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The Stars TellTHE STORY
PRU
by Rev. Donald H. Neidigk
A Series Of Special Services For Advent
CREATIVE
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
SAMPLES
SAMPLES
2 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
CREATIVE
COMMUNICATIONS
SAMPLES
3 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
By Donald H. Neidigk. Theme hymn by Peter Mead. Art by Sally Beck. © 2010 by Creative Communications for the Parish, 1564 Fen-corp Dr., Fenton, MO 63026. 800-325-9414. creativecommunications.com. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
The Stars TELL THE STORY
A Series Of Special Services For AdventBy Rev. Donald H. Neidigk
Index
Notes And Ordering Information ....................................4-5
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation .......................6-32
Service Two: The Fallen Star • Lucifer ........................33-61
Service Three: The Promised Stars • Christians ...........62-89
Service Four: The Guiding Star • Bethlehem ..............90-118
Service Five: The Morning Star • Christ ..................119-145
Music Guide ............................................................146-185
CREATIVE
A Series Of Special Services For AdventCREATIVE
A Series Of Special Services For AdventBy Rev. Donald H. NeidigkCREATIVE
By Rev. Donald H. Neidigk
Index
CREATIVE
Index
Notes And Ordering Information
CREATIVE
Notes And Ordering Information....................................4-5
CREATIVE
....................................4-5
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
CREATIVE Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation .......................6-32
CREATIVE .......................6-32
........................33-61
CREATIVE ........................33-61
Service Three: The Promised Stars • Christians
CREATIVE Service Three: The Promised Stars • Christians ...........62-89
CREATIVE ...........62-89
COMMUNICATIONS
A Series Of Special Services For Advent
COMMUNICATIONS
A Series Of Special Services For AdventBy Rev. Donald H. Neidigk
COMMUNICATIONS
By Rev. Donald H. Neidigk
Notes And Ordering Information
COMMUNICATIONS
Notes And Ordering Information
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
COMMUNICATIONS
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
wo: The Fallen Star • Lucifer
COMMUNICATIONS
wo: The Fallen Star • Lucifer
Service Three: The Promised Stars • Christians
COMMUNICATIONS
Service Three: The Promised Stars • Christians
Service Four: The Guiding Star • Bethlehem
COMMUNICATIONS
Service Four: The Guiding Star • Bethlehem..............90-118
COMMUNICATIONS
..............90-118
..................119-145
COMMUNICATIONS ..................119-145
............................................................146-185
COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................146-185
SAMPLES
Notes And Ordering InformationSAMPLES
Notes And Ordering Information
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
SAMPLES
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
wo: The Fallen Star • Lucifer
SAMPLES
wo: The Fallen Star • Lucifer
Service Three: The Promised Stars • Christians
SAMPLESService Three: The Promised Stars • Christians
Service Four: The Guiding Star • Bethlehem
SAMPLESService Four: The Guiding Star • Bethlehem
Service Five: The Morning Star • Christ
SAMPLESService Five: The Morning Star • Christ
............................................................146-185
SAMPLES............................................................146-185
4 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
The Stars TELL THE STORY
A Series Of Special Services For Advent
Notes For Worship Leaders
What in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Bethlehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. This special series of worship services for Ad-vent allows the stars to lead us to Bethlehem—proclaiming, as they do, the story of our Savior, Christ, the Lord.
Service 1 • The Perfect Star • CreationService 2 • The Fallen Star • Lucifer
Service 3 • The Promised Stars • ChristiansService 4 • The Guiding Star • Bethlehem
Service 5 • The Morning Star • Christ
The five monologs find the stars themselves speaking in character.
Note that the fourth service may be used for the fourth week of Advent, or for Christmas Eve. Likewise, the fifth service may be used for Christmas, or even for the first Sunday after Christmas (to keep the spirit and theme alive through the season).
Scripture readings are included. This kit includes prayers, music, scripts, children’s sermons, orders of service on sample bulletins, and a CD-ROM in RTF format, plus PDFs of all material.
Ordering Information
Pre-printed bulletins, blank bulletins, and several other resources are available. Call Creative Communications for the Parish at 1-800-325-9414, or visit us on the web at www.creativecommunications.com for current pricing and availability.
CREATIVE
Notes For Worship LeadersCREATIVE
Notes For Worship Leaders
What in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely you CREATIVE
What in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far to the
CREATIVE
recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Bethlehem. But
CREATIVE
east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Bethlehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy Writ. In fact,
CREATIVE
that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. This special series of worship services for Ad-
CREATIVE
you find stars at the very beginning. This special series of worship services for Ad-vent allows the stars to lead us to Bethlehem—proclaiming, as they do, the story of
CREATIVE
vent allows the stars to lead us to Bethlehem—proclaiming, as they do, the story of
Service 1 • The Perfect Star • Creation
CREATIVE
Service 1 • The Perfect Star • CreationService 2 • The Fallen Star • Lucifer
CREATIVE Service 2 • The Fallen Star • Lucifer
Service 3 • The Promised Stars • Christians
CREATIVE Service 3 • The Promised Stars • ChristiansService 4 • The Guiding Star • Bethlehem
CREATIVE Service 4 • The Guiding Star • Bethlehem
Service 5 • The Morning Star • Christ
CREATIVE Service 5 • The Morning Star • Christ
The five monologs find the stars themselves speaking in character.
CREATIVE The five monologs find the stars themselves speaking in character.
COMMUNICATIONS
What in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely you
COMMUNICATIONS
What in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far to the
COMMUNICATIONS
recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Bethlehem. But
COMMUNICATIONS
east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Bethlehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy Writ. In fact,
COMMUNICATIONS
that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. This special series of worship services for Ad-
COMMUNICATIONS
you find stars at the very beginning. This special series of worship services for Ad-vent allows the stars to lead us to Bethlehem—proclaiming, as they do, the story of
COMMUNICATIONS
vent allows the stars to lead us to Bethlehem—proclaiming, as they do, the story of our Savior, Christ, the Lord.
COMMUNICATIONS
our Savior, Christ, the Lord.
Service 1 • The Perfect Star • Creation
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 1 • The Perfect Star • CreationService 2 • The Fallen Star • Lucifer
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 2 • The Fallen Star • LuciferService 3 • The Promised Stars • Christians
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 3 • The Promised Stars • ChristiansService 4 • The Guiding Star • Bethlehem
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 4 • The Guiding Star • BethlehemService 5 • The Morning Star • Christ
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 5 • The Morning Star • Christ
The five monologs find the stars themselves speaking in character.
COMMUNICATIONS
The five monologs find the stars themselves speaking in character.
Note that the fourth service may be used for the fourth week of Advent, or for
COMMUNICATIONS
Note that the fourth service may be used for the fourth week of Advent, or for Christmas Eve. Likewise, the fifth service may be used for Christmas, or even for the
COMMUNICATIONS
Christmas Eve. Likewise, the fifth service may be used for Christmas, or even for the
COMMUNICATIONS
first Sunday after Christmas (to keep the spirit and theme alive through the season).
COMMUNICATIONS
first Sunday after Christmas (to keep the spirit and theme alive through the season).
Scripture readings are included. This kit includes prayers, music, scripts, children’s
COMMUNICATIONS Scripture readings are included. This kit includes prayers, music, scripts, children’s
COMMUNICATIONS sermons, orders of service on sample bulletins, and a CD-ROM in RTF format, plus
COMMUNICATIONS sermons, orders of service on sample bulletins, and a CD-ROM in RTF format, plus
SAMPLES
vent allows the stars to lead us to Bethlehem—proclaiming, as they do, the story of SAMPLES
vent allows the stars to lead us to Bethlehem—proclaiming, as they do, the story of our Savior, Christ, the Lord.SAMPLES
our Savior, Christ, the Lord.
Service 1 • The Perfect Star • Creation
SAMPLES
Service 1 • The Perfect Star • CreationService 2 • The Fallen Star • Lucifer
SAMPLES
Service 2 • The Fallen Star • LuciferService 3 • The Promised Stars • Christians
SAMPLES
Service 3 • The Promised Stars • ChristiansService 4 • The Guiding Star • Bethlehem
SAMPLES
Service 4 • The Guiding Star • BethlehemService 5 • The Morning Star • Christ
SAMPLES
Service 5 • The Morning Star • Christ
The five monologs find the stars themselves speaking in character.
SAMPLESThe five monologs find the stars themselves speaking in character.
Note that the fourth service may be used for the fourth week of Advent, or for
SAMPLESNote that the fourth service may be used for the fourth week of Advent, or for Christmas Eve. Likewise, the fifth service may be used for Christmas, or even for the
SAMPLESChristmas Eve. Likewise, the fifth service may be used for Christmas, or even for the
SAMPLESfirst Sunday after Christmas (to keep the spirit and theme alive through the season).
SAMPLESfirst Sunday after Christmas (to keep the spirit and theme alive through the season).
Scripture readings are included. This kit includes prayers, music, scripts, children’s
SAMPLESScripture readings are included. This kit includes prayers, music, scripts, children’s sermons, orders of service on sample bulletins, and a CD-ROM in RTF format, plus
SAMPLESsermons, orders of service on sample bulletins, and a CD-ROM in RTF format, plus
5 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
Printed bulletins Order Codes:Service 1 (The Perfect Star • Creation) PR-DService 2 (The Fallen Star • Lucifer) PR-H
Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians) PR-JService 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem) PR-N
Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ) PR-Q
Blank 8 1/2” x 11” bulletins Order Codes:Service 1 (The Perfect Star • Creation) PR-RService 2 (The Fallen Star • Lucifer) PR-W
Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians) PR-ZService 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem) PS-B
Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ) PS-E
Blank 8 1/2” x 14” bulletins Order Codes:Service 1 (The Perfect Star • Creation) PS-FService 2 (The Fallen Star • Lucifer) PS-G
Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians) PS-HService 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem) PS-J
Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ) PS-K
Order matching prayer-card handouts. Order Code PR-B
Order a beautiful fabric banner for display in your worship space. Size: 36” x 60”. Order Code PHA-Z
Order a promotional poster. Size: 22” x 28”. Order Code PS-M
A promotional bulletin insert is also available: Order Code PS-L
A matching devotional booklet will help your congregation follow the theme throughout Advent: Order Code AD-6
A five-session Bible study is also available: Student Guide Order Code PR-S. Leader Guide Order Code PR-T
CREATIVE
Service 2 (The Fallen Star • Lucifer) CREATIVE
Service 2 (The Fallen Star • Lucifer) Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians) CREATIVE
Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians) Service 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem)
CREATIVE
Service 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem) Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ)
CREATIVE
Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ)
Blank 8 1/2” x 14” bulletins Order Codes:
CREATIVE
Blank 8 1/2” x 14” bulletins Order Codes:Service 1 (The Perfect Star • Creation)
CREATIVE
Service 1 (The Perfect Star • Creation) Service 2 (The Fallen Star • Lucifer)
CREATIVE
Service 2 (The Fallen Star • Lucifer) Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians)
CREATIVE
Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians) Service 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem)
CREATIVE
Service 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem) Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ)
CREATIVE
Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ) PS-K
CREATIVE
PS-K
Order matching prayer-card handouts. Order Code
CREATIVE Order matching prayer-card handouts. Order Code PR-
CREATIVE PR-
Order a beautiful fabric banner for display in your worship space.
CREATIVE Order a beautiful fabric banner for display in your worship space.
Order a promotional poster. Size: 22” x 28”. Order Code
CREATIVE Order a promotional poster. Size: 22” x 28”. Order Code PS-M
CREATIVE PS-M
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians)
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians) Service 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem)
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem) Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ)
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ)
Blank 8 1/2” x 14” bulletins Order Codes:
COMMUNICATIONS
Blank 8 1/2” x 14” bulletins Order Codes:Service 1 (The Perfect Star • Creation)
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 1 (The Perfect Star • Creation) Service 2 (The Fallen Star • Lucifer)
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 2 (The Fallen Star • Lucifer) Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians)
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians) Service 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem)
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem) Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ)
COMMUNICATIONS
Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ)
Order matching prayer-card handouts. Order Code
COMMUNICATIONS
Order matching prayer-card handouts. Order Code
Order a beautiful fabric banner for display in your worship space.
COMMUNICATIONS
Order a beautiful fabric banner for display in your worship space. Size: 36” x 60”. Order Code
COMMUNICATIONS
Size: 36” x 60”. Order Code PHA-Z
COMMUNICATIONS
PHA-Z
COMMUNICATIONS
Order a promotional poster. Size: 22” x 28”. Order Code
COMMUNICATIONS
Order a promotional poster. Size: 22” x 28”. Order Code
A promotional bulletin insert is also available: Order Code
COMMUNICATIONS
A promotional bulletin insert is also available: Order Code
A matching devotional booklet will help your congregation follow
COMMUNICATIONS A matching devotional booklet will help your congregation follow
AD-6
COMMUNICATIONS AD-6
PR-T
COMMUNICATIONS PR-T
SAMPLES
Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians) SAMPLES
Service 3 (The Promised Stars • Christians) Service 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem)
SAMPLES
Service 4 (The Guiding Star • Bethlehem) Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ)
SAMPLES
Service 5 (The Morning Star • Christ)
Order matching prayer-card handouts. Order Code
SAMPLES
Order matching prayer-card handouts. Order Code
Order a beautiful fabric banner for display in your worship space.
SAMPLES
Order a beautiful fabric banner for display in your worship space. Size: 36” x 60”. Order Code
SAMPLESSize: 36” x 60”. Order Code
SAMPLESOrder a promotional poster. Size: 22” x 28”. Order Code
SAMPLESOrder a promotional poster. Size: 22” x 28”. Order Code
A promotional bulletin insert is also available: Order Code
SAMPLESA promotional bulletin insert is also available: Order Code
A matching devotional booklet will help your congregation follow
SAMPLESA matching devotional booklet will help your congregation follow
SAMPLESthe theme throughout Advent: Order Code
SAMPLESthe theme throughout Advent: Order Code
6 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
The Stars TELL THE STORY
A Series Of Special Services For Advent
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
Order Of Service ...........................................................7-10
Complete Script For Worship Leaders .........................11-22
Scripture Lessons .........................................................23-24
Children’s Sermon .......................................................25-26
Sermon ........................................................................27-31
Prayers ............................................................................. 32
CREATIVE
CREATIVE
A Series Of Special Services For Advent
CREATIVE
A Series Of Special Services For Advent
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
CREATIVE
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
...........................................................7-10
CREATIVE ...........................................................7-10
.........................11-22
CREATIVE .........................11-22
CREATIVE .........................................................23-24
CREATIVE .........................................................23-24
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
A Series Of Special Services For Advent
COMMUNICATIONS
A Series Of Special Services For Advent
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
COMMUNICATIONS
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
...........................................................7-10
COMMUNICATIONS
...........................................................7-10
orship Leaders
COMMUNICATIONS
orship Leaders .........................11-22
COMMUNICATIONS
.........................11-22
COMMUNICATIONS
.........................................................23-24
COMMUNICATIONS
.........................................................23-24
.......................................................25-26
COMMUNICATIONS
.......................................................25-26
........................................................................27-31
COMMUNICATIONS ........................................................................27-31
............................................................................. 32
COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................................. 32
SAMPLES
Service One: The Perfect Star • CreationSAMPLES
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
Order Of Service
SAMPLES
Order Of Service ...........................................................7-10
SAMPLES
...........................................................7-10
Complete Script For W
SAMPLES
Complete Script For Worship Leaders
SAMPLES
orship LeadersComplete Script For Worship LeadersComplete Script For W
SAMPLES
Complete Script For Worship LeadersComplete Script For W
SAMPLES.........................................................23-24
SAMPLES.........................................................23-24
.......................................................25-26
SAMPLES.......................................................25-26
........................................................................27-31
SAMPLES........................................................................27-31
7 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
The Stars TELL THE STORY
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
Order Of Service
We Gather ............................................. Lift Up Your Heads
P In the name of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.C:Amen.
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:
We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
Psalm 19:1-6
A Helper just he comes to thee, his chariot is humility,His kingly crown is holiness, his scepter, pity in distress.
The end of all our woe he brings; therefore the earth is glad and sings:We praise thee, Savior, now, mighty in deed art thou!
Psalm 19:7-13
O blest the land, the city blest; where Christ the Ruler is confessed!O happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes!
The cloudless Sun of joy he is, who bringeth pure delight and bliss.We praise thee, Spirit, now, our Comforter art thou!
Psalm 19:14
CREATIVE
Order Of ServiceCREATIVE
Order Of Service
............................................. Lift Up YCREATIVE
............................................. Lift Up Y
In the name of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.
CREATIVE
In the name of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;
CREATIVE
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.
CREATIVE
The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:
CREATIVE
Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
CREATIVE We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
A Helper just he comes to thee, his chariot is humility,
CREATIVE A Helper just he comes to thee, his chariot is humility,His kingly crown is holiness, his scepter, pity in distress.
CREATIVE His kingly crown is holiness, his scepter, pity in distress.The end of all our woe he brings; therefore the earth is glad and sings:
CREATIVE The end of all our woe he brings; therefore the earth is glad and sings:
COMMUNICATIONS
We Gather
COMMUNICATIONS
We Gather............................................. Lift Up Y
COMMUNICATIONS
............................................. Lift Up Y
In the name of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.
COMMUNICATIONS
In the name of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;
COMMUNICATIONS
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.
COMMUNICATIONS
The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:
COMMUNICATIONS
Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
COMMUNICATIONS
We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
Psalm 19:1-6
COMMUNICATIONS
Psalm 19:1-6
A Helper just he comes to thee, his chariot is humility,
COMMUNICATIONS
A Helper just he comes to thee, his chariot is humility,His kingly crown is holiness, his scepter, pity in distress.
COMMUNICATIONS
His kingly crown is holiness, his scepter, pity in distress.The end of all our woe he brings; therefore the earth is glad and sings:
COMMUNICATIONS
The end of all our woe he brings; therefore the earth is glad and sings:We praise thee, Savior, now, mighty in deed art thou!
COMMUNICATIONS
We praise thee, Savior, now, mighty in deed art thou!
O blest the land, the city blest; where Christ the Ruler is confessed!
COMMUNICATIONS O blest the land, the city blest; where Christ the Ruler is confessed!
O happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes!
COMMUNICATIONS O happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes!
The cloudless Sun of joy he is, who bringeth pure delight and bliss.
COMMUNICATIONS The cloudless Sun of joy he is, who bringeth pure delight and bliss.
SAMPLES
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;SAMPLES
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.SAMPLES
The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:SAMPLES
Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
SAMPLES
We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
A Helper just he comes to thee, his chariot is humility,
SAMPLESA Helper just he comes to thee, his chariot is humility,
His kingly crown is holiness, his scepter, pity in distress.
SAMPLESHis kingly crown is holiness, his scepter, pity in distress.
The end of all our woe he brings; therefore the earth is glad and sings:
SAMPLESThe end of all our woe he brings; therefore the earth is glad and sings:
We praise thee, Savior, now, mighty in deed art thou!
SAMPLESWe praise thee, Savior, now, mighty in deed art thou!
Psalm 19:7-13
SAMPLESPsalm 19:7-13
O blest the land, the city blest; where Christ the Ruler is confessed!
SAMPLESO blest the land, the city blest; where Christ the Ruler is confessed!
O happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes!
SAMPLESO happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes!
8 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
(Lighting of the Advent Wreath)
P Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world.” (John 8:12)
C:“Walk while you have the Light before the darkness overtakes you.” (John 12:35)
Fling wide the portals of your heart; make it a temple set apartFrom earthly use of heaven’s employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy.
So shall your Sovereign enter in and new and nobler life begin.To thee, O God, be praise for word and deed and grace!
Prayer Of The Day
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!Let me thine inner presence feel, thy grace and love in me reveal;
Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won.Eternal praise and fame we offer to thy name.
Confession And Absolution
P Let us confess our sins to God our Maker.
(Silence for reflection and prayer)
C:Creator God, you created the heavens and earth, the stars and all things. The lights above proclaim your handiwork to all the world. Yet I have turned from you and sought to darken your revelation, going my own way rather than yours, causing hurt to others by my words and deeds. Forgive me. Draw me back to you that I might with all creation proclaim your wonders. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
P God is gracious. He has seen your sorrow for sin and heard your plea for mercy. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, has died for all your sins and has risen to assure you of eternal life. As his called and ordained servant, in his stead and at his command, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C:Amen. Thanks be to God.
