Welcome and invitation to Worship
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Sharing and Prayer for those in need
Prelude “Make Way” Matthew West
Make Way
Call to Worship: John 1: 9-14
“The True Light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet, to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of Grace and Truth.”
*Gathering Hymn “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” CCS 433
Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
*Invocation
Lighting the Candle of Peace Responsive Reading
- Leader: God, our Father and Mother, Jesus calls us brothers and sisters, and we join Him in pursuing freedom from fear, hatred, prejudice, anxiety, loneliness and despair.
- People: We long to abolish these heavy, destructive walls that keep us apart from You and from one another.
- Leader: We long to build ladders that reach up and over, connecting us to curiosity, love, open-mindedness, calm, hope and community.
- People: We thank you for the hope Jesus’ birth brought and continues to bring our world.
- Leader: May we look to the stars to guide us.
- People: May we look to Jesus to inspire us.
- All: May we look into the faces of the hopeless in our communities as we kneel in service, washing their feet. In the name of Jesus, who stands with us. Amen.
Disciples’ Generous Response
God of Love and Light, in this season of hope, love, and joy, may the peace of Your Son, Jesus, be made real in the world. May our hearts, minds, hands, and resources be useful in the cause of bringing Your light where there is darkness and Your love where there is despair, anger, fear, and suffering. May our offerings be used toward Your purposes we pray. Amen.
Special Music “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” Casting Crowns
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Morning Message
*Closing Hymn “Joy to the World” CCS 408
Joy to the World
*Benediction
We welcome our guests and visitors today. Please come worship with us again!