John Calvin Presbyterian Church

1st Sunday of Christmas

Little Farms United Church of Christ

John Calvin Presbyterian Church

December 26, 2021 10:30 am

Ministers: The Reverend Susan Lassalle

The Reverend Aaron Ochart             

Please silence all cell phones.. 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

GATHERING

HYMN 41                “O Come All Ye Faithful”                  ADESTE FIDELES

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant;

O come ye; O come ye; O come ye to Bethlehem!

Come and behold him, born the King of angels. 

(Refrain) O Come Let us adore him; O come let us adore him;

O come let us adore him; Christ the Lord!

True God from true God, Light from light eternal,

born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;

ve-ry G-od, begotten not created. (Refrain)

Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;

sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest! (Refrain) 

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;

Jesus to thee be all glory giv’n; 

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing (Refrain)

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE                       

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                       (Isaiah 9, 60) 

Leader: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

Congregation: For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; 

Leader: but the Lord will arise upon you, and God’s glory will appear over you.

Congregation: Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

Congregation: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.

All: Let us celebrate the Light of the world, for upon us has the Light shined.

SCRIPTURE READING                                                       Luke 2:41-52   

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travellers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.’ He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favour.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

OFFERITORY                    “Tiny Miracle”                         Pepper Choplin

Come and see this tiny miracle, come and see this holy Child. 

Come and see this tiny miracle, there’s a spiritual presence here. 

O come and see this tiny being and know we’re seeing the holy Christ child. 

Come and see this tiny miracle, hear the lyrical baby’s cry.

It is the sound of new creation, the Incarnation, the holy Christ Child.

Come and see this holy Child. Come bow and worship.

We bring gifts of praise to lay before Him as we adore Him, the Lord, 

the Lord of Lords is here in this town, the town of Bethlehem,

few will welcome Him on His birth day

until the angels rouse the shepherds and start forever to celebration.

We come bow to worship We bring gifts of praise to lay 

before Him as we adore Him, the Lord. 

O Come and see this tiny miracle, there’s a spiritual presence here. 

O come and see this tiny being and know we’re seeing the holy Christ Child.

Come and see, the holy Child of God. 

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE                                                         

HYMN                      “The First Nowell”                    THE FIRST NOWELL

1. The first Nowell 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.

Refrain: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the king of Israel. 

2. They look-ed 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. (Refrain) 

And by the light of that same star

three wisemen came from country far;

to seek for a king was their intent,

and to follow the star wherever it went. (Refrain)

This star drew nigh to the northwest;

o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,

and there it did both stop and stay,

right over the place where Jesus lay. (Refrain)

SCRIPTURE                                                                   Matthew 2:1-18

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

   are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

   who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I have called my son.’

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

‘A voice was heard in Ramah,

   wailing and loud lamentation,

Rachel weeping for her children;

   she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.’

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

Christ has been born! Give him glory! 

Christ has come down from heaven! receive him!

Christ is now on earth! Exalt him!

O earth, sing to the Lord!

O you nations, praise him in joy, for he has been glorified!

Amen!

PROCLAMATION

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN     “What Christmas Means”

ANTHEM               “Unless You Consider the Child”             Mary Kay Beall

It was an ordinary night, a night like many nights before.

It was an ordinary night, so ordinary, nothing more.

A common, ordinary night, a night like many nights you’ve known…

Unless you consider the child. 

It was a simple, little town, a town like many towns before.

It was a simple, little town, a common place and nothing more.

A place you never would recall, a place so easy to forget…

Unless you consider the child.

Unless you consider the star; unless you consider the kings from afar.

Unless you consider the angels who sang, it was an ordinary night.

It was an ordinary night, and in a simple, quiet town.

A humble stable set the stage, while sheep and cattle gathered round.

There was a manger filled with hay. “So ordinary,” some would say…

Unless you consider the child, the Son, the Promised One.

Unless you consider the child.

FIRST LESSON                                                           Luke 2:1-14 

 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,

   and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

L: The Word of the Lord.

P: Thanks be to God.                    

HOMILY                       “Word made Flesh”              The Rev. Aaron Ochart

RESPONSE  

OFFERTORY                      “Angel Song”       Patricia Mock and Jon Paige

Angels soar into the night singing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Fill the earth with heav’nly light singing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Tell the news to ev’ry nation.  Celebrate what God has done!

