Order of Worship December 26

CENTERING PRAYER

 

O God, into a realm of clerics and kings you sent your child to teach the wise and show the world what power there is in love. Keep us vigilant to hear the voices of those who speak your truth. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

PRELUDE      IL EST NE      Larson 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

  

CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148)

 

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in the heavens.

Praise the Lord from the earth!

Young and old alike,

men, women, and everyone together.

Praise the Lord!

† HYMN      “Joy to the World”      Hymnal #134

  

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

God of wonder, you surround us with signs of your glory and surprise us with your presence, yet we often miss the marvels you place before us. Forgive out dullness and make us alert to the ways you make yourself known, that we might be witnesses to your good news and proclaim your extravagant love; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. (Silent Confession)

 

 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

†GLORIA PATRI      Hymnal #581 

TIME WITH CHILDREN (There is no Sunday school today. Students should remain in church.) 

SCRIPTURE Luke 2:41-52 

SERMON “Home Alone” Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess 

† 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      Angels We Have Heard on High       McDonald 

Marsha Medley, piano 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

† HYMN      “Go Tell It on the Mountain”      Hymnal #136 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION “Peace On the Earth” 

POSTLUDE      Tocccatina on “O Sanctissima”      Giamaneo 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able

The Birth of Jesus

 

Adoration of the Shepherds by Dutch painter Matthias Stomer, 1632

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid. 10 But the angel said to them, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly there was with the angel a company of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace, and good will toward men.”

Modern English Version (MEV)

The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House.

Order of Worship December 24: Christmas Eve

PRELUDE      Rocking      Sobaje 

CHRISTMAS WELCOME 

ADVENT WREATH LITURGY 

We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.

 In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! 

Make a highway in the desert for our God. 

From ages of old, no ear has heard, no eye has seen one so glorious as the Lord our God, for whom we wait. 

Every valley shall be lifted, every mountain and hill, made low; 

Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. 

God’s anointed one is coming – 

to bring good news to the oppressed, 

to bind up the brokenhearted, 

to proclaim liberty to the captives, 

and to announce the time of the Lord’s favor. 

The promise of the Lord is sure;

 the realm of God will be established forever. 

† CAROL O Come, All Ye Faithful Hymnal #133

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Jesus, you are God’s holy child, born of Mary:

Lord have mercy.

Jesus, in you all the fullness of God is pleased to dwell.

Christ have mercy.

Jesus, you are the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth.

Lord have mercy. (Silent Confession)

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

† GLORIA PATRI      Hymnal p. 581

† CAROL      O Little Town of Bethlehem      Hymnal #121

SCRIPTURE Luke 2:1-20   

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess “Awake in the Manger”

† CAROL     “The First Nowell”      Hymnal #147

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH unison John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

OFFERING 

CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING 

OFFERTORY      O Holy Night      Adam 

Patty Livesay & Carolyn McBee, Soloists 

† THE DOXOLOGY      Hymnal #606 

THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table

 Great Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer  

Words of Institution   

Sharing of the Bread & Cup   

Prayer After Communion 

CANDLE LIGHTING As the lights are dimmed, the minister will take light from the Christ candle and pass it to the ushers who will carry the light from pew to pew. Please share the light with those around you by tipping the unlit candle toward the lit candle. 

† CAROL Silent Night Hymnal #122 (Please extinguish your candles as you exit the sanctuary.) 

†CHARGE, BLESSING AND, CARRYING YOUR LIGHT INTO THE WORLD 

POSTLUDE      GLORIA      Giamanco 

†You are invited to stand, as you are able.

Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:2-6

 

Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:2-6Modern English Version (MEV)

2 The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
    upon them the light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation
    and increased the joy;
they rejoice before You
    according to the joy of harvest
and as men rejoice
    when they divide the spoil.
4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden
    and the bar of his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor
    as in the day of Midian’s defeat.
5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors
    and all the garments rolled in blood
    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For unto us a child is born,
    unto us a son is given,
    and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Luke 2: Birth of Jesus

 

Nativity of Jesus,
by Botticelli, c. 1473–1475

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Matthew 1: Joseph

 

