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.
Gracious and Holy God, your eternal purposes, revealed to us in
Christ Jesus, show that your love extends to the ends of the earth,
and stretches far beyond our own imaginings.
We thank you for such expansive love and for the rich variety of
ways you make yourself known among us.
We pray for the church, too often afraid of the rich diversity you have
designed, too often timid in its proclamation of the gospel before the
rulers and powers of this world. Strengthen us in our witness, we
pray. Fill us with the power of the Holy Spirit that we may be bold and
confident through faith in Christ.
We thank you for such expansive love and for the rich variety of
ways you make yourself known among us.
Cast out jealousies and suspicions until we become sharers in the
gospel promise. We pray for people in positions of power in our
country and throughout the world. May they govern people with
justice and compassion. Give to all who control economic and military
might wisdom to choose the common good over personal or political
gain.
We thank you for such expansive love and for the rich variety of
ways you make yourself known among us.
We pray for people who have little power according to the world’s
measure of power. Defend the cause of the poor; deliver those in
need; put an end to oppression; and save the lives of everyone in harm’s way this day. May all victims of violence find their lives
redeemed by your love and care.
We thank you for such expansive love and for the rich variety of
ways you make yourself known among us.
We pray for people who are seeking you this day, or searching for
new meaning and purpose for their lives. Guide and direct them in
their spiritual journey. Give them the vision to see signs of your I
promise, the wisdom to discern between what is false and what is
true, and courage and curiosity in all their searching. May the joy of
Christ surprise them and lead them to a place of welcome.
We thank you for such expansive love and for the rich variety of
ways you make yourself known among us.
Finally, we pray for those overwhelmed by personal darkness today:
the one bowed down in grief; the one overcome by depression; the
one who is unemployed or in economic trouble; the one who is
struggling with illness or recovery. We pray for those who are
estranged from one another and for people undergoing stressful
transitions. Send the light and peace of your presence, O God, and
send us, too, that we might bear the light of Christ and so bring
companionship and hope by your grace.
We thank you for such expansive love and for the rich variety of
ways you make yourself known among us.
Stretch us, O God; expand the horizons of our lives so that we are
able to comprehend the mysterious and wonderful ways you are at
work in the world, joining you with joy and thanksgiving. In Christ,
through Christ, by the power of your Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.
O God of wonder, as that ancient star rose and guided the magi, illuminating the place where Jesus was, so now may the light of your Holy Spirit shine in our hearts and minds as the Word is read and proclaimed. Guide us again to be servants of your gospel. By your grace, through the power of your Holy Spirit, reveal to us your wisdom in its rich variety. Speak to us in your Word read and proclaimed, that hearing we may in turn be directed in new paths of faithfulness and share with others the boundless riches of Christ, that everyone might come to see your plan for all creation. In Christ Jesus our Lord we pray. Amen.
Matthew 2:1-12 1 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.’ 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They 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 Israe 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then 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.’ 9 When 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. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. |.”’
Questions for Reflection: Rev. Johan Dodge
Can you think of a dark time in your own life or a dark time in the
history of the world when God’s glory shone? When the light of
Christ’s presence became evident? When was that time? What happened? Who was a bearer of light in that darkness? Is there
presently someone you know or some situation weighed down in
darkness or despair? How can you be a light-bearer for that person,
that circumstance?
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING — Virginia Olejnik
As the magi entered the house, they knelt in joy and paid homage to
Jesus. Opening their treasure chests, they gave gifts to him. So we
come into God’s house today, offering from our own treasure chests
gifts to Christ, the light of the world.
Though we are least among the saints, O God, still you have given us the gift of your grace that we might share with others the boundless riches of Christ, and also the resources we hold in trust. Receive now, we ask, what we have given today. Use these offerings and use us for your plans and purposes. We pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
May the love of God uphold you; the light of Christ guide you; and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit fill you with joy for your journey. Get up: shake off apathy, despair, and anything else that has brought you low. Arise, shine; for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Glow: reflect God’s glory, the light of Christ, so that others may see in you the glory of God. 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. Postlude — Hymn Carol: “Silent Night”