Miracles are just beginning.  Glory to the King! Glory to the newborn King!

Shepherds listen to the call, bringing glory to the newborn King!

Lift your voices one and all singing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

All the world as one rejoices, lifting carols of joy and praise!

Fill the earth with joyful noises.  Glory to the King! Glory to the King! 

Glory to the newborn King! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

All creatures greet your Lord, singing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Songs of joy have been restored!  Singing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Come and join the celebration.  Come and raise your voice as one!

This our cry of jubilation! Glory to the King! Glory to the newborn King!

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 

It is right to give our thanks and praise…

…Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest…

According to Christ’s commandment:

We remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming glory…

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

The gifts of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

SCRIPTURE READING, John 1:1-14 

CANDLE LIGHTING, and CLOSING HYMNS: (on Back)

1. My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great, 

and my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.

You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn, 

so from east and west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain: My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.

2. Though I am small, my God my all, you work great things in me, 

and your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.

Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn,

you will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

3. From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.

Let the king beware for your justice tears every tyrant from his throne.

The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;

there are tables spread; every mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

4. Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast:

God’s mercy will deliver us from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.

This saving word that our forebears heard is the promise which holds us bound, 

till the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around. (Refrain)

PROCLAMATION

FIRST READING (p. 105)                                                                                                 John 1:1-18 NRSV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” ’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

ANTHEM                                             “The Word was Made Flesh”                     Lee Dangler

In gracious love God touched the earth and gave His Son in human birth 

that all the world might know and see the Son of God’s humanity. 

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, Jesus Christ our Lord!

The angels sang their tidings sweet, the shepherds worshiped at his feet,

this tiny boy, God’s gift to earth will prove to all His precious worth.

The Son of God we’ve come to know who washed our sins as white as snow

will come again, just wait and see, to dwell with us eternally.

       CHRISTMAS PLAY    

“‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”

Cast: Reader 1: David Russo Mouse 1: Joseph Hebert Reader 2: Asher Ochart

Mouse 2/Scripture Reader: Mia Lauland Angel 1: Sean Sens Gabriel: Matthew Freudenthal Angel 2: Michael Sens Innkeeper: Brock Moore Shepherd 1: Christian Hebert

Shepherd 2: Caleb Hebert Shepherd 3: Deborah Nolan Mary: Kate Russo Joseph: Ian Nolan

The First Nowell (#56)

1. The first Nowell 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.

Refrain: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the king of Israel. 

2. They look-ed 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. (Refrain) 

Away in a Manger (#25)

1. Away in a manger; no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky look down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

2. The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes, close by me forever and love me, I pray.

I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh. 

Angels We Have Heard on High (#23)

1. Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, 

and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.

(Refrain) Glo-o-o-oria in excelsis Deo! Glo-o-o-oria in excelsis Deo!

2. Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? 

   what the gladsome tiding bring, which inspire your heavenly song. 

    RESPONSE 

   RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

   OFFERTORY: Caleb Hebert                            “Carol of the Bells”                                   

   DOXOLOGY

   Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;

   Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

   HYMN 29                                       “Go Tell it on the Mountain”

   (Refrain) Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; 

   go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. 

   1. While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night, 

   behold throughout the heavens, there shone a holy light.

   2. The shepherds feared and trembled, when lo! above the earth

   rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth.

   3. Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born,

   and God gave us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.

   PARTING PRAYER: Deborah Nolan                                             Prayer of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32)

   Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Amen.

   CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

   POSTLUDE: David Russo                                  “What a Wonderful World”   

   Ten Thirty in the morning

Ministers: The Rev Susan Lassalle The Reverend Aaron Ochart                            

Bold face indicates congregational participation.          

indicates to stand in body or in spirit

GATHERING

WORDS OF WELCOME

PRELUDE                                    Partita on ES IST EIN ROS                        

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP (Lighting the Advent Candles)

Candle Lighter: Why am I worried? 

Fathers and Grandfathers: Why do I worry about what I will wear, or how many gifts I have to buy? 

Mothers and Grandmothers: Why am I buying gifts? Because I have to? Or out of love? 

Children and youth: Do I have enough? What can I share? 

(Light the candle)

(Video) Matthew 1:21-23 

“She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  Now all of this took place so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled: 

Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, 

And they will call him, Emmanuel. 

