Prelude
Welcome & Announcements
Hymn of Praise – The First Noel, verses 1,2,3,5 (UMH #245)
The first Noel the angel did say,
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields as they lay;
In fields where they
Lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night
That was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel
They looked up and saw a star shining in the east,
beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel
And by the light of that same star three Wise Men
came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel
Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Full reverently upon the knee,
And offered there, in His presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
Call to Worship:
Pastor: Arise, shine, for your Light has come
People: and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Pastor: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great Light.
People: Light has shined on those who struggle in darkness and strife.
Pastor: Let us honor and worship Christ Jesus, the Light of the world;
People: for upon us God’s glorious Light has come.
Affirmation of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed UMH 881
Message in Music - "What Child Is This?" - Brian Barber
Prayer of Intercession
Prayer of Confession
God of every nation, we are awed and blessed as we recall how you led wandering magi to the Christ child by a wondrous, heavenly light, and thus revealed your salvation for all the world. Thank you for your mercy and grace that came to us through Christ Jesus. Lord, while we’ve seen your Light, we confess that we still struggle with darkness. We become numb to the cries of those in need, and tend to turn inward, neglecting those who are different from us. Forgive us, O God. Strengthen and help us, such that we may earnestly seek to extend your glorious hope and mercy to all people. Amen.
Experiencing and Extending the Peace of Christ (Note: we will extend the Peace of Christ without physical contact.)
Offering
Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn – We Three Kings, all verses (UMH #254)
We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.
O…star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to Thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
over us all to reign.
O…star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to Thy perfect light.
Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God on high.
O…star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to Thy perfect light.
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
O…star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to Thy perfect light.
Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
sounds through the earth and skies.
O…star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to Thy perfect light.
Sermon – In Wonder, Revealed - Pastor Brad
Hymn – Sent Forth by God’s Blessing (UMH #664)
Sent forth by God’s blessing,
our true faith confessing,
The people of God
from this dwelling take leave.
The service is ended,
O now be extended
The fruits of our worship
in all who believe.
The seed of the teaching,
receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action
for God and for all.
God’s grace did invite us,
and love shall unite us
to work for God’s kingdom
and answer the call.
With praise and thanksgiving
to God ever living,
the tasks of our every day life
we will face.
Our faith ever sharing,
in love ever caring,
embracing God’s children
of each tribe and race.
With your grace you feed us,
with your light now lead us;
Unite us as one
in this life that we share.
Then may all the living
with praise and thanksgiving
give honor to Christ
and that name which we bear.
Benediction
Postlude/Dismissal
Accompanist: Brian Barber
Jeff Cartwright, Jennifer Haas, Matt Haas, Alissa Nelson
