2020 has been an interesting year. As I write this, people all over the world have been homebound for weeks as our nations are ravaged by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) Virus. It has drastically changed the way we do church — internationally. More congregations are holding meetings online than ever before in history. But many of these same churches are reporting that their participation (i.e., viewership and social media engagement) is also higher than ever before. This international pandemic is bringing people to Jesus. And for all the uneasiness and challenges we are facing, this is reason to rejoice.
These are unprecedented times. But we serve a God who rules even the unprecedented. And so we worship!
In most places we cannot gather together physically to celebrate Resurrection Sunday. But that does not stop us from celebrating the central miracle of our Faith and worshipping our risen Savior. In that vein, I offer you this short Resurrection Sunday Daybreak Devotional. We may miss our typical sunrise worship gatherings on this day, but we can still meet together in this way — each in our own homes — and walk though this Christ-centered celebration together as the sun rises before us.
If weather where you are is conducive, step outside about 6:30am and joyfully work your way through the following devotional order. Set your eyes on the risen Jesus. And if you’re with your family, remind each other that He Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed…Alleluia! — Pastor John
Call To Worship (Psalm 148)
1 Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens,
praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
6 He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and maidens,
old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 He has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his saints,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the Lord.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Ps 148:1–14). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Resurrection Hymn – Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today! (Video)
(Easter Sunday 2014 – Myers Park United Methodist Church, Charlotte NC)
Prayer
A Song to the Lamb (Dignus es)
Splendor and honor and kingly power
are yours by right, O Lord our God,
For you created everything that is,
and by your will they were created and have their being;
And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain,
for with your blood you have redeemed for God,
From every family, language, people, and nation,
a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
And so, to him who sits upon the throne,
and to Christ the Lamb,
Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor,
for ever and for evermore.
Daybreak Devotional Meditation
Closing Special Music – I’ve Just Seen Jesus!
I’ve Just Seen Jesus! – Performed by Sandi Patti and Larnell Harris (Video)
(Easter Sunday 1989, Crystal Cathedral, Anaheim CA)
Benediction
May our Savior bless you richly on this awesome day! He Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Amen.