It is perhaps a common misconception that preaching funerals is the worst part of a pastor’s job.  By contrast, I have found the process of walking with a family through the shadow of death and then leading a service to celebrate that person’s life one of the most meaningful aspects of my calling.

Scripture
Tonight, on Christmas Eve, we relight the candles of the Advent wreath and recall what each one has meant to us this year. 
Read John 1:1-17 (or at least vv. 1-5, 9, and 17). 

Scripture
Luke 2:9-11 says, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David [...]

“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John).
John 1:6-9
Candlelighting Service, December 18, 2011
Assumptions
I might be the world’s worst when it comes to assumptions.  I told my wife Linda that what I wanted for Christmas was a good set of kitchen knives.  The idea came to me at Thanksgiving [...]

Call to Worship – Psalm 71
By the end of today’s service, I think you’ll understand why Tom Weikel asked that we include Psalm 71 in his memorial service, as well as why I chose to read all 24 verses.
 
In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
   let me never be put to shame.