Old Testament Lesson ................................. Genesis 1:14-19
P God spoke and the stars gave light to the earth.C:Thanks be to God for creating the stars and all things.
CREATIVE
Prayer Of The DayCREATIVE
Prayer Of The Day
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!
CREATIVE
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!Let me thine inner presence feel, thy grace and love in me reveal;
CREATIVE
Let me thine inner presence feel, thy grace and love in me reveal;Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won.
CREATIVE
Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won.Eternal praise and fame we offer to thy name.
CREATIVE
Eternal praise and fame we offer to thy name.
Confession And Absolution
CREATIVE
Confession And Absolution
(Silence for reflection and prayer)
CREATIVE (Silence for reflection and prayer)
Creator God, you created the heavens and earth, the stars and all things. The
CREATIVE Creator God, you created the heavens and earth, the stars and all things. The lights above proclaim your handiwork to all the world. Yet I have turned from
CREATIVE lights above proclaim your handiwork to all the world. Yet I have turned from you and sought to darken your revelation, going my own way rather than yours,
CREATIVE you and sought to darken your revelation, going my own way rather than yours,
COMMUNICATIONS
From earthly use of heaven’s employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy.COMMUNICATIONS
From earthly use of heaven’s employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy.
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!
COMMUNICATIONS
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!Let me thine inner presence feel, thy grace and love in me reveal;
COMMUNICATIONS
Let me thine inner presence feel, thy grace and love in me reveal;Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won.
COMMUNICATIONS
Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won.Eternal praise and fame we offer to thy name.
COMMUNICATIONS
Eternal praise and fame we offer to thy name.
Confession And Absolution
COMMUNICATIONS
Confession And Absolution
Let us confess our sins to God our Maker.
COMMUNICATIONS
Let us confess our sins to God our Maker.
(Silence for reflection and prayer)
COMMUNICATIONS
(Silence for reflection and prayer)
Creator God, you created the heavens and earth, the stars and all things. The
COMMUNICATIONS
Creator God, you created the heavens and earth, the stars and all things. The lights above proclaim your handiwork to all the world. Yet I have turned from
COMMUNICATIONS
lights above proclaim your handiwork to all the world. Yet I have turned from you and sought to darken your revelation, going my own way rather than yours,
COMMUNICATIONS
you and sought to darken your revelation, going my own way rather than yours, causing hurt to others by my words and deeds. Forgive me. Draw me back to you
COMMUNICATIONS
causing hurt to others by my words and deeds. Forgive me. Draw me back to you that I might with all creation proclaim your wonders. In the name of Jesus Christ
COMMUNICATIONS
that I might with all creation proclaim your wonders. In the name of Jesus Christ
God is gracious. He has seen your sorrow for sin and heard your plea for mercy.
COMMUNICATIONS God is gracious. He has seen your sorrow for sin and heard your plea for mercy. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, has died for all your sins and has risen to assure you of
COMMUNICATIONS Jesus Christ, God’s Son, has died for all your sins and has risen to assure you of
COMMUNICATIONS eternal life. As his called and ordained servant, in his stead and at his command, I
COMMUNICATIONS eternal life. As his called and ordained servant, in his stead and at his command, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
COMMUNICATIONS forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
SAMPLES
Let us confess our sins to God our Maker.
SAMPLES
Let us confess our sins to God our Maker.
(Silence for reflection and prayer)
SAMPLES
(Silence for reflection and prayer)
Creator God, you created the heavens and earth, the stars and all things. The
SAMPLESCreator God, you created the heavens and earth, the stars and all things. The lights above proclaim your handiwork to all the world. Yet I have turned from
SAMPLESlights above proclaim your handiwork to all the world. Yet I have turned from you and sought to darken your revelation, going my own way rather than yours,
SAMPLESyou and sought to darken your revelation, going my own way rather than yours, causing hurt to others by my words and deeds. Forgive me. Draw me back to you
SAMPLEScausing hurt to others by my words and deeds. Forgive me. Draw me back to you that I might with all creation proclaim your wonders. In the name of Jesus Christ
SAMPLESthat I might with all creation proclaim your wonders. In the name of Jesus Christ
God is gracious. He has seen your sorrow for sin and heard your plea for mercy.
SAMPLESGod is gracious. He has seen your sorrow for sin and heard your plea for mercy. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, has died for all your sins and has risen to assure you of
SAMPLESJesus Christ, God’s Son, has died for all your sins and has risen to assure you of
SAMPLESeternal life. As his called and ordained servant, in his stead and at his command, I
SAMPLESeternal life. As his called and ordained servant, in his stead and at his command, I
9 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
Epistle Lesson ................................................ Acts 17:22-31
P The creator God is made known through his word.C:Thanks be to God for making us his offspring.
Holy Gospel ..............................................Matthew 6:25-34
P This is the Gospel of the Lord who cares for his children.C:Praise be to you, O Christ, who takes away all our fears.
Children’s Sermon
Theme Hymn ..... Melody: Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland
Let the stars their story tell,For the heavens know it well:
How the Son of God, enfleshed,Came to breathe our mortal breath.
Word of God, who with a shoutDrove the dread of darkness out,
Come to us, O Light divine.In our shadowed darkness shine.
So may we in glory glowWith your presence, here below.
Grant that we the story tellWhich the heavens know so well.
—The Perfect Star • Creation—
The Creed And Offering
Pastoral Prayers(This response is made:)
P Lord of all creation,C:Hear our prayer.
CREATIVE
Praise be to you, O Christ, who takes away all our fears.CREATIVE
Praise be to you, O Christ, who takes away all our fears.
Children’s SermonCREATIVE
Children’s Sermon
..... Melody: Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland
CREATIVE
..... Melody: Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland
Let the stars their story tell,
CREATIVE
Let the stars their story tell,For the heavens know it well:
CREATIVE
For the heavens know it well:How the Son of God, enfleshed,
CREATIVE
How the Son of God, enfleshed,Came to breathe our mortal breath.
CREATIVE
Came to breathe our mortal breath.
Word of God, who with a shout
CREATIVE Word of God, who with a shoutDrove the dread of darkness out,
CREATIVE Drove the dread of darkness out,
COMMUNICATIONS
Holy GospelCOMMUNICATIONS
Holy Gospel
PCOMMUNICATIONS
P This is the Gospel of the Lord who cares for his children.COMMUNICATIONS
This is the Gospel of the Lord who cares for his children.C:
COMMUNICATIONS
C:Praise be to you, O Christ, who takes away all our fears.
COMMUNICATIONS
Praise be to you, O Christ, who takes away all our fears.
Theme Hymn
COMMUNICATIONS
Theme Hymn ..... Melody: Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland
COMMUNICATIONS
..... Melody: Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland
Let the stars their story tell,
COMMUNICATIONS
Let the stars their story tell,For the heavens know it well:
COMMUNICATIONS
For the heavens know it well:How the Son of God, enfleshed,
COMMUNICATIONS
How the Son of God, enfleshed,Came to breathe our mortal breath.
COMMUNICATIONS
Came to breathe our mortal breath.
Word of God, who with a shout
COMMUNICATIONS
Word of God, who with a shoutDrove the dread of darkness out,
COMMUNICATIONS
Drove the dread of darkness out,Come to us, O Light divine.
COMMUNICATIONS
Come to us, O Light divine.In our shadowed darkness shine.
COMMUNICATIONS
In our shadowed darkness shine.
So may we in glory glow
COMMUNICATIONS
So may we in glory glowWith your presence, here below.
COMMUNICATIONS
With your presence, here below.Grant that we the story tell
COMMUNICATIONS
Grant that we the story tellWhich the heavens know so well.
COMMUNICATIONS
Which the heavens know so well.
—The Perfect Star • Creation—
COMMUNICATIONS —The Perfect Star • Creation—
SAMPLES
Word of God, who with a shout
SAMPLES
Word of God, who with a shoutDrove the dread of darkness out,
SAMPLES
Drove the dread of darkness out,Come to us, O Light divine.
SAMPLES
Come to us, O Light divine.In our shadowed darkness shine.
SAMPLESIn our shadowed darkness shine.
SAMPLESSo may we in glory glow
SAMPLESSo may we in glory glow
With your presence, here below.
SAMPLESWith your presence, here below.
Grant that we the story tell
SAMPLESGrant that we the story tellWhich the heavens know so well.
SAMPLESWhich the heavens know so well.
SAMPLES—The Perfect Star • Creation—
SAMPLES—The Perfect Star • Creation—
10 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
The Lord’s Prayer(If Holy Communion is celebrated, it may take place here.)
We Are Sent .................................. Melody: Beautiful Savior
P Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)
Fair is the sunshine,Fair is the moonlight,
Bright the sparkling stars on high; Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer Than all the angels in the sky.
P Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. (2 Peter 3:18)
C:Amen
Closing Hymn ........................ For The Beauty Of The Earth
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,Hill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon and stars of light:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
For yourself, best gift divine to the world so freely giv’n;Agent of God’s grand design, peace on earth and joy in heav’n:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
CREATIVE
Fair is the sunshine,CREATIVE
Fair is the sunshine,Fair is the moonlight,CREATIVE
Fair is the moonlight,Bright the sparkling stars on high; CREATIVE
Bright the sparkling stars on high; Jesus shines brighter,
CREATIVE
Jesus shines brighter,Jesus shines purer
CREATIVE
Jesus shines purer Than all the angels in the sky.
CREATIVE
Than all the angels in the sky.
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both
CREATIVE
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both
........................ For The Beauty Of The Earth
CREATIVE ........................ For The Beauty Of The Earth
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,
CREATIVE For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
CREATIVE For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
CREATIVE Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
CREATIVE For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
COMMUNICATIONS
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who COMMUNICATIONS
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. COMMUNICATIONS
lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Than all the angels in the sky.
COMMUNICATIONS
Than all the angels in the sky.
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both
COMMUNICATIONS
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both (2 Peter 3:18)
COMMUNICATIONS
(2 Peter 3:18)
........................ For The Beauty Of The Earth
COMMUNICATIONS
........................ For The Beauty Of The Earth
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,
COMMUNICATIONS
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
COMMUNICATIONS
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
COMMUNICATIONS
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
COMMUNICATIONS
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
COMMUNICATIONS
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,Hill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon and stars of light:
COMMUNICATIONS
Hill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon and stars of light:Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
COMMUNICATIONS
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
For yourself, best gift divine to the world so freely giv’n;
COMMUNICATIONS For yourself, best gift divine to the world so freely giv’n;
Agent of God’s grand design, peace on earth and joy in heav’n:
COMMUNICATIONS Agent of God’s grand design, peace on earth and joy in heav’n:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
COMMUNICATIONS Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
SAMPLES
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both SAMPLES
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. SAMPLES
now and forever.
Closing Hymn
SAMPLES
Closing Hymn........................ For The Beauty Of The Earth
SAMPLES
........................ For The Beauty Of The Earth
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,
SAMPLES
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
SAMPLES
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
SAMPLESChrist, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
SAMPLESFor the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
SAMPLESFor the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon and stars of light:
SAMPLESHill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon and stars of light:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
SAMPLESChrist, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
For yourself, best gift divine to the world so freely giv’n;
SAMPLESFor yourself, best gift divine to the world so freely giv’n;
SAMPLESAgent of God’s grand design, peace on earth and joy in heav’n:
SAMPLESAgent of God’s grand design, peace on earth and joy in heav’n:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
SAMPLESChrist, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
11 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
The Stars TELL THE STORY
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
Complete Script For Worship Leaders
• This Opening Liturgy includes readings spoken by the pastor and hymn verses sung by the congregation to the tune Macht Hoch Die Tur 88 88 88 66:
P In the name of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.C:Amen.
• This Hymn Verse is sung by the congregation to the tune Macht Hoch Die Tur 88 88 88 66:
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:
We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
• Psalm 19:1-6 is read by the pastor:
P The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handi-work. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
CREATIVE
Complete Script For Worship LeadersCREATIVE
Complete Script For Worship Leaders
includes readings spoken by the pastor and hymn verses CREATIVE
includes readings spoken by the pastor and hymn verses sung by the congregation to the tune
CREATIVE
sung by the congregation to the tune Macht Hoch Die Tur 88 88 88 66
CREATIVE
Macht Hoch Die Tur 88 88 88 66
In the name of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.
CREATIVE
In the name of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.
is sung by the congregation to the tune
CREATIVE
is sung by the congregation to the tune
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;
CREATIVE Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;
The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.
CREATIVE The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:
CREATIVE Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:
We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
CREATIVE We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
COMMUNICATIONS
This
COMMUNICATIONS
This Opening
COMMUNICATIONS
Opening Liturgy
COMMUNICATIONS
Liturgysung by the congregation to the tune
COMMUNICATIONS
sung by the congregation to the tune
In the name of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.
COMMUNICATIONS
In the name of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.
is sung by the congregation to the tune
COMMUNICATIONS
is sung by the congregation to the tune
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;
COMMUNICATIONS
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.
COMMUNICATIONS
The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:
COMMUNICATIONS
Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:
COMMUNICATIONS
We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
COMMUNICATIONS
We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament
COMMUNICATIONS
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handi-
COMMUNICATIONS
proclaims his handi-work. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
COMMUNICATIONS
work. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice
COMMUNICATIONS
There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voiceout through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the
COMMUNICATIONS out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the
he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his
COMMUNICATIONS he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his
COMMUNICATIONS wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from
COMMUNICATIONS wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from
COMMUNICATIONS the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from
SAMPLES
Hymn SAMPLES
Hymn VerseSAMPLES
Verse88 88 66SAMPLES
88 88 66:SAMPLES
:
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;
SAMPLES
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold; the King of Glory waits;The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.
SAMPLES
The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:
SAMPLES
Life and salvation he doth bring, therefore rejoice and gladly sing:
SAMPLES
We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
SAMPLES
We praise thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art thou!
is read by the pastor:
SAMPLES is read by the pastor:
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament
SAMPLESThe heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmamentwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
SAMPLESwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice
SAMPLESThere is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voiceout through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the
SAMPLESout through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his
SAMPLEShe has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his
wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from
SAMPLESwedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from
12 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
• This Hymn Verse is sung by the congregation to the tune Macht Hoch Die Tur 88 88 88 66:
A Helper just he comes to thee, his chariot is humility,His kingly crown is holiness, his scepter, pity in distress.
The end of all our woe he brings; therefore the earth is glad and sings:We praise thee, Savior, now, mighty in deed art thou!
• Psalm 19:7-13 is read by the pastor:
P The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous alto-gether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
• This Hymn Verse is sung by the congregation to the tune Macht Hoch Die Tur 88 88 88 66:
O blest the land, the city blest; where Christ the Ruler is confessed!O happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes!
The cloudless Sun of joy he is, who bringeth pure delight and bliss.We praise thee, Spirit, now, our Comforter art thou!
• Psalm 19:14 is read by the pastor:
P Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
• The first candle on the Advent Wreath is lit.
P Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world.” (John 8:12)
C:“Walk while you have the Light before the darkness overtakes you.” (John 12:35)
CREATIVE
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, CREATIVE
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
CREATIVE
making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord
CREATIVE
the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous alto-
CREATIVE
is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous alto-gether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also
CREATIVE
gether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant
CREATIVE
than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can detect their errors?
CREATIVE
warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
CREATIVE
Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent;not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of
CREATIVE
not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of
is sung by the congregation to the tune
CREATIVE is sung by the congregation to the tune Macht Hoch Die Tur 88
CREATIVE Macht Hoch Die Tur 88
O blest the land, the city blest; where Christ the Ruler is confessed!
CREATIVE O blest the land, the city blest; where Christ the Ruler is confessed!
CREATIVE O happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes!
CREATIVE O happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes!The cloudless Sun of joy he is, who bringeth pure delight and bliss.
CREATIVE The cloudless Sun of joy he is, who bringeth pure delight and bliss.
COMMUNICATIONS
•COMMUNICATIONS
• Psalm 19:7-13COMMUNICATIONS
Psalm 19:7-13
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure,
COMMUNICATIONS
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
COMMUNICATIONS
making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord
COMMUNICATIONS
the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous alto-
COMMUNICATIONS
is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous alto-gether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also
COMMUNICATIONS
gether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant
COMMUNICATIONS
than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can detect their errors?
COMMUNICATIONS
warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
COMMUNICATIONS
Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent;not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of
COMMUNICATIONS
not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of
is sung by the congregation to the tune
COMMUNICATIONS
is sung by the congregation to the tune
O blest the land, the city blest; where Christ the Ruler is confessed!
COMMUNICATIONS
O blest the land, the city blest; where Christ the Ruler is confessed!
COMMUNICATIONS
O happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes!
COMMUNICATIONS
O happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes!The cloudless Sun of joy he is, who bringeth pure delight and bliss.
COMMUNICATIONS
The cloudless Sun of joy he is, who bringeth pure delight and bliss.We praise thee, Spirit, now, our Comforter art thou!
COMMUNICATIONS
We praise thee, Spirit, now, our Comforter art thou!
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you,
COMMUNICATIONS Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you,
SAMPLES
warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can detect their errors? SAMPLES
warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent;SAMPLES
Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent;not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of SAMPLES
not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
SAMPLES
great transgression.
Verse
SAMPLES
Verse is sung by the congregation to the tune
SAMPLES
is sung by the congregation to the tune
O blest the land, the city blest; where Christ the Ruler is confessed!
SAMPLESO blest the land, the city blest; where Christ the Ruler is confessed!
SAMPLESO happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes!
SAMPLESO happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes!
The cloudless Sun of joy he is, who bringeth pure delight and bliss.
SAMPLESThe cloudless Sun of joy he is, who bringeth pure delight and bliss.
We praise thee, Spirit, now, our Comforter art thou!
SAMPLESWe praise thee, Spirit, now, our Comforter art thou!
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you,
SAMPLESLet the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you,
13 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
• This Hymn Verse is sung by the congregation to the tune Macht Hoch Die Tur 88 88 88 66:
Fling wide the portals of your heart; make it a temple set apartFrom earthly use of heaven’s employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy.
So shall your Sovereign enter in and new and nobler life begin.To thee, O God, be praise for word and deed and grace!
• The Prayer Of The Day is offered by the pastor:
P Creator God, you made heaven and earth, the stars and all things. When you fin-ished your work, you said that it was very good. Yet, we, your highest creation, fell from your goodness. Restore us to yourself through faith in your Son Jesus Christ whom you sent to be our Savior, that we might praise you for your awe-some power. In his name, one God with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
• This Hymn Verse is sung by the congregation to the tune Macht Hoch Die Tur 88 88 88 66:
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!Let me thine inner presence feel, thy grace and love in me reveal;
Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won.Eternal praise and fame we offer to thy name.
• This Confession And Absolution is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
P Let us confess our sins to God our Maker.
(Silence for reflection and prayer)
C:Creator God, you created the heavens and earth, the stars and all things. The lights above proclaim your handiwork to all the world. Yet I have turned from you and sought to darken your revelation, going my own way rather than yours, causing hurt to others by my words and deeds. Forgive me. Draw me back to you that I might with all creation proclaim your wonders. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
P God is gracious. He has seen your sorrow for sin and heard your plea for mercy. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, has died for all your sins and has risen to assure you of eternal life. As his called and ordained servant, in his stead and at his command, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C:Amen. Thanks be to God.
CREATIVE
Creator God, you made heaven and earth, the stars and all things. When you fin-CREATIVE
Creator God, you made heaven and earth, the stars and all things. When you fin-ished your work, you said that it was very good. Yet, we, your highest creation, CREATIVE
ished your work, you said that it was very good. Yet, we, your highest creation, fell from your goodness. Restore us to yourself through faith in your Son Jesus
CREATIVE
fell from your goodness. Restore us to yourself through faith in your Son Jesus Christ whom you sent to be our Savior, that we might praise you for your awe-
CREATIVE
Christ whom you sent to be our Savior, that we might praise you for your awe-some power. In his name, one God with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
CREATIVE
some power. In his name, one God with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
is sung by the congregation to the tune
CREATIVE
is sung by the congregation to the tune
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!