(Emmanuel means “God with us.”)”

Readers: God has given us so much, yet we insist on acquiring more. 

Choir: God doesn’t ask for things, God asks for our hearts. 

Congregation: I can give something more valuable than a box, that costs less and means more. Let us pray 

Great joy giver, you  have given us all that we need to flourish as your children. Help us find the deep joy  that comes not from treasure, but from you. Amen.

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)

Merciful God, in your gracious presence we confess our sin and the sin of this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken world. The profit and pleasures we pursue lay waste the land and pollute the seas. The fears and jealousies that we harbor set neighbor against neighbor and nation against nation. We abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason, and have turned them into bonds of oppression. Lord, have mercy upon us; heal and forgive us. Set us free to serve you in the world as agents of your reconciling love in Jesus Christ.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, it is now and ever shall be

world without end, amen, amen. 

HYMN                       “My Soul Cries Out With a Joyful Shout”   

1. My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great, 

and my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.

You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn, 

so from east and west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain: My heart shall sing of the day you bring. 

Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, 

and the world is about to turn.

2. Though I am small, my God my all, you work great things in me, 

and your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.

Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn,

you will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

3. From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.

Let the king beware for your justice tears every tyrant from his throne.

The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;

there are tables spread; every mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

4. Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast:

God’s mercy will deliver us from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.

This saving word that our forebears heard is the promise which holds us bound, 

till the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around. (Refrain)

PROCLAMATION

THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE: 

SCRIPTURE READING                             Isaiah 55:1-13

CHRISTMAS CANTATA         “Night of the Father’s Love”                    by Pepper Choplin

Narration: Louise Ochart, Joseph Palermo, and David Russo

Choir:Bill Bottomly, Sandy Cranfill, Sharon Fortin, Sam Garnett, Aaron Ochart, Paula Palermo, Ron Palmisano, Evelyn Tobey, Ann Trapani

“The Coming of the Lord”

Lift up your heads O gates, and make the highway straight,

Prepare to celebrate the coming of the Lord.

Your waiting soon will end, God’s glory will descend,

Rise up and welcome in the coming of the Lord!

Prepare the way for the coming of the Lord!

The ancient words foretell, God with us, He will dwell,

Christ, our Emanuel, and all will see the glory of the Lord!

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.

And then the deaf will hear, the blind will see Him clear,

The mute will find their voice, the lame will leap for joy,

Prepare the way for the coming of the Lord!

“Waiting”

We gather here to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. We come to remember when God visited the earth in the form of a child. And we meet to worship the Lord and celebrate the new life he offers us. We pray that we will experience God’s presence in a fresh way. This is the true meaning of Christ’s birth. The angel said that he would be “Emmanuel,” which means, “God with us”. God is always with us. But when we welcome His Spirit into our hearts and minds, we experience the comfort and power of God’s presence. 

Before Christ came into the world, God’s people awaited his arrival for centuries. So now, we wait- that God will move among us as we listen to the story of the Christmas miracle. The psalmist said, “…the Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him, it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Come… let us be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. 

Waiting, we are waiting, Lord. Waiting, we are waiting, Lord. Fill our mind ‘til we find Your light, Your truth.

Now let us know Your presence, Lord, Emmanuel, God, be with us. 

We welcome you with open hearts, Emmanuel, God be with us. God be with us, Emmanuel. 

Listening, we are listening, Lord. Listening, we are listening, Lord. Draw us near, let us hear Your Word for us. 

Now let us know your presence, Lord, Emmanuel, God be with us. 

We welcome you with open hearts, Emmanuel, God be with us. God be with us. Emmanuel.

Patience, give us patience, Lord. Patience, give us patience, Lord. 

When we pray, give us faith that You hear ev’ry prayer. As we’re waiting… We are waiting… Waiting.

Angels are Making Their Rounds

Narration: While the world waited, the Spirit of God was stirring. Angels began to appear and brought messages to earth as they prepared for Christ’s birth. And the angel said to Mary, Then the angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah. Behold, the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Fear not…” “Fear not, Zechariah, your prayer has been heard.” “…fear not, Joseph, to take Mary as your wife…” “Fear not, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” “Zechariah, your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name, John.” “And behold, Mary, you will conceive in your womb, and you shall bring forth a son…” “…and she shall bring forth a son…” “…and you shall bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus.” “…and you shall call his name Jesus.”

