First Lesson: Isaiah 61:10--62:3

Theme: A holy family, a wholesome future

Exegetical Note
The first part of this poetic text contains two loosely related metaphors, wedding and germination, which celebrate Jerusalem’s present and future salvation. Taken together, the two images suggest fertility and the promise inherent in a truly nurturing environment.

Call to Worship
Leader: Good Christian people, rejoice in God, and let the world know no end to our celebration!
People: FOR, IN THE PERSON OF A CHILD, GOD HAS CLOTHED US WITH SALVATION AND COVERED US IN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Leader: For as the seed, cradled in the earth, will eventually yield vegetation,
People: SO THIS CHILD, NURTURED BY HIS HOLY FAMILY, WILL FINALLY CAUSE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PRAISE TO SPRING UP BEFORE ALL THE NATIONS.

Collect…