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| For ideas on using this liturgy, click here | |
| Reader | We live in a world
oppressed by sin a world of hunger – pain – injustice |
| ALL | WE ACKNOWLEDGE
THAT WE ARE PART OF THIS WORLD AND HAVE NOT ALWAYS PLAYED OUR PART IN CONFRONTING THE DARKNESS AND BRINGING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST TO TROUBLED PLACES. |
| . | |
| Reader | We are part
of the Body of Christ a Body which is broken by the sin of its members |
| ALL | WE RECOGNISE THAT
WE BELONG TO THE BROKEN BODY OF CHRIST THAT OUR LIVES ARE TOUCHED BY THE SIN OF OTHERS AND THAT OUR SIN TOUCHES THEIRS: THE BODY OF CHRIST CALLED TO BRING LIGHT TO THE WORLD ITSELF FACING SHADOW AND SUSPICION. |
| . | |
| Reader | We are unique
individuals created in the image and likeness of God |
| ALL | WE CONFESS THAT WE
DO NOT LIVE UP TO GOD’S DREAM FOR US: THAT WHERE GOD SAYS, "LET THERE BE LIGHT!" WE FEAR TO COME OUT OF THE SHADOWS; WHERE GOD SAYS: " YOU ARE SALT FOR THE EARTH" WE REST CONTENT WITH BLANDNESS; WHERE GOD SAYS, "BEFORE I FORMED YOU IN THE WOMB I KNEW YOU!" WE LIVE ESTRANGED FROM HIM – AFRAID OF THE POWER OF HIS LOVE FOR US. |
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| Scripture Reading | |
Comfort my people… Isaiah 40: 1-5 and/ or God so loved the world … John 3: 16-21 (or similar) |
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| Closing Responses | |
Reader |
We gathered as people – aware of the shadow that sin casts upon the world |
| ALL | WE PART AS PEOPLE
WHO HAVE CELEBRATED THE HEALING LOVE OF GOD: GOD’S POWER TO DISPEL THE DARKNESS OF OUR HEARTS – AND MINDS – AND SOULS |
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| Reader | And so may the God of
tenderness and compassion who entered this world so weak and so vulnerable bless us today and every day unto eternity |
| ALL | THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT |
| Reader | And until we meet again |
| ALL | MAY GOD HOLD US IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND |
| AMEN © 2003 Wellspring |
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