December 28, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 2, 110, 111
Isaiah 49:13-23
Isaiah 54:1-13
Matthew 18:1-14

II. Selections
Psalm 2:1
Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?

Isaiah 49:13
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 suffering ones.

Isaiah 54:8
In overflowing wrath for a moment
I hid my face from you,
but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,
says the LORD, your redeemer.

Matthew 18:13
" ...And if [ the shepherd] finds [ the sheep that went astray], truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. ... " [ Jesus to his disciples]

III. Meditation: Sing for joy, O heavens

O Redeemer God-

The nations conspire, but their plots are in vain;
with compassion you comfort your suffering ones.

If you hide your face from us, it is only for a moment,
and you rejoice when you find a sheep that went astray.

Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;
break forth, O mountains, into singing.