Advent Bells

Opening Prayer

It doesn't matter whether or not you can have faith; whether or not you are cynical or despairing, hope-filled or hope-less: what matters to God is simply that you are here. We are entering the time of Advent, in preparation for Christmas. Advent reminds us that if God is to be born again in the most ordinary parts of our world and our lives that we need prepare for it. We need to make the space in our lives where love might be born. Welcome to this tiny corner of a harsh and dark world. Together, let us practice being ready in the faith that Christ will come.

Welcome

Introit    “While We Are Waiting, Come”     Cason/Cloninger

Advent Candle Lighting - Hope

ONE: As the season of Advent begins we celebrate hope.

ALL: We know that through the birth of a tiny and helpless child,
 God is coming to save the world.

ONE: While we watch and wait for Jesus to arrive, we join in God's mission by bringing grace and mercy to those who need it most.

ALL: We engage the poor and the poor in spirit, letting Christ's light shine through us.

ONE: We speak words of comfort and love to a world in need of healing as we share our stories of God's transforming Spirit.

ALL: Together, we are a sign of God's hope for the world.

Reflection on the Word Hope - Pam Matthews

Advent Prayer

God of surprising grace, when we least expect it, you bring fresh new life; and where we feel that all is lost, you bring redemption.  Give us courage as we share all you have done, all you are doing, and all you will accomplish through Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Response Hymn 88

O come, thou Wisdom from on high,

who ordered all things mightily:

To us the path of knowledge show;

and teach us in her ways to go.

Call to Worship

November ends. December begins. We find our beginning and our ending in God. Month after month, our God attends us and supports us. For God's company, we offer thanks and praise. Let us worship the God who gives us Jesus Christ: God who is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the Living One and our Redeemer, now and forever.

Hymn 107     Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn   

Affirmation of Faith

We believe in God the Father, creator of heaven and earth. The one who is full of patience, who is not afraid of silence, who does not need to fill each moment with activity and noise. The one who is beyond bluster and flurry, and who does not jostle for attention. We believe in God the Son, Saviour of creation, who slipped into Bethlehem one night, mostly unnoticed, who lived thirty years without headlines or hurry, who frequently took time alone with his patient Father, who waited for the right time to become the suffering servant, who stood quietly before the noise of his accusers, whose silence overpowered their words, who died, then rose again on a quiet Sunday morning. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens, empowers, renews and refreshes, sometimes arriving with obvious power, sometimes with the quiet breath of a whisper. We believe in one God who patiently waits for us, and who longs for us to do the same.

Response Hymn 84

To God the Father, God the Son,

and God the Spirit Three in One,

praise, honor, might, and glory be

from age to age eternally.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 90

All with joyful exultation let us sing to God our praise;

To the rock of our salvation loud hosannas raise.

Anthem     “Comfort, Comfort Now My People”     Traditional

Scripture Reading: Psalm 25

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     

Sermon     "Hope for Today"   Cassie Carroll

Hymn 82 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus     

Invitation to the Offering

As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with all that God gives. We are so blessed here at Bethany, to have had such faithful, generous giving throughout such difficult times.  We have been able to continue the work and ministries that we are a part of.  We have a basket here on the table again to receive your offerings now, or later this morning, and you are more than welcome to continue sending your offerings through the mail.  We want to recognize all of the offerings of time and energy and talent and money that are such an important part of being the Church. Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory     “Aspenglow”     John Denver

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we recognize the variety of gifts that we are able to give to you through our work at Bethany.  We thank you for being able to be a part of your work in the world through our gifts.  We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

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 97 Watchman, Tell Us of the Night  

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     “Christmastime is Here”     Vince Guaraldi

Advent Bells

Opening Prayer

Holy God, we long for your peace, and trust in your promise; we hear your call to turn toward you, to change our lives and welcome you in. Meet us here and fill our minds with your wisdom and our hearts with your peace, that our worship together may open us to the challenge of your dream of wholeness for all. In the Name of the One who is coming, we pray.  Amen!1

Welcome

Introit   “The Only Son from Heaven”     J.S.Bach

Advent Candle Lighting - Peace

ONE: In this season of Advent, we celebrate God's peace.