CREATIVE
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!Let me thine inner presence feel, thy grace and love in me reveal;
CREATIVE Let me thine inner presence feel, thy grace and love in me reveal;
Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won.
CREATIVE Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won.
CREATIVE Eternal praise and fame we offer to thy name.
CREATIVE Eternal praise and fame we offer to thy name.
is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
CREATIVE is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
COMMUNICATIONS
•COMMUNICATIONS
• The COMMUNICATIONS
The Prayer Of The DayCOMMUNICATIONS
Prayer Of The Day
Creator God, you made heaven and earth, the stars and all things. When you fin-
COMMUNICATIONS
Creator God, you made heaven and earth, the stars and all things. When you fin-ished your work, you said that it was very good. Yet, we, your highest creation,
COMMUNICATIONS
ished your work, you said that it was very good. Yet, we, your highest creation, fell from your goodness. Restore us to yourself through faith in your Son Jesus
COMMUNICATIONS
fell from your goodness. Restore us to yourself through faith in your Son Jesus Christ whom you sent to be our Savior, that we might praise you for your awe-
COMMUNICATIONS
Christ whom you sent to be our Savior, that we might praise you for your awe-some power. In his name, one God with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
COMMUNICATIONS
some power. In his name, one God with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
is sung by the congregation to the tune
COMMUNICATIONS
is sung by the congregation to the tune
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!
COMMUNICATIONS
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!Let me thine inner presence feel, thy grace and love in me reveal;
COMMUNICATIONS
Let me thine inner presence feel, thy grace and love in me reveal;Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won.
COMMUNICATIONS
Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won.
COMMUNICATIONS
Eternal praise and fame we offer to thy name.
COMMUNICATIONS
Eternal praise and fame we offer to thy name.
is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
COMMUNICATIONS
is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
(Silence for reflection and prayer)
COMMUNICATIONS
(Silence for reflection and prayer)
Creator God, you created the heavens and earth, the stars and all things. The
COMMUNICATIONS Creator God, you created the heavens and earth, the stars and all things. The lights above proclaim your handiwork to all the world. Yet I have turned from
COMMUNICATIONS lights above proclaim your handiwork to all the world. Yet I have turned from you and sought to darken your revelation, going my own way rather than yours,
COMMUNICATIONS you and sought to darken your revelation, going my own way rather than yours,
COMMUNICATIONS causing hurt to others by my words and deeds. Forgive me. Draw me back to you
COMMUNICATIONS causing hurt to others by my words and deeds. Forgive me. Draw me back to you that I might with all creation proclaim your wonders. In the name of Jesus Christ
COMMUNICATIONS that I might with all creation proclaim your wonders. In the name of Jesus Christ
COMMUNICATIONS God is gracious. He has seen your sorrow for sin and heard your plea for mercy.
COMMUNICATIONS God is gracious. He has seen your sorrow for sin and heard your plea for mercy.
SAMPLES
Hymn SAMPLES
Hymn VerseSAMPLES
Verse88 88 66SAMPLES
88 88 66:SAMPLES
:
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!
SAMPLES
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide!Let me thine inner presence feel, thy grace and love in me reveal;
SAMPLES
Let me thine inner presence feel, thy grace and love in me reveal;Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won.
SAMPLES
Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won.
SAMPLES
Eternal praise and fame we offer to thy name.
SAMPLES
Eternal praise and fame we offer to thy name.
Confession And Absolution
SAMPLESConfession And Absolution is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
SAMPLES is offered by the pastor and the congregation:
Let us confess our sins to God our Maker.
SAMPLESLet us confess our sins to God our Maker.
(Silence for reflection and prayer)
SAMPLES(Silence for reflection and prayer)
Creator God, you created the heavens and earth, the stars and all things. The
SAMPLESCreator God, you created the heavens and earth, the stars and all things. The lights above proclaim your handiwork to all the world. Yet I have turned from
SAMPLESlights above proclaim your handiwork to all the world. Yet I have turned from you and sought to darken your revelation, going my own way rather than yours,
SAMPLESyou and sought to darken your revelation, going my own way rather than yours,
14 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
• The Old Testament Lesson, Genesis 1:14-19, is read:
P And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
P God spoke and the stars gave light to the earth.C:Thanks be to God for creating the stars and all things.
• The Epistle Lesson, Acts 17:22-31, is read:
P Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how ex-tremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all na-tions to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’ Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to re-pent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righ-teousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
P The creator God is made known through his word.C:Thanks be to God for making us his offspring.
CREATIVE
was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. CREATIVE
was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
God spoke and the stars gave light to the earth.CREATIVE
God spoke and the stars gave light to the earth.Thanks be to God for creating the stars and all things.
CREATIVE
Thanks be to God for creating the stars and all things.
, Acts 17:22-31, is read:
CREATIVE
, Acts 17:22-31, is read:
Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how ex-
CREATIVE
Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how ex-tremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked
CREATIVE
tremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the
CREATIVE
carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this
CREATIVE
inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is
CREATIVE I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is
CREATIVE Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives
CREATIVE he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives
CREATIVE to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor
CREATIVE to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all na-
CREATIVE he made all na-
tions to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and
CREATIVE tions to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for
CREATIVE the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from
CREATIVE and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from
COMMUNICATIONS
it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and COMMUNICATIONS
it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the COMMUNICATIONS
the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to COMMUNICATIONS
sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there
COMMUNICATIONS
separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
COMMUNICATIONS
was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
God spoke and the stars gave light to the earth.
COMMUNICATIONS
God spoke and the stars gave light to the earth.Thanks be to God for creating the stars and all things.
COMMUNICATIONS
Thanks be to God for creating the stars and all things.
Epistle Lesson
COMMUNICATIONS
Epistle Lesson, Acts 17:22-31, is read:
COMMUNICATIONS
, Acts 17:22-31, is read:
Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how ex-
COMMUNICATIONS
Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how ex-tremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked
COMMUNICATIONS
tremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the
COMMUNICATIONS
carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this
COMMUNICATIONS
inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is
COMMUNICATIONS
I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is
COMMUNICATIONS
Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives
COMMUNICATIONS
he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives
COMMUNICATIONS
to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor
COMMUNICATIONS
to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestortions to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and
COMMUNICATIONS
tions to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for
COMMUNICATIONS
the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from
COMMUNICATIONS
and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some
COMMUNICATIONS
each one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’ Since we are God’s
COMMUNICATIONS
of your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’ Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an
COMMUNICATIONS
offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an
COMMUNICATIONS image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked
COMMUNICATIONS image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to re-
COMMUNICATIONS the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to re-pent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righ-
COMMUNICATIONS pent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righ-teousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance
COMMUNICATIONS teousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance
SAMPLES
Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how ex-SAMPLES
Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how ex-tremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked SAMPLES
tremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the SAMPLES
carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this
SAMPLES
inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is
SAMPLES
I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is
SAMPLES
Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives
SAMPLES
he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives
SAMPLES
to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor
SAMPLES
to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestortions to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and
SAMPLEStions to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for
SAMPLESthe boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for
and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from
SAMPLESand perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from
each one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some
SAMPLESeach one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’ Since we are God’s
SAMPLESof your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’ Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an
SAMPLESoffspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an
SAMPLESimage formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked
SAMPLESimage formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to re-
SAMPLESthe times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to re-pent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righ-
SAMPLESpent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righ-
15 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
• The Holy Gospel, Matthew 6:25-34, is read:
P Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heav-enly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
P This is the Gospel of the Lord who cares for his children.C:Praise be to you, O Christ, who takes away all our fears.
• This Children’s Sermon is offered. Items needed—green star ornaments.
P “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1
Hello, children! I’m glad you’re here for these Advent services. Who can tell me what Advent is? (Let children answer.) Yes, it’s the time of the year we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Did you know that the stars have much to tell us about God? I brought a green star for each of you. It’s green to remind us that God made everything in heaven and on earth. You can put this on your Christmas tree at home. (Pass out stars.) I’ll be giving you a different star at each service to help you remember how “The Stars Tell the Story.”
When God made the stars, everything was perfect. There was no wrong or evil anywhere. But one of God’s creatures, Lucifer, an angel, turned against God. He came to earth and began causing trouble. He tempted Adam and Eve to sin. They fell away from God like Lucifer and so did all their children and grandchildren.
CREATIVE
you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God CREATIVE
you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into CREATIVE
so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do
CREATIVE
the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we
CREATIVE
not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heav-
CREATIVE
wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heav-enly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom
CREATIVE
enly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
CREATIVE
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
CREATIVE
So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
This is the Gospel of the Lord who cares for his children.
CREATIVE
This is the Gospel of the Lord who cares for his children.Praise be to you, O Christ, who takes away all our fears.
CREATIVE Praise be to you, O Christ, who takes away all our fears.
CREATIVE is offered. Items needed—green star ornaments.
CREATIVE is offered. Items needed—green star ornaments.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
CREATIVE “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
COMMUNICATIONS
neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds COMMUNICATIONS
neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying COMMUNICATIONS
them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?COMMUNICATIONS
add a single hour to your span of life?Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell
COMMUNICATIONS
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God
COMMUNICATIONS
you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into
COMMUNICATIONS
so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do
COMMUNICATIONS
the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we
COMMUNICATIONS
not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heav-
COMMUNICATIONS
wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heav-enly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom
COMMUNICATIONS
enly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom and his
COMMUNICATIONS
and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
COMMUNICATIONS
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
COMMUNICATIONS
So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
COMMUNICATIONS
Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord who cares for his children.
COMMUNICATIONS
This is the Gospel of the Lord who cares for his children.Praise be to you, O Christ, who takes away all our fears.
COMMUNICATIONS
Praise be to you, O Christ, who takes away all our fears.
COMMUNICATIONS
is offered. Items needed—green star ornaments.
COMMUNICATIONS
is offered. Items needed—green star ornaments.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
COMMUNICATIONS
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
children! I’m glad you’re here for these Advent services. Who can tell me
COMMUNICATIONS
children! I’m glad you’re here for these Advent services. Who can tell me what Advent is? (Let children answer.) Yes, it’s the time of the year we prepare
COMMUNICATIONS
what Advent is? (Let children answer.) Yes, it’s the time of the year we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Did you know that the stars have much to tell us about
COMMUNICATIONS
for the coming of Jesus. Did you know that the stars have much to tell us about God? I brought a green star for each of you. It’s green to remind us that God
COMMUNICATIONS God? I brought a green star for each of you. It’s green to remind us that God made everything in heaven and on earth. You can put this on your Christmas tree
COMMUNICATIONS made everything in heaven and on earth. You can put this on your Christmas tree
COMMUNICATIONS at home. (Pass out stars.) I’ll be giving you a different star at each service to help
COMMUNICATIONS at home. (Pass out stars.) I’ll be giving you a different star at each service to help
God made the stars, everything was perfect. There was no wrong or evil
COMMUNICATIONS God made the stars, everything was perfect. There was no wrong or evil anywhere. But one of God’s creatures, Lucifer, an angel, turned against God. He
COMMUNICATIONS anywhere. But one of God’s creatures, Lucifer, an angel, turned against God. He
SAMPLES
So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. SAMPLES
So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”SAMPLES
Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord who cares for his children.
SAMPLES
This is the Gospel of the Lord who cares for his children.Praise be to you, O Christ, who takes away all our fears.
SAMPLES
Praise be to you, O Christ, who takes away all our fears.
SAMPLES
Children’s Sermon
SAMPLES
Children’s Sermon is offered. Items needed—green star ornaments.
SAMPLES
is offered. Items needed—green star ornaments.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
SAMPLES“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
children! I’m glad you’re here for these Advent services. Who can tell me
SAMPLESchildren! I’m glad you’re here for these Advent services. Who can tell me
what Advent is? (Let children answer.) Yes, it’s the time of the year we prepare
SAMPLESwhat Advent is? (Let children answer.) Yes, it’s the time of the year we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Did you know that the stars have much to tell us about
SAMPLESfor the coming of Jesus. Did you know that the stars have much to tell us about God? I brought a green star for each of you. It’s green to remind us that God
SAMPLESGod? I brought a green star for each of you. It’s green to remind us that God made everything in heaven and on earth. You can put this on your Christmas tree
SAMPLESmade everything in heaven and on earth. You can put this on your Christmas tree at home. (Pass out stars.) I’ll be giving you a different star at each service to help
SAMPLESat home. (Pass out stars.) I’ll be giving you a different star at each service to help
16 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
Who might those grandchildren be? (Let children answer.) Yes, you and I are the grandchildren of Adam and Eve and we are fallen sinners too. But God is always calling us back to Himself. Did you know that He uses the stars to do that? He does! The stars say God is good and holy. They say He is the maker of everything. They say to you and me, “Come home to God and worship Him.” That’s what your green creation star reminds you of.
But the stars don’t tell us how to come home to God! That’s why we need the Bible and the story of Jesus. In the Bible we learn that God loves sinners. He wants us to come back and He shows us the way. Jesus is the way. The little Baby born in Bethlehem is our Savior. He’s our way back to God. Someday Baby Jesus would grow up and become a Man. He would love us so much He would die for our sins on the cross.
Let’s thank God for loving us even though we’ve turned away from Him. Espe-cially let’s thank Him for sending Jesus to be our Savior.
Prayer: Thank You, God, that You made me and love me. Thank You for creating the stars that shine brightly, calling me back to You. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for me and to bring me home. In His name I pray. Amen.
• This Theme Hymn is sung by the congregation to the tune Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland 77 77:
Let the stars their story tell,For the heavens know it well:
How the Son of God, enfleshed,Came to breathe our mortal breath.
Word of God, who with a shoutDrove the dread of darkness out,
Come to us, O Light divine.In our shadowed darkness shine.
So may we in glory glowWith your presence, here below.
Grant that we the story tellWhich the heavens know so well.
CREATIVE
wants us to come back and He shows us the way. Jesus is the way. The little Baby CREATIVE
wants us to come back and He shows us the way. Jesus is the way. The little Baby born in Bethlehem is our Savior. He’s our way back to God. Someday Baby Jesus CREATIVE
born in Bethlehem is our Savior. He’s our way back to God. Someday Baby Jesus would grow up and become a Man. He would love us so much He would die for
CREATIVE
would grow up and become a Man. He would love us so much He would die for
s thank God for loving us even though we’ve turned away from Him. Espe-
CREATIVE
s thank God for loving us even though we’ve turned away from Him. Espe-cially let’s thank Him for sending Jesus to be our Savior.
CREATIVE
cially let’s thank Him for sending Jesus to be our Savior.
Thank You, God, that You made me and love me. Thank You for creating
CREATIVE
Thank You, God, that You made me and love me. Thank You for creating the stars that shine brightly, calling me back to You. Thank You for sending Jesus
CREATIVE
the stars that shine brightly, calling me back to You. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for me and to bring me home. In His name I pray. Amen.
CREATIVE
to die for me and to bring me home. In His name I pray. Amen.
is sung by the congregation to the tune
CREATIVE is sung by the congregation to the tune Nun Komm, Der
CREATIVE Nun Komm, Der
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your green creation star reminds you of.COMMUNICATIONS
your green creation star reminds you of.
But COMMUNICATIONS
But the stars don’t tell us how to come home to God! That’s why we need the COMMUNICATIONS
the stars don’t tell us how to come home to God! That’s why we need the Bible and the story of Jesus. In the Bible we learn that God loves sinners. He
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Bible and the story of Jesus. In the Bible we learn that God loves sinners. He wants us to come back and He shows us the way. Jesus is the way. The little Baby
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wants us to come back and He shows us the way. Jesus is the way. The little Baby born in Bethlehem is our Savior. He’s our way back to God. Someday Baby Jesus
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born in Bethlehem is our Savior. He’s our way back to God. Someday Baby Jesus would grow up and become a Man. He would love us so much He would die for
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would grow up and become a Man. He would love us so much He would die for our sins on the cross.
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our sins on the cross.
s thank God for loving us even though we’ve turned away from Him. Espe-
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s thank God for loving us even though we’ve turned away from Him. Espe-cially let’s thank Him for sending Jesus to be our Savior.
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cially let’s thank Him for sending Jesus to be our Savior.
Thank You, God, that You made me and love me. Thank You for creating
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Thank You, God, that You made me and love me. Thank You for creating the stars that shine brightly, calling me back to You. Thank You for sending Jesus
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the stars that shine brightly, calling me back to You. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for me and to bring me home. In His name I pray. Amen.
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to die for me and to bring me home. In His name I pray. Amen.
is sung by the congregation to the tune
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is sung by the congregation to the tune
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Let the stars their story tell,
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Let the stars their story tell,For the heavens know it well:
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For the heavens know it well:How the Son of God, enfleshed,
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How the Son of God, enfleshed,Came to breathe our mortal breath.
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Came to breathe our mortal breath.
Word of God, who with a shout
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Word of God, who with a shout
SAMPLES
Prayer: SAMPLES
Prayer: Thank You, God, that You made me and love me. Thank You for creating SAMPLES
Thank You, God, that You made me and love me. Thank You for creating the stars that shine brightly, calling me back to You. Thank You for sending Jesus SAMPLES
the stars that shine brightly, calling me back to You. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for me and to bring me home. In His name I pray. Amen.
SAMPLES
to die for me and to bring me home. In His name I pray. Amen.
Hymn
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Hymn is sung by the congregation to the tune
SAMPLES
is sung by the congregation to the tune
SAMPLES
Heiden Heiland 77 77
SAMPLES
Heiden Heiland 77 77:
SAMPLES
:
Let the stars their story tell,
SAMPLESLet the stars their story tell,
For the heavens know it well:
SAMPLESFor the heavens know it well:
How the Son of God, enfleshed,
SAMPLESHow the Son of God, enfleshed,
Came to breathe our mortal breath.
SAMPLESCame to breathe our mortal breath.
Word of God, who with a shout
SAMPLESWord of God, who with a shout
SAMPLESDrove the dread of darkness out,
SAMPLESDrove the dread of darkness out,Come to us, O Light divine.
SAMPLESCome to us, O Light divine.
In our shadowed darkness shine.
SAMPLESIn our shadowed darkness shine.
17 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
• This Sermon, entitled The Perfect Star • Creation, is delivered by the pastor:
P “… He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” Genesis 1:16b-17
What in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Beth-lehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. You find me, Polaris, on the fourth day of creation.
I was one of that vast array of celestial diamonds set in place by the Creator to separate night from day and give light to the good earth. And it was good. Night and day, sea and land, sun, moon and stars, birds, fish, creeping and crawling things, livestock, and most important, man made in God’s image – all this was good. On the sixth day after finishing His work, God looked upon all He had made and said it was “very good.”
And that includes me, Polaris, the North Star. Travelers have relied on me for centuries. Many a sailor has suffered through a stormy night adrift on waves boil-ing from the wind, awaiting a break in the clouds that he might catch a glimpse of me shining his way home.
Doubtless, you’ve seen me many times. I’m not hard to find. As you look to the northern sky, you’ll see the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Perhaps you know it as the Big Dipper. The two bright stars on the dipper’s cup point to me, the one bright star that never seems to move while all through the night the other stars revolve around me. There you’ll find me, less than one degree off true north.So I was part of what God made, part of what He called “very good.” If you think about it, how could it be any other way? God Himself is the greatest good, perfect in all His attributes, utterly holy. Everything He made and sustained bore the stamp of His perfection. You might say that a definition of sin is thinking that God’s work and His way is not perfect, that someone else knows better. Lucifer, another star whom you’ll soon meet, a star once perfect but now corrupt and twisted, thought he knew better.
