Christmas Story

John 1:1-5

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life,* and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

Luke 1:26-30, 2:1-5

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 38Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph 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. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.

Luke 1:46-56

46 And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
47   and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
48 for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

56 And Mary remained with her for about three months and then returned to her home.

Luke 2:5-7

5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And 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.

Luke 2:8-12

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ 

Luke 2:16-20

16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ 3When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ 9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Luke 2:13-14

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14 ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

John 3:16-17

16 ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.17 ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Christmas Eve/Day Resources: Prayers, Bulletins, etc.

Lessons & Carols

https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2019/12/17/christmas-eve-bulletin/. Early Confession & Communion, includes Magnificat

https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2018/12/19/carols-lessons-order-of-worship/

https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2017/12/23/christmaseve-liturgy-lessons-and-carols/

Collection of Readings telling the story 

A Christmas Prayer 

Call to Worship/Confession and other Prayer resources https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/prayer-links-for-advent-narrative-lectionary-dec-24th-morning/

Sermon Thoughts: https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2014/12/17/the-waiting-room-adoption-narrativelectionary-joseph-christmas/

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: Room at the Inn

Bulletin at https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTgbxV99WSkxbYAabjnQ

Full script for service at https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTgbxusXJyI-R2418hTw

 

Christmas Eve Bulletin, Lessons & Carols

Prelude                 “ O Holy Night”

FIRST LESSON         Luke 1:26-30, 2:1-5

    CAROL #43 v. 1&3       “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

WELCOME                 Pastor

SECOND LESSON             Luke 1:46-56

      CAROL #5                   “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”

Holy Communion

Invitation from Christ

The Lord be with you 

And also with you

Lift up your hearts 

We lift our hearts to the lord 

Give thanks to the Lord our God It is right to give our thanks and praise….(prayer continues) Let us continue our prayer with a silent offering of our confession. (Silence) In the grace if God let us eat this bread and drink this cup in celebration of the Forgiveness Jesus brings

 ….and praying as his son taught us to pray……..The Lord’s Prayer (unison)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by 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 glory and power forever. Amen. 

Bread & Cup: Communion will be taken by intinction, where congregants come forward and dip the bread in the cup. If you need assistance, the pastor will come to serve you individually.]

THIRD LESSON Luke 2:5-7

       CAROL # 24 “Away in a Manger”

Lighting of the Christ Candle: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love & Christ

                 (All Children are invited forward to assist with the lighting)

  FOURTH LESSON                                                               Luke 2:8-14

     CAROL # 23                               “Angels We Have Heard on High”

CONFESSION OF FAITH 

Christ the light of the world has come to dispel the darkness of our hearts.

In his light let us examine ourselves and confess our sin God our Father, you sent your Son full of grace and truth: forgive our failure to receive him. Jesus our Saviour, you were born in poverty and laid in a manger: forgive our greed and rejection of your ways. Spirit of love, your servant Mary responded joyfully to your call: forgive the hardness of our hearts.

May the God of all healing and forgiveness draw you to himself, that you may behold the glory of Jesus Christ the Word made flesh, and be cleansed from all your sins, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

FIFTH LESSON                     Luke 2:16-20

      CAROL # 50                               “There’s A Star in the East”

                         

SIXTH LESSON & Offering Matthew 2:1-12

CAROL # 66                           “We Three Kings” v. 1-4

SEVENTH LESSON Luke 1:46-55

CAROL #40                                                         “Joy to the World”

EIGHTH LESSON John 3:16-17

CAROL (insert)                                                        “Silent Night”

(Please encircle the nativity so we can pass the light of Christ to the entire congregation.)

Advent 4: Zechariah’s Song: Waiting for Shalom/Love Luke 1:5-13 [14-25], 27-80, Psalm 113, Micah 4-5

Note: Micah 4-5can also be used throughout Advent

Advent 4: Zechariah’s Song: Waiting for Shalom Luke 1:5-13 [14-25], 27-80, Psalm 113Micah 4-5

Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes

Narrative Lectionary Advent Liturgy

More Advent Resources for the Series Year 2 Mark

Luke 1:5-25, 57-80

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=4222

Stresses the parallels between Abraham/Sarai and John/Elizabeth and the long history leading to salvation.