ALL: Jesus Christ, whose birth we await, calls our community to justice and leads us in the way of peace.

ONE: Our community is forgiving.  We call one another to honesty and humility, and respond to each other with abundant grace.

ALL: Our community values relationships. We live in harmony with one another even when we disagree, and strive to glorify God in everything we do.

ONE: Our community longs for unity. We work together with other churches and organizations, and live out God's reconciling love for all the world to see.

ALL: Together, we are a sign of God's peace for the world.

Reflection on the Word Peace - Tamra Hollenbeck

Advent Prayer

God of all people and all nations, you break through the cynicism of our world and offer a vision of the lion and lamb lying down together. Open our eyes to see the signs of your coming kingdom and inspire us to participate in all you are doing in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Response Hymn 88

O Come, Desire of nations, bind

all peoples in one heart and mind;

Bid envy, strife, and discord cease;

fill the whole world with heaven's peace.

Call to Worship

ONE: Lift up your hearts, people of God, for the Lord has looked favorably upon us and is sending us his beloved son.

ALL: He is raising up for us a mighty savior in the house of his servant David.

ONE: God is showing the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our ancestors Abraham and Sarah, that we might serve him without fear.

ALL: We go before the Lord, following John the Baptist, to prepare the way of the Lord. Come, let us worship God and listen to the voice crying out in the wilderness.2

Hymn 88     The People Who Walked in Darkness  

Prayer of Affirmation

We bless you, our Lord God, that you have come and have redeemed your people, raising up for us a strong savior from the family of your servant David, as you promised through your prophets long ago. You have rescued us from the grip of our enemy; you have enabled us to serve you without fear, in holiness and righteousness before you all our days. We thank you that you have given to us, your people, the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of our sins; and that by your tender mercy the Sun has risen into heaven to shine on all who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.  Amen. 3

Response Hymn 84

To God the Father, God the Son,

and God the Spirit Three in One,

praise, honor, might, and glory be

from age to age eternally.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 90

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; take heart!

Anthem     “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”     Wesley/Nygard

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:68-79

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.     

Sermon     "Personal" Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 87     Comfort, Comfort Now My People    

Invitation to the Offering

As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with all that God gives. We are so blessed here at Bethany, to have had such faithful, generous giving throughout such difficult times.  We have been able to continue the work and ministries that we are a part of.  We have a basket here on the table again to receive your offerings now, or later this morning, and you are more than welcome to continue sending your offerings through the mail.  We want to recognize all of the offerings of time and energy and talent and money that are such an important part of being the Church. Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory     “Dona Nobis Pacem”     traditional canon

Prayer of Dedication

Gracious God, we offer these gifts in order to lay a foundation of hope and peace for all in despair; may they brighten the shadows of those who wander alone; may they cause the voiceless to join the morning stars in singing your praises. In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.   Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

LEADER: The Lord be with you

PEOPLE: And also with you

LEADER: Lift up your hearts

PEOPLE: We lift them up to the Lord

LEADER: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

PEOPLE: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

LEADER: Let us pray.  Lord, we greet you and give our thanks that you have been at work in our world throughout all time.  You made all things and called them good.  You claimed your people Israel, freed them from the bondage of Egypt, and journeyed with them through the wilderness to the promised land.  You sent prophets to call your people back to you.  Then in the fullness of time you sent your Son Jesus.  He was one of us and lived with us, giving up all his glory for our sake to make us whole.  And yet you raised him up again to overcome the power of death and live a new life. Still we wait for the day when we too will share the fullness of life in him and with him.  And so, O God, come among us.  Show us your presence in this bread and this cup, and make this bread we break and this cup we bless the body and blood of Christ.  By the power of your Holy Spirit, unite us with Christ and all who share this feast, just as you send us out to be his presence in and for your world.  We sing your praise and glory forever.  Amen.

