melody

By Austin Stone Worship (original by Bethel Music)

2013 A.D. 

God I look to You
And I won't be overwhelmed.
Give me vision
To see things like You do.

God I look to You
And You're where my help comes from.
Give me wisdom – You know just what to do.

And I will love You, Lord, my Strength.
And I will love You, Lord, my Shield.
And I will love You, Lord, my Rock.Forever all my days, I will love You, God.

Hallelujah, our God reigns. (x3)
Forever all my days, Hallelujah.

 Come to Me Lyrics and melody

By The Village Church Worship

2012 A.D. 

Weary burdened wand'rer

There is rest for thee

At the feet of Jesus

In His love so free.

Listen to His message –

Words of life, forever blessed.

Oh, thou heavy laden,

"Come to Me, come and rest."

 There is freedom, taste and see!

Hear the call, 'Come to Me!'

Run into His arms of grace,

Your burden carried, He will take.

Bring Him all they burdens,

All thy guilt and sin.

Mercy's door is open,

Rise up and enter in.  

(Repeat Chorus) 

Jesus there is waiting,

Patiently for thee.

Hear Him gently calling,

"Come, oh, come to Me."

(Repeat Chorus 3x)

Next post: Emmaus City Liturgy | Sunday, January 18, 2015 – Steadfast Love Shapes Every Way (Special)

– Sully

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Advent 2014 | Jesus Is Our Joy: Why We Need Advent

 

Special Emmaus City Advent Liturgy  | Sunday, December 14, 2014 –

Jesus Is Our Joy: Why We Need Advent

 

Jesus Is Our Joy | Why We Need Advent Homily Audio:

For the previous Advent liturgy notes, click on the link below:


Advent 2014 | Jesus Is Our Peace: The Whole Christmas Story 

 

Jesus Our Joy | Why We Need Advent Passage and Homily Notes

   

Luke 2:8-20

(1) Joy Comes into Our Darkness and Fear

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. – Luke 2:8-9

“We need Advent. So often we want to make Christmas about idyllic manger scenes when Christmas is about un-wed mothers, the oppression of Empire, and the slaughter of children. I think we want to imagine Christmas an unblemished perfect little story, because we are afraid of the darkness. We need Advent because it tells us the whole story. Advent reminds us that Christmas – that the birth of Messiah – is for a world still waiting in darkness, still waiting for justice, still waiting for healing. Advent tells us that Messiah isn’t just a cute baby born in a barn to poor parents. Advents tells us that Messiah is God’s answer to human darkness. God’s light sent to people living under the thumb of the Roman Empire, people living under the oppression of white privilege in Ferguson and Staten Island, people living in systemic poverty … ”

“Joseph matter-of-factly informed his brothers, ‘All shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians’ (Gen. 46:34, NIV). In the course of four hundred years, the Egyptians prejudiced the Israelites’ attitude toward shepherding. … Around 1000 B.C., David’s emergence as king temporarily raised the shepherd’s image. The lowliness of this trade made David’s promotion striking (2 Sam. 7:8). … In the days of prophets, sheepherders symbolized judgment and social desolation (Zeph. 2:6). Amos contrasted his high calling as prophet with his former role as a shepherd (Amos 7:14). Dr. Joachim Jeremias says shepherds were ‘despised in everyday life’ (“The Shepherd in Later Judaism” in Theological Dictionary of the New Testament). In general, they were considered second-class and untrustworthy. … The Mishnah, Judaism’s written record of the oral law, also reflects this prejudice, referring to shepherds in belittling terms. One passage describes them as ‘incompetent’; another says no one should ever feel obligated to rescue a shepherd who has fallen into a pit. … How surprising and significant that Father God handpicked lowly, unpretentious shepherds to first hear the joyous news: ‘It’s a boy, and he’s Messiah!’” – Randy Alcorn, “A Second Glance at the Shepherds” 

“As we look around our world, we might conclude that death has the upper hand, and because of that we live with fear and despair. Advent is the time we confront these dark fears in our lives. Fears of illness, financial fears, fear of failing in school, failure in friendships, fears of growing old and forgotten, fear of loneliness, marriage fears. … Financial fears often force us into the darkness of greed and selfishness, fear of failure pushes us to be dishonest, to cheat. The fear of loneliness often leads us into destructive relationships. … Darkness can be found in the outbreak of terrorism; darkness is found in the social evils of crime and drug abuse; darkness is found when countless numbers die of starvation everyday; darkness is found in a world where human rights are denied, where the human spirit is crushed. … There is terrifying darkness in our world, and we often try to cover it over with the tinsel and lights of Christmas, but that won’t dispel the real darkness of our lives. Advent is the time to boldly confront the darkness of our lives … We don’t have to point fingers or look far … for there is darkness in each one of us.” – Franciscan Friar John Yonkovig, pastor of St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid, N.Y.

“Celebrating Advent means learning how to wait. Not all can wait – certainly not those who are satisfied, contented, and feel that they live in the best of all possible worlds! Those who learn to wait are uneasy about their way of life, but yet have seen a vision of greatness in the world of the future and are patiently expecting its fulfillment. The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

2) Joy Comes in Jesus: Receiving Him as a Gift and Sharing His Good News with Others

 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. – Luke 2:10-20 

Celebrating Advent ... is about remembering God’s presence in hard times. Jesus was born “on tax day to a couple that had the cloud of pregnancy hanging over their heads, a couple that was out of town and didn’t have money and in a cave, and was alone and afraid in the middle of the night." And the shepherds came to serve them. 