It was his sin that made the Christmas story necessary. You see, sin never happens in isolation. It always involves someone else. In Lucifer’s case, it involved legions of angels who joined him in rebellion against God. But it was futile. There is no power greater than that of the omnipotent and holy Creator. Losing the battle,
CREATIVE
Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. You find me, Polaris, on the CREATIVE
Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. You find me, Polaris, on the
was one of that vast array of celestial diamonds set in place by the Creator to
CREATIVE
was one of that vast array of celestial diamonds set in place by the Creator to separate night from day and give light to the good earth. And it was good. Night
CREATIVE
separate night from day and give light to the good earth. And it was good. Night and day, sea and land, sun, moon and stars, birds, fish, creeping and crawling
CREATIVE
and day, sea and land, sun, moon and stars, birds, fish, creeping and crawling things, livestock, and most important, man made in God’s image – all this was
CREATIVE
things, livestock, and most important, man made in God’s image – all this was good. On the sixth day after finishing His work, God looked upon all He had
CREATIVE
good. On the sixth day after finishing His work, God looked upon all He had
that includes me, Polaris, the North Star. Travelers have relied on me for
CREATIVE
that includes me, Polaris, the North Star. Travelers have relied on me for centuries. Many a sailor has suffered through a stormy night adrift on waves boil-
CREATIVE centuries. Many a sailor has suffered through a stormy night adrift on waves boil-ing from the wind, awaiting a break in the clouds that he might catch a glimpse
CREATIVE ing from the wind, awaiting a break in the clouds that he might catch a glimpse
you’ve seen me many times. I’m not hard to find. As you look to the
CREATIVE you’ve seen me many times. I’m not hard to find. As you look to the
CREATIVE northern sky, you’ll see the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Perhaps you
CREATIVE northern sky, you’ll see the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Perhaps you know it as the Big Dipper. The two bright stars on the dipper’s cup point to me,
CREATIVE know it as the Big Dipper. The two bright stars on the dipper’s cup point to me,
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you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far COMMUNICATIONS
you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Beth-COMMUNICATIONS
to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Beth-lehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy
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lehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. You find me, Polaris, on the
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Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. You find me, Polaris, on the fourth day of creation.
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fourth day of creation.
was one of that vast array of celestial diamonds set in place by the Creator to
COMMUNICATIONS
was one of that vast array of celestial diamonds set in place by the Creator to separate night from day and give light to the good earth. And it was good. Night
COMMUNICATIONS
separate night from day and give light to the good earth. And it was good. Night and day, sea and land, sun, moon and stars, birds, fish, creeping and crawling
COMMUNICATIONS
and day, sea and land, sun, moon and stars, birds, fish, creeping and crawling things, livestock, and most important, man made in God’s image – all this was
COMMUNICATIONS
things, livestock, and most important, man made in God’s image – all this was good. On the sixth day after finishing His work, God looked upon all He had
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good. On the sixth day after finishing His work, God looked upon all He had made and said it was “very good.”
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made and said it was “very good.”
that includes me, Polaris, the North Star. Travelers have relied on me for
COMMUNICATIONS
that includes me, Polaris, the North Star. Travelers have relied on me for centuries. Many a sailor has suffered through a stormy night adrift on waves boil-
COMMUNICATIONS
centuries. Many a sailor has suffered through a stormy night adrift on waves boil-ing from the wind, awaiting a break in the clouds that he might catch a glimpse
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ing from the wind, awaiting a break in the clouds that he might catch a glimpse
you’ve seen me many times. I’m not hard to find. As you look to the
COMMUNICATIONS
you’ve seen me many times. I’m not hard to find. As you look to the
COMMUNICATIONS
northern sky, you’ll see the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Perhaps you
COMMUNICATIONS
northern sky, you’ll see the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Perhaps you know it as the Big Dipper. The two bright stars on the dipper’s cup point to me,
COMMUNICATIONS
know it as the Big Dipper. The two bright stars on the dipper’s cup point to me, the one bright star that never seems to move while all through the night the other
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the one bright star that never seems to move while all through the night the other stars revolve around me. There you’ll find me, less than one degree off true north.
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stars revolve around me. There you’ll find me, less than one degree off true north.I was part of what God made, part of what He called “very good.” If you
COMMUNICATIONS
I was part of what God made, part of what He called “very good.” If you think about it, how could it be any other way? God Himself is the greatest good,
COMMUNICATIONS think about it, how could it be any other way? God Himself is the greatest good, perfect in all His attributes, utterly holy. Everything He made and sustained bore
COMMUNICATIONS perfect in all His attributes, utterly holy. Everything He made and sustained bore the stamp of His perfection. You might say that a definition of sin is thinking that
COMMUNICATIONS the stamp of His perfection. You might say that a definition of sin is thinking that
COMMUNICATIONS God’s work and His way is not perfect, that someone else knows better. Lucifer,
COMMUNICATIONS God’s work and His way is not perfect, that someone else knows better. Lucifer, another star whom you’ll soon meet, a star once perfect but now corrupt and
COMMUNICATIONS another star whom you’ll soon meet, a star once perfect but now corrupt and
SAMPLES
good. On the sixth day after finishing His work, God looked upon all He had SAMPLES
good. On the sixth day after finishing His work, God looked upon all He had made and said it was “very good.”SAMPLES
made and said it was “very good.”
that includes me, Polaris, the North Star. Travelers have relied on me for
SAMPLES
that includes me, Polaris, the North Star. Travelers have relied on me for centuries. Many a sailor has suffered through a stormy night adrift on waves boil-
SAMPLES
centuries. Many a sailor has suffered through a stormy night adrift on waves boil-ing from the wind, awaiting a break in the clouds that he might catch a glimpse
SAMPLES
ing from the wind, awaiting a break in the clouds that he might catch a glimpse of me shining his way home.
SAMPLES
of me shining his way home.
you’ve seen me many times. I’m not hard to find. As you look to the
SAMPLESyou’ve seen me many times. I’m not hard to find. As you look to the
SAMPLESnorthern sky, you’ll see the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Perhaps you
SAMPLESnorthern sky, you’ll see the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Perhaps you know it as the Big Dipper. The two bright stars on the dipper’s cup point to me,
SAMPLESknow it as the Big Dipper. The two bright stars on the dipper’s cup point to me, the one bright star that never seems to move while all through the night the other
SAMPLESthe one bright star that never seems to move while all through the night the other stars revolve around me. There you’ll find me, less than one degree off true north.
SAMPLESstars revolve around me. There you’ll find me, less than one degree off true north.I was part of what God made, part of what He called “very good.” If you
SAMPLESI was part of what God made, part of what He called “very good.” If you think about it, how could it be any other way? God Himself is the greatest good,
SAMPLESthink about it, how could it be any other way? God Himself is the greatest good, perfect in all His attributes, utterly holy. Everything He made and sustained bore
SAMPLESperfect in all His attributes, utterly holy. Everything He made and sustained bore the stamp of His perfection. You might say that a definition of sin is thinking that
SAMPLESthe stamp of His perfection. You might say that a definition of sin is thinking that
18 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
Lucifer and his cohorts were banished from heaven and took the battle elsewhere. They invaded earth where Lucifer enlisted Adam and Eve in the rebellion.
Poor, pathetic Adam and Eve—they had everything to lose and nothing to gain. A perfect home, a perfect marriage, a perfect relationship with God, a perfect future—it was all theirs. They alone of all the characters in history and literature had the potential for living “happily ever after.” But Lucifer set them to question-ing God’s perfect plan for them.
God had given them all they needed for eternal life in Paradise. He made only one requirement of them—don’t eat from one particular tree, the tree of the knowl-edge of good and evil, in the center of the garden. If you do, you will die. What an unreasonable demand, Lucifer suggested, resorting to truths and half-truths and lies. You won’t die, he claimed. Rather, you’ll become like God Himself, knowing good and evil.
Adam and Eve fell for it, if you’ll excuse the pun. They took fruit from the tree and ate. And that perfect world they inhabited along with the livestock and birds, and plants and fish, and sun, moon and stars, and me, Polaris, crashed.
There was no sound especially remarkable when the crash came. Things looked pretty much the same. But nothing was. Adam and Eve began hiding from God, putting on clothes, lying to their Creator. It didn’t work. He knew all about what they had done and where they were hiding. The pitiful garments they had made from leaves to cover up their shame He replaced with skins. Mercifully, God drove them from the garden that they might not eat from another tree, the tree of life, and thus spend eternity in the slough of sin.
Death entered their once perfect world, not right away but eventually. Their son, Cain, killed his brother Abel. In time, Adam and Eve, though they lived far longer than you, died, just as God said they would. The plants that had been so beautiful in the garden now became their enemy. They grew where they were not wanted. Tilling the soil became a battle against weeds. The love of a man and woman, leading so naturally and beautifully to the procreation of children, be-came the bloody agony and sometimes death of childbirth.
Animals, once living in harmony, now struggled against one another, weak against strong, tooth against claw. Some species survived; others vanished in nature’s violence against itself. Gentle spring rains became deadly floods. The breeze that gently carried the seed and pollen of plants became screaming hurricanes and tornadoes, sucking life’s breath out of countless creatures including man.
CREATIVE
had given them all they needed for eternal life in Paradise. He made only one CREATIVE
had given them all they needed for eternal life in Paradise. He made only one requirement of them—don’t eat from one particular tree, the tree of the knowl-CREATIVE
requirement of them—don’t eat from one particular tree, the tree of the knowl-edge of good and evil, in the center of the garden. If you do, you will die. What an
CREATIVE
edge of good and evil, in the center of the garden. If you do, you will die. What an unreasonable demand, Lucifer suggested, resorting to truths and half-truths and
CREATIVE
unreasonable demand, Lucifer suggested, resorting to truths and half-truths and lies. You won’t die, he claimed. Rather, you’ll become like God Himself, knowing
CREATIVE
lies. You won’t die, he claimed. Rather, you’ll become like God Himself, knowing
and Eve fell for it, if you’ll excuse the pun. They took fruit from the tree
CREATIVE
and Eve fell for it, if you’ll excuse the pun. They took fruit from the tree and ate. And that perfect world they inhabited along with the livestock and birds,
CREATIVE
and ate. And that perfect world they inhabited along with the livestock and birds, and plants and fish, and sun, moon and stars, and me, Polaris, crashed.
CREATIVE
and plants and fish, and sun, moon and stars, and me, Polaris, crashed.
was no sound especially remarkable when the crash came. Things looked
CREATIVE was no sound especially remarkable when the crash came. Things looked
pretty much the same. But nothing was. Adam and Eve began hiding from God,
CREATIVE pretty much the same. But nothing was. Adam and Eve began hiding from God, putting on clothes, lying to their Creator. It didn’t work. He knew all about what
CREATIVE putting on clothes, lying to their Creator. It didn’t work. He knew all about what
CREATIVE they had done and where they were hiding. The pitiful garments they had made
CREATIVE they had done and where they were hiding. The pitiful garments they had made from leaves to cover up their shame He replaced with skins. Mercifully, God
CREATIVE from leaves to cover up their shame He replaced with skins. Mercifully, God drove them from the garden that they might not eat from another tree, the tree of
CREATIVE drove them from the garden that they might not eat from another tree, the tree of
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future—it was all theirs. They alone of all the characters in history and literature COMMUNICATIONS
future—it was all theirs. They alone of all the characters in history and literature had the potential for living “happily ever after.” But Lucifer set them to question-COMMUNICATIONS
had the potential for living “happily ever after.” But Lucifer set them to question-ing God’s perfect plan for them.COMMUNICATIONS
ing God’s perfect plan for them.
God
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God had given them all they needed for eternal life in Paradise. He made only one
COMMUNICATIONS
had given them all they needed for eternal life in Paradise. He made only one requirement of them—don’t eat from one particular tree, the tree of the knowl-
COMMUNICATIONS
requirement of them—don’t eat from one particular tree, the tree of the knowl-edge of good and evil, in the center of the garden. If you do, you will die. What an
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edge of good and evil, in the center of the garden. If you do, you will die. What an unreasonable demand, Lucifer suggested, resorting to truths and half-truths and
COMMUNICATIONS
unreasonable demand, Lucifer suggested, resorting to truths and half-truths and lies. You won’t die, he claimed. Rather, you’ll become like God Himself, knowing
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lies. You won’t die, he claimed. Rather, you’ll become like God Himself, knowing good and evil.
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good and evil.
and Eve fell for it, if you’ll excuse the pun. They took fruit from the tree
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and Eve fell for it, if you’ll excuse the pun. They took fruit from the tree and ate. And that perfect world they inhabited along with the livestock and birds,
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and ate. And that perfect world they inhabited along with the livestock and birds, and plants and fish, and sun, moon and stars, and me, Polaris, crashed.
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and plants and fish, and sun, moon and stars, and me, Polaris, crashed.
was no sound especially remarkable when the crash came. Things looked
COMMUNICATIONS
was no sound especially remarkable when the crash came. Things looked pretty much the same. But nothing was. Adam and Eve began hiding from God,
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pretty much the same. But nothing was. Adam and Eve began hiding from God, putting on clothes, lying to their Creator. It didn’t work. He knew all about what
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putting on clothes, lying to their Creator. It didn’t work. He knew all about what
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they had done and where they were hiding. The pitiful garments they had made
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they had done and where they were hiding. The pitiful garments they had made from leaves to cover up their shame He replaced with skins. Mercifully, God
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from leaves to cover up their shame He replaced with skins. Mercifully, God drove them from the garden that they might not eat from another tree, the tree of
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drove them from the garden that they might not eat from another tree, the tree of life, and thus spend eternity in the slough of sin.
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life, and thus spend eternity in the slough of sin.
entered their once perfect world, not right away but eventually. Their
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entered their once perfect world, not right away but eventually. Their son, Cain, killed his brother Abel. In time, Adam and Eve, though they lived far
COMMUNICATIONS
son, Cain, killed his brother Abel. In time, Adam and Eve, though they lived far longer than you, died, just as God said they would. The plants that had been so
COMMUNICATIONS longer than you, died, just as God said they would. The plants that had been so beautiful in the garden now became their enemy. They grew where they were not
COMMUNICATIONS beautiful in the garden now became their enemy. They grew where they were not
COMMUNICATIONS wanted. Tilling the soil became a battle against weeds. The love of a man and
COMMUNICATIONS wanted. Tilling the soil became a battle against weeds. The love of a man and woman, leading so naturally and beautifully to the procreation of children, be-
COMMUNICATIONS woman, leading so naturally and beautifully to the procreation of children, be-
once living in harmony, now struggled against one another, weak against
COMMUNICATIONS once living in harmony, now struggled against one another, weak against
SAMPLES
and Eve fell for it, if you’ll excuse the pun. They took fruit from the tree SAMPLES
and Eve fell for it, if you’ll excuse the pun. They took fruit from the tree and ate. And that perfect world they inhabited along with the livestock and birds, SAMPLES
and ate. And that perfect world they inhabited along with the livestock and birds, and plants and fish, and sun, moon and stars, and me, Polaris, crashed.SAMPLES
and plants and fish, and sun, moon and stars, and me, Polaris, crashed.
was no sound especially remarkable when the crash came. Things looked
SAMPLES
was no sound especially remarkable when the crash came. Things looked pretty much the same. But nothing was. Adam and Eve began hiding from God,
SAMPLES
pretty much the same. But nothing was. Adam and Eve began hiding from God, putting on clothes, lying to their Creator. It didn’t work. He knew all about what
SAMPLES
putting on clothes, lying to their Creator. It didn’t work. He knew all about what
SAMPLES
they had done and where they were hiding. The pitiful garments they had made
SAMPLES
they had done and where they were hiding. The pitiful garments they had made from leaves to cover up their shame He replaced with skins. Mercifully, God
SAMPLESfrom leaves to cover up their shame He replaced with skins. Mercifully, God drove them from the garden that they might not eat from another tree, the tree of
SAMPLESdrove them from the garden that they might not eat from another tree, the tree of life, and thus spend eternity in the slough of sin.
SAMPLESlife, and thus spend eternity in the slough of sin.
entered their once perfect world, not right away but eventually. Their
SAMPLESentered their once perfect world, not right away but eventually. Their son, Cain, killed his brother Abel. In time, Adam and Eve, though they lived far
SAMPLESson, Cain, killed his brother Abel. In time, Adam and Eve, though they lived far longer than you, died, just as God said they would. The plants that had been so
SAMPLESlonger than you, died, just as God said they would. The plants that had been so beautiful in the garden now became their enemy. They grew where they were not
SAMPLESbeautiful in the garden now became their enemy. They grew where they were not wanted. Tilling the soil became a battle against weeds. The love of a man and
SAMPLESwanted. Tilling the soil became a battle against weeds. The love of a man and
19 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
And there were catastrophes even in the heavens. Stars exploded. Others col-lapsed. Whole galaxies collided like great unsynchronized gears, shearing off gases and energy that would become new but doomed objects in the sky. Even I, Polaris, the mariner’s friend, have but a brief moment to shine before I too am snuffed out.
And it would all continue like this. Endlessly, the perfection that was God’s cre-ation would deteriorate and decay, order would become disorder, and the beauty of life would become the corruption of death. Endlessly, I say, if it were not for that event in Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom Scrip-ture calls the Bright Morning Star.
Maybe you find it odd that I, Polaris, a star, would speak to you about creation and sin, death and destruction. But if it were not for me and the rest of nature, what would proclaim the truth of God to those who don’t have the written word? You are privileged to have Holy Scripture. You can read in it yourself of God’s power and holiness, his perfection and kindness. But what of the rest of his fallen children? What will they read?
They have nothing but me and my companions in the natural world – the stars and planets, the sun and moon, light and darkness, wet seasons and dry, summer and winter. From these much can be learned by those who would seek God and read them. Would you learn of the glory of God? Look to me and my compan-ions! Would you learn that there is a marvelous Creator? Look to me, the work of His own hands! Would you learn that God is the Maker and not the thing that is made? Look to me! Would you learn that the Almighty is invisible? Look to me! I can tell you all this and more.
Even the human heart, corrupt and fallen in sin though it is, speaks volumes. It knows it was made by a holy God—His image is stamped on it, though the reflection is dulled like a discarded mirror. Conscience, put there by the Maker, tells you the difference between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. It tells you that God is not an idol, that it is wrong to dishonor your parents, murder your fellow human beings, break the covenant with your spouse, steal, lie and covet. Whether you have ever seen the written code or not, your heart tells you these things. And it tells you that you are guilty; that you have done what God in your heart has told you not to do, that you have not done what God in your heart says you should.
I, Polaris, and indeed all of nature, have taught you much. But should you learn every truth that we proclaim without words, you would hear only half the story.
CREATIVE
that event in Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom Scrip-CREATIVE
that event in Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom Scrip-ture calls the Bright Morning Star.CREATIVE
ture calls the Bright Morning Star.
you find it odd that I, Polaris, a star, would speak to you about creation
CREATIVE
you find it odd that I, Polaris, a star, would speak to you about creation and sin, death and destruction. But if it were not for me and the rest of nature,
CREATIVE
and sin, death and destruction. But if it were not for me and the rest of nature, what would proclaim the truth of God to those who don’t have the written word?
CREATIVE
what would proclaim the truth of God to those who don’t have the written word? You are privileged to have Holy Scripture. You can read in it yourself of God’s
CREATIVE
You are privileged to have Holy Scripture. You can read in it yourself of God’s power and holiness, his perfection and kindness. But what of the rest of his fallen
CREATIVE
power and holiness, his perfection and kindness. But what of the rest of his fallen
have nothing but me and my companions in the natural world – the stars
CREATIVE
have nothing but me and my companions in the natural world – the stars and planets, the sun and moon, light and darkness, wet seasons and dry, summer
CREATIVE and planets, the sun and moon, light and darkness, wet seasons and dry, summer and winter. From these much can be learned by those who would seek God and
CREATIVE and winter. From these much can be learned by those who would seek God and read them. Would you learn of the glory of God? Look to me and my compan-
CREATIVE read them. Would you learn of the glory of God? Look to me and my compan-
CREATIVE ions! Would you learn that there is a marvelous Creator? Look to me, the work
CREATIVE ions! Would you learn that there is a marvelous Creator? Look to me, the work of His own hands! Would you learn that God is the Maker and not the thing that
CREATIVE of His own hands! Would you learn that God is the Maker and not the thing that is made? Look to me! Would you learn that the Almighty is invisible? Look to
CREATIVE is made? Look to me! Would you learn that the Almighty is invisible? Look to
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And COMMUNICATIONS
And ation would deteriorate and decay, order would become disorder, and the beauty COMMUNICATIONS
ation would deteriorate and decay, order would become disorder, and the beauty of life would become the corruption of death. Endlessly, I say, if it were not for
COMMUNICATIONS
of life would become the corruption of death. Endlessly, I say, if it were not for that event in Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom Scrip-
COMMUNICATIONS
that event in Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom Scrip-ture calls the Bright Morning Star.
