*HYMN
Once in Royal David's City UMH 250 #250
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
JOYS AND CONCERNS
THE BIDDING PRAYER
THE LORD'S PRAYER
CHILDREN’S TIME
BLESSING
CAROL
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing UMH 240
FIRST LESSON Genesis 3:8 –15, 17–19
God announces in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve's punishment for their rebellion and that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent's head.
CAROL
Come, Thou Long–Expected Jesus UMH 196
Verse 2
SECOND LESSON Genesis 22:15 –18
God promises to Abraham that by his descendants all the nations of the earth shall obtain blessing.
CAROL
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel UMH 211
Verses 1, 4
THIRD LESSON Isaiah 9:2, 6–7
The prophet announces the birth of a king to a people in darkness.
CAROL
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming UMH 216
Verses 1, 2
FOURTH LESSON Micah 5:2 –5a
The king is coming and will usher in a reign of justice for the poor and peace for all of God's creation.
CAROL
O Little Town of Bethlehem UMH 230
Verses 1, 4
FIFTH LESSON Luke 1:26 –35, 38
The angel Gabriel announces to the virgin Mary that she will give birth to God's promised Son whose kingdom shall never end.
CAROL
There’s a Song in the Air UMH 249
Verses 1, 2
SIXTH LESSON Luke 2:1 –7
Against a backdrop of emperors and taxes, Jesus is born.
CAROL
The First Noel UMH 245
Verse 1
SEVENTH LESSON Luke 2:8 –16
The shepherds go to see the Savior of the world, lying in a manger.
CAROL
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly UMH 229
EIGHTH LESSON Matthew 2:1 –11
The wise men follow a star to find the child Jesus, the King of the Jews.
CAROL
We Three Kings UMH 254
NINTH LESSON *John 1:1 –14
John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.
CAROL
O Come, All Ye Faithful UMH 234
Verses 1, 3
* CHRISTMAS COLLECT UMH 231
DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING
May the Christ who by his Incarnation gathered into one thing earthly and heavenly fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you
and remain with you always. Amen.
Go forth in peace and joy.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
GOING FORTH
MERRY CHRISTMAS! The King is born! The paraments on the altar are white, the color of the Kingdom of God.