Description

Matthew 2:1-12

The night sky revealed a star unlike the others, and the Magi from the east followed that star to find the King of the Jews.  When they found him in his home with his mother, Mary, they rejoiced and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  These Magi were studious men of science and their studies led them to Christ.  God uses mysterious ways to bring people of all nations to Him.  Embrace His mystery and marvel in His work, for the Lord’s ways are higher than ours.

 

…  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

Here I Am To Worship

Tim Hughes, ©2001 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music

Offering

Paul Baloche ©2002 Integrity’s Hosanna! Musi

Born That We May Have Life

Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, & Matt Maher, © 2009 sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) spiritandsong.com (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Wondrously Made Songs

(Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)

 

[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

Brightest And Best Of The Stars Of The Morning       

CHH 174; EH 117,118; ELW 303; LBW 84; LSB 400; LW 86, NCH 157,156; PH 67; RS 533; WC 182; WAR 235

Arise and Shine in Splendor

LSB 396; LW 85

 

Invocation

Pastor               People of every tribe and every nation, welcome to this place.  May you embrace the love and mystery of the Lord God, the One and only.           

ALL                  Amen!

 

Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction

Pastor/Worship Leader speaks              

 

Pastor               Lord of Hosts, you dwell in glorious light enthroned upon the thick darkness covering the earth.  Your radiant light rises upon your people.  Our hearts swell with                               joy as we revel in your beauty and majesty.  Your mystery surpasses our knowledge, but captivates our hearts.  We look to your Light and trust you to lead us                                    home.  In your glorious name we pray, Amen.     

ALL                  Amen!

 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

[Alternate location:  following Message]

Pastor               We set aside this time to obey God who calls us to repentance and confession.  We seek

                          His forgiveness.

ALL                We confess our sins to the loving Father, full of grace and wisdom, justice and

                        might.  We confess of our sinful ways that lead us astray, the temptations we

                        succumb to, and the pride that we allow to sit on the throne of our hearts.  We

                        confess, Father. 

Pastor             The only King who should be on the throne of our hearts is You, King Jesus.  We are

                        relieved to know that you, Jesus, died in our place and paid our ransom when we were in

                        sin and undeserving of grace.  How can we thank you?

ALL               We receive your forgiveness.  Give us the strength to follow you all the days of our

                        lives.  In the mighty name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

 

…  We Hear God’s Word  …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

 

First Reading                                  Isaiah 60:1-6

The future kingdom is coming and the glory of the Lord will appear over His people.  Nations will be drawn to the Lord’s light, proclaiming praises to Him. 

 

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 “Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. 5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. 6 Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.