COMMUNICATIONS
ture calls the Bright Morning Star.
you find it odd that I, Polaris, a star, would speak to you about creation
COMMUNICATIONS
you find it odd that I, Polaris, a star, would speak to you about creation and sin, death and destruction. But if it were not for me and the rest of nature,
COMMUNICATIONS
and sin, death and destruction. But if it were not for me and the rest of nature, what would proclaim the truth of God to those who don’t have the written word?
COMMUNICATIONS
what would proclaim the truth of God to those who don’t have the written word? You are privileged to have Holy Scripture. You can read in it yourself of God’s
COMMUNICATIONS
You are privileged to have Holy Scripture. You can read in it yourself of God’s power and holiness, his perfection and kindness. But what of the rest of his fallen
COMMUNICATIONS
power and holiness, his perfection and kindness. But what of the rest of his fallen children? What will they read?
COMMUNICATIONS
children? What will they read?
have nothing but me and my companions in the natural world – the stars
COMMUNICATIONS
have nothing but me and my companions in the natural world – the stars and planets, the sun and moon, light and darkness, wet seasons and dry, summer
COMMUNICATIONS
and planets, the sun and moon, light and darkness, wet seasons and dry, summer and winter. From these much can be learned by those who would seek God and
COMMUNICATIONS
and winter. From these much can be learned by those who would seek God and read them. Would you learn of the glory of God? Look to me and my compan-
COMMUNICATIONS
read them. Would you learn of the glory of God? Look to me and my compan-
COMMUNICATIONS
ions! Would you learn that there is a marvelous Creator? Look to me, the work
COMMUNICATIONS
ions! Would you learn that there is a marvelous Creator? Look to me, the work of His own hands! Would you learn that God is the Maker and not the thing that
COMMUNICATIONS
of His own hands! Would you learn that God is the Maker and not the thing that is made? Look to me! Would you learn that the Almighty is invisible? Look to
COMMUNICATIONS
is made? Look to me! Would you learn that the Almighty is invisible? Look to
the human heart, corrupt and fallen in sin though it is, speaks volumes.
COMMUNICATIONS
the human heart, corrupt and fallen in sin though it is, speaks volumes. It knows it was made by a holy God—His image is stamped on it, though the
COMMUNICATIONS
It knows it was made by a holy God—His image is stamped on it, though the reflection is dulled like a discarded mirror. Conscience, put there by the Maker,
COMMUNICATIONS reflection is dulled like a discarded mirror. Conscience, put there by the Maker, tells you the difference between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. It tells you
COMMUNICATIONS tells you the difference between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. It tells you
COMMUNICATIONS that God is not an idol, that it is wrong to dishonor your parents, murder your
COMMUNICATIONS that God is not an idol, that it is wrong to dishonor your parents, murder your fellow human beings, break the covenant with your spouse, steal, lie and covet.
COMMUNICATIONS fellow human beings, break the covenant with your spouse, steal, lie and covet. Whether you have ever seen the written code or not, your heart tells you these
COMMUNICATIONS Whether you have ever seen the written code or not, your heart tells you these things. And it tells you that you are guilty; that you have done what God in your
COMMUNICATIONS things. And it tells you that you are guilty; that you have done what God in your heart has told you not to do, that you have not done what God in your heart says
COMMUNICATIONS heart has told you not to do, that you have not done what God in your heart says
SAMPLES
power and holiness, his perfection and kindness. But what of the rest of his fallen SAMPLES
power and holiness, his perfection and kindness. But what of the rest of his fallen children? What will they read?SAMPLES
children? What will they read?
have nothing but me and my companions in the natural world – the stars
SAMPLES
have nothing but me and my companions in the natural world – the stars and planets, the sun and moon, light and darkness, wet seasons and dry, summer
SAMPLES
and planets, the sun and moon, light and darkness, wet seasons and dry, summer and winter. From these much can be learned by those who would seek God and
SAMPLES
and winter. From these much can be learned by those who would seek God and read them. Would you learn of the glory of God? Look to me and my compan-
SAMPLES
read them. Would you learn of the glory of God? Look to me and my compan-
SAMPLES
ions! Would you learn that there is a marvelous Creator? Look to me, the work
SAMPLES
ions! Would you learn that there is a marvelous Creator? Look to me, the work of His own hands! Would you learn that God is the Maker and not the thing that
SAMPLESof His own hands! Would you learn that God is the Maker and not the thing that is made? Look to me! Would you learn that the Almighty is invisible? Look to
SAMPLESis made? Look to me! Would you learn that the Almighty is invisible? Look to me! I can tell you all this and more.
SAMPLESme! I can tell you all this and more.
the human heart, corrupt and fallen in sin though it is, speaks volumes.
SAMPLESthe human heart, corrupt and fallen in sin though it is, speaks volumes. It knows it was made by a holy God—His image is stamped on it, though the
SAMPLESIt knows it was made by a holy God—His image is stamped on it, though the reflection is dulled like a discarded mirror. Conscience, put there by the Maker,
SAMPLESreflection is dulled like a discarded mirror. Conscience, put there by the Maker, tells you the difference between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. It tells you
SAMPLEStells you the difference between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. It tells you that God is not an idol, that it is wrong to dishonor your parents, murder your
SAMPLESthat God is not an idol, that it is wrong to dishonor your parents, murder your
20 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
Yes, I have a story to tell, but mine isn’t the whole story. I can tell you of the great-ness of God the Creator. I can tell you of the fall and the calamity it has brought on a once perfect creation. I can tell you of the death and destruction wrought by sin—even I will not always be the North Star. My time is limited, like yours.
Though you learn all this, and fall on your knees in repentance, grieving that you have offended God, crying out for mercy, begging that you might not feel the wrath of God your sins deserve, you would still be lost. You would be lost forever except for the rest of the story that is found only in Scripture. There the most wonderful good news is revealed. There in the pages of the Holy Bible, you learn that the God who made you and me, the God whom you have turned your back on, loves you!
His eternal Son Jesus Christ, through whom you and I were made, has been sent to save you. He came in the quiet obscurity of birth to a human mother in Beth-lehem. Though all flesh was made through Him, He joined Himself to a human body like yours in the womb of a Virgin, that He might be born as you are born, feel all you feel, live where you live, suffer as you suffer, and die as you die.
But His life, suffering and death do something that only He can do. They take your place. His holy life becomes your holy life. His cross becomes your cross. His resurrection to life becomes your resurrection to life. In Jesus Christ, all that God requires of you is done. By faith in Him God says all your sin is forgiven. There is peace at last between you and your Maker.
Well, it’s getting dark and I, Polaris, must be about what I was placed in the sky to do, guiding the traveler home. But truthfully, I can only take you part way. Oh, sure, I can get you anywhere in the northern hemisphere. I can even tell you about God, my Maker and yours. I can tell you what you’re missing by being separated from Him. But I can’t bring you to Him. That’s the job of another, Jesus Christ, the Bright Morning Star. Look to Him, and He’ll get you to your heavenly home.
Prayer: Creator God, in the beauty of Your creation You proclaim Your power, Your glory, Your invisible nature, and Your handiwork. In Your law written on human hearts You reveal Your holiness and our sin. But only in Jesus Christ whom we see in Scripture do You reveal Your saving love. Work faith in our hearts that our sins might be forgiven and our fallen nature restored. And thus may we know with confidence that we have an eternal home with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
CREATIVE
most wonderful good news is revealed. There in the pages of the Holy Bible, you CREATIVE
most wonderful good news is revealed. There in the pages of the Holy Bible, you learn that the God who made you and me, the God whom you have turned your CREATIVE
learn that the God who made you and me, the God whom you have turned your
eternal Son Jesus Christ, through whom you and I were made, has been sent
CREATIVE
eternal Son Jesus Christ, through whom you and I were made, has been sent to save you. He came in the quiet obscurity of birth to a human mother in Beth-
CREATIVE
to save you. He came in the quiet obscurity of birth to a human mother in Beth-lehem. Though all flesh was made through Him, He joined Himself to a human
CREATIVE
lehem. Though all flesh was made through Him, He joined Himself to a human body like yours in the womb of a Virgin, that He might be born as you are born,
CREATIVE
body like yours in the womb of a Virgin, that He might be born as you are born, feel all you feel, live where you live, suffer as you suffer, and die as you die.
CREATIVE
feel all you feel, live where you live, suffer as you suffer, and die as you die.
His life, suffering and death do something that only He can do. They take
CREATIVE
His life, suffering and death do something that only He can do. They take your place. His holy life becomes your holy life. His cross becomes your cross.
CREATIVE your place. His holy life becomes your holy life. His cross becomes your cross. His resurrection to life becomes your resurrection to life. In Jesus Christ, all that
CREATIVE His resurrection to life becomes your resurrection to life. In Jesus Christ, all that God requires of you is done. By faith in Him God says all your sin is forgiven.
CREATIVE God requires of you is done. By faith in Him God says all your sin is forgiven.
CREATIVE ell, it’s getting dark and I, Polaris, must be about what I was placed in the sky
CREATIVE ell, it’s getting dark and I, Polaris, must be about what I was placed in the sky to do, guiding the traveler home. But truthfully, I can only take you part way.
CREATIVE to do, guiding the traveler home. But truthfully, I can only take you part way.
COMMUNICATIONS
Though COMMUNICATIONS
Though you have offended God, crying out for mercy, begging that you might not feel COMMUNICATIONS
you have offended God, crying out for mercy, begging that you might not feel the wrath of God your sins deserve, you would still be lost. You would be lost COMMUNICATIONS
the wrath of God your sins deserve, you would still be lost. You would be lost forever except for the rest of the story that is found only in Scripture. There the
COMMUNICATIONS
forever except for the rest of the story that is found only in Scripture. There the most wonderful good news is revealed. There in the pages of the Holy Bible, you
COMMUNICATIONS
most wonderful good news is revealed. There in the pages of the Holy Bible, you learn that the God who made you and me, the God whom you have turned your
COMMUNICATIONS
learn that the God who made you and me, the God whom you have turned your back on, loves you!
COMMUNICATIONS
back on, loves you!
eternal Son Jesus Christ, through whom you and I were made, has been sent
COMMUNICATIONS
eternal Son Jesus Christ, through whom you and I were made, has been sent to save you. He came in the quiet obscurity of birth to a human mother in Beth-
COMMUNICATIONS
to save you. He came in the quiet obscurity of birth to a human mother in Beth-lehem. Though all flesh was made through Him, He joined Himself to a human
COMMUNICATIONS
lehem. Though all flesh was made through Him, He joined Himself to a human body like yours in the womb of a Virgin, that He might be born as you are born,
COMMUNICATIONS
body like yours in the womb of a Virgin, that He might be born as you are born, feel all you feel, live where you live, suffer as you suffer, and die as you die.
COMMUNICATIONS
feel all you feel, live where you live, suffer as you suffer, and die as you die.
His life, suffering and death do something that only He can do. They take
COMMUNICATIONS
His life, suffering and death do something that only He can do. They take your place. His holy life becomes your holy life. His cross becomes your cross.
COMMUNICATIONS
your place. His holy life becomes your holy life. His cross becomes your cross. His resurrection to life becomes your resurrection to life. In Jesus Christ, all that
COMMUNICATIONS
His resurrection to life becomes your resurrection to life. In Jesus Christ, all that God requires of you is done. By faith in Him God says all your sin is forgiven.
COMMUNICATIONS
God requires of you is done. By faith in Him God says all your sin is forgiven.
COMMUNICATIONS
There is peace at last between you and your Maker.
COMMUNICATIONS
There is peace at last between you and your Maker.
ell, it’s getting dark and I, Polaris, must be about what I was placed in the sky
COMMUNICATIONS
ell, it’s getting dark and I, Polaris, must be about what I was placed in the sky to do, guiding the traveler home. But truthfully, I can only take you part way.
COMMUNICATIONS
to do, guiding the traveler home. But truthfully, I can only take you part way. Oh, sure, I can get you anywhere in the northern hemisphere. I can even tell you
COMMUNICATIONS
Oh, sure, I can get you anywhere in the northern hemisphere. I can even tell you about God, my Maker and yours. I can tell you what you’re missing by being
COMMUNICATIONS
about God, my Maker and yours. I can tell you what you’re missing by being separated from Him. But I can’t bring you to Him. That’s the job of another,
COMMUNICATIONS
separated from Him. But I can’t bring you to Him. That’s the job of another, Jesus Christ, the Bright Morning Star. Look to Him, and He’ll get you to your
COMMUNICATIONS Jesus Christ, the Bright Morning Star. Look to Him, and He’ll get you to your
Creator God, in the beauty of Your creation You proclaim Your power,
COMMUNICATIONS Creator God, in the beauty of Your creation You proclaim Your power,
COMMUNICATIONS Your glory, Your invisible nature, and Your handiwork. In Your law written on
COMMUNICATIONS Your glory, Your invisible nature, and Your handiwork. In Your law written on human hearts You reveal Your holiness and our sin. But only in Jesus Christ
COMMUNICATIONS human hearts You reveal Your holiness and our sin. But only in Jesus Christ whom we see in Scripture do You reveal Your saving love. Work faith in our
COMMUNICATIONS whom we see in Scripture do You reveal Your saving love. Work faith in our
SAMPLES
body like yours in the womb of a Virgin, that He might be born as you are born, SAMPLES
body like yours in the womb of a Virgin, that He might be born as you are born, feel all you feel, live where you live, suffer as you suffer, and die as you die.SAMPLES
feel all you feel, live where you live, suffer as you suffer, and die as you die.
His life, suffering and death do something that only He can do. They take
SAMPLES
His life, suffering and death do something that only He can do. They take your place. His holy life becomes your holy life. His cross becomes your cross.
SAMPLES
your place. His holy life becomes your holy life. His cross becomes your cross. His resurrection to life becomes your resurrection to life. In Jesus Christ, all that
SAMPLES
His resurrection to life becomes your resurrection to life. In Jesus Christ, all that God requires of you is done. By faith in Him God says all your sin is forgiven.
SAMPLES
God requires of you is done. By faith in Him God says all your sin is forgiven.
SAMPLES
There is peace at last between you and your Maker.
SAMPLES
There is peace at last between you and your Maker.
ell, it’s getting dark and I, Polaris, must be about what I was placed in the sky
SAMPLESell, it’s getting dark and I, Polaris, must be about what I was placed in the sky
to do, guiding the traveler home. But truthfully, I can only take you part way.
SAMPLESto do, guiding the traveler home. But truthfully, I can only take you part way. Oh, sure, I can get you anywhere in the northern hemisphere. I can even tell you
SAMPLESOh, sure, I can get you anywhere in the northern hemisphere. I can even tell you about God, my Maker and yours. I can tell you what you’re missing by being
SAMPLESabout God, my Maker and yours. I can tell you what you’re missing by being separated from Him. But I can’t bring you to Him. That’s the job of another,
SAMPLESseparated from Him. But I can’t bring you to Him. That’s the job of another, Jesus Christ, the Bright Morning Star. Look to Him, and He’ll get you to your
SAMPLESJesus Christ, the Bright Morning Star. Look to Him, and He’ll get you to your
21 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
• The Creed is offered according to local custom.
• The Offering is gathered, during which a hymn or other special music may be of-fered.
• The Pastoral Prayers are offered by the pastor and the congregation:
P Almighty God, who flung the stars into deepest space, for all your works we praise and bless you. Lord of all creation,
C:Hear our prayer.P Enlighten, we pray, the hearts and minds of your people, the Church, that love
may unite us, that hope may fill us, that faith may drive us on our mission to spread your light to all the world. Lord of all creation,
C:Hear our prayer.P Bless the nations of the world, O light-creating Lord, with enlightened leaders.
Only then can injustice and tyranny give way to peace and freedom. Drive away the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-ation,
C:Hear our prayer.P Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure
the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean water flow throughout the villages of this world. Send us a light into the darkest places where need so often thrives. Lord of all creation,
C:Hear our prayer.P Bless the people in this place as we worship and work to bring your kingdom into
our homes and our community. Enlighten the leaders of this congregation. Give us eager hearts and busy hands to live and do your will. Lord of all creation,
C:Hear our prayer.P As the joyous, busy time of Christmas approaches, comfort all who mourn with
your peace, which passes all human understanding. Bring joy to the hearts of those who are suffering loss. Encourage them with the strong promise of the res-urrection. Lord of all creation,
C:Hear our prayer.P These things we pray through Christ our Lord.C:Amen.
• The Lord’s Prayer is offered.
• If Holy Communion is celebrated, it may take place here according to local cus-tom.
CREATIVE
Enlighten, we pray, the hearts and minds of your people, the Church, that love CREATIVE
Enlighten, we pray, the hearts and minds of your people, the Church, that love may unite us, that hope may fill us, that faith may drive us on our mission to
CREATIVE
may unite us, that hope may fill us, that faith may drive us on our mission to spread your light to all the world. Lord of all creation,
CREATIVE
spread your light to all the world. Lord of all creation,
Bless the nations of the world, O light-creating Lord, with enlightened leaders.
CREATIVE
Bless the nations of the world, O light-creating Lord, with enlightened leaders. Only then can injustice and tyranny give way to peace and freedom. Drive away
CREATIVE
Only then can injustice and tyranny give way to peace and freedom. Drive away the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-
CREATIVE
the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-
Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure
CREATIVE
Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean
CREATIVE the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean water flow throughout the villages of this world. Send us a light into the darkest
CREATIVE water flow throughout the villages of this world. Send us a light into the darkest
CREATIVE places where need so often thrives. Lord of all creation,
CREATIVE places where need so often thrives. Lord of all creation,
Bless the people in this place as we worship and work to bring your kingdom into
CREATIVE Bless the people in this place as we worship and work to bring your kingdom into our homes and our community. Enlighten the leaders of this congregation. Give
CREATIVE our homes and our community. Enlighten the leaders of this congregation. Give us eager hearts and busy hands to live and do your will. Lord of all creation,
CREATIVE us eager hearts and busy hands to live and do your will. Lord of all creation,
COMMUNICATIONS
PCOMMUNICATIONS
P Almighty God, who flung the stars into deepest space, for all your works we COMMUNICATIONS
Almighty God, who flung the stars into deepest space, for all your works we praise and bless you. Lord of all creation,
COMMUNICATIONS
praise and bless you. Lord of all creation,C:
COMMUNICATIONS
C:Hear our prayer.
COMMUNICATIONS
Hear our prayer.Enlighten, we pray, the hearts and minds of your people, the Church, that love
COMMUNICATIONS
Enlighten, we pray, the hearts and minds of your people, the Church, that love may unite us, that hope may fill us, that faith may drive us on our mission to
COMMUNICATIONS
may unite us, that hope may fill us, that faith may drive us on our mission to spread your light to all the world. Lord of all creation,
COMMUNICATIONS
spread your light to all the world. Lord of all creation,Hear our prayer.
COMMUNICATIONS
Hear our prayer.Bless the nations of the world, O light-creating Lord, with enlightened leaders.