https://clergystuff.com/daily-devotions/luke-15-13-57-80-zechariahs-song

Devotional on Zechariah’s song and John as the last prophet of the Messiah (newly discovered NL site)

http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2305-08532013000100035

This dramatic, scholarly monologue, examines the events that Luke 1 recounts, retelling them from the eyewitness viewpoint of Elizabeth, from a female and gynocentric perspective.

https://www.preceptaustin.org/luke-1-commentary

Multiple translations & commentaries of Luke 1 presented in interlinear fashion

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedictus_(Song_of_Zechariah)

Wikipedia on Song of Zechariah

https://zenit.org/articles/reflection-on-canticle-of-zechariah/

Pope John Paul II on the Song of Zechariah

https://www.efca.org/blog/understanding-scripture/advent-devotional-zechariah%E2%80%99s-song-benedictus-luke-167-79-cf-15-25-57

Exegetical commentary on Song of Zechariah from the Evangelical Free Church tradition

https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/zechariahs-song/

https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/truth-for-life/

Sermons on Zechariah’s Song by Alistair Begg (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alistair_Begg)

https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-christmas-zecharaiah-song-benedictus-luke-1   Sermon: What did Zechariah sing? Includes retelling of story in Buechner-style fashion

https://spaciousfaith.com/new-testament-texts/luke-15-25/

Another one that reminds me of Buechner, but more pointed at the listeners than the last

https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/zechariah%E2%80%99s-song

Sermon Zechariah’s song of salvation focusing on the salvation of the listeners

For Psalm 113 resources, see https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTrw8s7zJwjvREBpy8

For Psalm 113 bulletin, see https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTry3rylKpfkNxFuf6

For a sermon (in two voices) on Psalm 113 focusing on word study, see https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTry4vtnRwmk5Lx4b1

For bulletin on Song of Zechariah/Fourth Sunday of Advent which we are treating as joy:    Includes opening prayer, call to worship, rite of confession, hymns, offering prayer, Advent candle lighting (but we are calling this Sunday “joy.”)  https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTgbxGz2NX22aFtG-eCA

Images

Newly discovered site for NL bulletin covers and other NL resources!! https://clergystuff.com/free-stuff#narrative-lectionary-2019-20-bulletin-covers  Look for Zechariah’s song

Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwavglPhNGA

James Beuaregard’s song is based on Luke 1:67-79; request chords/lyrics/notation from jamesbeauregardmusic@gmail.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rYw41Tkk_c

Chant of Canticle of Zechariah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feBexmmxpjo

Vaughn-Williams version of Song of Zechariah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne9DOokin9s

A contemporary take with Powerpoint including lyrics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm-2aEZKh4k

An animated musical theater-style version of Zechariah’s song (likely entitled “His name is John!”)

Luke 1:57-80 hymns (Presbyterian Hymnal)

1.68-79

1 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

2 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

186 Thy Mercy and Thy Truth, O Lord

204 Psalm 72

205 All Hail to God’s Anointed

230 This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made

236 Now Israel May Say

423 Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun

601 Song of Zechariah (Benedictus) *

602 Song of Zechariah (Benedictus) *

1.78-79

4 Creator of the Stars of Night

5.3 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

9.2 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

20 Watchman, Tell Us of the Night

30.2 Born in the Night, Mary’s Child

31.3 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

32 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

68.3 What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright

69 O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright

141.2 A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing

301.3 Lord Jesus, Think on Me

454.2+3 Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

462 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies

463 Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies

506.1+2 Deck Yourself, My Soul, with Gladness

510.1+5 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

511.1+5 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

548.1+2 O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine

549.1 O Gladsome Light

550.1 O Light Whose Splendor Thrills

 

