Worship for December 26, 2021 the First Sunday of Christmas, Year C

THE GATHERING         

* Stand if willing and able

Gathering Music          

Welcome and Announcements    

Prelude: “The Star Carol” by Alfred Burt; Doug Anderson, vocalist

Lighting of the Christ Candle

* Call to Worship 

Praise the Lord!  Praise God in the heavens.

Praise the Lord from the Earth!

Young and old alike, men and women together:

Praise the Lord!

Let us pray together:

* Prayer of the Day    

O God, into a realm of clerics and kings you sent your child to teach the wise and show the world what power there is in love.  Keep us vigilant to hear the voices of those who speak your truth.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

* Hymn of Praise #37 “Let All Things Now Living”

* Christmas Carol of Choice

* Invitation to Confession

Because we have passed through the waters of baptism, we dare to bare our souls before God and reveal the bitterness that dwells in our hearts.  Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our need for forgiveness.

* Prayer of Confession

God of wonder, you surround us with signs of your glory and surprise us with your presence, yet we often miss the marvels you place before us.  Forgive our dullness and make us alert to the ways you make yourself known, that we might be witnesses to your good news and proclaim your extravagant love; through Jesus Christ, our Savior…

                                                     Please continue in silent prayer

* Kyrie #437 “You Are the Lord, Giver of Mercy”

* Assurance of Pardon and Passing of the Peace

Friends, believe this Good News: God is One and God is Three – Love constantly flowing in, out, and through; the gift of Jesus Christ for me and for you. For this we say:

Thanks be to God!

Since God has loved us through Christ, let us love one another; the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

And also with you!

Let us share signs of peace.

* Sung Response #591 “Halle, Halle, …” (chorus twice)

* Christmas Carol of Choice

Celebrating Joys and where we have seen God at work

Hymn #628: “Praise, I Will Praise You, Lord”

THE WORD

Prayer of Illumination:

By the breath of your Spirit inspire us, that in the hearing your Word we may be filled with new understanding and fresh desire to please you in all we do, for the sake of your Son, Jesus.  Amen.

Hebrew Scripture: p. 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 p. 338

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Epistle Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 p. 272

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Christmas Carol Requests (3) First verse only

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:41-52 p. 81-82

“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you O Christ”

Reflection: TL 12-26-2021 YC C1 “Clothe Yourselves with Love” ~ Pastor Scott Crane

Please spend several moments in silent reflection

RESPONSE TO THE WORD

Hymn #159: “O Sing a Song of Bethlehem”

* Affirmation of Faith: Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.54-55

Biblical visions and images of the rule of Christ, such as a heavenly city, the household of God, a new heaven and earth, a marriage feast, and an unending day culminate in the image of the kingdom.  Already God’s reign is present as ferment in the world, stirring hope in all people…with an urgency born of this hope, the church applies itself to present tasks and strives for a better world.  In steadfast hope, the church looks beyond all partial achievement to the final triumph of God.”

Prayers of the People/Intercession

Call and response: “Lord in your mercy,” “Hear our prayers.”

Offertory: “Infant Holy” by R.W. Thygerson      

* Doxology

* Prayer of Thanksgiving/Dedication

SENDING

* Closing: Christmas Carol of Choice

* Blessing and Charge

* Congregational Song “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Lyrics found on the inside front cover of the hymnal. Bathrooms and a diaper changing station are located in the Fellowship Hall.  Please join us across the way for refreshments and conversation following worship.

Symbols in the Advent wreath:

Candles have traditionally been given various names and designations:
Candle 1. Hope and/or Patriarchs (and I would add Matriarchs) – purple, blue, or red
Candle 2. Peace and/or Prophets – purple, blue, or red
Candle 3. Joy and/or John the Baptist – pink, purple, blue, or red
Candle 4. Love or The Virgin Mary – purple, blue, or red
Candle 5. Christmas Eve: Christ The Light of the World – white

Questions for Reflection

Consider Jesus as an adolescent, causing his parents to worry about him.  Jesus asks his parents, “Why were you searching for me?”  If you were a parent of Jesus, how would you answer that question?  How do you answer that question for yourself?

Household Prayer: Morning

Lord Jesus, as you listened to your teachers, may I also, this day, listen to others with care and grace, and receive whatever wisdom they may offer.  Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

Loving God, you know every struggle I have faced this day; let me sleep in peace, confident in your great love in Jesus Christ, my savior.  Amen.