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Call to Worship

L: O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
P: He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
L: Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
P: Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.
ALL: Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth.

 

Call to Worship

Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Worship the LORD in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, "The LORD is king!

 

Invocation
John Suter

Send, O God, into the darkness of this troubled world,
the light of your Son.
Let the star of our hope touch the minds of all people
with the bright beams of mercy and truth;
and so direct our steps that we may ever walk in the way revealed to us,
as the shepherds of Bethlehem walked with joy
to the manger where he dwelled,
who now and ever reigns in our hearts,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Prayer For Illumination

Open wide the window of our spirits, O Lord, and fill us full of light; open wide the door of our hearts, that we may receive and entertain thee with all our powers of adoration and love.  Amen.

 

Excerpt from the Canticle of Light and Darkness:

We look for light but find darkness,
For brightness, but walk in gloom.

We grope like those who have no eyes;
We stumble at noon as in the twilight.

Blessed be your name, O God, for ever.
You reveal deep and mysterious things;
You are light and in you is no darkness.

Our darkness is passing away
and already the true light is shining.

A Christmas Day Prayer
by Rev. F. Schaefer

God of grace and providence, we stand amazed at the miracle of the incarnation.   Make us ready to receive your great gift in Jesus Christ once again as we celebrate Christmas 2002.  By your Holy Spirit enable us to understand the true meaning of Christmas. On this day especially we invite you to be present with us as we open gifts, as we visit with friends and family, and as we contemplate what Christmas means for us. And be with joy and peace in the lives of people around the world, especially those who must be apart from loved ones, those who have no meal to share and no guest to host.  On this day, be with us in a special way through Jesus, your gift to us.  Amen.

 

Lighting of the Advent Wreath & Christ Candle

Scripture of Prophecy: Isaiah 9:2

Responsive Litany:
L: Christ is born; give him glory.
P: Christ has come into this world as a light shining in darkness.
L: We light the Christ candle as a sign of His light which is shining all around us.

Hymn:
"Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light"

 

Blessing of a Manger Scene

God of every nation and people,
From the beginning of creation you have made manifest your love.
When our need for a Savior was great
You sent you Son to be born of the virgin Mary.
To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love.
Lord, bless all who look upon this manger.
May it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus,
And raise up our thoughts to him,
Who is God-with-us and Savior of all,
And who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Closing Prayer
by Mehrke in SD

Dear Lord, on a wondrous night you sent your son to take on frail human flesh in order that all who believe in Jesus might be saved. You sent angels to herald his birth in Bethlehem and a star to proclaim it to the ends of the earth. Send us now as messengers of your good news and proclaimers of your peace. In Jesus name we pray. Amen