WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who sends the word with angels, who is made flesh among all peoples, and who breathes peace on all the earth. Amen.
In Christ, we are bold to name our sin and cry out for peace. Silence is kept for reflection. Holy God, we confess our sin before you. We replace compassion with competition. We seek what is mighty while ignoring the meek. We are quick to anger but slow to forgive. We have not put on love in harmony with you. Wrap us in the grace of your powerful Word. Swaddle our hearts with your peace, that all we do, in word or deed, may reflect your love born among us. Amen I bring you good news of great joy for all people: God has come among us in the child born of Mary, Christ the Lord. ☩ In Christ your sins are forgiven and you are clothed in peace. Amen.
OPENING HYMN # 267 JOY TO THE WORLD
DIALOGUE
Jesus, the bright Morning Star, shines light in the world.
By day and night he shines for all to see.
Jesus was born in the midst of injustice and poverty
that the world may see the justice and richness of God.
God so loved the world that God sent Jesus,
so that all who believe in him may not perish but have eternal life.
Jesus is the light of the world.
Jesus is the light of our lives.
Sing to God a new song!
A song of hope, joy, and peace around the world.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. Gracious God of heaven and earth, you have thrown a lifeline to us in our darkness—a beam of light that shines through Jesus. Though born in a manger, he is the firstborn of all creation. Though crucified on a cross, he is the Lord of life. Fill us with the wonder and joy of his presence in the world and in our hearts. Amen.
(Congregation will select hymns for after the readings)
FIRST READING: GENESIS 1:1-5, 14-18
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God. HYMN
SECOND READING: MICAH 5:2-5A
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God. HYMN
THIRD READING: LUKE 1:26-35, 38
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God. HYMN
FOURTH READING: MATTHEW 1:18-25
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God. HYMN
FIFTH READING: LUKE 2:8-20
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God. HYMN
SIXTH READING: MATTHEW 2:1-11
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God. HYMN
SEVENTH READING: JOHN 1:1-14
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God. HYMN
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION (please answer “Hear Our Prayer”)
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray: Gracious God, your Word-made-flesh brings harmony to the earth. As we offer ourselves and these your gifts, prepare us to receive the grace and truth you offer at this table and renew in us the song of your salvation, in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION / LORD’S PRAYER
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy… and join their unending hymn: (Please sing:)
Holy, holy, holy Lord, Lord God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
In the night he was betrayed…. Do this for the remembrance of me. Our Father who art in heaven….
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
In Christ’s manger, at Christ’s table, come, see what God makes known for you.
(All who hunger for God’s grace are welcome at this meal. White grape juice and gluten free wafers are available for those who need them. Children who have not had first communion training are welcome to come for a blessing.)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray: We thank you, wondrous God, for Jesus, God with us, in these gifts of bread and wine. As we have shared this feast of love, strengthen us to share your love with all the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
BLESSING
The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Christ Jesus, the Word made flesh. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Rejoice in Christ our Savior. Thanks be to God.
End of Year Giving can be placed in outside mailbox by Dec 31, 2022.
Church Council Meeting Jan 11 at 8 pm. Annual Meeting Jan 29 after service.
Confirmation resumes Jan 4. Faith Factory resumes Jan 8
Thank You to Today’s Assistants: Schoepski Family and Bahl Family, Steve Donney for video, Organist/Pianist: Reagan Bieber.
Please remember our homebound and senior care residents: Merle Roelofs, Carla Erickson, Paula Michel, Joyce Hanlon, Lee Fishbaugher, Walt Ward, Betty Storlie, Mel Mikkelson, Thelma Applen.
Please keep in prayers: David & Kim Wangen, Bernie Hurley, Bruce Morem, And the family of Bonnie Bakken
Liturgy taken from sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SB134626. CCLI Streaming License #20959486