Dream of St Joseph, c. 1625–1630,
by Gerard Seghers

Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[d]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[e] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[f] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[g] (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:5) As night fell on December 10, a horrific line of powerful tornadoes ripped across several states, ending the lives of more than 100 people and wreaking devastation across many communities by the time morning had broken. One of these tornadoes was on the ground for a terrifying and unprecedented 250 miles, more than 200 of those miles in Kentucky alone, where the town of Mayfield saw the catastrophic destruction of much of the downtown area, including the Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist churches. It is the season of Advent — a time of watchful expectation that begins with a warning of impending judgment, the end of days, and continues with a prayerful journeying toward the birth of the Christ Child at Christmas, an ordinary babe dependent on the love and care of others for his survival. In the wake of these terrible and catastrophic storms, it is the role of ordinary people of faith like us to shine as light in this bleakest of winters. We are called to be the hands and feet of God as we reach out to shelter, feed, care for and help rebuild the lives of those who have lost loved ones, homes, work and a sense of safety as a result of the tornadoes. We are invited to stand with them — and to stand together — bearing witness by our gifts and prayers that God is indeed incarnate among us, no matter what. The needs for the response will be great. God’s people are once again called on to stand in the "GAP" — Give. Act. Pray. GIVE. ACT. PRAY. GIVE: Gifts can be made online at pcusa.org/DT21, by phone at (800) 872-3283, or by check using the below reply device. You can also text PDA to 41444 to donate. ACT: Download and use the bulletin insert. Gift of the Heart Kits are a hands-on way to help others this Advent season. To register your interest in future rebuilding efforts, email PDA.CallCenter@pcusa.org. You will be notified when volunteer opportunities are available. Stay informed and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/PDAcares), download resources at pda.pcusa.org/pda/resources and share updates with your congregation. PRAY: As we awake to news of devastation and death from another natural disaster, we pray. For those experiencing loss, confusion, and despair, may they feel comfort only your Holy Spirit can bring. For the community leaders and emergency personnel, we pray for wisdom and strength as they work to restore and repair their communities. May we heed your call, oh God, to be co-creators with you in the caring of creation, our communities, and your beloved children in their time of need. May the hope, peace and love of the Christ child comfort and keep us all. Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, President and Executive Director, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Order of Worship December 19: LOVE

 

CENTERING PRAYER

My soul magnifies the Lord! All is ready Stable prepared Shepherds working Magi journeying Gifts are chosen My soul magnifies the Lord! A city awaits Crowded and bustling Stars are shining People expecting A drama unfolding My soul magnifies the Lord!

The Lord is coming To save his people Mary's obedience Jesus' willingness Your gracious gift to us My soul magnifies the Lord!

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship)     Once in Royal David’s City     Rokey 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

ADVENT WREATH LITURGY 

We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ. 

In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord!

 Make a highway in the desert for our God. 

From ages of old, no ear has heard, no eye has seen one so glorious as the Lord our God, for whom we wait. 

Every valley shall be lifted, every mountain and hill, made low; 

Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. 

God’s anointed one is coming – 

to bring good news to the oppressed, 

to bind up the brokenhearted, 

to proclaim liberty to the captives, 

and to announce the time of the Lord’s favor. 

The promise of the Lord is sure; the realm of God will be established forever. 

Let us live into LOVE!

 † HYMN    “My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout”     Hymnal #100

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God our Savior, we ask for your mercy. Though we have heard Mary’s song, we still seek security in pride and power and possessions. Though we know your story, we resist the costs of following you. We pass by those considered lowly in this world. We turn away from hungry people who still wait to be filled. Forgive us, we pray. Help us to work for the justice you intend. Make us messengers of the peace you bring. As we wait for you, turn our apathy into acts of love and service. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel. (Silent Confession)

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

†GLORIA PATRI Hymnal #581

 TIME WITH CHILDREN (Sunday Worship) (Children 5 th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

† HYMN     “Angels We Have Heard on High”     Hymnal #113 

SCRIPTURE Luke 1:39-55

 SERMON    “A Turn for the Better”     Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

 OFFERING Song of Mary and Joseph      Purifoy 

Soloists: Amy Shelton and John Lesh Chancel Choir 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

† HYMN      “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”      Hymnal #132 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION “Peace On the Earth”

 POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) Verset Temps de Noel Guittard 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able

Scripture for December 19

Mary writing the Magnificat,
by Marie Ellenrieder, 1833

 Luke 1:39-55

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Mary’s Song

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

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Daily Prayer December 17

Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is near.

Daily Readings for Friday, December 17, 2021

• Morning Psalms 102; 148
• First Reading Zechariah 7:8-8:8
• Second Reading Revelation 5:6-14
• Gospel Reading Matthew 25:14-30
• Evening Psalms 130; 16

Eternal God, you taught us that the night is far spent and the day is at hand. Keep us awake and alert, watching for your kingdom, and make us strong in faith, so that when Christ comes in glory to judge the earth, we may joyfully give him praise; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. God of holiness and light, cleanse our hearts and give a new spirit to all your people, that your saving grace may be professed and proclaimed to the whole world. How great is your love, Lord God, how wide is your mercy! Never let us board up the narrow gate that leads to life with rules or doctrines that you dismiss; but give us a Spirit to welcome all people with affection, so that your church may never exclude secret friends of yours, who are included in the love of Jesus Christ, who came to save us all. Amen. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord be kind and gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer. Both are published by Westminster/John Knox Press.)