Worship Prayers December 15

 

CENTERING PRAYER Merciful God, you come into our midst longing for communion with us, becoming one of us. Break our resistance to life with you, show us the path toward just relations, and bring us into your unimaginable peace; in Jesus’ name. Amen. PRELUDE Christian, Awake, Salute the Happy Morn John Wainwright 

 ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING LITURGY We light these candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy as a sign of the coming light of Christ. Christ is the reflection of God’s glory, the very imprint of God’s own being. Night and day, we pray that God will strengthen us in holiness and love. God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ. Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say rejoice! The Lord is near Thanks be to God for this good news of great joy! 

KINDLE ADVENT CANDLES Elana Keppel Levy Kindle advent candles. Joy will soon rebound Lost in rifts of numb shame: hiding from the crowd. Will we find belonging if they see our face? See, we are God’s children, Claimed in holy grace! † 

HYMN “People, Look East” Hymnal #105 

ADVENT PRAYER † SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

† GLORY BE TO THE FATHER Hymnal #581 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen. 

ADVENT FAMILY MESSAGE Sunday School is available or children are invited to remain in the sanctuary for the cantata. 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Confession of Faith, Shorter Catechism Question One Q. What is our chief end? A. Our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. 

OFFERING The First Noel Guest Musicians 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; praise God above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

 CHRISTMAS CANTATA 

†CHARGE AND BLESSING †BENEDICTION “Peace on Earth” Sussex Carol 

 RESPONSE Peace on the earth, Good will to all, the angels sang from Heav’n above. Peace on the earth, Good will to all, we go to share God’s peace and love. 

POSTLUDE Trumpet Jubilee Patricia Lou Harris