Order of Worship
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
As we come to the festival of Jesus ’birth, let us pray that we hear
God’s word clearly and receive the faith God gives, saying: O God,
born in us, hear our prayer.
Holy One, who astonishes us with surprising gifts, we pray for your
church and for people of faith in every language and belief, that your
wisdom will show us our common life, and that all people may rejoice
in what you create.
O God, born in us, hear our prayer.
Giver of the stars and planets, creator of rivers and oceans, and
creatures large and small, we pray for wisdom as we live on and with
your earth. Evoke in us awe for your goodness in these familiar
surroundings: our hills and valleys, forests and deserts, that the
powers you have placed here to move through soil and air will remind
us always of your bounty and your love.
O God, born in us, hear our prayer. Power above all powers, we pray for the leaders of governments in
every nation, especially here at home, and those nations currently at
war with one another; that they may have wisdom to choose what
serves the common good.
O God, born in us, hear our prayer.
Lover of all creation, we pray for all those we too easily forget: those
of your children who are poor, or homeless, or in prison; those who
are sick, or lonely, or frightened; all who hunger for faith and hope.
Care for them, that they may be strengthened by joy in your healing.
O God, born in us, hear our prayer.
Holy One, in whose community we thrive, we pray for those with
whom we share our daily lives: our families, friends, and neighbors,
those with whom we work and play, those whose names we do not
know who provide for us, that we may all be renewed in courage and
nurtured in hope.
O God, born in us, hear our prayer.
Sustainer of your people, we give you thanks for members of the
body of Christ in every age and every place who, by their witness,
bring us here today. Come to us in Christ, O God, that we who live in
this world by faith may see that faith confirmed in the world to come;
through the risen One who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
As your Holy Spirit spoke to Mary, the mother of our Lord, speak to us now through your Word that by hearing we too may receive faith and be strengthened to do your will. Amen.
Luke 1:46b-55 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked with favor 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 forever.” Matthew 1:18-25 18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill wnat had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Questions for Reflection: Rev. Johan Dodge
The divine encounters that Mary and Joseph each receive guide
them to a way of life that is very different from the culture they were a
part of. Joseph is counseled to defy the cultural norms of the day and
Mary describes a time of Jubilee in which the world is turned upside
down. As the Holy Spirit continues to speak to us today where are
you being invited to act boldly for the love of God for the world? Who
doubts your ability to be the love of God for the world? Is it you?
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING -— Phyllis Spencer
All that we have is the Lord’s. All that we may become and receive is
in God’s hands. For the sake of the joy that is ours when our bonds
grow deep with others, let us give generously for the well-being of the
world.
Holy God, you bless us with many gifts, you retrieve us from despair and fear, you visit us with surprising proclamations, and you intend for us good things. We thank you for your steadfast love, for sending signs of assurance, and for the gift of faith. Use our gifts to bring comfort and justice to those in need, reforming the ways of our world for the sake of new life. Amen.
Now let the face of God shine upon you to bless you and save you from all doubt and danger; through Jesus Christ, now and always. Blessed Be the Tie that Binds Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. Amen.