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GATHERING AS THE BODY OF CHRIST
Prelude
"Like a Child"
UMH #2092
Welcome and Sharing of Announcements
A Time to Connections
(in-person service only)
Meditation Time
Introit
"Christmas Isn't Christmas"
Youth Choir and Youth Choir Band
by Jimmy and Carol Owens
Call to Worship
Liturgist: In the quiet of night, God’s voice breaks through our fears.
People: We come, longing to hear a word of hope and guidance.
Liturgist: Through angels and prophets, through dreams and gentle nudges, God speaks.
People: We open our hearts to listen for God’s voice among us.
Liturgist: Joseph listened, trusted, and chose courage over fear.
People: Teach us to listen deeply and to trust God’s leading.
Liturgist: Come, let us worship the God who speaks and walks with us.
People: We come to worship, ready to listen and to follow. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Faithful and speaking God, you are never silent, even when the world feels loud and confusing. You speak through angels and prophets, through Scripture and prayer, through dreams, neighbors, and quiet whispers of the heart. As you spoke to Joseph long ago, speak to us again today. Give us ears to hear your voice, hearts to trust your promises, and courage to follow where you lead. Meet us in this time of worship, that we may be strengthened for the work of love, justice, and hope. We pray in the name of Jesus, Emmanuel - God with us. Amen.
Opening Hymn
“Emmanuel, Emmanuel”
UMH #204
based on Matthew 1:23
Lighting of the Advent Candle
Nancy Kendall and Family
First Reader: Today, we come face to face with the scandal of Advent: Mary, the unmarried mother; God Incarnate growing in Mary’s womb as a vulnerable baby; Joseph contemplating leaving Mary because of her pregnancy; God’s love at work in ways that society and propriety could not understand; God calling Mary and Joseph to faithfulness despite the fear of disgrace.
All: With Mary and Joseph, we choose to wait, watch, and listen for the way of Love instead of responding in fear to the world’s judgment.
Second Reader: We light this candle of love as a sign of our faithfulness as we seek, find, and follow Emmanuel, God with us.
Advent Song "Light the Advent Candle" Stanza 4 TFWS #2090
Sunday School Christmas Presentation: Poems of the Christmas Story
The Angel Gabriel Comes to Mary
Inspired by the Christmas carol "Gabriel's Message"
“To a Maid Engaged to Joseph” UMH #215 (verse 1)
Journey to Bethlehem
“Just a Little Donkey” by Rita Beer
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” UMH #230 (verse 1)
Jesus is Born
“All is Wonderful, All is Well” by Denise Harris
“Away in a Manger” UMH #217 (verse 1)
Angels Tell Shepherds
“The Shepherd” by John Davenport Womack
“The First Noel” UMH #245 (verse 1)
The Star of Bethlehem
“The Bright Star of Christmas”
“There’s A Song in the Air” UMH #249 (verse 1)
The Magi
“The Three Wise Men” by Josie Whitehead
“We Three Kings” UMH #254 (verse 1)
Joys and Concerns
Lord's Prayer
Prayer's Response
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
UMH #230 (verse 3)
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