Proper 28 (33)

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Epiphany 3A or Christmas A/B/C
Readings: Gospel Text: John 8:12 | Sermon Text: Isaiah 9:1-7 (Isaiah: A Child Is Born)
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 91
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of light, there can be overwhelming obscurity in this world. But you shine your light and increase joy, and for your brilliance we are grateful. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #314. Arise, Your Light Has Come!
ELW #303. Brightest and Best of the Stars
ELW #247. Come Now, O Prince of Peace
ELW #257. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
ELW #408. Come, Thou Almighty King
ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #245. Creator of the Stars of Night
ELW #855. Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW #711. O Day of Peace
ELW #593. Drawn to the Light
ELW #532. Gather Us In
ELW #831. The God of Abraham Praise
ELW #713. O God of Every Nation
ELW #673. God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #721. Goodness Is Stronger than Evil
ELW #270. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
ELW #834. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
ELW #282. It Came upon the Midnight Clear
ELW #434. Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #243. Lost in the Night
ELW #430. Rejoice, for Christ is King!
ELW #671. Shine, Jesus, Shine
ELW #566. When Twilight Comes
ELW #514. O Word of God Incarnate
DATH #90 Let Peace Fill the Earth
Various Hymnals His Name is Wonderful
Various Hymnals King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Various Hymnals To Us a Child of Hope is Born
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #838. Beautiful Savior
ELW #301. Bright and Glorious Is the Sky
ELW #715. Christ, Be Our Light
ELW #560. Christ, Mighty Savior
ELW #553. Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
ELW #799. Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake
ELW #520. Dearest Jesus, at Your Word
ELW #253. He Came Down
ELW #332. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #611. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #815. I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #836. Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
ELW #272. Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
ELW #562. O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine
ELW #559. O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright
ELW #677. This Little Light of Mine
ELW #487. What Feast of Love
ELW #581 You Are Mine
LBW #493. Hope of the World
LBW #324. O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
ASG #41 There’s a Light in the World
Various Hymnals Christ Is the World’s Light
Various Hymnals Lead, Kindly Light
Various Hymnals The Light of the World is Jesus
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; ASG=As Sunshine to a Garden)

Other options based on both:

“Joyous Light” By Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, et al.
“The Lord Is My Light” As performed by Taize Community.
“You Are Holy (Prince Of Peace)” By Marc Imboden, Tammi Rhoton
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

God of mercy and healing, you who hear the cries of those in need, receive these petitions of your people that all who are troubled may know peace, comfort, and courage.

A brief silence.

For the church, Wonderful Counselor; that your wisdom may show forth in its leadership, advocacy, and witness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the harvest, Mighty God; that the abundance of your earth nourish people and animals around the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the nations, Prince of Peace; that light may shine even in the darkest corners and joy may overcome all oppression and captivity. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those who walk in darkness, Everlasting Father; that the light of the world, Jesus Christ, shine forth for them and us. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the sick, Mighty God (especially,…); that you break the yoke of their burdens and bring them your everlasting peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For the saints in light, Lord of hosts; that their exultation increase our joy. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giving God, heal our lives, that we may acknowledge your wonderful deeds and offer you thanks from generation to generation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.