32
CAROLS – SATB
LITANY 4
LEADER: O come, all ye faithful… joyful… triumphant! ... Words we've just
sung as an invitation to meet the Savior.
And yet, who can live up to that standard? These words which
describe us on our best days - faithful, joyful, triumphant - also
seem to disqualify us, as we all occasionally miss the mark.
What about the unfaithful? The broken? The defeated? Can we
also come to Bethlehem and meet the Savior? Because if we're
honest with ourselves, we have all been unfaithful. We have all
strayed and turned to our own way.
The Good News of Christmas is that Christ was born specifi-
cally for the unfaithful. He came to gather the broken, the dis-
illusioned, the weary and the utterly defeated to Himself for
healing. He breaks the power of fear and sin, and He frees us,
giving us His peace.
ALL: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and
lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt. 11:28-29)
LEADER: These are the tidings of comfort! These are the tidings of joy!
CAROL: "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®),
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.