Worship, Sunday, December 22, 2024

 

December 22, 2024
Fourth Sunday of Advent

Link to worship video: Worship 12-22-24

Celebrating the Wonders of the Spiritual Life

We greet each other in Christ’s name as we enter into worship together.

In consideration of others, please silence your cell phones.

The prelude calls us to worship; let us listen quietly in reflection and prayer.

*Indicates please stand if you are able

Today’s Meditation Verse
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I
am I rejoice in God my savior.” —Luke 1:46b-47 (CEB)

Welcome...Rebecca Glancy

Prelude...Kyle Dacon

Lighting the Advent Candle...Glancy family

First Reader: Animals must share their manger.
(Light three candles.)
We often speak of shepherd and magi receiving the Good
News in this season, but they were not the first. Was it a cow
or ox, donkey or sheep, who found its manger occupied with
love incarnate?

Second Reader: The good news comes not just for
humankind, but for all of creation. Those representatives
were there not just to be cute but to remind us that all of
God’s world groans awaiting the good news. Are we as
welcoming as these creatures who gave of their stalls?

Third: “Baby Jesus asleep on the hay. We know about birth
and caring for our offspring. We know one needs a place of
safety where one may curl and rest.” Yet another light joins
the fight against the night.

(Light the fourth candle on the Advent wreath.)

Prayer: The cattle are lowing; creatures are sharing
their songs of parenting to welcome new birth. May
we also welcome love’s birth with our own sounds of
support. Amen.

—Before the Amen, Maren Tirabassi & Maria Tirabassi, 2007

*Hymn...“The Friendly Beasts” (UMH #227)

Canticle of Simeon (UMH #225)...Bob Muckle

Old Testament Lesson: Micah 5:2-5a...Bob Muckle

Epistle Lesson: Hebrews 10:5-10...Bob Muckle
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.

Community prayer concerns & celebrations...Rebecca Glancy
Please wait for the usher to bring you a microphone so that all in the
congregation will be able to hear your prayer clearly.

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer...Rebecca Glancy

Message in Music...Choral Cantata / “What Sweeter Music: A
Cantata for Christmas” by John Leavitt

*Hymn...“O Little Town of Bethlehem” (UMH #230)

*Words for the Journey...Rebecca Glancy

Postlude...Kyle Dacon