Reflection:
We can, perhaps, train ourselves to ask more and more often how the thing which we are saying or doing (or failing to do) at each moment will look when the irresistible light streams in upon it; that light which is so different from the light of this world - and yet, even now, we know just enough of it to take it into account. ~ C.S. Lewis, The World's Last Night
Unbelievers may know about spiritual beauty by hearsay - may even be able to make fine speeches about it ... But to the regenerate [born again,] God has given a glance ... and there breaks in upon the soul a heavenly sweetness, such a sense of the amiableness in holiness and an excellency in God and a sweet loveliness in Christ ... He sees by a new light that was never before let into his mind. ~ Jonathan Edwards
Prelude - Winter from The Four Seasons - Vivaldi Largo
Preparation: Rev. David Plant
Praise Hymn: When Morning Gilds the Skies, words by German, ca. 1800, music by Joseph Barnby, 1868
Call to Worship - Isaiah 12:1-6
Prayer of Adoration (Concluded by the Lord's Prayer)
Doxology
Silent Praise and Thanksigiving
Renewal: Prayer of Confession
Private Confession
Words of Encouragement - 2 Corinthians 5:21
Hymn: Take My Life and Let it Be, words by Frances R. Havergal, 1874, music by Henri A. Cesar Malan, 1827
Commitment: Announcements
Offertory - New Year from Songs of Longing - J. Gilley/A. Quick
Ashley Kerr, Soprano
Scripture Reading - Isaiah 60:1-5;10-16
Sermon - Light in the Darkness - Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi
First sermon in seiries: Light in the Darkness: The Glory of Jesus in Mark
Notes: Impressively, Mirtolooi reminded me of the true nature of the eventual kingdom of God. I've heard Alex stressed on this before. That Heaven, is going to be a very physical place, not merely spiritual nor ethereal. Mirtolooi hinted that it is also slightly mysterious. Mysterious indeed! To help us investigate this further, he suggested Fuller Seminary Richard Mouw's commentary, that I am unable to find (hence I added this to the Question Category so I shall inquire him directly since he has no working email that I know of).
However, key verses are in Isaiah 60. And it also speaks of the glory of God as the source of light instead of the Sun.
Celebration of the Lord's Supper: The Apostles' Creed
Prayer of Approach
Words of Institution
Prayers for Those Not Taking the Lord's Supper
Distribution of the Bread: Hail to the Lord's Anointed, words by Samuel J. Stone, 1866, music by Samuel S. Wesley, 1864
Distribution of the Cup: Here is Love, music by William Rees/Robert Lowry, 1876
Prayer of Thanksigiving
Benediction, Dismissal, Postlude - Violin Concerto in G Major, Op. 3., No. 3 - Vivaldi
Question answered by Bijan: Richard Mouw's book is "When the Kings come Marching in".