Isaiah 9:1-7, John 8:12

Narrative Lectionary, Year 4, Week 11
Isaiah 9:1-7, John 8:12
Nov. 21, 2021

A note: My church is beginning our Advent-Christmas series titled "Come and See" on Nov. 21.  Some denominations of Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity follow a six-week advent and the lectionary often lends itself to being able to do this.  Since the secular world is putting 24/7 Christmas on some radio stations as early as Nov. 1,  and the retail world has already begun their Christmas sales, many in the pews are already thinking of Christmas before Thanksgiving.  It made sense to us to have a 5-week Advent based on this and based on Isa. 9 as the reading for today.  For that reason, skits will be included for the weeks from now until Jan. 2 (except Dec. 26 when I will be off and the congregation will view watch a pre-recorded service given by our Bishop as a Christmas gift to pastors in his episcopal area).  These skits are meant to lead into the Scripture readings in the contemporary service and Advent wreath lighting in the traditional service that will begin on Nov. 28 (since there is no such thing as a five-candle Advent wreath, LOL).  I've listed the skits below as context with/without children as you might have many children in a traditional service or vice-versa.  As it happens for me, the children in my church are at the contemporary service and not so often at the traditional service. 

Opening Prayer
Mighty God, we come into your presence this morning yoked with many burdens. But we know that we walk out of the darkness and into the light as we enter here to worship your Son, the Prince of Peace.  May we know the light of life today through His name, Amen.

Prayer of Preparation
Everlasting Father, you are Wonderful.  Bring to us now the message of the Counselor so that we will know what it takes to see the light, to help end oppression, to be a part of peace, and to see the joy of the world increase.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your life-giving ministry and the message of your Good News which we hear once again.  Amen.  

Offering Prayer
O Son of God, we know the time will come when the light will be seen by all, when peace will be universal, and when justice will be forever.  Until then, there are needs in this world and we pray that the gifts we bring to the church this day will have some part in lifting people out of the darkness.  Amen.

Intercessory Prayer
Jesus, you have proclaimed that in following you, we walk not in darkness, but in the light of life.  We claim promise today in your hearing for us and for all who are in darkness.  Lift the yoke of burden from the shoulders of those who have any sort of physical or mental health illness.  Lift the yoke of burden from those who are dying and those who grieve deaths.  Lift the yoke of burden from those who are economically, racially, ethnically oppressed.  Lift the yoke of burden from those who want to share their dreams and desires but feel they have no place to do so.  Lift the yoke of burden from those who are not accepted by their loved ones.  Lift the yoke of burden from those who are held captive to any power.  Lift the yoke of burden from those who are beaten, bruised, battered, and bloodied.  Lift their yoke of burden so that they can look up at the only face, and cry out the name of the only one who can save them.  The name of Jesus Christ who taught us His prayer: Our Father… Amen.

Benediction
Be a part of bringing light, joy, and peace to the world around you.
In doing so, you are bringing glory and honor to the only one who is called
Wonderful
Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
AMEN

Skit Options for before Scripture reading
Option 1 for a context without many children:
{scene is over coffee/pie}
Grandparent #1: You know what I really want for Christmas
Grandparent #2: No, what?
Grandparent #1: Something my grandchildren will never even think of getting for me
Grandparent #2: Why’s that?
Grandparent #1: Because it’s something that’s nearly obsolete… that is if you have a smartphone.  But I’m perfectly content to continue to use this old flip phone… or dumb phone as my family calls it. 
Grandparent #2: Well are you going to keep me guessing, or are you going to tell me
Grandparent #1: Oh, right, I nearly forgot to say what it is… I need a new flashlight.  The kids don’t ever think of it because they have flashlights on their phones.  But when I take the dog out at night, I need to be able to shed light on the dark path so I can see.
Grandparent #2: [Laughing] I don’t think any of Friday’s sales are going to have flashlights at deep discounts.  But thinking about needing a light on the path to see in the dark, well that reminds me of what was read in church the other day…

Option 2 for a context with children:
{scene is Christmas morning around the tree}
Dad: Here’s a present with your name on it, (insert child’s name).  Why don’t you open this one next?
Child: [unwrapping present with excited anticipation]
Mom: What is it? [with curious excitement]
Child: [excitedly] It’s a flashlight!
Dad: Exactly.  So you can see at night and to remind you what the prophet Isaiah said about
Jesus - The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Mom: And what Jesus said - I am the light of the world.
Child: What’s that mean?
Mom: Maybe we should see if we can learn about that at church…