“When he opened the sky above Bethlehem, a shaft of his glory pierced our darkness. We are not left on our own. God is there. … But to these shepherds, God’s glorious immediacy offered no joy. They were terrified. We would have been too. … It’s our guilty consciences that make God terrifying. … God is terrifying to guilty sinners, even though he is in himself gloriously beautiful. But God is pursuing us, even though we avoid him. He himself takes the initiative to break through our terror. … If God were unhappy or frustrated and depressed and cranky, how could you explain the joy of the angels? … (and) there’s more where that came from. That’s what happened to the shepherds here. God is good, and his goodness is of a spreading nature, spilling out of heaven down into this world, spreading out widely, to all the people, without rank or distinction. Verse 11 rejoices that a Savior has been born for us – not for the angels, not for the privileged, not for the worthy, but for us. … If God spreads joy wherever he goes, we spread trouble wherever we go. Look at the history of the world. The vast majority of people on the face of this earth just want to be happy. We don’t mean any harm. We just want to love our quiet little lives and be left alone. And if nearly everybody feels that way, what’s gone wrong? Why is the world in such a mess? You and I are the problem. Our good intentions are not strong enough to control our evil impulses. We need a Savior to rescue us from ourselves. And God, with great understanding and compassion, has given us what we most deeply need – a Savior in Jesus Christ.” – Ray Ortlund, Jr., “Luke 2:14 and Reasons for Joy at Christmas”

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” – Psalm 51:12

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. – 1 Peter 1:3-9

“I know my supreme need is joy in God and I know I can't experience deep joy in God until I deeply trust in God. ... If fear keeps our lives small, does a life that receives all of God in this moment grow large, too?" – One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, Ann Voskamp

 

Jesus Is Our Joy | Why We Need Advent Hymns and Songs

  All Creatures of Our God and King lyrics and melody

By West Coast Revival (original by St. Francis of Assisi)

Early 1200s

 

“Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.” – Isaiah 49:13 

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing
O praise Him! Allelujah!
Thou, burning sun with golden beam,
Thou, silver moon with softer gleam.
O praise Him! O praise Him! 
Allelujah! Allelujah! Allelujah! 

Let all things their Creator bless 
And worship Him in humbleness.
O praise Him! Allelujah! 
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son
And praise the Spirit, Three-in-One.
O praise Him! O praise Him! 
Allelujah! Allelujah! Allelujah!

All the redeemed washed by His blood 
Come and rejoice in His great love.
O praise Him! Allelujah! 
Christ has defeated every sin.
Cast all your burdens now on Him. 
O praise Him! O praise Him! 
Allelujah! Allelujah! Allelujah!

He shall return in pow’r to reign 
Heaven and earth will join to say 
O praise Him! Allelujah! 
Then who shall fall on bended knee? 
All creatures of our God and King 
O praise Him! O praise Him! 
Allelujah! Allelujah! Allelujah! 

“‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” – Matthew 25:23

You Are God and You Are Good lyrics and melody

By Austin Stone Worship

2014 A.D. 

 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3 

For the fatherless, we pray be the Father.

Let those who lost their way be understood.
For the widow and the broken – 
Be the Lover who will hold them.
We know that You are God and You are good.
Yes, we know that You are God and You are good.

For those who mourn today, be the comfort,

And who hunger after You, be satisfied.

You bless the poor in spirit for heaven is their kingdom.
We know that You are God and You are good.

Yes, we know that You are God and You are good. 

You are God, You're the risen King.
You are good, Lord of everything.
No mountain, no valley could ever separate us from Your love.
You are God and You are good.
Yes, we know that You are God and You are good.

As we look upon Your Word, God give us vision.
Restore us by the power of Your blood.
Come now, Holy Spirit – when You whisper let us hear it.
We know that You are God and You are good.
Yes, we know that you are God and you are good.

So come now in power!
And let our chains be broken!

Pour out Your Spirit!

Jesus, our hearts are open!

You are God, You're the risen King.

You are good, Lord of everything.

No mountain, no valley could ever separate us from Your love.

No power, no darkness, could ever stand between us!

No mountain, no valley could ever separate us from Your love!

You are God and You are good.

Yes, we know that You are God and You are good. 

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” – Psalm 51:12

  

  Joy to the World lyrics and melody

By Austin Stone Worship (original by Isaac Watts)

1719 A.D. 

 

"Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.” – Psalm 98:1-2 

All of Heaven and all creation sing
The wonders of His love! 

Joy to the world!

The Lord has come!
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven,
And nature sing! 

All of Heaven and all creation sing
The wonders of His love! 

He rules the world
With truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders and
Wonders of His love! 

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!.” – Psalm 98:4-6 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13 

Next post: Special Emmaus City Advent Liturgy | Sunday, December 21, 2014 –  
Jesus Shapes Our Love: His Choice, His Cost, His Cross 

– Sully

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