WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE        “Christ is the World's Light"               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 143          Angels, from the Realms of Glory 

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     “Another New Beginning”            

                                                                Rev. Maryellen Robeson 

*HYMN 123          It Came Upon a Midnight Clear  

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH        The Apostles’ Creed           Page 35       

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic* Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.  

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM               

“Once In Royal David’s City”      arr. Helvey        

RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*DOXOLOGY – Hymn 606 

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*HYMN 136          Go, Tell It on the Mountain  

*BENEDICTION  

*POSTLUDE