The Gathering - Part Sixteen

As we prepare to gather and to celebrate Christ's incarnation, let's remember . . .  

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. - John 1:14-18

When we gather, we are called to give attention to God's Word. We do that through singing God's Word, reading God's Word and listening to God's Word being taught. But let never forget that Jesus Christ is the Word of the Father now in flesh appearing! He has come and dwelt among us in order to show us the glory of the Father. We do well at this time of the year (and any time of the year) to give attention to Him. He should be the central focus of our gatherings. He should be the One we praise!

"Father, we thank You for sending Your son, Jesus to dwell among us and to speak to us about who You are. May we be strengthened by Your Holy Spirit to give Jesus our undivided attention in the midst such a busy time of the year that is full of so many distractions. May You be the center of our gatherings! Amen."

Songs for Our Gathering this Week:

Joy to the World
     by Isaac Watts 

Angels We Have Heard on High

     Traditional Carol

O Come All Ye Faithful

     by J. F. Wade

My Soul Magnifies
     by Chris Tomlin | Daniel Carson

Hark the Herald Angels Sing
     by Charles Wesley

Good Good Father
     by Patt Barrett | Anthony Brown

What Child is This
     by William C. Dix

Jesus, Son of God
     by Chris Tomlin | Matt Maher | Jason Ingram

Glory in the Highest
     by Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Jesse Reeves