January 15, 2008

Looking Ahead to January 20, 2008 -- 2nd Sunday After Epiphany

The Scripture Readings this week are:
  • From the Jewish Scriptures: Isaiah 49:1-7
  • Psalm 40 (VU p 764)
  • From the Gospel: John 1:29-42

The Hymns this week are:

  • 326 O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
  • 82 A Light is Gleaming
  • 87 I Am the Light of the World
  • 679 Let There be Light

During the service we will have a Stewardship moment on "Planned Gifts"

The Meditation will be called A Light to the Nations -- Made to Shine

Early Thoughts: What does it mean to be told we are light to the nations, light to the world? Is that what we are made for?

THey are challenging, these Servant SOngs of Isaiah. Here, in the second of them, the task of the Servant is further explained. Of special note is verse 6 It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.

Wow! AS if bringing justice and peace and light to our own neighbours wasn't enough we are now being told to bring thme to all the nations, to the entire world. Not only that but the beginning of the passage suggests that this is why we are here! Not to make a comfortable home, not to raise healthy children, not to make a big footprint, we are here to be light to the nations (which admittedly can include a comfortable home, healthy children and making a big mark).

WHat does that mean? How can we do it? COme join us on Sunday and we will try to figure it out together.
--Gord

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