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Holy God, source of all being, you are greater by far than our human thoughts can comprehend.   With all that you have created, you abide; weeping with us in grief and pain, rejoicing with us in life and love.  You are everywhere in this very moment; holding the entirety of living experience

and weaving us together in the great and intricate tapestry of Creation.   Source of life, and breath, and being, breathe into our existence.  Nourished in body by bread and juice, may we strive for the nourishment of all, in body and spirit.  Nourished in spirit by the Body which is within our own, may we strive for the incorporation of all:  may we work to break the barriers that divide us from one another and from you.  In the love that sustains us, and the Spirit that animates us, may we give all thanks and praise to you, O God of all.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

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 103 Come Now, O Prince of Peace

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     “Glory (Let There Be Peace)”     Stevens, Maher,

1 Rev. Susan A. Blain

2 Rev. Stephen M. Fearing

3  Michael Perry

Advent Bells

Opening Prayer

The words God speaks are the life and sustenance of all that exists. The life Jesus gives is the re-creation and renewed birth of all that is broken and worn. The Spirit's stirring in our souls is the inspiration for creativity, compassion, joy, and community. Life-giving, life-restoring, life-fulfilling God; may our whole lives be worship. In all things, may we seek to connect with and to reflect your love and your hope.1

Welcome

Introit   “Gabriel's Message”     Traditional Basque Carol

Advent Candle Lighting - Joy

ONE: In this season of Advent, we celebrate God's joy.

ALL: Knowing that Christ is coming, to bring healing and wholeness to the world, is a source of genuine delight!

ONE: When we gather for worship it is a celebration, an opportunity to rejoice in all that God is doing among us and beyond us.

ALL: Our lives are marked by laughter and friendship, as we love our neighbors with wide smiles and open arms.

ONE: Even when we face difficulty and trouble we sing a song of faith, confident that Jesus is able to redeem our suffering world.

ALL: Together, we are a sign of God's joy for the world.

Reflection on the Word Peace - Kathleen Mitchell

Advent Prayer

God of all transformation, we rejoice that you lift up the lowly and fill the hungry with good things.  We marvel at your power to change hearts and lives.  Fill us with your Spirit this season so that our voices declare your goodness and our lives proclaim your mercy in Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Response Hymn 88

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer

our spirits by thine advent here;

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

and death's dark shadows put to flight.

Call to Worship

ONE: Sing praises to God on high, for glorious are God's works.

ALL: Sing praises to the ends of the earth.

ONE: Shout and sing for joy, O people of God,

ALL: for great is the Holy One in our midst, blessed is the One who comes to dwell among us.  Let us worship God!2

Hymn 100     My Soul Cries Out With a Joyful Shout

Statement of Faith

We share one faith, have one calling, are of one soul and one mind; have one God and Father, are filled with one Spirit, are baptized with one baptism, eat of one bread and drink of one cup, confess one Name, are obedient to one Lord, work for one cause, and share one hope. Together we come to know the height and the breadth and the depth of the love of Christ; are built up to the stature of Christ, to the new humanity; know and bear one another's burdens, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ that we need one another and up build one another, admonishing and comforting one another; that we suffer with one another for the sake of righteousness. Together we pray; together we serve God in this world.3

Response Hymn 84

To God the Father, God the Son,

and God the Spirit Three in One,

praise, honor, might, and glory be

from age to age eternally.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 90

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; take heart!

Anthem     “A Waiting Prayer”     Susan and Lee Dengler

Scripture Reading: Luke 3:7-18

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Sermon     What Should We Do?    Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 403     Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty   

Invitation to the Offering

Lord of our life, the path to you is straight,yet we waiver in our behavior like the Pharisees and Sadducees.   Our hopes and dreams often are self-serving and materialistic.  We rush through this season buying gifts that we hope will convey just the right message.  However, you invite us to ask ourselves if we are equally as busy preparing messages that proclaim the Good News to a hurting world.   Through giving, remind us again, O God, of the baptismal covenant.  This Advent, may we proclaim a message that is exemplified by our generosity, our kindness, and our prayers.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.4

Offertory     "Breath Of Heaven"     Chris Eaton and Amy Grant

Prayer of Dedication

May the offerings brought this day be used as seeds, planted faithfully and nurtured lovingly so that God's way may be realized anew in this world. Grant us the humility we need to plant and then tend your precious garden.5  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.   Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

