Prelude
There's a Song in the Air UMH 249
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Children of God, Jesus Christ is born!
People: God has come to make a home among us!
Leader: Yet the story is not over. After birth comes the ordinary and mundane growing, maturing, and discovering, even for the Christ Child.
People: In the ordinary and mundane, God has come to make a home among us.
Leader: And sometimes, in the midst of the everyday, something surprising happens, and we discover anew just what God is up to in our midst.
People: In the surprising and spectacular, God has come to make a home among us.
Leader: Children of God, let us worship the God who dwells with us in all things and all seasons.
People: We come to make our home with God who makes a home among us. Amen.
Opening Hymn
Select Christmas Carols
Why This Song:
We open this morning's worship with a selection of our favorite Christmas Carols:
234 - O Come All Ye Faithful (vs 1 & 3)
220 - Angels from the Realms of Glory (vs 1)
240 - Hark the Herald Angels Sing (vs 1 & 3)
246 - Joy to the World (vs 1)
228 - He is Born (vs 1 & 3)
224 - Good Christian Friends Rejoice (All verses)
Prayer of Confession
Most Loving God, because you knew how twisted and corrupted our humanity had become, you sent us your Holy Son— We name him Jesus, our Savior, for he has saved us from our sins.
Because you have stood in our shoes and understand how difficult it is to live by the rule of law in an often cold, unfeeling, and ruthless world— We name him Jesus, our Savior, for he is this very day saving us from all our sins.
Because you have given us a gracious spirit, forgiving those who sin against us, and you call us to a ministry of reconciliation in a fractured world— We proclaim him Jesus, our Savior, for he will save our world from its many sins
Words of Assurance
Leader: God of Christmas, God of unspeakable grace, forgive and renew us all, that our lives may declare the wonders of that Holy Love that has called us out of darkness into glorious light.
People: Amen!
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
John 1:1-14 (Read in video)
Sermon:
The Word Became Flesh by Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi (Recorded)
Hymn of Response
Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light UMH 223
Tithes and Offerings
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly UMH
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Lord of Light and Love, we offer these gifts with hearts transformed by the miracle of your son’s birth. As the shepherds returned with joy and praise, may these offerings spread your joy and love. Use them to bless those in need, to bring hope and peace, and to further your kingdom here on earth. In this season of Advent, may we continue to glorify and praise you in all we do. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Go Tell it on the Mountain UMH 251
Benediction
Said Each Week as A Communal Prayer:
Send to us all the people who feel unwanted and unloved in other places, and if they can't come to us, send us to them.
Postlude
We Three Kings UMH