In Your Presence, Fullness of Joy--Dec. 13, 2019

In your presence there is fullness of joy, Jesus,

and Lord, when you gather us together,

our souls rejoice, our hearts are glad,

and our bodies rest secure.

Yet not for these reasons alone do we

need to gather under your wing,

but also so we may discern

your path of life for us.

Your Spirit stirs us up to follow

you, and to do your works,

full of love, faith, service,

and patient endurance.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 102; 148; 130; 16

Hag. 1:1-15

Rev. 2:18-29

Matt. 23:27-39

Selected Verses

Ps. 16:9, 11

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
          my body also rests secure.  …

You show me the path of life.
          In your presence there is fullness of joy;
          in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Hag. 1:14

And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God…

Rev. 2:19

“I know your works—your love, faith, service, and patient endurance.  I know that your last works are greater than the first.  …”  [The Son of God, to the church in Thyatira]

Matt. 23:37

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!  How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!  …”  [Jesus, condemning scribes and Pharisees in front of the crowd and his disciples]