Angels are making their rounds, O what a beautiful sound, angels are making their rounds.

Fear not Zechariah, for the Lord has heard your prayer. Elizabeth will bear a son.

Hail, O blessed one, you have favor with God. 

Angels are making their rounds, O my, what a beautiful sound. 

Heaven’s glory comes down when angels are making their rounds.

Fear not, Joseph, go and take Mary to be your wife, for she carries a holy Child.

Unto you is born a Savior, glory to God and peace on earth,for now the Lord is with you. 

Angels are making their rounds, O my, what a beautiful sound. 

Heaven’s glory comes down when angels are making their rounds.

“Night of the Father’s Love”

Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to see,

He is Alpha and Omega.  He the source, the ending He.

Of the things that are, that have been and the future years shall see,

Evermore and evermore.

Silent night! Holy night.  All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and Child, holy Infant, so tender and mild.

Sleep in heavenly peace.  

“The Shepherd’s Song”

While shepherd’s watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground,

The angel of the Lord came near and glory shone around.

He said, “Fear not for I bring good news, it shall be for all people.

For unto you is born this day a Savior, Christ the Lord.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

For unto you is born this day, there, in Bethlehem,

A Savior, who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be your sign:

And this shall be the sign to you: for you shall find the baby,

there, all wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.”

The angel then was surrounded by a great and glorious throng,

And while the shepherds watched by night, the angels raised their song:

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

“Seeking the King”

Seeking, seeking the newborn King.

The road is dark, the dust is dry.  We find our path by star-light.

We are seeking the King.

Though we are tired, the journey’s long, we walk in faith to carry on.

We bring gold to crown Him with royalty,

Frankincense to show His divinity. 

We bring myrrh, the fragrance used when someone dies,

Though we’re not sure the reason why.

Now, we are so tired, we’ve come so far,

But now, once again, we see the star,

Now we rejoice with great joy,

We’re rejoicing, now we see the star of wonder, star of night,

Star of royal beauty bright.  Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to Thy perfect light.

And when we find the newborn King, our greatest gift we then shall bring

When we worship the King.  We’ll worship the newborn King.

“Fall on Your Knees”

Come see the Child, He is here by the fire,

Silently come, draw near the manger side.

Look in His face and see the world’s salvation,

And feel the holy peace, fall on your knees.

Open your eyes, now the holy star is rising,

Rays of the light will shine to touch your soul.

Open your heart to the glory and the wonder.

Feel the holy peace, fall on your knees.

Fall on your knees!  O hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born.

Come now, and fall on your knees as you worship in His presence.

Thanks be to God you have found the holy Child.

Blessed are all who have seen the Lord’s salvation.

Come and lift your voice.  Let your heart rejoice

And praise the Prince of peace, fall on your knees.

“Christ is Born, Nowell!”

Hark!  The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.

Nowell! Heaven’s angel come to tell, “Christ is born, Nowell!”

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,

and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.

Nowell!  Joyous news we come to tell, “Christ is born, Nowell.”

“Now Christ is born!  Now all is well!”

Hail the heav’n born Prince of Peace!  Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings, ris’n with healing in His wings.

Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.

Hark!  The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”

 RESPONSE 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                              Heidelberg Catechism: BOC 4.001                

Q1: What is your only comfort, in life and in death?

A1: That I belong body and soul, in life and in death not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by the Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY                            “O Come All Ye Faithful”                         Arr. Patricia Cota

Handbells: Bill Bottomley, Sandy Cranfill, Sharon Fortin, Cindy Fredenthal, Karla Russo, and Ann Trapani

DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

HYMN 5                       “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”

1 Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; 

ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in his hand

Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand. 

2. King of kings yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood,

Lord of Lords inhuman vesture, in the body and the blood,

he will give to all the faithful his own self for heavenly food.  

3. Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way,

as the Light of light descendeth from the realms of endless day,

that the powers of hell may vanish as the shadows clear away.

4. At his feet the six-winged seraph, cherubim with ceaseless eye,

veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice their cry,

“Alleluia, aleluia, alleluia Lord most high!”

PARTING PRAYER                                                                    Prayer of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32)

Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE         Carillon from 24 Pieces en style libre (excerpt) – Louis Vierne