COMMUNICATIONS
Bless the nations of the world, O light-creating Lord, with enlightened leaders. Only then can injustice and tyranny give way to peace and freedom. Drive away
COMMUNICATIONS
Only then can injustice and tyranny give way to peace and freedom. Drive away the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-
COMMUNICATIONS
the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-
Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure
COMMUNICATIONS
Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean
COMMUNICATIONS
the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean water flow throughout the villages of this world. Send us a light into the darkest
COMMUNICATIONS
water flow throughout the villages of this world. Send us a light into the darkest
COMMUNICATIONS
places where need so often thrives. Lord of all creation,
COMMUNICATIONS
places where need so often thrives. Lord of all creation,
Bless the people in this place as we worship and work to bring your kingdom into
COMMUNICATIONS
Bless the people in this place as we worship and work to bring your kingdom into our homes and our community. Enlighten the leaders of this congregation. Give
COMMUNICATIONS
our homes and our community. Enlighten the leaders of this congregation. Give us eager hearts and busy hands to live and do your will. Lord of all creation,
COMMUNICATIONS
us eager hearts and busy hands to live and do your will. Lord of all creation,
COMMUNICATIONS
As the joyous, busy time of Christmas approaches, comfort all who mourn with
COMMUNICATIONS
As the joyous, busy time of Christmas approaches, comfort all who mourn with your peace, which passes all human understanding. Bring joy to the hearts of
COMMUNICATIONS
your peace, which passes all human understanding. Bring joy to the hearts of
COMMUNICATIONS those who are suffering loss. Encourage them with the strong promise of the res-
COMMUNICATIONS those who are suffering loss. Encourage them with the strong promise of the res-
SAMPLES
the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-SAMPLES
the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-
Hear our prayer.SAMPLES
Hear our prayer.Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure
SAMPLES
Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean
SAMPLES
the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean water flow throughout the villages of this world. Send us a light into the darkest
SAMPLES
water flow throughout the villages of this world. Send us a light into the darkest
SAMPLES
places where need so often thrives. Lord of all creation,
SAMPLES
places where need so often thrives. Lord of all creation,
Bless the people in this place as we worship and work to bring your kingdom into
SAMPLESBless the people in this place as we worship and work to bring your kingdom into our homes and our community. Enlighten the leaders of this congregation. Give
SAMPLESour homes and our community. Enlighten the leaders of this congregation. Give us eager hearts and busy hands to live and do your will. Lord of all creation,
SAMPLESus eager hearts and busy hands to live and do your will. Lord of all creation,
SAMPLESAs the joyous, busy time of Christmas approaches, comfort all who mourn with
SAMPLESAs the joyous, busy time of Christmas approaches, comfort all who mourn with your peace, which passes all human understanding. Bring joy to the hearts of
SAMPLESyour peace, which passes all human understanding. Bring joy to the hearts of
SAMPLESthose who are suffering loss. Encourage them with the strong promise of the res-
SAMPLESthose who are suffering loss. Encourage them with the strong promise of the res-
22 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
• The Sending includes a verse sung by the congregation to the tune Schonster Herr Jesu 557 558:
P Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)
Fair is the sunshine,Fair is the moonlight,
Bright the sparkling stars on high; Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer Than all the angels in the sky.
P Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. (2 Peter 3:18)
C:Amen
• The Closing Hymn is sung by the congregation to the tune Dix 77 77 77:
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,Hill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon and stars of light:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
For yourself, best gift divine to the world so freely giv’n;Agent of God’s grand design, peace on earth and joy in heav’n:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
CREATIVE
Jesus shines brighter,CREATIVE
Jesus shines brighter,Jesus shines purer CREATIVE
Jesus shines purer Than all the angels in the sky.CREATIVE
Than all the angels in the sky.
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both
CREATIVE
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both
is sung by the congregation to the tune
CREATIVE
is sung by the congregation to the tune
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,
CREATIVE
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
CREATIVE For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
CREATIVE Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
CREATIVE For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon and stars of light:
CREATIVE Hill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon and stars of light:Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
CREATIVE Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
COMMUNICATIONS
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both
COMMUNICATIONS
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever.
COMMUNICATIONS
now and forever. (2 Peter 3:18)
COMMUNICATIONS
(2 Peter 3:18)
is sung by the congregation to the tune
COMMUNICATIONS
is sung by the congregation to the tune
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,
COMMUNICATIONS
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
COMMUNICATIONS
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
COMMUNICATIONS
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
COMMUNICATIONS
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,Hill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon and stars of light:
COMMUNICATIONS
Hill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon and stars of light:Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
COMMUNICATIONS
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
For yourself, best gift divine to the world so freely giv’n;
COMMUNICATIONS
For yourself, best gift divine to the world so freely giv’n;Agent of God’s grand design, peace on earth and joy in heav’n:
COMMUNICATIONS
Agent of God’s grand design, peace on earth and joy in heav’n:
COMMUNICATIONS
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
COMMUNICATIONS
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
SAMPLES
Closing HymnSAMPLES
Closing Hymn
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,
SAMPLES
For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies,For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
SAMPLES
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies:Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
SAMPLES
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
SAMPLES
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,Hill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon and stars of light:
SAMPLESHill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon and stars of light:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
SAMPLESChrist, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
For yourself, best gift divine to the world so freely giv’n;
SAMPLESFor yourself, best gift divine to the world so freely giv’n;
Agent of God’s grand design, peace on earth and joy in heav’n:
SAMPLESAgent of God’s grand design, peace on earth and joy in heav’n:
SAMPLESChrist, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
SAMPLESChrist, our Lord, to you we raise this our sacrifice of praise.
23 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
The Stars TELL THE STORY
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
Scripture Lessons
• The Old Testament Lesson, Genesis 1:14-19, is read:
P And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
P God spoke and the stars gave light to the earth.C:Thanks be to God for creating the stars and all things.
• The Epistle Lesson, Acts 17:22-31, is read:
P Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how ex-tremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all na-tions to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’ Since we are God’s
CREATIVE
Scripture LessonsCREATIVE
Scripture Lessons
Old Testament LessonCREATIVE
Old Testament Lesson, Genesis 1:14-19, is read:CREATIVE
, Genesis 1:14-19, is read:
And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day
CREATIVE
And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years,
CREATIVE
from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And
CREATIVE
and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and
CREATIVE
it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the
CREATIVE
the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to
CREATIVE
sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there
CREATIVE
separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
CREATIVE was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
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The
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The Old Testament Lesson
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Old Testament Lesson
And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day
COMMUNICATIONS
And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years,
COMMUNICATIONS
from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And
COMMUNICATIONS
and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and
COMMUNICATIONS
it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the
COMMUNICATIONS
the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to
COMMUNICATIONS
sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there
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separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
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was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
God spoke and the stars gave light to the earth.
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God spoke and the stars gave light to the earth.Thanks be to God for creating the stars and all things.
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Thanks be to God for creating the stars and all things.
Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how ex-
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Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how ex-
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tremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked
COMMUNICATIONS
tremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the
COMMUNICATIONS
carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this
COMMUNICATIONS inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is
COMMUNICATIONS I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is
COMMUNICATIONS Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives
COMMUNICATIONS he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives
he made all na-
COMMUNICATIONS he made all na-tions to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and
COMMUNICATIONS tions to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for
COMMUNICATIONS the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for
SAMPLES
it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and SAMPLES
it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the SAMPLES
the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to SAMPLES
sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there
SAMPLES
separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
SAMPLES
was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
God spoke and the stars gave light to the earth.
SAMPLES
God spoke and the stars gave light to the earth.Thanks be to God for creating the stars and all things.
SAMPLES
Thanks be to God for creating the stars and all things.
, Acts 17:22-31, is read:
SAMPLES, Acts 17:22-31, is read:
Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how ex-
SAMPLESThen Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how ex-
SAMPLEStremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked
SAMPLEStremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the
SAMPLEScarefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this
SAMPLESinscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is
SAMPLESI proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is
SAMPLESLord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is
24 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to re-pent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righ-teousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
P The creator God is made known through his word.C:Thanks be to God for making us his offspring.
• The Holy Gospel, Matthew 6:25-34, is read:
P Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heav-enly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
CREATIVE
, Matthew 6:25-34, is read:CREATIVE
, Matthew 6:25-34, is read:
Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat
CREATIVE
Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more
CREATIVE
or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they
CREATIVE
than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds
CREATIVE
neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying
CREATIVE
them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying And why do you worry about clothing?
CREATIVE
And why do you worry about clothing?
CREATIVE
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell
CREATIVE
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God
CREATIVE
you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into
CREATIVE so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do
CREATIVE the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we
CREATIVE not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heav-
CREATIVE wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heav-enly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom
CREATIVE enly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
CREATIVE righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
CREATIVE So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
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to all by raising him from the dead.” COMMUNICATIONS
to all by raising him from the dead.”
PCOMMUNICATIONS
P The creator God is made known through his word.COMMUNICATIONS
The creator God is made known through his word.C:
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C:Thanks be to God for making us his offspring.COMMUNICATIONS
Thanks be to God for making us his offspring.
The
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The Holy Gospel
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Holy Gospel
Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat
COMMUNICATIONS
Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink,
COMMUNICATIONS
or what you will drink,than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they
COMMUNICATIONS
than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds
COMMUNICATIONS
neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying
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them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?
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add a single hour to your span of life?
COMMUNICATIONS
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell
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Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God
COMMUNICATIONS
you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into
COMMUNICATIONS
so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do
COMMUNICATIONS
the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we
COMMUNICATIONS
not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heav-
COMMUNICATIONS
wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heav-enly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom
COMMUNICATIONS
enly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
COMMUNICATIONS
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
COMMUNICATIONS
So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
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So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
SAMPLES
them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying SAMPLES
them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?SAMPLES
add a single hour to your span of life?SAMPLES
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell SAMPLES
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God
SAMPLES
you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into
SAMPLES
so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do
SAMPLES
the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we
SAMPLES
not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heav-
SAMPLES
wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heav-enly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom
SAMPLESenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
SAMPLESrighteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
SAMPLESSo do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.
SAMPLESSo do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
SAMPLESToday’s trouble is enough for today.”
25 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
The Stars TELL THE STORY
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
Children’s Sermon
• This Children’s Sermon is offered. Items needed—green star ornaments.
P “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1
Hello, children! I’m glad you’re here for these Advent services. Who can tell me what Advent is? (Let children answer.) Yes, it’s the time of the year we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Did you know that the stars have much to tell us about God? I brought a green star for each of you. It’s green to remind us that God made everything in heaven and on earth. You can put this on your Christmas tree at home. (Pass out stars.) I’ll be giving you a different star at each service to help you remember how “The Stars Tell the Story.”
When God made the stars, everything was perfect. There was no wrong or evil anywhere. But one of God’s creatures, Lucifer, an angel, turned against God. He came to earth and began causing trouble. He tempted Adam and Eve to sin. They fell away from God like Lucifer and so did all their children and grandchildren.
Who might those grandchildren be? (Let children answer.) Yes, you and I are the grandchildren of Adam and Eve and we are fallen sinners too. But God is always calling us back to Himself. Did you know that He uses the stars to do that? He does! The stars say God is good and holy. They say He is the maker of everything. They say to you and me, “Come home to God and worship Him.” That’s what your green creation star reminds you of.
But the stars don’t tell us how to come home to God! That’s why we need the Bible and the story of Jesus. In the Bible we learn that God loves sinners. He wants us to come back and He shows us the way. Jesus is the way. The little Baby born in Bethlehem is our Savior. He’s our way back to God. Someday Baby Jesus would grow up and become a Man. He would love us so much He would die for our sins on the cross.
CREATIVE
Children’s SermonCREATIVE
Children’s Sermon
Children’s SermonCREATIVE
Children’s Sermon is offered. Items needed—green star ornaments.CREATIVE
is offered. Items needed—green star ornaments.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
CREATIVE
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
children! I’m glad you’re here for these Advent services. Who can tell me
CREATIVE
children! I’m glad you’re here for these Advent services. Who can tell me what Advent is? (Let children answer.) Yes, it’s the time of the year we prepare
CREATIVE
what Advent is? (Let children answer.) Yes, it’s the time of the year we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Did you know that the stars have much to tell us about
CREATIVE
for the coming of Jesus. Did you know that the stars have much to tell us about God? I brought a green star for each of you. It’s green to remind us that God
CREATIVE
God? I brought a green star for each of you. It’s green to remind us that God made everything in heaven and on earth. You can put this on your Christmas tree
CREATIVE made everything in heaven and on earth. You can put this on your Christmas tree at home. (Pass out stars.) I’ll be giving you a different star at each service to help
CREATIVE at home. (Pass out stars.) I’ll be giving you a different star at each service to help
God made the stars, everything was perfect. There was no wrong or evil
CREATIVE God made the stars, everything was perfect. There was no wrong or evil anywhere. But one of God’s creatures, Lucifer, an angel, turned against God. He
CREATIVE anywhere. But one of God’s creatures, Lucifer, an angel, turned against God. He came to earth and began causing trouble. He tempted Adam and Eve to sin. They
CREATIVE came to earth and began causing trouble. He tempted Adam and Eve to sin. They
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This
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This Children’s Sermon
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Children’s Sermon
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
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“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
children! I’m glad you’re here for these Advent services. Who can tell me
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children! I’m glad you’re here for these Advent services. Who can tell me what Advent is? (Let children answer.) Yes, it’s the time of the year we prepare
COMMUNICATIONS
what Advent is? (Let children answer.) Yes, it’s the time of the year we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Did you know that the stars have much to tell us about
COMMUNICATIONS
for the coming of Jesus. Did you know that the stars have much to tell us about God? I brought a green star for each of you. It’s green to remind us that God
COMMUNICATIONS
God? I brought a green star for each of you. It’s green to remind us that God made everything in heaven and on earth. You can put this on your Christmas tree
COMMUNICATIONS
made everything in heaven and on earth. You can put this on your Christmas tree at home. (Pass out stars.) I’ll be giving you a different star at each service to help
COMMUNICATIONS
at home. (Pass out stars.) I’ll be giving you a different star at each service to help you remember how “The Stars Tell the Story.”
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you remember how “The Stars Tell the Story.”
God made the stars, everything was perfect. There was no wrong or evil
COMMUNICATIONS
God made the stars, everything was perfect. There was no wrong or evil anywhere. But one of God’s creatures, Lucifer, an angel, turned against God. He
COMMUNICATIONS
anywhere. But one of God’s creatures, Lucifer, an angel, turned against God. He came to earth and began causing trouble. He tempted Adam and Eve to sin. They
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came to earth and began causing trouble. He tempted Adam and Eve to sin. They fell away from God like Lucifer and so did all their children and grandchildren.
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fell away from God like Lucifer and so did all their children and grandchildren.
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might those grandchildren be? (Let children answer.) Yes, you and I are the
COMMUNICATIONS
might those grandchildren be? (Let children answer.) Yes, you and I are the grandchildren of Adam and Eve and we are fallen sinners too. But God is always
COMMUNICATIONS grandchildren of Adam and Eve and we are fallen sinners too. But God is always calling us back to Himself. Did you know that He uses the stars to do that? He
COMMUNICATIONS calling us back to Himself. Did you know that He uses the stars to do that? He does! The stars say God is good and holy. They say He is the maker of everything.
COMMUNICATIONS does! The stars say God is good and holy. They say He is the maker of everything.
COMMUNICATIONS They say to you and me, “Come home to God and worship Him.” That’s what
COMMUNICATIONS They say to you and me, “Come home to God and worship Him.” That’s what
the stars don’t tell us how to come home to God! That’s why we need the
COMMUNICATIONS the stars don’t tell us how to come home to God! That’s why we need the
SAMPLES
children! I’m glad you’re here for these Advent services. Who can tell me SAMPLES
children! I’m glad you’re here for these Advent services. Who can tell me what Advent is? (Let children answer.) Yes, it’s the time of the year we prepare SAMPLES
what Advent is? (Let children answer.) Yes, it’s the time of the year we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Did you know that the stars have much to tell us about SAMPLES
for the coming of Jesus. Did you know that the stars have much to tell us about God? I brought a green star for each of you. It’s green to remind us that God
SAMPLES
God? I brought a green star for each of you. It’s green to remind us that God made everything in heaven and on earth. You can put this on your Christmas tree
SAMPLES
made everything in heaven and on earth. You can put this on your Christmas tree at home. (Pass out stars.) I’ll be giving you a different star at each service to help
SAMPLES
at home. (Pass out stars.) I’ll be giving you a different star at each service to help you remember how “The Stars Tell the Story.”
SAMPLES
you remember how “The Stars Tell the Story.”
God made the stars, everything was perfect. There was no wrong or evil
SAMPLESGod made the stars, everything was perfect. There was no wrong or evil
anywhere. But one of God’s creatures, Lucifer, an angel, turned against God. He
SAMPLESanywhere. But one of God’s creatures, Lucifer, an angel, turned against God. He came to earth and began causing trouble. He tempted Adam and Eve to sin. They
SAMPLEScame to earth and began causing trouble. He tempted Adam and Eve to sin. They fell away from God like Lucifer and so did all their children and grandchildren.
SAMPLESfell away from God like Lucifer and so did all their children and grandchildren.
SAMPLESmight those grandchildren be? (Let children answer.) Yes, you and I are the
SAMPLESmight those grandchildren be? (Let children answer.) Yes, you and I are the grandchildren of Adam and Eve and we are fallen sinners too. But God is always
SAMPLESgrandchildren of Adam and Eve and we are fallen sinners too. But God is always calling us back to Himself. Did you know that He uses the stars to do that? He
SAMPLEScalling us back to Himself. Did you know that He uses the stars to do that? He does! The stars say God is good and holy. They say He is the maker of everything.
SAMPLESdoes! The stars say God is good and holy. They say He is the maker of everything.
26 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
Let’s thank God for loving us even though we’ve turned away from Him. Espe-cially let’s thank Him for sending Jesus to be our Savior.
Prayer: Thank You, God, that You made me and love me. Thank You for creating the stars that shine brightly, calling me back to You. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for me and to bring me home. In His name I pray. Amen.
CREATIVE
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to die for me and to bring me home. In His name I pray. Amen. COMMUNICATIONS
to die for me and to bring me home. In His name I pray. Amen.
SAMPLES
27 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
The Stars TELL THE STORY
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
Sermon
• This Sermon, entitled The Perfect Star • Creation, is delivered by the pastor:
P “… He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” Genesis 1:16b-17
What in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Beth-lehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. You find me, Polaris, on the fourth day of creation.
I was one of that vast array of celestial diamonds set in place by the Creator to separate night from day and give light to the good earth. And it was good. Night and day, sea and land, sun, moon and stars, birds, fish, creeping and crawling things, livestock, and most important, man made in God’s image – all this was good. On the sixth day after finishing His work, God looked upon all He had made and said it was “very good.”
And that includes me, Polaris, the North Star. Travelers have relied on me for centuries. Many a sailor has suffered through a stormy night adrift on waves boil-ing from the wind, awaiting a break in the clouds that he might catch a glimpse of me shining his way home.
Doubtless, you’ve seen me many times. I’m not hard to find. As you look to the northern sky, you’ll see the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Perhaps you know it as the Big Dipper. The two bright stars on the dipper’s cup point to me, the one bright star that never seems to move while all through the night the other stars revolve around me. There you’ll find me, less than one degree off true north.So I was part of what God made, part of what He called “very good.” If you
CREATIVE
The Perfect Star • CreationCREATIVE
The Perfect Star • Creation
“… He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light
CREATIVE
“… He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” Genesis 1:16b-17
CREATIVE
on the earth.” Genesis 1:16b-17
in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely
CREATIVE
in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far
CREATIVE
you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Beth-
CREATIVE
to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Beth-lehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy
CREATIVE
lehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. You find me, Polaris, on the
CREATIVE Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. You find me, Polaris, on the
was one of that vast array of celestial diamonds set in place by the Creator to
CREATIVE was one of that vast array of celestial diamonds set in place by the Creator to
separate night from day and give light to the good earth. And it was good. Night
CREATIVE separate night from day and give light to the good earth. And it was good. Night and day, sea and land, sun, moon and stars, birds, fish, creeping and crawling
CREATIVE and day, sea and land, sun, moon and stars, birds, fish, creeping and crawling things, livestock, and most important, man made in God’s image – all this was
CREATIVE things, livestock, and most important, man made in God’s image – all this was
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This
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This Sermon
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Sermon, entitled
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, entitled
“… He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light
COMMUNICATIONS
“… He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” Genesis 1:16b-17
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on the earth.” Genesis 1:16b-17
in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely
COMMUNICATIONS
in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far
COMMUNICATIONS
you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Beth-
COMMUNICATIONS
to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Beth-lehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy
COMMUNICATIONS
lehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. You find me, Polaris, on the
COMMUNICATIONS
Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. You find me, Polaris, on the
was one of that vast array of celestial diamonds set in place by the Creator to
COMMUNICATIONS
was one of that vast array of celestial diamonds set in place by the Creator to separate night from day and give light to the good earth. And it was good. Night
COMMUNICATIONS
separate night from day and give light to the good earth. And it was good. Night and day, sea and land, sun, moon and stars, birds, fish, creeping and crawling
COMMUNICATIONS
and day, sea and land, sun, moon and stars, birds, fish, creeping and crawling things, livestock, and most important, man made in God’s image – all this was
COMMUNICATIONS
things, livestock, and most important, man made in God’s image – all this was
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good. On the sixth day after finishing His work, God looked upon all He had
COMMUNICATIONS
good. On the sixth day after finishing His work, God looked upon all He had
that includes me, Polaris, the North Star. Travelers have relied on me for
COMMUNICATIONS that includes me, Polaris, the North Star. Travelers have relied on me for
centuries. Many a sailor has suffered through a stormy night adrift on waves boil-
COMMUNICATIONS centuries. Many a sailor has suffered through a stormy night adrift on waves boil-
COMMUNICATIONS ing from the wind, awaiting a break in the clouds that he might catch a glimpse
COMMUNICATIONS ing from the wind, awaiting a break in the clouds that he might catch a glimpse
you’ve seen me many times. I’m not hard to find. As you look to the
COMMUNICATIONS you’ve seen me many times. I’m not hard to find. As you look to the northern sky, you’ll see the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Perhaps you
COMMUNICATIONS northern sky, you’ll see the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Perhaps you
SAMPLES
in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely SAMPLES
in Heaven’s name do the stars have to do with Christmas? Plenty! Surely you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far SAMPLES
you recall the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of the Savior. Far to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Beth-SAMPLES
to the east they looked up one night and saw it brightly beckoning them to Beth-lehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy
SAMPLES
lehem. But that’s just one star. Stars are scattered throughout the pages of Holy Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. You find me, Polaris, on the
SAMPLES
Writ. In fact, you find stars at the very beginning. You find me, Polaris, on the fourth day of creation.
