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Call to Worship (based on Psalm 96)

L: O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
P: Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
L: Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
P: For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.
L: Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
All: Let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth.

 

Call to Worship:

L: The Star over Bethlehem is God's sign of peace to all of humanity.
P: We welcome the arrival of the Prince of Peace in our midst.
L: The baby born to a poor peasant girl is God's gift of love. Christ came into this world; he lived and died for us while we were yet sinners. That proves God's love toward us.
All: We thankfully accept God's gift; we rejoice over God's love for us!

 

Call to Worship

L: Christ is born; give him glory!
P: Christ has come down from heaven; reveive him! Christ is now on earth; exalt him!
L: O you earth, sing to the Lord!
P: O you nations, praise him in joy, for he has been glorified!

 

A Christmas Prayer

Gracious LORD, be the God of our Christmas celebration. We rejoice with the shepherds over the good news of Jesus' birth. We join in the praises of the angelic choir, saying: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favors!"

Almighty God, you have favored us with the greatest gift ever given--your only begotten Son, light of true light, God of rue God.   May we never take this your gift for granted; may our songs of praise never fade, and may we treasure it in our hearts always and forever. Bless all of us here gathered in worship as well as our loved ones at home. May peace and joy ring in our hearts and reverberate through our communities tonight in the name of Jesus the new-born King.  Amen.

 

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.

 

Lighting of the Advent Wreath & Christ Candle

Scripture of Prophecy: Isaiah 11:1-4a

Responsive Litany
L: A historic moment has arrived for all humankind.
P: God sent his Son into the world in accordance with God's promise.
L: Tonight is fulfilled the word of the prophets promising the coming of the Messiah.
P: Tonight is the night of our salvation. Glory to God in the highest!
L: We light the Christ candle as a sign of God's love for us.  We light the Christ Candle as a sign of God's peace toward all humanity.

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