Psalm 113 PH

113

204 Psalm 72

205 All Hail to God’s Anointed

225 Praise the Lord! *

226 Sing Praise Unto the Name of God *

253 I’ll Praise My Maker

254 Psalm 146

600 Song of Mary (Magnificat)

113.1-4

185 Psalm 33

213 God, Our Lord, a King Remaining

214 O Come and Sing Unto the Lord

215 Come, Sing with Joy to God

220 All People That on Earth Do Dwell

227 Not Unto Us, O Lord of Heaven

423 Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun

477 Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim

491 Stand Up and Bless the Lord

113.3

205.3 All Hail to God’s Anointed

229.3 From All That Dwell Below the Skies

423.1 Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun

473.5 For the Beauty of the Earth

546 The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended

113.4-6

148 At the Name of Jesus

155 Rejoice, the Lord Is King

185.10 Psalm 33

191.3 God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength

194 Peoples, Clap Your Hands!

204.8-11 Psalm 72

205.3+4 All Hail to God’s Anointed

213 God, Our Lord, a King Remaining

227.1 Not Unto Us, O Lord of Heaven

259.1 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

113.5-9

49.2 Once in Royal David’s City

67.4 Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning

253.2+3 I’ll Praise My Maker

254.9 Psalm 146

332 Live Into Hope

600.4 Song of Mary (Magnificat)

Advent 3: Rebuilding the Temple: Waiting for Joy

Advent 3: Rebuilding the Temple: Waiting for Joy Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10-13, Luke 2:25-32, Psalm 126 (used for Ruth), Psalm 98Psalm 30

Hanging of Greens Worship

Note: Micah 4-5can also be used throughout Advent

Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes

Narrative Lectionary Advent Liturgy

More Resources for rest of Advent

Call to Worship

Praise to the Lord our God who is good.

God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Our eyes have seen salvation. A light for revelation which you have prepared for all peoples.

Joy to the World! Let us repeat the sounding Joy!

Call to Worship

Sing to the Lord a new Song

God has down marvelous things

God remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of faithfulness

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.

Call to Worship

Let the seas roar, and all that fills it

Let the world roar and all who live in it

Let the floods clap their hands, let the hills sing together for joy.

The Lord is coming! Praise the Lord!

Prayer of Confession: Lord, we confess that often times it feels like everything is crumbling; our buildings, our homes, our relationships, our savings, our jobs, our faith. You promise us that all can be rebuilt, in such a way that it will not even be recognizable. Some people will cry at the changes, others will shout out with joy. Teach us how to be part of the rebuilding, the joy and the love, we pray. Amen.

Prayer of Confession: God, we confess that we are waiting for joy to come. We don’t feel joy to the world, we feel like the waiting goes on forever. Sometimes, the growing and the changes that need to be made and instead of celebrating the changes, we cry out in the midst of it all. Hold us while we cry, we pray, and help us to do the work and the waiting to be transformed we pray.

Prayer of Dedication/the Day: As we wait for you and dwell deeply into the season of Advent we pray that you rebuild us. Transform the work we do into works of faith, Strengthen the support we give to one another with the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and light our hearts on fire with the light of the Holy Spirit we pray.

Eucharist Prayer: Lord God, remind us that you are the alpha and omega. At the beginning of the earth you breathed your spirit across the oceans, and they clapped for joy, and then you gently awakened us with your breath. You are with us from our first laugh, to our first cry. You help us when we are building up and when we are falling up. You restore our souls, refresh our spirits and rebuild our faith. Send your spirit onto these elements so that we might be restored, refreshed and rebuilt we pray.

 

Hymns: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Joy to the World,  Come Sing to God (Psalm 30 Ellacombe), When God Delivered Israel (Psalm 126), God of Ages Whose Almighty Hand, Savior of the Nations, Come, Com Thou Long-Expected Jesus, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (which really could be seen as more prophetic than Christmas-day)

With Children: Knock over towers and rebuild, build things with Clay, Cry/Shout at the same time and see if you can tell the difference, Create a chain of prayers (paper chain) perhaps hang it on a Christmas tree, Create Christmas Cards for those in need

 

Narrative Lectionary Advent 2: Isaiah 40:1-11 (December 8, 2019)

Image by Jan Richardson; copyrighted and available for $15 or if you buy a membership. Go to

https://janrichardsonimages.com/details.php?gid=60&pid=560

This one is less mature/developed than some I have done, but there is a lot out there since this is also RCL.

Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes

Narrative Lectionary Advent Liturgy

EXEGESIS

https://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc4.Is.xli.html

As if it were designed for a prophetic summary of the New Testament, it begins with that which begins the gospels, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness” (ch. xl. 3), and concludes with that which concludes the book of the Revelation, “The new heavens and the new earth,” (ch. lxvi. 22).