SAMPLES
fourth day of creation.
was one of that vast array of celestial diamonds set in place by the Creator to
SAMPLES
was one of that vast array of celestial diamonds set in place by the Creator to separate night from day and give light to the good earth. And it was good. Night
SAMPLESseparate night from day and give light to the good earth. And it was good. Night and day, sea and land, sun, moon and stars, birds, fish, creeping and crawling
SAMPLESand day, sea and land, sun, moon and stars, birds, fish, creeping and crawling things, livestock, and most important, man made in God’s image – all this was
SAMPLESthings, livestock, and most important, man made in God’s image – all this was
SAMPLESgood. On the sixth day after finishing His work, God looked upon all He had
SAMPLESgood. On the sixth day after finishing His work, God looked upon all He had made and said it was “very good.”
SAMPLESmade and said it was “very good.”
that includes me, Polaris, the North Star. Travelers have relied on me for
SAMPLESthat includes me, Polaris, the North Star. Travelers have relied on me for centuries. Many a sailor has suffered through a stormy night adrift on waves boil-
SAMPLEScenturies. Many a sailor has suffered through a stormy night adrift on waves boil-ing from the wind, awaiting a break in the clouds that he might catch a glimpse
SAMPLESing from the wind, awaiting a break in the clouds that he might catch a glimpse
28 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
think about it, how could it be any other way? God Himself is the greatest good, perfect in all His attributes, utterly holy. Everything He made and sustained bore the stamp of His perfection. You might say that a definition of sin is thinking that God’s work and His way is not perfect, that someone else knows better. Lucifer, another star whom you’ll soon meet, a star once perfect but now corrupt and twisted, thought he knew better.
It was his sin that made the Christmas story necessary. You see, sin never happens in isolation. It always involves someone else. In Lucifer’s case, it involved legions of angels who joined him in rebellion against God. But it was futile. There is no power greater than that of the omnipotent and holy Creator. Losing the battle, Lucifer and his cohorts were banished from heaven and took the battle elsewhere. They invaded earth where Lucifer enlisted Adam and Eve in the rebellion.
Poor, pathetic Adam and Eve—they had everything to lose and nothing to gain. A perfect home, a perfect marriage, a perfect relationship with God, a perfect future—it was all theirs. They alone of all the characters in history and literature had the potential for living “happily ever after.” But Lucifer set them to question-ing God’s perfect plan for them.
God had given them all they needed for eternal life in Paradise. He made only one requirement of them—don’t eat from one particular tree, the tree of the knowl-edge of good and evil, in the center of the garden. If you do, you will die. What an unreasonable demand, Lucifer suggested, resorting to truths and half-truths and lies. You won’t die, he claimed. Rather, you’ll become like God Himself, knowing good and evil.
Adam and Eve fell for it, if you’ll excuse the pun. They took fruit from the tree and ate. And that perfect world they inhabited along with the livestock and birds, and plants and fish, and sun, moon and stars, and me, Polaris, crashed.
There was no sound especially remarkable when the crash came. Things looked pretty much the same. But nothing was. Adam and Eve began hiding from God, putting on clothes, lying to their Creator. It didn’t work. He knew all about what they had done and where they were hiding. The pitiful garments they had made from leaves to cover up their shame He replaced with skins. Mercifully, God drove them from the garden that they might not eat from another tree, the tree of life, and thus spend eternity in the slough of sin.
CREATIVE
of angels who joined him in rebellion against God. But it was futile. There is no CREATIVE
of angels who joined him in rebellion against God. But it was futile. There is no power greater than that of the omnipotent and holy Creator. Losing the battle, CREATIVE
power greater than that of the omnipotent and holy Creator. Losing the battle, Lucifer and his cohorts were banished from heaven and took the battle elsewhere.
CREATIVE
Lucifer and his cohorts were banished from heaven and took the battle elsewhere. They invaded earth where Lucifer enlisted Adam and Eve in the rebellion.
CREATIVE
They invaded earth where Lucifer enlisted Adam and Eve in the rebellion.
, pathetic Adam and Eve—they had everything to lose and nothing to gain.
CREATIVE
, pathetic Adam and Eve—they had everything to lose and nothing to gain. A perfect home, a perfect marriage, a perfect relationship with God, a perfect
CREATIVE
A perfect home, a perfect marriage, a perfect relationship with God, a perfect future—it was all theirs. They alone of all the characters in history and literature
CREATIVE
future—it was all theirs. They alone of all the characters in history and literature had the potential for living “happily ever after.” But Lucifer set them to question-
CREATIVE
had the potential for living “happily ever after.” But Lucifer set them to question-
had given them all they needed for eternal life in Paradise. He made only one
CREATIVE had given them all they needed for eternal life in Paradise. He made only one
requirement of them—don’t eat from one particular tree, the tree of the knowl-
CREATIVE requirement of them—don’t eat from one particular tree, the tree of the knowl-edge of good and evil, in the center of the garden. If you do, you will die. What an
CREATIVE edge of good and evil, in the center of the garden. If you do, you will die. What an
CREATIVE unreasonable demand, Lucifer suggested, resorting to truths and half-truths and
CREATIVE unreasonable demand, Lucifer suggested, resorting to truths and half-truths and lies. You won’t die, he claimed. Rather, you’ll become like God Himself, knowing
CREATIVE lies. You won’t die, he claimed. Rather, you’ll become like God Himself, knowing
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twisted, thought he knew better.COMMUNICATIONS
twisted, thought he knew better.
It COMMUNICATIONS
It was his sin that made the Christmas story necessary. You see, sin never happens COMMUNICATIONS
was his sin that made the Christmas story necessary. You see, sin never happens in isolation. It always involves someone else. In Lucifer’s case, it involved legions
COMMUNICATIONS
in isolation. It always involves someone else. In Lucifer’s case, it involved legions of angels who joined him in rebellion against God. But it was futile. There is no
COMMUNICATIONS
of angels who joined him in rebellion against God. But it was futile. There is no power greater than that of the omnipotent and holy Creator. Losing the battle,
COMMUNICATIONS
power greater than that of the omnipotent and holy Creator. Losing the battle, Lucifer and his cohorts were banished from heaven and took the battle elsewhere.
COMMUNICATIONS
Lucifer and his cohorts were banished from heaven and took the battle elsewhere. They invaded earth where Lucifer enlisted Adam and Eve in the rebellion.
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They invaded earth where Lucifer enlisted Adam and Eve in the rebellion.
, pathetic Adam and Eve—they had everything to lose and nothing to gain.
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, pathetic Adam and Eve—they had everything to lose and nothing to gain. A perfect home, a perfect marriage, a perfect relationship with God, a perfect
COMMUNICATIONS
A perfect home, a perfect marriage, a perfect relationship with God, a perfect future—it was all theirs. They alone of all the characters in history and literature
COMMUNICATIONS
future—it was all theirs. They alone of all the characters in history and literature had the potential for living “happily ever after.” But Lucifer set them to question-
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had the potential for living “happily ever after.” But Lucifer set them to question-ing God’s perfect plan for them.
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ing God’s perfect plan for them.
had given them all they needed for eternal life in Paradise. He made only one
COMMUNICATIONS
had given them all they needed for eternal life in Paradise. He made only one requirement of them—don’t eat from one particular tree, the tree of the knowl-
COMMUNICATIONS
requirement of them—don’t eat from one particular tree, the tree of the knowl-edge of good and evil, in the center of the garden. If you do, you will die. What an
COMMUNICATIONS
edge of good and evil, in the center of the garden. If you do, you will die. What an
COMMUNICATIONS
unreasonable demand, Lucifer suggested, resorting to truths and half-truths and
COMMUNICATIONS
unreasonable demand, Lucifer suggested, resorting to truths and half-truths and lies. You won’t die, he claimed. Rather, you’ll become like God Himself, knowing
COMMUNICATIONS
lies. You won’t die, he claimed. Rather, you’ll become like God Himself, knowing
and Eve fell for it, if you’ll excuse the pun. They took fruit from the tree
COMMUNICATIONS
and Eve fell for it, if you’ll excuse the pun. They took fruit from the tree and ate. And that perfect world they inhabited along with the livestock and birds,
COMMUNICATIONS
and ate. And that perfect world they inhabited along with the livestock and birds, and plants and fish, and sun, moon and stars, and me, Polaris, crashed.
COMMUNICATIONS
and plants and fish, and sun, moon and stars, and me, Polaris, crashed.
was no sound especially remarkable when the crash came. Things looked
COMMUNICATIONS was no sound especially remarkable when the crash came. Things looked
pretty much the same. But nothing was. Adam and Eve began hiding from God,
COMMUNICATIONS pretty much the same. But nothing was. Adam and Eve began hiding from God, putting on clothes, lying to their Creator. It didn’t work. He knew all about what
COMMUNICATIONS putting on clothes, lying to their Creator. It didn’t work. He knew all about what
COMMUNICATIONS they had done and where they were hiding. The pitiful garments they had made
COMMUNICATIONS they had done and where they were hiding. The pitiful garments they had made from leaves to cover up their shame He replaced with skins. Mercifully, God
COMMUNICATIONS from leaves to cover up their shame He replaced with skins. Mercifully, God drove them from the garden that they might not eat from another tree, the tree of
COMMUNICATIONS drove them from the garden that they might not eat from another tree, the tree of
SAMPLES
future—it was all theirs. They alone of all the characters in history and literature SAMPLES
future—it was all theirs. They alone of all the characters in history and literature had the potential for living “happily ever after.” But Lucifer set them to question-SAMPLES
had the potential for living “happily ever after.” But Lucifer set them to question-ing God’s perfect plan for them.SAMPLES
ing God’s perfect plan for them.
had given them all they needed for eternal life in Paradise. He made only one
SAMPLES
had given them all they needed for eternal life in Paradise. He made only one requirement of them—don’t eat from one particular tree, the tree of the knowl-
SAMPLES
requirement of them—don’t eat from one particular tree, the tree of the knowl-edge of good and evil, in the center of the garden. If you do, you will die. What an
SAMPLES
edge of good and evil, in the center of the garden. If you do, you will die. What an
SAMPLES
unreasonable demand, Lucifer suggested, resorting to truths and half-truths and
SAMPLES
unreasonable demand, Lucifer suggested, resorting to truths and half-truths and lies. You won’t die, he claimed. Rather, you’ll become like God Himself, knowing
SAMPLESlies. You won’t die, he claimed. Rather, you’ll become like God Himself, knowing
and Eve fell for it, if you’ll excuse the pun. They took fruit from the tree
SAMPLESand Eve fell for it, if you’ll excuse the pun. They took fruit from the tree
and ate. And that perfect world they inhabited along with the livestock and birds,
SAMPLESand ate. And that perfect world they inhabited along with the livestock and birds, and plants and fish, and sun, moon and stars, and me, Polaris, crashed.
SAMPLESand plants and fish, and sun, moon and stars, and me, Polaris, crashed.
was no sound especially remarkable when the crash came. Things looked
SAMPLESwas no sound especially remarkable when the crash came. Things looked
pretty much the same. But nothing was. Adam and Eve began hiding from God,
SAMPLESpretty much the same. But nothing was. Adam and Eve began hiding from God,
29 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
Death entered their once perfect world, not right away but eventually. Their son, Cain, killed his brother Abel. In time, Adam and Eve, though they lived far longer than you, died, just as God said they would. The plants that had been so beautiful in the garden now became their enemy. They grew where they were not wanted. Tilling the soil became a battle against weeds. The love of a man and woman, leading so naturally and beautifully to the procreation of children, be-came the bloody agony and sometimes death of childbirth.
Animals, once living in harmony, now struggled against one another, weak against strong, tooth against claw. Some species survived; others vanished in nature’s violence against itself. Gentle spring rains became deadly floods. The breeze that gently carried the seed and pollen of plants became screaming hurricanes and tornadoes, sucking life’s breath out of countless creatures including man.
And there were catastrophes even in the heavens. Stars exploded. Others col-lapsed. Whole galaxies collided like great unsynchronized gears, shearing off gases and energy that would become new but doomed objects in the sky. Even I, Polaris, the mariner’s friend, have but a brief moment to shine before I too am snuffed out.
And it would all continue like this. Endlessly, the perfection that was God’s cre-ation would deteriorate and decay, order would become disorder, and the beauty of life would become the corruption of death. Endlessly, I say, if it were not for that event in Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom Scrip-ture calls the Bright Morning Star.
Maybe you find it odd that I, Polaris, a star, would speak to you about creation and sin, death and destruction. But if it were not for me and the rest of nature, what would proclaim the truth of God to those who don’t have the written word? You are privileged to have Holy Scripture. You can read in it yourself of God’s power and holiness, his perfection and kindness. But what of the rest of his fallen children? What will they read?
They have nothing but me and my companions in the natural world – the stars and planets, the sun and moon, light and darkness, wet seasons and dry, summer and winter. From these much can be learned by those who would seek God and read them. Would you learn of the glory of God? Look to me and my compan-ions! Would you learn that there is a marvelous Creator? Look to me, the work of His own hands! Would you learn that God is the Maker and not the thing that is made? Look to me! Would you learn that the Almighty is invisible? Look to me! I can tell you all this and more.
CREATIVE
strong, tooth against claw. Some species survived; others vanished in nature’s CREATIVE
strong, tooth against claw. Some species survived; others vanished in nature’s violence against itself. Gentle spring rains became deadly floods. The breeze that CREATIVE
violence against itself. Gentle spring rains became deadly floods. The breeze that gently carried the seed and pollen of plants became screaming hurricanes and
CREATIVE
gently carried the seed and pollen of plants became screaming hurricanes and tornadoes, sucking life’s breath out of countless creatures including man.
CREATIVE
tornadoes, sucking life’s breath out of countless creatures including man.
there were catastrophes even in the heavens. Stars exploded. Others col-
CREATIVE
there were catastrophes even in the heavens. Stars exploded. Others col-lapsed. Whole galaxies collided like great unsynchronized gears, shearing off
CREATIVE
lapsed. Whole galaxies collided like great unsynchronized gears, shearing off gases and energy that would become new but doomed objects in the sky. Even I,
CREATIVE
gases and energy that would become new but doomed objects in the sky. Even I, Polaris, the mariner’s friend, have but a brief moment to shine before I too am
CREATIVE
Polaris, the mariner’s friend, have but a brief moment to shine before I too am
it would all continue like this. Endlessly, the perfection that was God’s cre-
CREATIVE it would all continue like this. Endlessly, the perfection that was God’s cre-
ation would deteriorate and decay, order would become disorder, and the beauty
CREATIVE ation would deteriorate and decay, order would become disorder, and the beauty of life would become the corruption of death. Endlessly, I say, if it were not for
CREATIVE of life would become the corruption of death. Endlessly, I say, if it were not for
CREATIVE that event in Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom Scrip-
CREATIVE that event in Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom Scrip-
you find it odd that I, Polaris, a star, would speak to you about creation
CREATIVE you find it odd that I, Polaris, a star, would speak to you about creation
COMMUNICATIONS
woman, leading so naturally and beautifully to the procreation of children, be-COMMUNICATIONS
woman, leading so naturally and beautifully to the procreation of children, be-came the bloody agony and sometimes death of childbirth.COMMUNICATIONS
came the bloody agony and sometimes death of childbirth.
Animals, COMMUNICATIONS
Animals, strong, tooth against claw. Some species survived; others vanished in nature’s
COMMUNICATIONS
strong, tooth against claw. Some species survived; others vanished in nature’s violence against itself. Gentle spring rains became deadly floods. The breeze that
COMMUNICATIONS
violence against itself. Gentle spring rains became deadly floods. The breeze that gently carried the seed and pollen of plants became screaming hurricanes and
COMMUNICATIONS
gently carried the seed and pollen of plants became screaming hurricanes and tornadoes, sucking life’s breath out of countless creatures including man.
COMMUNICATIONS
tornadoes, sucking life’s breath out of countless creatures including man.
there were catastrophes even in the heavens. Stars exploded. Others col-
COMMUNICATIONS
there were catastrophes even in the heavens. Stars exploded. Others col-lapsed. Whole galaxies collided like great unsynchronized gears, shearing off
COMMUNICATIONS
lapsed. Whole galaxies collided like great unsynchronized gears, shearing off gases and energy that would become new but doomed objects in the sky. Even I,
COMMUNICATIONS
gases and energy that would become new but doomed objects in the sky. Even I, Polaris, the mariner’s friend, have but a brief moment to shine before I too am
COMMUNICATIONS
Polaris, the mariner’s friend, have but a brief moment to shine before I too am
it would all continue like this. Endlessly, the perfection that was God’s cre-
COMMUNICATIONS
it would all continue like this. Endlessly, the perfection that was God’s cre-ation would deteriorate and decay, order would become disorder, and the beauty
COMMUNICATIONS
ation would deteriorate and decay, order would become disorder, and the beauty of life would become the corruption of death. Endlessly, I say, if it were not for
COMMUNICATIONS
of life would become the corruption of death. Endlessly, I say, if it were not for
COMMUNICATIONS
that event in Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom Scrip-
COMMUNICATIONS
that event in Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom Scrip-
you find it odd that I, Polaris, a star, would speak to you about creation
COMMUNICATIONS
you find it odd that I, Polaris, a star, would speak to you about creation and sin, death and destruction. But if it were not for me and the rest of nature,
COMMUNICATIONS
and sin, death and destruction. But if it were not for me and the rest of nature, what would proclaim the truth of God to those who don’t have the written word?
COMMUNICATIONS
what would proclaim the truth of God to those who don’t have the written word? You are privileged to have Holy Scripture. You can read in it yourself of God’s
COMMUNICATIONS
You are privileged to have Holy Scripture. You can read in it yourself of God’s power and holiness, his perfection and kindness. But what of the rest of his fallen
COMMUNICATIONS power and holiness, his perfection and kindness. But what of the rest of his fallen
have nothing but me and my companions in the natural world – the stars
COMMUNICATIONS have nothing but me and my companions in the natural world – the stars
COMMUNICATIONS and planets, the sun and moon, light and darkness, wet seasons and dry, summer
COMMUNICATIONS and planets, the sun and moon, light and darkness, wet seasons and dry, summer and winter. From these much can be learned by those who would seek God and
COMMUNICATIONS and winter. From these much can be learned by those who would seek God and read them. Would you learn of the glory of God? Look to me and my compan-
COMMUNICATIONS read them. Would you learn of the glory of God? Look to me and my compan-
SAMPLES
gases and energy that would become new but doomed objects in the sky. Even I, SAMPLES
gases and energy that would become new but doomed objects in the sky. Even I, Polaris, the mariner’s friend, have but a brief moment to shine before I too am SAMPLES
Polaris, the mariner’s friend, have but a brief moment to shine before I too am snuffed out.SAMPLES
snuffed out.
it would all continue like this. Endlessly, the perfection that was God’s cre-
SAMPLES
it would all continue like this. Endlessly, the perfection that was God’s cre-ation would deteriorate and decay, order would become disorder, and the beauty
SAMPLES
ation would deteriorate and decay, order would become disorder, and the beauty of life would become the corruption of death. Endlessly, I say, if it were not for
SAMPLES
of life would become the corruption of death. Endlessly, I say, if it were not for
SAMPLES
that event in Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom Scrip-
SAMPLES
that event in Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom Scrip-ture calls the Bright Morning Star.
