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.
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
Christmas Day
Andrew Bergthold, Ed Cash, Franni Cash, Martin Cash, Scott Cash © 2019 Alletrop Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Andrew Bergthold Designee (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) McTyeire Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) We The Kingdom ASCAP Designee (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) We The Kingdom Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Glory in the Highest
Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Jesse Reeves, & Matt Redman, © 2006 Alletrop Music | worshiptogether.com songs | sixsteps Music | Thankyou Music | Vamos Publishing (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Good Christian Men Rejoice / Joy To The World
Medley Arr. Don Goelier, ©2003 Broadman Press
[Traditional Options]
Gentle Mary Laid Her Child
BH 91 101; HLC 107; LSB 374; LW 57; PH 27; WC 156
Where Shepherds Lately Knelt
HS 98 813; LSB 369
Angels We Have Heard On High
BH 75 95; BH 91 100; CH 278; CHH 155; EH 96; HWC 132; HPW 23; HFG 192; HLC 133; HGP 79; HSP 334; LBW 71; LSB 368; LW 55; NCH 125; PH 23; RH 134; RS 504; STTL 190; WC 152; UMH 238; WAR 188; WHM 132; WIS 180
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Worshipers
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Pastor / Worship Leader
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Worshipers
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
Pastor / Worship Leader
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Worshipers
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. From everlasting to everlasting, the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.
Pastor / Worship Leader
The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules overall. Praise the Lord, my soul. Amen!
Worshipers
Amen!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Heavenly Father, You promised from the Garden of Eden, at the very beginning of the darkness that surrounds us, to send Light, to send a Savior. And into the darkened world, thousands of years later, that Savior was your own begotten Son, Jesus, born into the very world we live in. Born, a baby, a child, in obscurity, in need. Jesus, You are the Great Light sent for those living in the darkness. We praise and worship You Jesus, as we celebrate Your birth. You are our King, our Savior, our Redeemer. Hallelujah! Amen!
Worshipers
Amen!
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, we confess.
Worshipers
When we allow darkness to overcome the light, forgive us, Lord. When we reduce Christmas to plastic and tinsel, have mercy on us, Father.
Pastor / Worship Leader
When hardness of heart keeps us from seeing and hearing and touching the needs of others, let your grace consume us, O God. When the wars around us are of no concern, forgive us, Lord, and move us to compassion for those who suffer.
Worshipers
When our caring is not extended to action, move us to seek justice for our brothers and sisters.
We come to confess our sinfulness before you and before each other. Remove all barriers that divide us, and let there be no obstacle to our love for you and for one another.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Forgive us, we pray. Free us from our sin
Worshipers
Free us to a life lived in joy through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Amen!
Worshipers
Amen!
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.
