Description

Matthew 2:1-12

In our lives we continually evaluate what something is worth to us.  We constantly place value on people, material things, relationships, jobs, and a whole host of other things.    How much value do you and I place on Jesus?  How do we show it?  What is it worth to you to be a follower of Christ and how much value do you place on your faith?   Perhaps we can learn something about worth and value from the Magi who brought gifts and worshiped Jesus, the savior of the world.

 

… We Lift Our Hearts in Worship …

[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]

 

Time of Praise and Worship

Let Us Adore

Reuben Morgan, ©2005 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Famous One

Chris Tomlin & Jesse Reeves, ©2002 worshiptogether.com songs/sixsteps music

O Worship The King

Chris Tomlin, Johann Michael Haydn, & Robert Grant, ©2004 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

[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

O Worship The King   

BH 75 30; BH 91 16; CH 104; CHH 17; EH 388; ELW 842; HWC 10; HPW 13; HFG 336; HLC 21; HGP 1; HSP 6; LBW 548; LSB 804; LW 458;  NCH 26; PH 476; RH 5; STTL 64; WC 29; UMH 73; WAR 2; WHM 14; WIS 6

Now the Silence, Now the Peacce

CHH 415; EH 333; ELW 460; HS98 848; LBW 205; LSB 910; UMH 619; WR 700

  

Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme

Pastor              We gather together for worship our Lord who is worthy of our adoration and praise, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit– 

ALL                  Amen!

 

Opening Prayer 

Pastor              Gracious and loving God, we made a decision to come here today because we love you and adore you.  We cannot think of anything one can value                                     more than praising you and bringing glory to your blessed and Holy name.    We ask that you speak to our hearts and minds today that we may grasp                               in a fuller way your true worth to us.     May the power of your Holy Spirit and the light of Christ do a mighty work within all of us as we worship                                       you.    In the precious and worthy name of Jesus, we pray… 

ALL                  Amen. 

  

Time of Greeting

 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness 

Pastor             We have been given this time now to do some self-reflection.    We need to ask ourselves, “How am I doing inside?”   We all have areas of our lives                                    that seek to lead us astray or drive a wedge between us and God.  Now is the time to be honest with ourselves and admit our shortcomings, the                                          behaviors, the habits, the actions, the omissions, that have prevented us from being the whole person God desires us to be in Christ.    Let’s name                                      those areas now in silence and come to repentance.

(A time of personal reflection and confession)

ALL                  We make our true confession to you that we have not lived our lives in accordance with your Word and your desires for us.  We                              have not given you are whole lives in service and worship for we know the world takes our attention away from that which is                                    most important.    What you would have us value the most becomes overshadowed by the world’s communication of what we are                            to value the most.     Forgive us Lord for not lifting up your worth in all that we do because of our own selfishness and lack of                                   daily worship.    Forgive us Lord for not letting your light take precedence over the darkness of this world. 

Pastor            People of God, our Lord is so loving, compassionate, and merciful, without a doubt, God forgives us all our sins.   As one called by God and as His                                    humble servant, I assure you that all your sins are forgiven.    Our Lord sees incredible worth and value in each of you and for that reason, He has                                    washed all your sins away and wants you to start anew – refreshed for the continued journey.    Let’s now show him our “worthship” – by lifting his                                  value and worth in worship today and always.

  

… We Hear God’s Word …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

 

First Reading          Isaiah 60:1-6

We know the value and worth of light when faced with darkness.   The light of Christ and his glory shines for us all to see.   Let’s hear about this light that has come into the world.                    

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. 3 Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. 5 Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. 6 A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.