SAMPLESture calls the Bright Morning Star.
you find it odd that I, Polaris, a star, would speak to you about creation
SAMPLESyou find it odd that I, Polaris, a star, would speak to you about creation
and sin, death and destruction. But if it were not for me and the rest of nature,
SAMPLESand sin, death and destruction. But if it were not for me and the rest of nature, what would proclaim the truth of God to those who don’t have the written word?
SAMPLESwhat would proclaim the truth of God to those who don’t have the written word? You are privileged to have Holy Scripture. You can read in it yourself of God’s
SAMPLESYou are privileged to have Holy Scripture. You can read in it yourself of God’s power and holiness, his perfection and kindness. But what of the rest of his fallen
SAMPLESpower and holiness, his perfection and kindness. But what of the rest of his fallen
30 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
Even the human heart, corrupt and fallen in sin though it is, speaks volumes. It knows it was made by a holy God—His image is stamped on it, though the reflection is dulled like a discarded mirror. Conscience, put there by the Maker, tells you the difference between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. It tells you that God is not an idol, that it is wrong to dishonor your parents, murder your fellow human beings, break the covenant with your spouse, steal, lie and covet. Whether you have ever seen the written code or not, your heart tells you these things. And it tells you that you are guilty; that you have done what God in your heart has told you not to do, that you have not done what God in your heart says you should.
I, Polaris, and indeed all of nature, have taught you much. But should you learn every truth that we proclaim without words, you would hear only half the story. Yes, I have a story to tell, but mine isn’t the whole story. I can tell you of the great-ness of God the Creator. I can tell you of the fall and the calamity it has brought on a once perfect creation. I can tell you of the death and destruction wrought by sin—even I will not always be the North Star. My time is limited, like yours.
Though you learn all this, and fall on your knees in repentance, grieving that you have offended God, crying out for mercy, begging that you might not feel the wrath of God your sins deserve, you would still be lost. You would be lost forever except for the rest of the story that is found only in Scripture. There the most wonderful good news is revealed. There in the pages of the Holy Bible, you learn that the God who made you and me, the God whom you have turned your back on, loves you!
His eternal Son Jesus Christ, through whom you and I were made, has been sent to save you. He came in the quiet obscurity of birth to a human mother in Beth-lehem. Though all flesh was made through Him, He joined Himself to a human body like yours in the womb of a Virgin, that He might be born as you are born, feel all you feel, live where you live, suffer as you suffer, and die as you die.
But His life, suffering and death do something that only He can do. They take your place. His holy life becomes your holy life. His cross becomes your cross. His resurrection to life becomes your resurrection to life. In Jesus Christ, all that God requires of you is done. By faith in Him God says all your sin is forgiven. There is peace at last between you and your Maker.
CREATIVE
Polaris, and indeed all of nature, have taught you much. But should you learn CREATIVE
Polaris, and indeed all of nature, have taught you much. But should you learn every truth that we proclaim without words, you would hear only half the story.
CREATIVE
every truth that we proclaim without words, you would hear only half the story. Yes, I have a story to tell, but mine isn’t the whole story. I can tell you of the great-
CREATIVE
Yes, I have a story to tell, but mine isn’t the whole story. I can tell you of the great-ness of God the Creator. I can tell you of the fall and the calamity it has brought
CREATIVE
ness of God the Creator. I can tell you of the fall and the calamity it has brought on a once perfect creation. I can tell you of the death and destruction wrought by
CREATIVE
on a once perfect creation. I can tell you of the death and destruction wrought by sin—even I will not always be the North Star. My time is limited, like yours.
CREATIVE
sin—even I will not always be the North Star. My time is limited, like yours.
you learn all this, and fall on your knees in repentance, grieving that
CREATIVE
you learn all this, and fall on your knees in repentance, grieving that you have offended God, crying out for mercy, begging that you might not feel
CREATIVE
you have offended God, crying out for mercy, begging that you might not feel the wrath of God your sins deserve, you would still be lost. You would be lost
CREATIVE the wrath of God your sins deserve, you would still be lost. You would be lost forever except for the rest of the story that is found only in Scripture. There the
CREATIVE forever except for the rest of the story that is found only in Scripture. There the
CREATIVE most wonderful good news is revealed. There in the pages of the Holy Bible, you
CREATIVE most wonderful good news is revealed. There in the pages of the Holy Bible, you learn that the God who made you and me, the God whom you have turned your
CREATIVE learn that the God who made you and me, the God whom you have turned your
eternal Son Jesus Christ, through whom you and I were made, has been sent
CREATIVE eternal Son Jesus Christ, through whom you and I were made, has been sent
COMMUNICATIONS
fellow human beings, break the covenant with your spouse, steal, lie and covet. COMMUNICATIONS
fellow human beings, break the covenant with your spouse, steal, lie and covet. Whether you have ever seen the written code or not, your heart tells you these COMMUNICATIONS
Whether you have ever seen the written code or not, your heart tells you these things. And it tells you that you are guilty; that you have done what God in your COMMUNICATIONS
things. And it tells you that you are guilty; that you have done what God in your heart has told you not to do, that you have not done what God in your heart says
COMMUNICATIONS
heart has told you not to do, that you have not done what God in your heart says you should.
COMMUNICATIONS
you should.
Polaris, and indeed all of nature, have taught you much. But should you learn
COMMUNICATIONS
Polaris, and indeed all of nature, have taught you much. But should you learn every truth that we proclaim without words, you would hear only half the story.
COMMUNICATIONS
every truth that we proclaim without words, you would hear only half the story. Yes, I have a story to tell, but mine isn’t the whole story. I can tell you of the great-
COMMUNICATIONS
Yes, I have a story to tell, but mine isn’t the whole story. I can tell you of the great-ness of God the Creator. I can tell you of the fall and the calamity it has brought
COMMUNICATIONS
ness of God the Creator. I can tell you of the fall and the calamity it has brought on a once perfect creation. I can tell you of the death and destruction wrought by
COMMUNICATIONS
on a once perfect creation. I can tell you of the death and destruction wrought by sin—even I will not always be the North Star. My time is limited, like yours.
COMMUNICATIONS
sin—even I will not always be the North Star. My time is limited, like yours.
you learn all this, and fall on your knees in repentance, grieving that
COMMUNICATIONS
you learn all this, and fall on your knees in repentance, grieving that you have offended God, crying out for mercy, begging that you might not feel
COMMUNICATIONS
you have offended God, crying out for mercy, begging that you might not feel the wrath of God your sins deserve, you would still be lost. You would be lost
COMMUNICATIONS
the wrath of God your sins deserve, you would still be lost. You would be lost forever except for the rest of the story that is found only in Scripture. There the
COMMUNICATIONS
forever except for the rest of the story that is found only in Scripture. There the
COMMUNICATIONS
most wonderful good news is revealed. There in the pages of the Holy Bible, you
COMMUNICATIONS
most wonderful good news is revealed. There in the pages of the Holy Bible, you learn that the God who made you and me, the God whom you have turned your
COMMUNICATIONS
learn that the God who made you and me, the God whom you have turned your
eternal Son Jesus Christ, through whom you and I were made, has been sent
COMMUNICATIONS
eternal Son Jesus Christ, through whom you and I were made, has been sent to save you. He came in the quiet obscurity of birth to a human mother in Beth-
COMMUNICATIONS
to save you. He came in the quiet obscurity of birth to a human mother in Beth-lehem. Though all flesh was made through Him, He joined Himself to a human
COMMUNICATIONS
lehem. Though all flesh was made through Him, He joined Himself to a human body like yours in the womb of a Virgin, that He might be born as you are born,
COMMUNICATIONS
body like yours in the womb of a Virgin, that He might be born as you are born, feel all you feel, live where you live, suffer as you suffer, and die as you die.
COMMUNICATIONS feel all you feel, live where you live, suffer as you suffer, and die as you die.
His life, suffering and death do something that only He can do. They take
COMMUNICATIONS His life, suffering and death do something that only He can do. They take
COMMUNICATIONS your place. His holy life becomes your holy life. His cross becomes your cross.
COMMUNICATIONS your place. His holy life becomes your holy life. His cross becomes your cross. His resurrection to life becomes your resurrection to life. In Jesus Christ, all that
COMMUNICATIONS His resurrection to life becomes your resurrection to life. In Jesus Christ, all that
COMMUNICATIONS God requires of you is done. By faith in Him God says all your sin is forgiven.
COMMUNICATIONS God requires of you is done. By faith in Him God says all your sin is forgiven.
SAMPLES
sin—even I will not always be the North Star. My time is limited, like yours.SAMPLES
sin—even I will not always be the North Star. My time is limited, like yours.
Though SAMPLES
Though you learn all this, and fall on your knees in repentance, grieving that SAMPLES
you learn all this, and fall on your knees in repentance, grieving that you have offended God, crying out for mercy, begging that you might not feel
SAMPLES
you have offended God, crying out for mercy, begging that you might not feel the wrath of God your sins deserve, you would still be lost. You would be lost
SAMPLES
the wrath of God your sins deserve, you would still be lost. You would be lost forever except for the rest of the story that is found only in Scripture. There the
SAMPLES
forever except for the rest of the story that is found only in Scripture. There the
SAMPLES
most wonderful good news is revealed. There in the pages of the Holy Bible, you
SAMPLES
most wonderful good news is revealed. There in the pages of the Holy Bible, you learn that the God who made you and me, the God whom you have turned your
SAMPLES
learn that the God who made you and me, the God whom you have turned your
eternal Son Jesus Christ, through whom you and I were made, has been sent
SAMPLESeternal Son Jesus Christ, through whom you and I were made, has been sent
to save you. He came in the quiet obscurity of birth to a human mother in Beth-
SAMPLESto save you. He came in the quiet obscurity of birth to a human mother in Beth-lehem. Though all flesh was made through Him, He joined Himself to a human
SAMPLESlehem. Though all flesh was made through Him, He joined Himself to a human body like yours in the womb of a Virgin, that He might be born as you are born,
SAMPLESbody like yours in the womb of a Virgin, that He might be born as you are born, feel all you feel, live where you live, suffer as you suffer, and die as you die.
SAMPLESfeel all you feel, live where you live, suffer as you suffer, and die as you die.
His life, suffering and death do something that only He can do. They take
SAMPLESHis life, suffering and death do something that only He can do. They take
31 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
Well, it’s getting dark and I, Polaris, must be about what I was placed in the sky to do, guiding the traveler home. But truthfully, I can only take you part way. Oh, sure, I can get you anywhere in the northern hemisphere. I can even tell you about God, my Maker and yours. I can tell you what you’re missing by being separated from Him. But I can’t bring you to Him. That’s the job of another, Jesus Christ, the Bright Morning Star. Look to Him, and He’ll get you to your heavenly home.
Prayer: Creator God, in the beauty of Your creation You proclaim Your power, Your glory, Your invisible nature, and Your handiwork. In Your law written on human hearts You reveal Your holiness and our sin. But only in Jesus Christ whom we see in Scripture do You reveal Your saving love. Work faith in our hearts that our sins might be forgiven and our fallen nature restored. And thus may we know with confidence that we have an eternal home with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
CREATIVE
Your glory, Your invisible nature, and Your handiwork. In Your law written on CREATIVE
Your glory, Your invisible nature, and Your handiwork. In Your law written on human hearts You reveal Your holiness and our sin. But only in Jesus Christ CREATIVE
human hearts You reveal Your holiness and our sin. But only in Jesus Christ whom we see in Scripture do You reveal Your saving love. Work faith in our
CREATIVE
whom we see in Scripture do You reveal Your saving love. Work faith in our hearts that our sins might be forgiven and our fallen nature restored. And thus
CREATIVE
hearts that our sins might be forgiven and our fallen nature restored. And thus
CREATIVE
may we know with confidence that we have an eternal home with You. In Jesus’
CREATIVE
may we know with confidence that we have an eternal home with You. In Jesus’
COMMUNICATIONS
Jesus Christ, the Bright Morning Star. Look to Him, and He’ll get you to your COMMUNICATIONS
Jesus Christ, the Bright Morning Star. Look to Him, and He’ll get you to your heavenly home.COMMUNICATIONS
heavenly home.
Prayer: COMMUNICATIONS
Prayer: Creator God, in the beauty of Your creation You proclaim Your power, COMMUNICATIONS
Creator God, in the beauty of Your creation You proclaim Your power, Your glory, Your invisible nature, and Your handiwork. In Your law written on
COMMUNICATIONS
Your glory, Your invisible nature, and Your handiwork. In Your law written on human hearts You reveal Your holiness and our sin. But only in Jesus Christ
COMMUNICATIONS
human hearts You reveal Your holiness and our sin. But only in Jesus Christ whom we see in Scripture do You reveal Your saving love. Work faith in our
COMMUNICATIONS
whom we see in Scripture do You reveal Your saving love. Work faith in our hearts that our sins might be forgiven and our fallen nature restored. And thus
COMMUNICATIONS
hearts that our sins might be forgiven and our fallen nature restored. And thus
COMMUNICATIONS
may we know with confidence that we have an eternal home with You. In Jesus’
COMMUNICATIONS
may we know with confidence that we have an eternal home with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
COMMUNICATIONS
name. Amen.
SAMPLES
32 The Stars Tell The Story—PRU
The Stars TELL THE STORY
Service One: The Perfect Star • Creation
Prayers
• The Pastoral Prayers are offered by the pastor and the congregation:
P Almighty God, who flung the stars into deepest space, for all your works we praise and bless you. Lord of all creation,
C:Hear our prayer.P Enlighten, we pray, the hearts and minds of your people, the Church, that love
may unite us, that hope may fill us, that faith may drive us on our mission to spread your light to all the world. Lord of all creation,
C:Hear our prayer.P Bless the nations of the world, O light-creating Lord, with enlightened leaders.
Only then can injustice and tyranny give way to peace and freedom. Drive away the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-ation,
C:Hear our prayer.P Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure
the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean water flow throughout the villages of this world. Send us a light into the darkest places where need so often thrives. Lord of all creation,
C:Hear our prayer.P Bless the people in this place as we worship and work to bring your kingdom into
our homes and our community. Enlighten the leaders of this congregation. Give us eager hearts and busy hands to live and do your will. Lord of all creation,
C:Hear our prayer.P As the joyous, busy time of Christmas approaches, comfort all who mourn with
your peace, which passes all human understanding. Bring joy to the hearts of those who are suffering loss. Encourage them with the strong promise of the res-urrection. Lord of all creation,
C:Hear our prayer.P These things we pray through Christ our Lord.C:Amen.
CREATIVE
are offered by the pastor and the congregation:CREATIVE
are offered by the pastor and the congregation:
Almighty God, who flung the stars into deepest space, for all your works we
CREATIVE
Almighty God, who flung the stars into deepest space, for all your works we praise and bless you. Lord of all creation,
CREATIVE
praise and bless you. Lord of all creation,
Enlighten, we pray, the hearts and minds of your people, the Church, that love
CREATIVE
Enlighten, we pray, the hearts and minds of your people, the Church, that love may unite us, that hope may fill us, that faith may drive us on our mission to
CREATIVE
may unite us, that hope may fill us, that faith may drive us on our mission to spread your light to all the world. Lord of all creation,
CREATIVE
spread your light to all the world. Lord of all creation,
Bless the nations of the world, O light-creating Lord, with enlightened leaders.
CREATIVE Bless the nations of the world, O light-creating Lord, with enlightened leaders. Only then can injustice and tyranny give way to peace and freedom. Drive away
CREATIVE Only then can injustice and tyranny give way to peace and freedom. Drive away the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-
CREATIVE the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-
Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure
CREATIVE Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean
CREATIVE the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean
COMMUNICATIONS
The
COMMUNICATIONS
The Pastoral Prayers
COMMUNICATIONS
Pastoral Prayers
Almighty God, who flung the stars into deepest space, for all your works we
COMMUNICATIONS
Almighty God, who flung the stars into deepest space, for all your works we praise and bless you. Lord of all creation,
COMMUNICATIONS
praise and bless you. Lord of all creation,Hear our prayer.
COMMUNICATIONS
Hear our prayer.Enlighten, we pray, the hearts and minds of your people, the Church, that love
COMMUNICATIONS
Enlighten, we pray, the hearts and minds of your people, the Church, that love may unite us, that hope may fill us, that faith may drive us on our mission to
COMMUNICATIONS
may unite us, that hope may fill us, that faith may drive us on our mission to spread your light to all the world. Lord of all creation,
COMMUNICATIONS
spread your light to all the world. Lord of all creation,
Bless the nations of the world, O light-creating Lord, with enlightened leaders.
COMMUNICATIONS
Bless the nations of the world, O light-creating Lord, with enlightened leaders. Only then can injustice and tyranny give way to peace and freedom. Drive away
COMMUNICATIONS
Only then can injustice and tyranny give way to peace and freedom. Drive away the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-
COMMUNICATIONS
the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-
Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure
COMMUNICATIONS
Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean
COMMUNICATIONS
the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean water flow throughout the villages of this world. Send us a light into the darkest
COMMUNICATIONS
water flow throughout the villages of this world. Send us a light into the darkest
COMMUNICATIONS
places where need so often thrives. Lord of all creation,
COMMUNICATIONS
places where need so often thrives. Lord of all creation,
Bless the people in this place as we worship and work to bring your kingdom into
COMMUNICATIONS Bless the people in this place as we worship and work to bring your kingdom into our homes and our community. Enlighten the leaders of this congregation. Give
COMMUNICATIONS our homes and our community. Enlighten the leaders of this congregation. Give us eager hearts and busy hands to live and do your will. Lord of all creation,
COMMUNICATIONS us eager hearts and busy hands to live and do your will. Lord of all creation,
COMMUNICATIONS As the joyous, busy time of Christmas approaches, comfort all who mourn with
COMMUNICATIONS As the joyous, busy time of Christmas approaches, comfort all who mourn with your peace, which passes all human understanding. Bring joy to the hearts of
COMMUNICATIONS your peace, which passes all human understanding. Bring joy to the hearts of those who are suffering loss. Encourage them with the strong promise of the res-
COMMUNICATIONS those who are suffering loss. Encourage them with the strong promise of the res-
SAMPLES
Enlighten, we pray, the hearts and minds of your people, the Church, that love SAMPLES
Enlighten, we pray, the hearts and minds of your people, the Church, that love may unite us, that hope may fill us, that faith may drive us on our mission to SAMPLES
may unite us, that hope may fill us, that faith may drive us on our mission to spread your light to all the world. Lord of all creation,SAMPLES
spread your light to all the world. Lord of all creation,Hear our prayer.
SAMPLES
Hear our prayer.Bless the nations of the world, O light-creating Lord, with enlightened leaders.
SAMPLES
Bless the nations of the world, O light-creating Lord, with enlightened leaders. Only then can injustice and tyranny give way to peace and freedom. Drive away
SAMPLES
Only then can injustice and tyranny give way to peace and freedom. Drive away the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-
SAMPLES
the darkness of warfare. Send your promised Prince of Peace. Lord of all cre-
Lighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure
SAMPLESLighten, we pray, the burdens of all who suffer any sort of need, O Lord. Cure the sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean
SAMPLESthe sick. Comfort the mourning. Befriend the lonely. Feed the hungry. Make clean water flow throughout the villages of this world. Send us a light into the darkest
SAMPLESwater flow throughout the villages of this world. Send us a light into the darkest
SAMPLESplaces where need so often thrives. Lord of all creation,
SAMPLESplaces where need so often thrives. Lord of all creation,
Bless the people in this place as we worship and work to bring your kingdom into
SAMPLESBless the people in this place as we worship and work to bring your kingdom into our homes and our community. Enlighten the leaders of this congregation. Give
SAMPLESour homes and our community. Enlighten the leaders of this congregation. Give us eager hearts and busy hands to live and do your will. Lord of all creation,
SAMPLESus eager hearts and busy hands to live and do your will. Lord of all creation,