No place in the inn – v2

no place in the inn

no room for them

the Savior of the earth

born in a borrowed stable

laid in a manger bed

not in regal power

in fine linen or gold

walking the earth as a peasant

no possessions his own

living in the world

but never falling into sin

taking on our debt

paying it all in full

going to the cross

rising from the dead

the Babe, the Man

the King of heaven

of Him we joyously sing

Edited December 25, 2013

No place in the inn – v2

December 24, 2009

No place in the inn

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/12/no-place-in-inn.html

Luke 2:1-14

Micah 4:1-7

Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,

by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,

pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,

children’s time by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”

(Caesar Augustus –

http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)

by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

December 20, 2009

Fourth Sunday of Advent

part of a series of sermons,

using the Advent Conspiracy

http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

&

Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009

http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/

Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)

Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)

&

Luke 2:6-7

& Advent Christmas offering letter

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 28,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Announcing His Birthday – v2

Like the others

the children in the bulletin

adding the name

sharing with the congregation

the other special child

the one for whom we are waiting

Announcing his birthday

the Christ-child,

the reason for Christmas

his coming heralded

throughout the heavens

and down here on earth below

Remembering his birthday

the coming of the king,

not in his glory;

as a humble baby

nestled in his manger bed

of him we sing

Edited December 16, 2013

Announcing His Birthday – v2

December 20, 2009

Announcing His Birthday

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/12/announcing-his-birthday.html

Luke 2:1-14

Micah 4:1-7

Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,

by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,

pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,

children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,

sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”

(Caesar Augustus –

http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)

by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

December 20, 2009

Fourth Sunday of Advent

part of a series of sermons,

using the Advent Conspiracy

http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

&

Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009

http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/

Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)

Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)

&

Luke 2:6-7

& Advent Christmas offering letter

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,950+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Right Side Up – v2

The story of Christmas

trying to turn the world

right side up, to turn from

the power of night

to a world where sacrifice,

where servanthood

where the meek, the forgotten

the least, the last, the lost

outsiders equal with the select

all are worthy,

all brought inside

within, with him

a king a babe

a throne a manger

women, shepherds, foreigners

all can be vessels for God’s message;

A babe in swaddling clothes

will change the world

Edited October 1, 2013

Right Side Up – v2

December 21 and 24, 2008

Right Side Up

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/12/right-side-up.html

Micah 4:1-7

Luke 1:46-55

and sermon, “An Upside Down Christmas”,

by Reverend Huntley Halvorson

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 25,810+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Knowing Their Plight – v2

The least, the last

lost in this world

wandering, homeless, refugees

all of us upon this earth

From a manger bed

no room for them in the inn

our Savior, his humble birth

made of clay, knowing our plight

The King of kings,

a humble peasant child

born to save the world

doing the Master’s will

Saving all in need

each of us owned by our sin

bringing us to God,

when we give up our will

Edited September 28, 2013

Knowing Their Plight – v2

December 20, 2009

Knowing Their Plight

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/12/knowing-their-plight.html

Luke 2:1-14

Micah 4:1-7

Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,

by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,

pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,

children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,

sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”

(Caesar Augustus –

http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)

by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

December 20, 2009

Fourth Sunday of Advent

part of a series of sermons,

using the Advent Conspiracy

http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

&

Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009

http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/

Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)

Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)

&

Luke 2:6-7

& Advent Christmas offering letter

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 25,780+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

If only all had heard the good news – v2

Speaking as one, the prayer dedicating

turning back a portion, just a part

of what God has given us

If only all had heard the Good News

as our murmured prayer intoned

if the joy of Christ were truly known

and understood, around the world

this is my prayer this day

that the words would be true

that the telling, the waiting

the coming of the Christ-child

would be a retelling, not a revelation

alive, as in the first telling

in the hearts of the whole world

Until that day, we join the heavenly chorus

Christ has come to save!

