Jan. 06

January 6, 2008

Call to Worship & Welcome
Prayer for Illumination
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 60: 1-6
Opening Song: “This is the Day”
Epistle Reading: “The secret plan of God”
Ephesians 3:1-12
Discussion: What brought you here?
Passing of the Peace
Praise Song: “Halle, Halle, Halle”
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Prayer Song: “How Firm a Foundation”
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 2:1-12
Message
Litany of Response
Leader: Glory to God! Rejoice and give thanks, for Christ has come.
People: Hallelujah, Redemption in the flesh has come for all.
Leader: We rise, we shine in the light of God’s glory.
People: The Light of the world, Jesus Christ as manifested love, is here.
Leader: We know the Light has come “for we observed his start at its rising and have come to pay him homage.”
People: King Herod heard this and was frightened. He called together all the chief priests and scribes. Herod asked them where the Messiah was to be born.
Leader: We come, not in fear, but in joy. For Immanuel has come to ransom Israel, to ransom the lost, the lonely and the misunderstood.
People: Jesus has come to ransom those imprisoned to substances, greed, abuse, low self-esteem, hate, anger, to any oppressive force, thought or deed. Jesus has come to liberate communities and individuals. He has come to free us!
Leader: We seek the Christ Child boldly. Like the magi, we see the star and stop to praise.
People: We have come to participate in bringing Jesus, the Light of the world, into the world.
Leader: We, too, see the child with Mary and Joseph. We kneel and worship Jesus. We offer our gifts of tithes, service and thanksgiving.
People: We look to see Christ in every child of God, as we celebrate, honor and live in the hope and peace of this blessed revelation.
All: How blessed we are to see, to believe and to receive this bounteous gift of God.
***
Call to Confession
Confession (in unison)
Eternal God, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves and apart from you. We have turned from our neighbors, and refused to bear the burdens of others. We have ignored the pain of the world, and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed.
In your great mercy forgive our sins and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Silent Prayer
Assurance of Pardon Song: “I Know the Lord Laid His Hands on Me”
Testimony as the Spirit leads
Charge to the people
Benediction
Closing song: “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”

Please meet for refreshments and fellowship downstairs following altworship.