 

Speak to the heart of Jerusalem (v. 2); speak that which will revive her heart, and be a cordial to her and to all that belong to her and wish her well. Do not whisper it, but cry unto her: cry aloud, to show saints their comforts as well as to show sinners their transgressions; make her hear it:”

 

We must get into such a frame of spirit as will dispose us to receive Christ and his gospel: “Prepare you the way of the Lord; prepare yourselves for him, and let all that be suppressed which would be an obstruction to his entrance. Make room for Christ: Make straight a highway for him.

 

http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=3491

(RCL context) Images, juxtapositions and sudden, surprising comfort

 

http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2254 (RCL context) Three proclamations build on the imperative to comfort God’s people in verse 1: highway in the desert; the Words; heralding good tidings.

 

http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah40a.htm “Voices Crying Out: Comfort and Transformation in an Age of Mass Incarceration,”

“How might Christians raise awareness of different forms of exile in our nation and world?”

 

https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1099 (NL context)

Double imperative: Comfort! Comfort! The people of Jerusalem are not “deserving” of comfort according to the norms of retributive justice, but God insists — no, commands — that they be comforted.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H4DcY7g3R8&feature=youtu.be

Two minute Youtube video on “The people are like grass.”

 

See complete list of Isaiah 40:1-11 Working Preacher commentaries at https://www.workingpreacher.org/search/Default.aspx?cx=001947499050786061073:fplx-aun2rq&q=Isaiah%2040&cof=FORID:10&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&search_domain=WWW

 

Preaching and Worship resources from Calvin College’s curated resources

https://preachingandworship.org/search/Isaiah%2040%3A1-11?per_page=5&utm_expid=.L5KxfuTYSbqP5Sj9IZIYNA.1&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fpreachingandworship.org%2F

 

 

TEXT

Jewish Bible translation

https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/15971/jewish/Chapter-40.htm

 

Word study

Comfort

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H5162&t=KJV

 

speaking comfortably

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3820&t=KJV

 

bringing good tidings

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1319&t=KJV

 

 

LITURGY RESOURCES

 

BULLETIN

Advent candlelighting; opening prayer; call to worship; rite of confession; hymns; offering prayer; and a confession of faith. Please note **/*** at the end indicating sources and give appropriate credit. If not **/*** then from Barb Hedges-Goettl, please give credit if using/adapting these as well. Thank you.

https://1drv.ms/w/s!AuB3z496aTHTgbczUlfR4L9bVY0YzQ

 

LITURGICAL PIECES

Call to worship

https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/11/call-to-worship-isaiah-40-1-11.html

 

Opening liturgy

https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/11/opening-liturgy-isaiah-40-1-11.html

 

More from worship.blogspot.com at

https://re-worship.blogspot.com/search?q=+Isaiah+40

Scroll down to see the Isaiah 40 links

 

In the context of Blue Christmas/Longest Night; if you’re not doing a separate service, you could provide for folks in need of this kind of a service this week. See

https://cmbs.mennonitebrethren.ca/worship_resources/blue-christmas-longest-night/

 

MUSIC
Hymns

https://sermonwriter.com/hymn-list/isaiah-401-11-hymns/

 

https://hymnary.org/browse/scripture/Isaiah/40

 

Handel’s “Messiah”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_dfK-LGFNw

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAw-sRbnU34

 

IMAGES

https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNSEa08Vqn48U-athg6nxl2LirYBaA:1575413346344&q=images+isaiah+40:1-11&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiL-oeHyJrmAhWxTt8KHaWsCVQQsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=1242&bih=597

 

https://janrichardsonimages.com/search.php?search=isaiah+40&match_type=all

Note: these are copyrighted and available for a fee or if you pay to be a member.

Chrismon hanging of the greens

By Rev Barb Hedges-Goettl. Full time special ed Administrator, part time Co-pastor and part-time Liturgy writer.

The underlined numbers indicate that a (numbered so they know which is which) Chrismon ornament is to be hung by congregants.

Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (#1 – Flower ornament)

Opening Prayer Creator of the stars of night, Your people’s everlasting light,O Christ, Redeemer of us all, We pray you, Hear us when we call.

