Welcome and Greeting—Pastor Charles
Lighting the Advent Candle: Claudia M., Christopher, Kataleya, & Madilyne W. (from UMCDicpleship.org)
Call to Worship (Isaiah 40:3-5)—Pastor Charles (Leader) and Bob M. (People)
Congregation is encouraged to read People’s response aloud on mute setting
Leader: A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
People: Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low;
Leader: The uneven ground shall become level,
People: And the rough places a plain.
Leader: Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
People: And all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Hymn: “The First Noel” Verses 1 & 2—led by Louise C. and Don B.
Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen
A Service of Carols, Lessons, and Prayers**
Gold--Treasure
Hymn: “We Three Kings” Verses 1 & 2—led by Hannah G.u and Steve B.
Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen
The first gift is gold, most highly prized of material possessions: What do you treasure? What is so dear to you that the loss of it would diminish you? Can you surrender that treasure in loving response to God’s sacrificial gift of a child? How? What will that look like in the year to come?
Unison Prayer of Confession--Bob M. (Adapted from The United Methodist Book of Worship #277)
O almighty God, by the birth of Your holy child Jesus You gave us a great light to dawn in our darkness. We confess that we often turn away from the great light of Your love, depending instead on the poor reflection of our own efforts. We focus on earthly treasures, failing to see beyond their dull glow. We turn our backs on the needs of others to satisfy our own desires for more things and bigger treasure. Grant that in this season of light we may turn once again and see the light of Christ. Bestow upon us that most excellent Christmas gift of love to all people, do that the likeness of Your Son may be formed in us, and that we may offer to others the ever-brightening hope of everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Words of Assurance--Pastor Charles
(The United Methodist Book of Worship #476)
This is the message we have heard from God and proclaim to you, that God is light and in God there is no darkness at all. If we turn and walk in the light, as God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus the Son cleanses us from all sin. Amen.
Frankincense--Joy
Hymn: “We Three Kings” Verse 3—led by Hannah G. and Steve B.
Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen
Scripture Lesson: Luke 2:8-18--Bob M.
Response--Pastor Charles
The second gift is frankincense, a fragrant offering to the Lord: What makes life sweet and fragrant for you? What makes you laugh out loud, jump for joy, weep with thanksgiving? How would your life change if joy and light and laughter were forbidden, if each day held only sorrow, violence, and darkness? How can you bring light, joy, and fragrance to the life of another? How will you say thank you for the gift of never-ending forgiveness, infinite patience, and eternal love?
Special Music: “Fall on Your Knees” by the Anthem Aires (2019)
Responsive Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession--Pastor Charles (Leader) and Bob M. (People) - Congregation is encouraged to read the People’s response aloud on mute setting (from The United Methodist Book of Worship #279)
Leader: Holy God, heaven and earth are met this day in the newborn Child, Savior of the world.
People: We celebrate His birth; for in Him You come to be close to us, that we might be close to You.
Leader: Especially, we give thanks...
People: For the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and all He means to us...
Leader: For prospects of peace in the world...
People: For confidence in Your almighty love...
Leader: For those who generously give...
People: For those who graciously receive...
Leader: For the Church’s nurturing us in the faith. God of all mercy, as You have come in Jesus Christ to be our guest,
People: inspire our hearts to a hospitality that welcomes all Your children in His name.
Leader: Especially we pray
People: For those who have not heard Your good news...
Leader: For the sick and suffering...
People: For those who know no laughter, only tears...
Leader: For those who govern and rule...
People: For those enslaved by tyranny...
Leader: for prisoners of addiction or abuse...
People: For the Church as a refuge for the needy. All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Myrrh--Comfort
Hymn: “We Three Kings” Verse 4—led by Hannah G. and Steve B.
Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen
Scripture Lesson: Luke 1:46-55--Bob M.
Response--Pastor Charles
The third gift is myrrh, used in preparing bodies for burial, a spice that brings healing and comfort to the afflicted: How do you define comfort? In your daily walk through the world, what makes you comfortable about who you are, how you live, the work you do, your relationships? If you were stripped of these, how would your life change? How can you offer these comforts to those who live without them? How can you be a witness—through your service, your work, and your relationships—to the love that gave up all for your sake?
Hymn: “Away in a Manger” (Verses 1 & 2) led by Hannah G. and Youngwon S.
Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen
Prayer--Pastor Charles (The United Methodist Book of Worship #276)
Gracious and Loving God, You have brought us again to the glad season when we celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant that His Spirit may be born anew in our hearts this day and that we may joyfully welcome Him to reign over us. Open our ears that we may hear again the angelic chorus of old. Open our lips that we, too, may sing with uplifted hearts. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward all; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Passing of the Light/“Silent Night” led by Louise C., Steve & Michele M., Louise C., and Tim C.
Blessing--Pastor Charles (The United Methodist Book of Worship #265)
Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage;
hold fast to that which is good; render to no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak;
help the afflicted; honor everyone;
love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
And the blessing of God Almighty—Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—
be upon you, and remain with you always. Amen.
**Barbara Dick created this Service of Carols, Lessons, and Prayers and wrote each of the Responses included. Barbara served as editor of Academic & Professional Resources for Abingdon Press, including The Abingdon Worship Annual and The Abingdon Preaching Annual.
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