"Responding to an Angel"

Here's an instant replay of what happened in worship:

The Christmas choir opened the service with "Son of God" and "You Are Immanuel."
We heard the story of the angel's visit to Mary in Luke 1:26-38. Mary must have been frightened by the angel's appearance, but it was his words that really terrified her. How could it be that she would give birth to the Son of God? The angel's greeting assured her that she would not go through this alone - "The Lord is with you."
We saw how Mary responded to the angel with a "yes." Despite all her fears, doubts and questions, she surrendered herself to God's plan - "May it be to me as you have said."
We read a prayer written by John Wesley that echoes Mary's "yes." It is called the Covenant Prayer:

I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

thou art mine, and I am thine.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven.

Amen.

Rhonda Frisbie sang Breath of Heaven - a song of Mary. We prayed for the strength to say "yes" when God asks us to be a part of His plan, too.
The Christmas choir sang "The Jesus Gift" with solo by Attisen McCorkle.
We celebrated communion, thinking about God's excitement and anticipation of that first Christmas.

Join us next week in our time of worship!