Description
Luke 2:1-20
Luke, who investigated the story of Jesus, tells of His birth. He sets the story in the middle of the Roman occupation. He reports of the census which calls all back to their family’s place of origin. And the prophecy of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah is fulfilled as Joseph and Mary travel there and the child is born. Angels announce the birth to the lowest of the low and these shepherds are the first ones to spread the word of the birth of Jesus, born in a manger.
This is a true WorshipAlivePlus+++ product! Not only does it include all the creative aspects of WorshipAlivePlus services you are accustomed to, this service comes with several added features: liturgy responses ‘piggyback songs’ with Christmas text written to Christmas carols, a Children’s Message, and options for theme graphics and motions!
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Time of Praise and Worship
O Come All Ye Faithful (with We Adore You)
John F. Wade, Public Domain; Paul Baloche & Tim Janis, ©2005 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing (IMI)) Cranberry Island Publishing (Admin. by Unaffiliated Admin (UA))
Light of the World
Lauren Daigle, Paul Duncan, & Paul Mabury, © 2014 CentricSongs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Flychild Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Annie and Clyde Music
Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)
Chris Tomlin & Ed Cash, ©2009 worshiptogether.com songs | sixsteps Music | Vamos Publishing | Alletrop Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by Music Services)
[Traditional Options]
O Come, All Ye Faithful
BH 75 81; BH 91 89; CH 249; CHH 148; EH 83; ELW 283; HWC 145; HPW 20; HFG 193; HLC 103; HGP 78; HSP 332; LBW 45; LSB 379; LW 41; NCH 135; PH 41; RH 133; RS 499; STTL 175; WC 173; UMH 234; WAR 182; WHM 133; WIS 178
Crown Him With Many Crowns
BH 75 52; BH 91 161; CH 45; CHH 234; EH 494; ELW 855; HWC 234; HFG 345; HLC 85; HGP 24; HSP 83; LBW 170; LSB 525; LW 278; NCH 301; PH 151; RH 192; RS 626; STTL 272; WC 92; UMH 327; WAR 317; WHM 51; WIS 162
Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord
LSB 869; LW 33
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Unto us a child is born,
Worshipers
Unto us a son is given,
Pastor / Worship Leader
The government will be on His shoulders.
Worshipers
He will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Pastor / Worship Leader
Unto us a child is born, Mighty God,
Worshipers
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
Pastor / Worship Leader
Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end!
.
Worshipers
Amen!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
All
Almighty and Loving God, we gather to celebrate the birth of Your Son. Your only Son, Who left the joy of heaven to take on human form for us. Be with us now as we travel to Bethlehem, sing with the angels, run with the shepherds, and worship the newborn Baby. To You be all glory and honor and praise. Amen!
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, we confess.
Worshipers
We confess that we don’t always put You first in our lives. You, the one who gave up Heaven to be with us, to die for us, even as we continue to sin.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We confess that we have neglected you, our Savior, and thought more of the temporary things of life, instead of the eternal rewards, of earth instead of eternity. We have kept our eyes and hearts on earthly things and not on you, Jesus.
Worshipers
We confess that our anticipation has not been to celebrate first the coming of the Savior into the world, the coming of the One who would eventually die for our very souls, the coming of Immanuel, God with us. We humbly ask Your forgiveness, Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
The Savior of the world has come! Our sins are forgiven. With joyful hearts and open arms, we happily respond:
Response Carol – Tune: Angels from the Realms of Glory
We are gathered here to praise You,
Celebrate with joyful hearts!
Holy Spirit, ever faithful,
Come to us and ne’er depart.
We will worship, we will worship,
Worship Christ, our newborn King!
© Tune: Public Domain; Text: worshipoutlet.com
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Isaiah 9:2-7
Isaiah prophecies of a light, THE light dawning on those who walk in darkness. The people rejoice as their burdens are shattered. A child is born! A son is given! The Prince of Peace. Mighty God. And He will reign forever with justice and righteousness.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
