Worship

Prelude: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” – Hobby, “What Is This Lovely Fragrance” – Manz, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” – Held (Karen Holl, Organist)

Welcome and Announcements – Text “Welcome” to 833-273-5033.

Lighting the Advent Candle of PEACE – (based on Isaiah 9:6)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of PEACE.

Prepare the way of the Lord! We light this candle as a sign of our waiting for Jesus, our Savior – and the HOPE, LOVE, JOY and PEACE that he brings. He has come, and He is coming again!  Let us spread the good news!

THE FIRST NOEL (56) vs. 1-3,6 / ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID’S CITY (49) vs. 1,2,4

Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Forgiveness: (John Wesley)

All: O merciful Father, regard not what we have done against you, but what our blessed Savior has done for us. Regard not what we have made ourselves; but what he is made unto us of you, our God. O that Christ may be to every one of our souls, wisdom and righteousness, sanctification and redemption! That his precious blood may cleanse us from all our sins; that your Holy Spirit may renew and sanctify our souls. May he crucify our flesh with its affections and lusts and mortify all our members which are upon earth. O let not sin reign in our mortal bodies, that we should obey in the lusts thereof; but being made free from sin, let us be the servants of righteousness. Amen.

One: Friends let us remind one another of God’s pardon with these words from Psalm 130:

All: O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

First Scripture Lesson: Proverbs 19:17 (p.644) & Romans 12:3-8 (p.1123)

Anthem: “Silent Night,” Meredith Groff, cello & Margie Robison, harp

Sermon: “Sharing Gifts” – Matthew 2:1-12 (p.956)

Prayers of the People & THE LORD’S PRAYER (p.16)

The Passing of the Peace

Anthem: “NOЁL”

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL (42) vs.1,2 / JOY TO THE WORLD (40)

Benediction

• Psalm 19:1 tells us that, “the heavens declare the glory of God” and clearly the Magi had positioned themselves to hear that declaration so as to follow the star but how can you position to hear what the heavens are declaring about God or if you have been listening what have you heard and how are you acting on it?
• The Scriptures helped the Magi come to Jesus even while those who knew them best stayed home. How are the scriptures helping you come to Jesus or are you staying home?
• Why did Herod want to kill Jesus? Why do people want to figuratively kill Jesus today? How does your answer shape your interactions with such people?
• What do the Magi’s gifts to Jesus say about their view of Jesus? What do your gifts to Jesus say about your view of Jesus?
• What gifts has God given you? What and how can you gift Jesus in this season?