(Clicking on the text underlined in blue will take you to Youtube videos. Most are songs, except for the Sermon, “Christmas in July”)
All Prayers are from the Book of Common Worship (Westminster John Knox Press, 2018) and The Worship Sourcebook, Second Edition (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Faith Alive Christian Resources and Baker Books, 2013)
Pray: Glory to you, almighty God, for you sent your only-begotten Son, that we might have new life. Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for you became flesh and lived among us that we might become your people. Glory to you, Holy Spirit, for you direct and rule our lives. Glory to you, almighty God, and to your Son, Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Sing Along: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Confess: God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us as light shining in darkness. We confess that we have not welcomed the light, or trusted good news to be good. We have closed our eyes to glory in our midst, expecting little, and hoping for less. Forgive our doubt, and renew our hope, so that we may receive the fullness of your grace, and live in the truth of Christ the Lord.
Be: Sit (or stand) in silence for one minute.
By Special Request: Mary, Did You Know
By Special Request: Joseph’s Song
Be Assured: Hear these words of comfort from the Prophet Isaiah: Hear the promise of the Lord: See, your salvation has come! You are a holy people, redeemed by God; sought out and not forsaken. In the Name of Jesus Christ, We Are Forgiven.
Read God’s Word: Luke 2: 1-20 (New Revised Standard Edition)
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.
When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Sing Along: Hark The Herald Angels Sing
Watch the Sermon: Christmas in July
By Special Request: The Birthday of a King
Think or Discuss: What continues to astound you about the Christmas Story or Christianity? When has something routine become remarkable in your life?
Do: Now that we’ve celebrated Christmas in worship, it’s time to do some of the other wonderful things we associate with Christmas time: spend time with family, give gifts freely without expectation, sing loudly in the car to your favorite songs.
Pray: Use this time to pray, silently, at first, and then for others who need your prayers.
Finally, pray the Lord’s Prayer. (Our Father…)
Sing Along: Silent Night
Behold! John 1: 1-5 (New Revised Standard Edition)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Sing Along: Joy to the World
Bless and Be Blessed: May the God of Peace and the Peace of God be with you always.