December 22, 2024
Prelude: The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
trad. Basque Carol/arr. Page
Introit: Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
French folk song
Katriel Starbuck, violin; Cali Edwards, Bailey Campbell, Karen Bart, cellos
Welcome
Lighting the Advent Candles
[Isaiah 2:4, 11:6, 35:1, 7:14b]
The Gott Family
We light these candles for hope, peace, and joy as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
Advent means coming. We are preparing ourselves for the days
when nations shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword
against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion
and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the rose it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing.
The Lord shall give you a sign.
Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son,
and shall name him Immanuel (God is with us).
Let us walk in the light of the Lord.
What Child Is This? (Hymn 53)
English ballad/Dix
What Child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping?
Refrain:
This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. (refrain)
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; come, one and all, to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone Him. (refrain)
Confession
God who shows up in humble places and within humble people, we confess that we can run from our humanity in all its messiness and fragility. Forgive us when our desire for safety, certainty, and control leads us away from you. You entered our world as completely human, and you understand the experiences of people on the margins. Help us pay attention to those considered lowly in this world, and make us messengers of your peace. Amen.
Silence
O Little Town of Bethlehem (Hymn 44)
Redner/Brooks
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Gloria from Angels, from the Realms of Glory
Salisbury Hymn Book/Smart
All creation, join in praising God the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising to the-eternal Three in One;
One in might and one in glory while unending ages run.
Prayer for Illumination
Old Testament Reading
Jill Cathey
Micah 5:2-5a
Solo: He Shall Feed His Flock (from Messiah)
Handel
Carollen Ryan
New Testament Reading
Luke 1:46b-55
Sermon: A Person’s a Person No Matter How Small
Scott Starbuck
Focus: At Christmas, we celebrate and honor those who are culturally considered lowly but are exalted in the love and work of Christ.
Response: The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (Hymn 16)
Basque carol/Baring-Gould
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
his wings as drifted snow, His eyes as flame;
“All hail,” said he, “O lowly maiden Mary,”
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
“For know a blessed mother you shall be,
all generations praise continually,
You Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold.”
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,
“To me be as it pleases God,” she said,
“My soul shall laud and magnify God’s holy name.”
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Call to Stewardship
Judy Stafstrom
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!
-Luke 2:14b
Offering: The Coventry Carol/Pat-A-Pan
arr. Frost/Gazda
Doxology for Advent
To you, O Christ, all praises be, whose advent sets your people free;
Whom with the Father we adore and Holy Spirit evermore!
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Amen (from Magnificat)
d’Andrieu
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