Amen. (#2 Star ornament)

 

Advent Candle Lighting: Hope                                                                          Jeremiah 33:14-18

We light this candle as a sign of the hope found in Christ. Advent means coming.  We are preparing ourselves for the days which are surely coming. In those days, says the Lord, “I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” Our Hope, our Lord, Emmanuel is coming. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Call to Worship: Go Tell It on the Mountain  (#3 – Horn ornament)    Blue Hymnal, 29, v.

Jesus is the Word (#5 – Bible ornament)

Song: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!                                                    Blue Hymnal, 31 v. 1 & 3

We are joined to Jesus in baptism                                                                             

Romans 6:3-5

 3All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. 4 Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.     (#6 – Seashell ornament)

Song: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling      Blue 376, v. 1-2  

Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega (#7 -Alpha and omega ornament)   

Revelation 21:5, 6-7 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” 6 Then he said to me,…“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my

Invitation to Confession: As we await the coming of Jesus, we know that our lives are in need of his healing touch. Let us join together in confessing our sins and shortcomings.

Prayer of Confession (unison)

God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you come among us as light shining in darkness. We confess that we do not always welcome the light, or trust the news to be good.  We do not see your glory in our midst. We expect little, and hope for less.   Forgive our doubt. Renew our hope so that we may receive the fullness of your grace, and live in the truth of Christ the Lord.  (Silent confession.)

Assurance of Pardon (Rom. 8:34)  Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.

Thanks be to God for the Good News:  In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Christ died and rose for us (#8 – Cross and Butterfly ornaments)             

Response: O Come Let Us Adore Him Blue Hymnal, 41 v 4

Christ Jesus brings us peace (# 9 – Dove and Chi-Rho ornaments)

Passing of the Peace: The peace of Christ be with you.     And also with you.

Prayers of the People/Lord’s Prayer (traditional)                   

Celebration of Birthdays and Anniversaries

Christ came as a baby (# 10 – Manger ornament)

Offering Hymn What Child is This  Blue Hymnal, 53, v. 1&3

* Hymn of Praise and Dedication O Little Town of Bethlehem      Blue Hymnal, 44, v.2 & 3

* Prayer of Dedication (unison)                       

By Rev Barbara Hedges-Goettl

O God, fill us with gratitude overflowing that we may share life and love. Bless these gifts of money, of food and of ourselves. Inspire us to praise you in all that we do, this day and throughout all our lives. In the name of Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit we pray, Amen.                                                                                                                                         

Meditation: The Christmas Feast (#11-Cup ornament)

https://books.google.com/books?id=98JtDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT58&lpg=PT58&dq=christmas+manna+in+the+wilderness&source=bl&ots=4Zq1DQ8aqB&sig=ACfU3U0KeFut1yYlhw2qnu4VroNl685FUw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj8vsrmg4TmAhWDl-AKHbqUCFcQ6AEwG3oECA0QAQ#v=onepage&q=christmas%20manna%20in%20the%20wilderness&f=false

Special Music: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence                               (Blue Hymnal, 5)                                       

*Confession of Faith – Nicene Creed (ecumenical)                     Blue Hymnal, p.15

Christ is One with the Trinity (#12-Trinity ornaments)

The Lord’s Supper (from the Book of Common Worship, PCUSA, 1993)

One: The Lord be with you

Many: And also with you.                                  Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord.                              Let us give thanks to the Lord

It is right to give out thanks and praise.

Prayer of Great Thanksgiving

It is truly right and our greatest joy
to give you thanks and praise,
O Lord our God, creator and ruler of the universe.
You formed us in your image
and breathed into us the breath of life.
You set us in this world to love and serve you, and to live in peace with all that you have made. When we turned from you,
you did not turn from us. When we were captives in slavery, you delivered us to freedom, and made covenant to be our sovereign God. When we were stubborn and stiff-necked, you spoke to us through prophets who looked for that day
when justice shall triumph and peace shall reign over all the earth.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with the celestial choirs and with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of your name:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

You are holy, O God of majesty,
and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.
You sent him into this world to satisfy the longings of your people for a Savior,
to bring freedom to the captives of sin,
and to establish justice for the oppressed.
He came among us as one of us, taking the lot of the poor, sharing human suffering.
We rejoice that in his death and rising again, you set before us the sure promise of new life, the certain hope of a heavenly home where we will sit at table with Christ our host.

