The Importance of Christmas

All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.
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Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
 
Call to Worship
​In the midst of our waiting, God sends an invitation. The rough places are made smooth; the soft flutter of angel wings is heard. God keeps the promise; the signs are everywhere. A twinkle of light from a stable, a new bright herald star. Deep in our hearts, we must journey to Bethlehem, and kneel in worship and join our voices with the angelic chorus singing: "Glory to God."

Call to Confession
It is in our confession that we realize our desires for God and our hope for God’s mercy. It is in admitting the truth of our lives that we take the first step toward wholeness and healing. So let us make our confession this day.
 
Prayer of Confession
Joyous God, creator of laughter and beauty, pleasure and joy, we confess our need of your delight and insight. We see longer lists and fewer days, hurried clerks and impatient customers, busy schedules and quick conversations, fewer dollars and greater needs. Open our ears to the angel's chorus and fill our hearts with joy this Advent season. 

Time of Personal Reflection
 
Special Music: Days of Elijah - Frank Baker

Assurance of Pardon
In Christ there is no east or west,
In him no south or north,
But one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.
In Jesus Christ, there is new life.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
 
Hymn: Angels from the Realms of Glory

Apostle's Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Ghost
      and born of the virgin Mary.
      Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, dead and buried.
      On the third day he arose from the dead.
      He ascended into heaven
      and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty.
      From thence he shall 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.
 
Children's Sermon
 
Special Music: O Little Town of Bethlehem - Frank Baker

Prayer of Illumination
 
Scripture Lesson
​Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus
2  About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.

An Event for Everyone 
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

​Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!

Sermon: The Importance of Christmas
 
Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful
 
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lift up your hearts
We lift them up to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give God thanks and praise
 
Church Joys and Concerns
If you have a joy or concern to share that is not listed below, and you feel comfortable doing so, you may share it in the comments.
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Birthdays
Dec.   29 John O”Hara Anniversaries  None
           25 Cris Miller
           27 Chip Rogers

SYMPATHY: The Family of Carolyn Grimes

Continued prayers for Roma Grose, Ruth Hampe, Susan Schively, Jimmy Davis, Judy Donaldson, Margo Johnson, Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Lisa Phillips, Mickey Gubitti, Chip Rogers, Dixie Avoila, Virginia Coffield,  Dennis McWreath, Chuck Warlow, Chuck Dicks, Randy Moore, Margaret Knabenshue, Janet Schively, Mary Ann Durila, Patty Nagey, Dr. Craig Fox, Karen Eisiminger, Kelley Gump, Mary Ann McFeeley, Ed Horne, DonnaWest, June and Keith McGill, Dianna Donaldson, Chuck Montecello, April Hincy, 3 yr. old Hayden Dijean, Glenn Miles, Dave Cummings, Ken Jackson, Doug Ward,  Mark Knabenshue, Rick McFeeley, Dick McFeeley, Ricky Amos, Deron Wood, Susan Alberti, Bryan Dunn, Dana Wilson, Marge McWreath, Marlene Huffman, Debbie Kelley, and Seth Cummings (3 yrs old) dental surgery on 31st.  

Pastoral Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
 
Hymn: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
 
Charge and Benediction
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We're so glad that you decided to join us today, as you prepare for Christmas this week. There will not be a live Christmas Eve Service this year, but there will be a recorded service for you to watch. 

​If you need anything during this time, please contact Pastor Gary or a session member. If you have requests for our prayer chain, please contact Linda Miller. If you need food from our food pantry, please contact Becky Phillips.