Deus Misereatur

Preparing for the Coming of Christ-3 Zephaniah 3.1-20 {For this sermon, you will really be helped by listening while reviewing the manuscript. Here is the Audio File } Merciful God, who did send your messengers the prophets – including Zephaniah – to preach repentance and prepare the way of salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings, forsake our sins, and prepare for the coming of Christ that we may greet with joy the coming of our Redeemer. Amen (adapted and modified from The Book of Common Prayer ). One aspect of Christmas time is how easily we get lost in the scurrying about with the preening of trees, decking homes with wreaths, buying clothes and toys, travelling and visiting family. Nothing wrong with any of those things, it’s just how easily and quickly they can consume us. But the true tale that lies behind Christmas is about God coming in Jesus Christ, establishing his presence among humanity ( Immanuel ) and moving humanity , history and his handiwork...

LORD, you have said, “Seek My face,” and so our hearts now say, “Your face, LORD, we will seek” (Psalm 27.8). We come before you praying for your world and your Church; and we come praying in the name of Christ your Son. We pray for the troubled and the secure nations of our world; for the countries staggering under wreckage or wasting maladies, and for those lands that seem quiet and calm: please preserve your Church in every land by granting every nation your peace and prosperity; O Lord, hear our prayer. Almighty God, give ear to our concerns about the future , the focus , the fortitude , and the fortune of our country, and grant what is best for the good of the citizens and inhabitants of this land, the peace of Your Church, and for the uninhibited proclamation of your Gospel. O Lord, hear our prayer. O our God, we remember those who are in need … turn their grief into gladness, their suffering into strength, their anger and pain into wholeness and health. O Lord, hear ou...