Description
Luke 2:41-52
This Service focuses on the treasures of experience that Mary stored up in her heart over the course of Jesus birth and youth. We ask the question, how can we remember the ways that God has been active and gracious in our own lives? What is our “treasure” and how do we invest it in kingdom living. God has given us the best gift imaginable in Jesus Christ. How might we share that gift in thought, word, and deed with the world around us?
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]
Call to Worship: Isaiah 9:6-7a
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.
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor In the name of God our Father, who has Given us His Son
ALL In the name of God the Son, who willingly came to save us
Pastor In the name of God the Holy Spirit, who enables us to love as He loves
ALL We thank you for your great love!
Opening Prayer
Pastor Loving Father, You sent Your Son into the world that we all might be your children. Through Him you have promised to never leave or forsake us. Thank you for the gift of Christmas. We have gathered here as Your Church to worship You and hear from Your Word. We place our hopes in You and joyfully give you praise. In Jesus’ Name
ALL Amen!
Time of Praise and Worship
Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy)
Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | George Frederic Handel | Isaac Watts | Matt Gilder, © worshiptogether.com songs | sixsteps Music | Vamos Publishing | Alletrop Music | Ryan House Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) | (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
O, Come, All Ye Faithful
John Francis Wade, ©several publishers
Available on www.PraiseCharts.com, www.LifewayWorship.com, www.MusicNotes.com
Go, Tell It On The Mountain
John W Work, Jr, ©Public Domain
Available on www.PraiseCharts.com, www.LifewayWorship.com, www.MusicNotes.com
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley & Felix Mendelssohn, ©Public Domain
Available on www.PraiseCharts.com, www.LifewayWorship.com, www.MusicNotes.com
[Traditional Options]
Joy To The World
BH 75 88; BH 91 87; CH 270; CHH 143; EH 100; ELW 267; HWC 125; HPW 22; HFG 171; HLC 120; HGP 80; HSP 331; LBW 39; LSB 387; LW 53; NCH 132; PH 40; RH 118; RS 524; STTL 173; WC 146; UMH 246; WAR 179; WHM 135; WIS 172
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
Time of Greeting
[Optional: Children’s Message and/or Dismissal to Children’s Church]
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 2
Hannah, Samuels mother, had prayed to become pregnant as she was barren. Samuel was her firstborn son and was dedicated to the Lords service out of thanksgiving.
18 Now Samuel was ministering before the Lord, as a boy wearing a linen ephod. 19 And his mother would make him a little robe and bring it to him from year to year when she would come up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say, “May the Lord give you children from this woman in place of the one she dedicated to the Lord.” And they went to their own home. 26 Now the boy Samuel was growing in stature and in favor both with the Lord and with men.
