Watchword for the Week
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his
Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to
redeem those who were under the law, so that we
might receive adoption as children. (Galatians 4:4-5)
(Moravian Daily Texts 2014)
ORGAN PRELUDE
WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP
(from Psalm 90)
Lord God, you have been
our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the
world, from everlasting to everlasting
you are God.
A thousand years are like one day to you.
They are like yesterday when it is past,
or as a watch in the night.
For all our days pass away under your wrath;
Our years come to an end like a sigh.
Seventy years are all we have, or eighty years if
we are strong. Yet their span is but toil and
trouble. Life is soon over, and we are gone.
So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Hymn 161 * O God, our help in ages past
People’s Choice Hymns are marked with an asterisk (*)
PRAYER of APPROACH
Eternal God, you formed the world and the
universe, and you have amazed us down
through the ages. Open us to be amazed by
the visible beauty all around us.
Your beloved child, Jesus, born of old, has been
born again in the midst of this Christmas
season. May we feel his love working in us
and through us.
Holy God, forgive our weary dreaming that gives
up on the hope of seeing justice roll down like
waters, a peaceable kingdom, and truth to set
us free. Forgive our tired singing that sets no
rafters ringing.
Help us to remember, with hearts that dare to
believe, that your Spirit reigns within, around,
and among us.
Give us grace, O God, that all these days of
our lives be filled with the vision of your
reign, through Jesus. Amen.
ASSURANCE of FORGIVENESS
How we love to hang on to our pasts –
remembering, keeping count, bearing grudges.
God doesn’t. Our pasts are accepted.
Let them go! Live in the new freedom God gives
to us to live each new day afresh.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Hymn O morning star, how fair and bright
(Pilgrim Hymnal 145)
O Morning star, how fair and bright
Thou beamest forth in truth and light!
O Sovereign meek and lowly!
Thou root of Jesse, David’s Son,
My Lord and Master, thou hast won
My heart to serve thee solely!
Thou art holy, fair and glorious,
All victorious, rich in blessing,
Rule and might o’er all possessing.
Thou heavenly brightness! Light divine!
O deep within my heart now shine,
And make thee there an altar!
Fill me with joy and strength to be
Thy member, ever joined to thee
In love that cannot falter;
Toward thee longing doth possess me;
Turn and bless me; here in sadness
Eye and heart long for thy gladness!
CHILDREN’S TIME
SHARING GOD’S PEACE
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 61:10 – 62:3 OT p. 725 (726)
St. Matthew 24:3-13 NT p. 35
People may stand for the Gospel reading.
The word of God – Thanks be to God!
Hymn 303 It came upon the midnight clear
(Tune: “Carol”, Pilgrim Hymnal 129)
SERMON “What Price Peace!”
Rev. Dr. Robert Haworth
Hymn 266 God the Omnipotent
(Offerings are gathered and brought forward)
DEDICATION PRAYER
Generous Creator God, giver of every good
gift, let our offerings keep those gifts
circulating. Accept, we pray, these tokens of
our gratitude for all we have received. May
they and we be used to extend the work of
our community to the world beyond our
doors. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS (see Notices overleaf)
PRAYERS for OTHERS
Lord, in your mercy: hear our 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
trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine
is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
Hymn 530 * One more step along the world
BLESSING and Threefold Amen (No. 819)
Hymn 804 * You shall go out with joy (2x)
ORGAN POSTLUDE
0 Comments