Edited August 5, 2013

“If only all had heard the good news – v2”

December 20, 2009

“If only all had heard the good news”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/12/if-only-all-had-heard-good-news.html

Prayer of Dedication,

by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,

“Loving God, we eagerly anticipate the joy-filled

celebration of Jesus’ birthday party. We hear again the

news of peace on earth and good will to all. So we offer

these gifts to you; so that the good news of Christ’s birth

will once more be heard by all, and that we will come

closer to that day of peace. In the name of Christ at whose

birth all heave sang we pray. Amen”

Luke 2:1-14

Micah 4:1-7

Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,

by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,

pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,

children’s time by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”

(Caesar Augustus –

http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)

by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

December 20, 2009

Fourth Sunday of Advent

part of a series of sermons,

using the Advent Conspiracy

http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

&

Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009

http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/

Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)

Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)

&

Luke 2:6-7

& Advent Christmas offering letter

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 24,200+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Two Men – v2

Caesar and the Christ
so different, kings of different sorts
the babe, of regal birth, in a manger laid
power, authority, humility, death on a cross
by might to rule, by love to serve
opposites, juxtaposed,
called saviors in their time
very different models
woven in that moment in time

Today only one stands, alone
whose birth we wait for
to this very day
Christ, the Son of God
come down as man
the Christ, our Messiah
our Savior, our brother
Lives and reigns
in our hearts, the Spirit
and the lamb upon the throne


edited August 5, 2011
after rereading it when someone commented on this poem
on www.faithwriters.com
originally written December 20, 2009
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,790+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Song of the Angels

Trying to imagine
the song of the angels
that holy night
so long ago
waking the shepherds
from their slumber
joy for heaven, for the world
Christ born in Bethlehem
the babe in the manger
our king, born to set us free
joy, love, come down from heaven
to reunite us with our God
Glory in the highest
and peace
come down to earth


December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve Service
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
&
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)

Our Gifts

Not like the wise men
those who had followed the star
Christ doesn’t ask for gold
for our possessions, our things

Our gifts, our hearts
our lives changed
turning ourselves
over to our king


December 24, 2009
Matthew 2:1-12
&
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

No place in the inn

no place in the inn
no room for them
the savior of the earth
born in a borrowed stable
laid in a manger bed

not in regal power
in fine linen or gold
walking the earth as a peasant
no possessions his own

living in the world
but never falling into sin
taking on our debt
paying it in full

going to the cross
rising from the dead
the babe, the man
the king of heaven
of him we joyously sing


December 24, 2009
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Going to Jerusalem

Leaving Bethlehem
beside the manger
under his natal star
going to Egypt, to Nazareth
walking the dusty roads of Galilee
following my master by the sea

In the crowd on the mountain
seeing him heal the sick and the lame
his message, his love, revealed to all
in his words, in the touch of his hand

Going to Jerusalem
beside him on the way
his eyes set on the temple
following the way of the cross

Speaking the truth
his words with power
confronting the people,
the authorities
leading to that hour
bread broken and the cup shared

Praying in the garden
submitting to the master’s will
to cup to his lips,
climbing the cross for me
Beside the tomb on Easter day
walking to Emmaus with our Lord
Our king, from the manger to the cross
Leading me home to him


December 24, 2009
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Giving to Jesus

Going to Bethlehem
following his natal star
the words of prophecy
fulfilled in his coming to earth
God, love, into flesh, a man
Christ born in Bethlehem
peace is at hand

Journeying, each day of my life
trying, each step of my walk,
following the master’s call
kneeling beside his manger
looking into my savior’s loving eyes

What will I give him
what present shall I bring;
Me and me alone
all I am is his.