Remembering your gracious gift we take from your creation this bread and this wine and joyfully celebrate his dying and rising, as we await the day of his coming.
With thanksgiving we offer our very selves to you to be a living and holy sacrifice,
dedicated to your service.

Gracious God,
pour out your Holy Spirit upon us
and upon these your gifts of bread and wine,
that the bread we break
and the cup we bless
may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.

By your Spirit make us one with Christ,
that we may be one with all who share this feast,
united in ministry in every place.
As this bread is Christ’s body for us,
send us out to be the body of Christ in the world.

The Bread and the Cup

Prayer after Communion

Faithful God,
your promises stand unshaken through all generations.
Renew us in hope,
that we may be awake and alert
watching for the glorious return of Jesus Christ,
our judge and savior,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.

*Closing Hymn Go Tell It on the Mountain   (verse from Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers, PH #15 v. 3)

*Charge and Benediction                                                             

Postlude

*Stand in body and/or spirit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                              

 

 

Advent 1: Promise of Messiah: Waiting for Hope Jeremiah 33:14- 18, Mark 8:27-29, Psalm 89, Psalm 31 Narrative Lectionary

 

Note: Micah 4-5can also be used throughout Advent

Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes

Narrative Lectionary Advent Liturgy

Advent 1: Promise of Messiah: Waiting for Hope Jeremiah 33:14- 18Mark 8:27-29Psalm 89Psalm 31

Call to Worship

Take heart, Jeremiah says the days are surely coming

The days are coming where God will fulfill God’s promises

And God will execute justice and righteousness throughout the land, and all people will be safe

Come Let us worship the lord.

Call To Worship

God is our very help in a time of trouble, what do we call Jesus?

Savior and Messiah, Wonderful Counselor, Protector of Peace

Come let us call upon the Lord

Let us worship God together

Call to Worship

Rejoice, O Pure of Heart.

We will rejoice, give thanks, and sing.

Let us praise God, for great things he has done.

Come let us worship the Lord

Prayer of Confession: At times I feel like do not want to give thanks. I forget that you are Lord and King, I sit in my smallness. Lord, remind me that I am blessed to be a blessing. Teach me to be as generous as you are, teach me to give thanks I pray. Amen.

Prayer of Confession: Lord, I confess I do not always know who you are and what it is you are doing in my life. I ignore you, or I get stuck in my own head. I get lost is petty thoughts or just feel too overwelmed by the trouble I see in the world. Teach me the grace to get through all of these things I pray.

Prayer of Confession: Lord, I confess that I get tired of waiting for things to change. So I give up. But you have promised that justice will ring out, and the all will be fulfilled. Grant me the hope I need I pray. Amen.

Prayer of Confession: You know I don’t have much hope right now. At best, I confess, I am hoping for hope. I feel empty–and yet you promise all will be fulfilled. Help me when hopelessness overwhelms me I pray.

Assurance of Pardon: God plants the seeds of hope in love, and our hope is in Jesus Christ, so we can be assured of the truth: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Assurance of Pardon: God is coming! But know the truth God already loves and forgives us, hear the good news: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord, you have promised to use us as a part of the promise of Jesus. This is our hope. Help us to go forward working so that all might be a fulfilled, we pray. Amen.

Communion Prayer: Lord, God, Jesus, Messiah. Let us name you and all the ways it is right to give you are thanks and praise. When we could no longer connect or feel your presence. When we felt distant from your love, you sent Jesus to be conceived and born of a human. Living, breathing, laughing and growing up, here on this earth. Jesus spent time with us, so we might truly begin to understand God’s love for us. And gifted us, even when he knew his time was up, with this Holy Meal, wherein we can call up a very real presence of Jesus whenever we might need it, and so that we can celebrate his love as a community. Send your Holy Spirit here on these elements, we pray, that we might taste and see your love, all the more, and so that we might live into the Hope of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymns: Live Into Hope, We Are One in the Spirit, Rejoice Ye Pure of Heart, For the Fruit of All Creation, God of the Sparrow, Advent Hymns to Christmas Carol Tunes

Children Ideas: Go through newspapers together and find stories of hope, Discuss what to do when one doesn’t feel hope, Light candles as beacons of Hope: Sing This Little Light of Mine, Discuss the Appearing of the Star and how that was a sign of Hope, Give everyone empty plates: discuss waiting and hoping for food–>pass out a snack to fill/fulfill the plate/hope

 

 

Narrative Lectionary Advent Candle Liturgy

Week 1 (Hope)   Jeremiah 33:14- 18,

Who are you awaiting, my friends?

