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| Christmas at last! |
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| Bob & Melanie light the Advent Wreath |
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| Sharing the light of Christ |
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| Fellowship for all ages |
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| We love being together |
Prelude...Louise Cook and Suzanne Polacek / “Christmas Time is Here,” arranged by Eugenie Rocherolle
The Bidding Prayer...Pastor Charles
Blessing...Pastor Charles
Lighting the Advent Wreath...Bob and Melanie Muckle
Today we light the fourth Advent candle, the angels’ candle. This candle is offered in honor of the angels who told the good news to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and goodwill to all.” The angels sang with joy so that all who could hear were filled with joy. In honor of all the angels who continue to proclaim the good news of joy, we light these candles. Four candles are lit.
Dear God, You surround us with Your angel of love so that we are able to live a life filled with joy. Thank You for these angels and help us to become angels of love for others. Amen. —Touch Holiness, Ruth C. Duck & Maren C. Tirabasi, eds.
Carol...“O Come, All Ye Faithful” (UMH #234, stanzas 1-3)
Canticle of Simeon (UMH #225)...Bob Muckle
Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations
The Christmas Story
First Lesson: Genesis 3:8-15, 17-19 - God announces in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve’s punishment for their rebellion and that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.
Carol...“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” (UMH #216, stanzas 1&2)
Second Lesson: Genesis 22:15-18 - God promises to Abraham that by his descendants all the nations of the earth will obtain blessings.
Carol...“Blessed Be the God of Israel” (UMH #209)
Third Lesson: Isaiah 9:2,6-7 - The prophet announces the birth of a king to a people in darkness.
Carol...“Angels We Have Heard on High” (UMH #238, stanzas 1-3)
Fourth Lesson: Micah 5:2-5a - The king is coming and will usher in a reign of justice for the poorand peace for all God’s creation.
Carol...“O Little Town of Bethlehem” (UMH #230, stanzas 1&4)
Fifth Lesson: Luke 1:26-35,38 - The angel Gabriel announces to the virgin Mary that she will give birth to God’s promised Son.
Carol...“Away in a Manger” (UMH #217, stanzas 1&3)
Sixth Lesson: Luke 2:1-7 - Against a backdrop of emperors and taxes, Jesus is born.
Carol...“What Child Is This” (UMH #219, stanzas 1&2)
Seventh Lesson: Luke 2:8-16 -The shepherds go to see the Savior of the world and find Him lying in a manger.
Carol...“Angels From the Realms of Glory” (UMH #220, stanzas 1&2)
Eighth Lesson: Matthew 2:1-11 - The wise men follow a star to find the child Jesus, the King of the Jews.
Carol...“We Three Kings” (UMH #254, stanzas 1&5)
Ninth Lesson: John 1:1-14 - John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.
Carol...“Joy to the World" (UMH #246, stanzas 1-2, 4)
Reflection...Pastor Charles / “It’s time”
Lighting the Christ Candle...Pastor Charles and BelindaAlkula
Today is the day for which we have been waiting. The Advent wreath is completed with the Christ Candle in the center. “For unto us is given, unto us a Savior is born, and the order of the world will be upon His shoulders.” With the birth of Christ our lives are centered, focused, and turned toward God. We light this candle because Christ is the center of our lives. Light the Christ candle.
Dear God, who comes to us in Jesus, on this day as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let the power of Christ come into our hearts that we might find peace with You forever. Amen. —Touch Holiness, Ruth C. Duck & Maren C. Tirabasi, eds.
Sharing the Light of Christ
Carol...“Silent Night, Holy Night” (UMH #239)
Dismissal with blessing...Pastor Charles
Postlude...Louise Cook / “Go, Tell It on the Mountain,” arranged by Don Hustad
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