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 106     Prepare the Way, O Zion

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     "Joyful Joyful"     Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

1 The Minor Keys

2 Harry Disher

3 Nolan Palsma

4  David S. Bell

5Katherine Hawker

Morning  Reflection

“You have come near, God-with-us.  Not only made your home among us, you have come to dwell within us making of our heart a habitat of divinity.” 1

Advent Bells

Opening Prayer

God, you who are the Most High Lord of all, you have a surprising preference for people who are small and humble and who expect everything from you. You chose Mary, the unassuming virgin from Nazareth, to become the mother of your Son Jesus. Through your Holy Spirit make us aware of the poverty of our hearts, that we may be open to you and welcome you, be ready, like Mary, to serve you and your plans, and expect everything from you. Come to us and give yourself to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen2

Welcome

Introit     “All You Need Is Love”     Lennon & McCartney

Advent Candle Lighting - Love

ONE: In this season of Advent, we celebrate God's love.

ALL: Soon we will welcome the beautiful and radical love of God as Jesus Christ comes to live among us.

ONE: We embrace our identity as beloved children and let this truth guide our decisions and relationships.

ALL: In our homes and in our church we offer warm hospitality by welcoming those we don't know, those who are in need, and those who are different from us.

ONE: We demonstrate our care for creation in real and tangible ways through the products we buy, the food we eat, and the way we live every day.

ALL: Together, we are a sign of God's love for the world.

Reflection on the Word Love - Roxane and David Wales

Advent Prayer

God of extravagant generousity, in Jesus we discover the depth of your care and the lengths you will go to save us.  Forgive us when we ignore the needy, trample your creation and refuse to share all that we receive from you.  Teach us to love our neighbors, caring for each other in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Response Hymn 88

O come, O Come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Call to Worship

ONE: Our souls magnify the Lord, and our spirits rejoice in God our Savior.

ALL: God has looked with favor on the lowliness of God's servant.

ONE: God's mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

ALL: God has shown strength with God's arm. God has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

ONE: God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;

ALL: God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

ONE: Come, for God is doing a new thing! Come, let us worship God! 3

Hymn 93     Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

Statement of Faith

Our souls magnify the Lord, and our spirits rejoice in God our Saviour, for he looks with favour upon us and sees our unrealized potential. In the tradition of Mary, and all who have said “yes” to God, we stand here today, to add our assent to theirs. Like Mary, we feel overwhelmed; we wonder if we are worthy, or capable, of following the calling. Like Mary, we have our questions and we will not be afraid to ask them. Like Mary, we will hear and ponder the assurance that God will empower us. Like Mary we will strive to say - “Let it be with us according to your will.” To whatever God is inviting of us at this time in our lives, and relying on God's grace, we say “yes.”4

Response Hymn 84

To God the Father, God the Son,

and God the Spirit Three in One,

praise, honor, might, and glory be

from age to age eternally.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 90

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; take heart!

Anthem     “Mary Did You Know?”     Greene & Lowry

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:39-55

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Sermon     "Soul" Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 99     My Soul Gives Glory to My God  

Invitation to the Offering

Sisters and brothers, God's ancient, steadfast love is not a love that simply waits for us to stop wandering and return home.  God's love comes seeking us, and gives us the gift of Jesus, so that we might have life abundant.  Our giving this morning, whether we have been lost and wandering, or secure and safe, expresses our firm conviction that God is with us, no matter what. Let us gather our gifts together and offer them to God in gratitude, heartfelt commitment, and praise.5

Offertory     “A Prelude to Advent”     Traditional Latin/Chopin, Arr. Ruth Schram

Prayer of Dedication

Let us pray: O Lord, giver of life and source of freedom, we know that all we have received is from your hand. You call us to be stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all you have entrusted to us. Help us to always use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. May our faithful stewardship bear witness to the love of Jesus Christ in our lives.6  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.   Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

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 105     People Look East

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude    “Emmanuel Will Soon Appear”     Don Besig

     1 “Fragments of Your Ancient Name”

2 Liturgies Alive, Models of Celebration

3 Rev. Stephen M. Fearing

4  Ann Siddall

5“O Merciful God: God of Wisdom: Prayers for the Fourth Sunday in Lent,”

written by Rev. Kathryn Matthews Huey and the Rev. Susan A. Blain.  

