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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, "Now after they (the wise men from the East) had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him,' Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod" (Matthew 2:13-15a). In these times, as refugees are welcomed to Canada and as we work toward welcoming the stranger, I am mindful of the holy family quickly journeying to a foreign land...fleeing, desperate, strangers. In these times, may we bring the text to life of a new hymn by Mary Haugen titled “In These Times” which was written in response to the current refugee crisis in the Middle East, in Europe and at the border of the United States and Mexico. Part of the text can be found below: Verse 3: In these times, may we who once were strangers here welcome Christ, the stranger at our door with a love that dares to trust and faith that quenches fear; let us make a home of welcome in these times. Refrain: Let us be love's welcome, to the stranger, alien, Let us be God's mercy to the ones forgotten. Be God's compassion, to the broken, grieving, Be God's strong justice to oppression's children, Open wide your welcome to the lost and homeless, to the weak and suff'ring God's Reign among us. Let us make a home of welcome in these times. As you gather for worship these holy days may you be love's welcome. With deep appreciation and profound gratitude for your partnership in the Gospel. Blessings as you celebrate the Incarnation. "The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13). In Christ Jesus - Shalom, The Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer, Bishop Synod of Alberta and the Territories Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada Christmas Eve: December 24th, 2015 Welcome and Greeting Video: “Breathe Deeply” “Breathe” “Angels from the Realms of Glory” LBW #50 Lighting of Christ Candle Prayer: “Away in a Manger” LBW #67 “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” LBW #44 Christmas Litany “O Little Town of Bethlehem” LBW #41 Luke 2:1-7 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” LBW #60 Luke 2:8-14 4 & 8 pm Service: “Go Tell It on the Mountain” LBW #70 6 pm Service: Praise Team: “Here With Us” Luke 2:15-18 “What Child is This” LBW #40 Luke 2:19-20 Message: “A Father’s Love: Joseph’s Story” Offering Prayers/Lord’s Prayer 8 pm Service Only: The Lord’s Supper Lighting of Candles “Silent Night, Holy Night!” LBW #65 Blessing “Angels We Have Heard on High” LBW #39 Pianists - (4 and 6 pm): Alex Mckay (8 pm): Eleanor May To learn more about us please visit us at www.oursaviourchurch.ca