We are awaiting the Lord, God’s best, to come

The time is surely coming, when Christ will be with us.

Our hope is in the Lord our God, Eternal Protector, the Might of Peace. Let us wait in Hope

Sing: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

O come, Thou, Dayspring from on high
And cause Thy light on us to rise
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadow put to flight
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

Or Magnify the Lord v1. to the tune of O Come All Ye Faithful

The time is surely coming                                                                                                        Refuge and Salvation                                                                                                                     The Jesse, the Jesse branch will spring up from David.                                                     Justice and Righteousness,                                                                                                           Will be the spice of worship

We hope for God’s justice; We hope for God’s justice; We hope for God’s justice; Magnify the Lord

 

 

Day 2 (Love) Isaiah 40: 1-1

Who are you awaiting beloved?

We are waiting for the Messiah, the embodiment of Love.

The time is surely coming, when Christ will be with us.

When God appears, we will no longer be lonely or alone, we will know we are loved. We wait in the midst of love.

O Come O Come Emmanuel

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

Or Magnify the Lord v2. to the tune of O Come All Ye Faithful

Comfort, O my people                                                                                                                    with songs and preparation                                                                                                             A voice, a voice cries out in wil-il-der-ness                                                                                Cry Out and Stand Firm                                                                                                             God’s Word never withers

We wait as God’s beloved; We wait as God’s beloved; We wait as God’s beloved; Magnify the Lord

Day 3 (Joy) Isaiah 40: 1-1

Who are you anticipating?

We are waiting for Jesus, in whom our joy grows.

The time is surely coming, when Christ will be with us.

When God appears, we will be comforted, able at last to put down our sorrows. We will say: this is the day that Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.  How can we not wait for that kind of joy?

Sing: O Come O Come Emmanuel

O come, O come, true prophet of the Lord
And turn the key to heaven’s door
Be Thou our comforter and guide
And lead us to the Father’s side
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall by His word our darkness dispel

Or Magnify the Lord v 3. to the tune of O Come All Ye Faithful

Rebuild the Temple                                                                                                                        Built with ex-alt-ta-tions                                                                                                                 For God, is good an’ just, an’ loves us forev’r                                                                         Shout with Rejoicing                                                                                                                   Come let’s praise our Savior

We practice our rejoicing; We practice our rejoicing; We practice our rejoicing; Magnify the Lord

 

Day 4 (Peace) Luke 1:5-13 [14-25], 27-80,

Who are you awaiting in such stillness?

We are being still, to know God. 

The time is surely coming, when Christ will be with us.

When God appears, war will be but a memory, the lion will lie down with the lamb, and everyone will be made whole, so we wait for Shalom.

Sing: O Come O Come Emmanuel

O Come, Thou King of nations bring
An end to all our suffering
Bid every pain and sorrow cease
And reign now as our Prince of Peace
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come again with us to dwell

Or Magnify the Lord v 4. to the tune of O Come All Ye Faithful

Peace Seed, we await thee                                                                                                        Mighty and Graceful                                                                                                              Deliver, deliver us; Jesus, Messiah                                                                                                      Come strengthen justice                                                                                                                Fill the world with mercy

Create the earth’s-Shalom; Create the earth’s-Shalom; Create the earth’s-Shalom; Magnify the Lord

Advent Hymns

  1.  https://wp.me/p2rhxZ-2hf,

2. https://wp.me/p2rhxZ-2hg,

3. https://wp.me/p2rhxZ-2mJ

Advent Hymns to Carol Tunes

Advent Hymn

Silent Night: God of Peace

Away in the Manger: God the Weaver (Narrative Lectionary Year 1 particularly)

O Come All Ye Faithful: Magnify the Lord (Narrative Lectionary Year 2 particularly)

Some people are having trouble with the three links, so here they are again 1. https://wp.me/p2rhxZ-2hf, 2. https://wp.me/p2rhxZ-2hg, 3. https://wp.me/p2rhxZ-2mJ

 

Advent Wreath https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2019/11/18/narrative-lectionary-advent-liturgy/