We have been expecting and anticipating and waiting. Now the Christmas has arrived, we finally get to begin celebrating! Join us for the 1st Sunday of Christmas as we celebrate Emmanuel, God-with-us. If you prefer to join us online, the words for worship are below or you can download and print a copy here.

Prelude               Joyous Baroque

Introit                 Angels From the Realms of Glory/Emmanuel

Call to Worship – Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness
   have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
   on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
   you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
   as with joy at the harvest,
   as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
   and the bar across their shoulders,
   the rod of their oppressor,
   you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
   and all the garments rolled in blood
   shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
   a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
   and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
   and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
   He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
   from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.’

Song – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing #80

Prayer of Confession

Most High and holy God, as this year draws to a close we look back on what we have done and what we have left undone. We have walked through dark times. We confess to many moments when we have lost sight of your light and stumbled into deep darkness. We know that we have let you and your neighbor down. And yet, here we sit in your sanctuary. We still find a place at the Lord’s table and Jesus still sits at your right hand. The Son that you have given to us still rules over heaven and earth. As we look forward to the next year, bless with your Holy Spirit so that we might be a light of justice and righteousness and zeal. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Song – O Little Town of Bethlehem #88

Words of Assurance

When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

And to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.

And because we are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

So, then you are no longer a servant but a child, and if a child then also an heir through God.

Song – O Come All Ye Faithful #76

Scripture – Luke 2:1-20

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 Saviour, 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 favours!’

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.

Sermon

Song – Go, Tell It On the Mountain #93

Prayers w/ Lord’s Prayer

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.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.

Offertory – The Very First Christmas Day (Zion Delauney)

Benediction

Sending Song – Jesus, Jesus, Oh, What a Wonderful Child  #99