December 24, 2009
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Savior of the World

The humble baby
sleeping in the stable
in the manger bed
Love born, come to earth
God with us, Emmanuel
the savior of the world

Not by power, might
as with a king, the Caesar
with love, a servant
Giving his all
his will given over
to the master’s plan

Taking on our sin
going to the cross
the lamb, a sacrifice
Washing away our sin
rising to glory
that we may live


December 23, 2009
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Love Came Down

An embodiment, in the flesh
God, Love, came down
down to our earth
to this good earth

The Christ, the Messiah
fulfillment of prophecy
the stem of Jesse
leading a righteous life

The Son, the unblemished lamb
offering for our sin
born to die on Calvary
that we may be made clean

The king, our salvation
rising from the dead
waiting for us in heaven
when we leave this mortal coil


December 23, 2009
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

The Burden of Poverty

Traveling, journeying
going to Bethlehem
because they must
Under the rule of Caesar
the burden of poverty
no room for them in the inn

Taking his family,
into the stable
laying their baby down
in the manger bed
Journeying far,
coming to the town,
his ancestral home

The burden of poverty
weighing him down;
but wonders to behold
the shepherd, the star
the wise men with gifts
laid down, kneeling
by his manger bed
more of the story
yet to unfold


December 23, 2009
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Entering our Family

The chancel, the nave
full with new members
entering our family
the congregation growing
A noisy reception
commotion
a happy family
in celebration
together


December 22, 2009 and December 23, 2009
Service for the Reception of New Members
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Come to Bethlehem

Like Joseph and Mary,
the shepherds, wise men
we come to Bethlehem

Expectant, journeying
hopeful, for a new beginning
the Christ-child, Love
God entering the world

Walking, as a man
sharing God with us all
on his journey, his days
from the manger to the cross
preparing a place for us
in heaven above


December 22, 2009
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
hymn, “Angels We Have Heard on High”,
United Methodist Hymnal, #238,
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Let Us Go

Let us go to Bethlehem
returning to the stable
kneeling once more at the manger
the sounds, the sights, the smells
Advent, the coming of the Christ-child
new again each year
special, meaningful
trying to understand God;
love come down to earth


December 22, 2009
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
hymn, “Angels We Have Heard on High”,
United Methodist Hymnal, #238,
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

That He Came

Our waiting
Advent, the coming of Christ
preparing our hearts
remembering again
that he came
into the world

A humble servant
a willing lamb
sacrificed for our sin
Love, God
made flesh for us
that we may know God
and be reconciled to him


December 22, 2009
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Unison Prayer,
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Fear Not

Fear not, people living in the dark
the light is come, Christ,
the first born son
the lamb of God
come down
to save us from ourselves
to bring us home again
Fear not watchmen of the night
heaven come down to earth
Christ was born to save


December 21, 2009
Luke 2:10-11
2009 Christmas Card
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/192
of Bishop Peter and Linda Weaver
http://www.neumc.org/
New England Conference of the United Methodist Church
http://www.umc.org/
&
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

The Threats in the Night

Modern shepherds
watching in the dark
guarding the flock
from threats in the night
the world, in chaos
crime, terror, war
diseases out of control
Angels proclaiming
the good news for us
Christ, our savior
born, in Bethlehem!
Still today,
in these present days
the message of great joy
good news to all the world
Christ is born in Bethlehem
let heaven and the earth rejoice


December 21, 2009
Luke 2:10-11
2009 Christmas Card
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/192
of Bishop Peter and Linda Weaver
http://www.neumc.org/
New England Conference of the United Methodist Church
http://www.umc.org/
&
Luke 2:1-14
Micah 4:1-7
Fourth Sunday in Advent wreath liturgy,
by Amy C. Wake, GBOD,
pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "The Birthday We Do Not Celebrate"”
(Caesar Augustus –
http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Caesar_Augustus.html)
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 20, 2009
Fourth Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for December 14, 2009 to December 20, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-december-14-20/
Luke 2:1-7 (December 18, 2009)
Luke 2:8-20 (December 19, 2009)
&
Luke 2:6-7
& Advent Christmas offering letter
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH