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Order of Worship
Prelude Christmas Prelude Charles Callahan
Jane Kungie oboe
Welcome
Hymn Go Tell It on the Mountain Spiritual
Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and every-where;
Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching O'er silent flocks by night, Be-
hold through-out the heavens There shone a holy light.
The Shepards feared and trembled When lo! above the earth Rang
out the angel chorus That hailed our Savior's birth.
Down in a lowly manger The humble Christ was born, And
Good sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn.
Opening Prayer (in unison)
God of all, God of those in poverty and wealth, of the voiceless and the powerful, we are in awe of the little one born in a manger. As angels sing, shepherds watch, and wise men search, we wonder at our response to such a miracle. God with us, please guide us to find you deep within ourselves and our neighbors.
(silence)
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.
**We acknowledge God to be among people of all gender identities and expressions; we also acknowledge the importance of tradition.
Children’s Message Priscilla Anderson
Special Music Away in the Manger
Pastoral Prayer Daryl Denelle, Ministry Intern
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-20 Deacon Carlos Mooney
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Sermon: “Jesus’s Little Helper” Rev. Dr. Peter W. Allen
Hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem,
led by Louisa and Jacob Rizzo, accompanied by Sarah England
O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see the lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shiners The ever lasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep, Their watch go wondering love.
O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still The dearest Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in; Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel! Amen.
Benediction
Postlude Go Tell It on The Mountain Spiritual
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