Opening Song: There Blooms A Rose in Bethlehem by Neil DeGradeLyrics:There blooms a rose in BethlehemFrom tender stem hath sprungOf Jesse's line this flower growsAs men of old have sungIsaiah told us long agoAbout this rose we'd findIn virgin arms we shall beholdThe Savior of mankindThe glories of the heavensSurrounded shepherds brightThe angels sang a sign was shownThe Christ was born that nightWhat mystery they came uponThe sign the heralds laudIn manger slept the Holy OneIn flesh the Son of GodThis flow'r in bloom a scent so sweetThat greets us in the airIt has dispelled with hopefulnessThe sting of death's despairForetold this rose was born to dieBut would not see decaySo those who place their faith in HimShall blossom from the graveSo those who place their faith in HimShall blossom from the gravePassage: 5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me;6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’”8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.(Hebrews Musical Reflection: Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (ES IST EIN ROS) by Michael PraetoriusReflection Notes: Praetorius composed this tune in the early seventeenth century while working at various court and church appointments in Germany. The somewhat melancholy nature of the melody reflects the theological tension of the text: the rose of Christ is born to die, but will rise again in resurrection glory. Prayer:Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works ofdarkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of thismortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us ingreat humility; that in the last day, when he shall come againin his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead,we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives andreigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Amen.