Posted on the United Church of Christ's Worship Ways website

6Archdiocese of Chicago

Predlude     "In the Bleak Midwinter"     Bethany Quartet     Holst/Rosetti

Christmas Bells

Introit     "Fum, Fum, Fum"   Chancel Choir    Traditional Spanish carol, Arranged  Parker/Shaw

Sharing of Christmas Greetings & Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 155

Raise a song of gladness, peoples of the earth.

Christ has come, bringing peace, joy to every heart.

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart! Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Lighting the Christ Candle - the Valine Family

We come to receive the light of Christ as we celebrate his miraculous birth; we receive this light that illuminates the holy path of hope, peace, joy, and love.  For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.  He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Reflection: Light - Bonnie Morgan

Hymn 133 O Come, All Ye Faithful

Christmas Prayer

O God of love, you have brought us together tonight and blessed us with your very self.  Open our eyes to the light of Christ which glows in the darkness of a world engulfed in apathy, pain and loss; a world separated from you.  Speak to us now that we may hear the good news of your salvation.  Bring us into the wonder of your presence.  Fill us with that light that we may carry it out with us into our lives.  Amen.

Response Hymn 113

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel has come to thee, O Israel  

Hebrew Reading:  Isaiah 9:2-7

Musical Offering     "The Star Carol"     Bethany Quartet     Hutson/Burt

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-20

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Christmas Message   Reverend Debra McGuire

Musical Offering     "A Christmas Alleluia"     Prayz     Tomlin & Myrin

Invitation to the Offering

In Matthew 2:11 we read, “On entering the house, the wise men saw the child with his mother, and knelt down and worshipped him.  Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts.”  Tonight as we celebrate the birth of the child, we are invited to offer our gifts as well.  We acknowledge and give thanks for all the gifts of time and creativity and talent and energy and ideas and money that are collected every day here at Bethany. Let us respond from grateful hearts to this invitation to give.

Offertory     Prayz

Prayer of Dedication

God of Love and Light, on this night of mystery and wonder, we present our offering here, knowing you will guide us for its use.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may

be used for your glory. Amen.

Musical Offering    The First Noel/Pachelbel's Canon     Chancel Choir & Pastor Deb     

                              Traditional English Carol/Pachelbel, Arranged Michael Clawson

Christmas Eve Candlelighting

ONE:We who dwelled in darkness have seen a great light;

ALL: And on us this night a great light shines.

ONE: A Child has been born for us.

ALL: And he is named Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel.

Hymn 122 Silent Night, Holy Night

Christmas Bells

Prayer of Invocation

Wondrous God, open our hearts and minds so we may hear once again the angels' song, and know that Christ is born for us and for all.  Touch the world with joy this holy day, and fill us with peace and childlike wonder.  Surprise us and bless us with the simple miracle of the birth of the Christ child.  Amen.

Hymn 119     Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

First Lesson:    Luke 2:1-7

Hymn 115     Away in a Manger

Second Lesson:   Luke 2:8-11

Hymn 143     Angels, From the Realms of Glory  (verses 1 & 2)

Third Lesson:     Luke 2:12-14

Hymn 123     It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (verses 1, 2 & 5)

Fourth Lesson:     Luke 2:15-17

Hymn 136     Go, Tell it on the Mountain

Fifth Lesson:     Luke 2:18-20

Hymn 132     Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

Sixth Lesson     The Christmas Spirit by Ann Weems

The Christmas Spirit


Is that hope


Which tenaciously clings

To the hearts of the faithful

And announces

In the face


Of any Herod the world can produce

And all the inn doors slammed in our faces

And all the dark nights of our souls


That with God


All things are possible,


That even now


Unto us

A child is born!

