December 23, 2012 Choir Cantata

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Dearest Lord, our Abba Father, help us in these Holy days to recognize and feel your most profound love for us and all of creation. Let us see in the tender, innocence of the Christ child your willing vulnerability. We pray not to dwell on feelings of unworthiness, but to find our worth in ministering to others. Teach us the way to receive your love; how to embrace the teachings of Jesus, and how to let the loving presence of your most Holy Spirit shine through us. May all whom we encounter in the days ahead see your Spirit revealed in our every expression, word, and deed. Be visible in us most wondrous and merciful God, we pray in the name of our savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
The “His” and “Hers” Van Cleef & Arpels “Poetic Wish” Watches are the most expensive gift in the Neiman Marcus catalogue this year priced at $1,090,000.00. It pains me to inform you that the $354,000 Special Edition McLaren 12C Spider sold out 2 hours after sales officially began. I believe the $100,000 Heritage hen houses and $150,000 Whiskey Woody Tailgate Trailers are still available as are the Jetlev R200 water propelled jet packs at $99,500 a piece and the $90,000 Pinel & Pinel arcade trunk with Formula 1 racing seat, a Thrustmaster T500 RS Force steering Wheel, 24 PlayStation 3 games, an 1800-watt wireless music system and a motion-detection camera. No matter what it costs and no matter how pretty it may be; it is still stuff, that eventually breaks. God’s love doesn’t and won’t.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we set before you. We offer them in love with a spirit of hopefulness knowing that with your blessing, these tithes and offerings have the power to advance the message of the gospel, breathe new life into your church and its ministries, and help many who are in need. May the generosity of this holiday linger throughout the year as we discover new and creative ways to be the living proof of your graciousness and love. In the name of the Christ. Amen.