Sunday Worship Service – Christmas Day
December 25, 2022
Prelude: “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You” By Meredith Willson – Satoko Leisek, keyboardist
*Greetings & Announcements
*Opening of the Word
Lighting of the Advent Candles
Reader: We have been traveling to Bethlehem this Advent season, and now we have arrived: Christmas Eve.
People: Here we are!
Reader: Let us open our minds and hearts for the coming of Christ by receiving God’s gift of Hope.
People: Hope, you are here!
(The candle of Hope is lit)
Reader: Let us open our minds and hearts for the coming of Christ by receiving God’s gift of Peace.
People: Peace, you are here!
(The candle of Peace is lit)
Reader: Let us open our minds and hearts for the coming of Christ by receiving God’s gift of Joy.
People: Joy, you are here!
(The candle of Joy is lit)
Reader: Let us open our minds and hearts for the coming of Christ by receiving God’s gift of Love.
People: Love, you are here!
(The candle of Love is lit)
Reader: Let us pray:
Dear God, we come together this night seeking your birth into our hearts and lives. We come seeking hope, peace, joy and love. Help us to welcome you as we would a newborn baby— with open arms. Amen.
*Hymn: “O little town of Bethlehem”
The 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. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; Luke 2:1-16; Doctrine of The Lord #5 (Swedenborg)
*Hymn: “What child is this?”
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Prayer for Light
Dear God, place light in my heart, and
light in my soul, light upon my tongue,
light in my eyes and light in my ears,
place light at my right, light at my left,
light behind me and light before me,
light above me and light beneath me.
Place light in my nerves, and light in my flesh,
light in my blood, light in my hair, and
light in my skin. Give me light, increase
my light, make me light!
Spiritual Message: Incarnation of Love Divine – Rev. Junchol Lee
*Hymn: “Away in a manger”
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory: O Little Town of Bethlehem by Lewis H. Redner
*Doxology
Praise God the Source of life and birth
Praise God the Word who came to earth
Praise God the Spirit, holy flame
All glory, honor to God’s name. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
*Hymn: “Joy to the world”
*Benediction
*Closing of the Word
*Sung Response: Advent Benediction
May the Lord God Almighty bless and keep you, we pray. May God’s face shine upon you, and grace hallow your way with hope and peace and joy; Love, God’s own incarnation, be born in you today. Amen.
Postlude: We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Traditional English Carol