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9 Readings for a Christmas Act of Worship: Alternative 9th Reading |
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At the beginning God spoke the Word which called into being all that exists, gave life to all that lives, and gives light to all who understand. This Word was as much part of God the Creator as the first seed-thought and the signature on finished work are part of a creative man or woman. We give our word, we give ourself; the word and the person who utters it are one: so God's Word is one with God. God spoke again - the same Word; Light shone again - the same light. A man named John bore witness to the Word and the light. The Man named Jesus Christ is the Word and the light - life-giving Word, and light undefeated by darkness. He came to the world he made, but was unrecognised; he came to his own people but was unwelcome. Yet to all who did recognise and welcome him he gave the right to live as God's true-born children. The Word was embodied in a Man filled with grace and truth and the glory of God his Father. John saw him, we saw him, and, like John, we bear witness that the God whom no one has ever seen is made known in Jesus Christ. John 1:1-18 1st Reading (based on Genesis 3:8-19) 2nd Reading (based on Isaiah 7:10-17) 3rd Reading (based on Isaiah 9:2-7) 4th Reading (based on Luke 1:46-55) 5th Reading (based on Luke 1:68-79) 6th Reading (based on Luke 2:1-7) 7th Reading (based on Luke 2:8-20) 8th Reading (based on Matthew 2:1-12) 9th Reading (based on Luke 2:23-35) Alternative 9th Reading (based on John 1:1-18) |
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