Happy Birthday, Jesus

For Christmas eve, my sister and I went to a church near our home, only 1.7 miles away. It is not my home church, but the St Peter Lutheran church. I thought to give it a try since I was in the mood for a quiet service, and this church has candlelight service on Christmas eve with carols and hymns. It actually has another service on Christmas day, too. So I went to both. I like the church. The music with harp, clarinet, piano, and organ was beautiful.

These are pieces of the songs we sang, or prayers that I loved from the two services:

God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world. But to save the world through Him. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.

O Lord, though You have loved us with an everlasting love, we have not loved You with our whole heart, and have not loved our neighbors as ourselves as You desire. We have sinned daily and much.

Jesus said that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life. So your faith has saved you.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~Isaiah 9:6-7

Be near me, Lord Jesus. I ask Thee to stay.
Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
and take us to heaven to live with Thee there.

Highest, most holy, Light of Light eternal
Born of a virgin, a mortal He comes
Son of the Father now in flesh appearing!

As Your church proclaims joy to the world at the coming of the Savior, may every heart be filled with faith, comfort, and joy to receive Him.

Let us first consider our unworthiness and, before God, confess that we have sinned with thoughts, words, and deeds, and cannot of our own power save ourselves from our sinful nature. Therefore we take refuge in the undeserved mercy of God, our heavenly Father, and desire grace for the sake of Christ and say: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

Lord Jesus, even now I ask You for this great miracle, that you also would be born in my heart and dwell there with all that You bring from Your Father. Lord, this is the greatest and most inconceivable miracle: that You, with Your holiness and love, your purity and zeal, could dwell in me, a sinner. Lord, I am not worth of this.

Come from on high to me
I cannot rise to Thee
Cheer my wearied spirit
O pure and holy Child
Through Thy grace and merit
Blest Jesus, Lord most mild
Draw me unto Thee! Draw me unto Thee!

This is the Christ, our God Most High
Who hears your sad and bitter cry
He will Himself your Savior be
From all your sins to set you free

I was not very happy this Christmas season. It is not right to feel alone at Christmas. Not at Christmas. Friends around here are I guess.. having some activities on their own. Oh well. Thus I very much looked forward celebrating Jesus' birthday. At least I can spend more time with Jesus than I usually do. And so far, I do feel peaceful :)