Hymn 134     Joy to the World! (verses 1, 2 &4)

Opening Prayer

We have waited for a long time for your hope, your joy, your love to shine in the darkness of this world, Almighty God. Even now, in our gathering here, we await you. In our hearts, we still hope that your light will blaze forth, banishing the shadows of this world and guiding all the people back to you. Yet you did not come into this world in a show of power and glory. You did not shine forth for all of creation to behold. A tiny spark – a newborn baby, visible to parents and curious animals. A host of angels – away from the populated areas, singing to migrant workers. A sparkling star – guiding foreigners to see what neighbors could not. Open our hearts, merciful God, to the sparks of your presence still in this world. Open our eyes, that we might behold your presence in the least likely of places, and among the least likely of people. God with us, kindle your spark within us, that together we may shine forth your light, we might banish the shadows of this world, we might be the continuation of the Christmas miracle: Emmanuel is in this world, God is with us, now and evermore. Illumine our hearts, gracious God, that we might speak anew the words your Son will teach us... Amen. 1

Welcome

Introit     

Call to Worship

God is telling a story in our lives. It's quite a story - full of the promises God makes and our struggles to trust; full of mystery and angels with surprising news; full of hard endings and unexpected new beginnings. Come, hear the story, pay attention to the angels' message in your heart in this place and time. Then join all creation in worshipping the God who tells it, full of grace and truth; who comes in Jesus, the Word made flesh, and makes our story holy.2

Hymn 146  Gentle Mary Laid Her Child

Statement of Affirmation

Let the love that shaped earth and heaven dwell within us this Christmas season. Let the love that created humanity dwell within us this Christmas season. Let the love that overcomes suffering and hatred dwell within us this Christmas season. Let the love that causes us to rejoice with loved ones dwell within us this Christmas season. Let the love that forgives and renews dwell within us this Christmas season. Let the love that brings reconciliation after separation dwell within us this Christmas season. Let the love that brings the blessing of peace dwell within us this Christmas season. And may we share that peace with all people near and far. Amen.3

Response Hymn 113

Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 155

Raise a song of gladness, peoples of the earth.

Christ has come, bringing peace, joy to every heart.

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Alleluia, alleluia, joy to every heart!

Anthem     “See Him Lying on a Bed of Straw”     Michael Perry

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14

                               John 1:1-18

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Sermon:   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 130 Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light  

Invitation to the Offering

Let us gather our gifts together and offer them to God in gratitude, heartfelt commitment, and praise.  We have a basket here on the table to receive your offerings now, or later this morning, and you are more than welcome to continue sending your offerings through the mail.  We want to recognize all of the offerings of time and energy and talent and money that are such an important part of being the Church.  Let us receive this morning's offering.  

Offertory

Prayer of Dedication

Let us pray: O Lord, giver of life and source of freedom, we know that all we have received is from your hand. You call us to be stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all you have entrusted to us. Help us to always use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. May our faithful stewardship bear witness to the love of Jesus Christ in our lives.4 In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.   Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

LEADER: The Lord be with you

PEOPLE: And also with you

LEADER: Lift up your hearts

PEOPLE: We lift them up to the Lord

LEADER: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

PEOPLE: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Prayers of the People

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 110 Love Has Come

Announcements

Benediction

May this holy season be for each of us a time of moving beyond what is “reasonable”  and toward the star of wonder; moving beyond grasping tight to what we have to unclenching our hands and letting go, following the Light where it leads; moving beyond competition toward cooperation, seeing that all humans are sisters and brothers; moving beyond the anxiety of small concerns towards the joys of justice and peace. May the transforming acceptance of Mary and Joseph, the imagination of the shepherds, and the persistence of the wise men guide us as we seek the Truth, always moving toward the Divine promise.  always aware God can be hidden in the frailest among us, always open to the unexpected flash of Grace, to the showing forth of that Love that embraces us all.5

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     “Unto Us”     Aaron Shust

1 Rev. Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy, Pastor at First Church Congregational in Rochester, NH.

2 Christine Jerrett

3 Prayers for Christmas

4Archdiocese of Chicago

5 Education or Justice Adapted by J.M. Deren from "Blessings and Benedictions," by W.L. Wallace in Shine On, Star of Bethlehem, CAFOD, 2004. Posted on Marianist Social Justice Collaborative website. http://www.msjc.net/