A SERVICE OF WORSHIP FOR THE LORD’S DAY

First Sunday of Christmas

December 29, 2024

WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

 

PRELUDE          “Once In Royal David’s City”      arr. Robert Hobby                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

*CALL TO WORSHIP 

L: Rejoice in God! Marvel at all that God has done!

P: Our eyes have seen the glory of God, made known to us.

L: Rejoice in God, Creator of all that has life.

P: Our eyes have seen the love of God, come to us in a baby.

L: Rejoice in God, giver of redemption and grace.

P: Our eyes have seen God’s redeeming love, alive in Jesus.

L: Rejoice in God, the Spirit of peace and grace.

P: Our eyes have seen the power of God, at work changing the world.

 

*PRAYER OF THE DAY

 

*HYMN 147              The First Nowell 

                       

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. 

Holy God, though we are in awe of the dawn of your light in Jesus Christ, we remain self-centered and cling to the sin of the world. We celebrate the birth of our savior, yet we struggle in our commitment to follow him. By the light of the Christ child, lead us on a path of goodness and righteousness, as we seek to faithfully love and serve you…

 

Silent Prayers of Confession

 

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS 

We are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved. The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace.  

Thanks be to God!

 

*GLORIA

 

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

 

SCRIPTURE LESSONS:   Isaiah 61:10–62:3; John 1:1-18

 

SERMON                  “Where to Start”        Rev. Maryellen Robeson 

 

*HYMN 123              It Came Upon a Midnight Clear  

 

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH        The Apostles’ Creed           Page 35         

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

         

OFFERTORY ANTHEM               “Oh, How Joyfully”

                                                                   Linda Carey, Soloist 

                  

RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS

 

*DOXOLOGY – Hymn 606 

                                                                                           

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

*HYMN 136              Go, Tell It on the Mountain  

                  

*BENEDICTION  

 

*POSTLUDE            “Brightest and Best”              arr. Wilbur Held

 

     

 

                        *Those who are able are invited to stand.