Out of Darkness and Ruins, Singing--Jan. 6, 2019

Even those who think their lives are in ruins

may worship you with gladness, O God,

for you comfort your people,

and redeem them.

You have given us your suffering Servant;

you have filled him with your Spirit,

and he has proclaimed justice

to those who also suffer.

Your glory is a light for a dark world,

and Christ is the lamp for our way;

how can we keep from singing?

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 72; 150; 100; 67

Isa.52:7-10

Rev. 21:22-27

Matt. 12:14-21

Selected Verses

Ps. 100:1-2

 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. 

          Worship the LORD with gladness;
          come into his presence with singing.

Isa.52:9

Break forth together into singing,
          you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the LORD has comforted his people,
          he has redeemed Jerusalem. 

Rev. 21:22-23

I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.  And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Matt. 12:17-18

This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“Here is my servant, whom I have chosen,
          my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
          and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.  …"