Not the Savior whom the World Expected--Dec. 24, 2016

Lord God, you have raised up a mighty savior for us,

but not the savior whom the world expected--

he did not come to us with vengeance,

but came a tiny, helpless infant.

Even so he came to save us,

but instead of terrible recompense

he came with pity for the weak and needy;

he came that we of fearful heart might be strong.

Therefore, at the name of Jesus let every knee bend,

and let every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 90; 149; 80; 72

Isa. 35:1-10

Philip. 2:5-11

Luke 1:67-80

           

Selected Verses

Ps. 72:13

 [The king] has pity on the weak and the needy,
          and saves the lives of the needy. 

Isa. 35:4

Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear!  Here is your God.  He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense.  He will come and save you."

Phil. 2:10-11

…so that at the name of Jesus
          every knee should bend,
          in heaven and on earth and under the earth… 

and every tongue should confess
          that Jesus Christ is Lord,
          to the glory of God the Father.

Luke 1:69

"…[The Lord God of Israel] has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David…"