FOURTH SABBATH IN ADVENT
11:00 a.m. December 24, 2000
Assemble in God’s Name
Organ Prelude:
Choral Introit:
s Hymnbook: "Joy to the World" #161
s Passing the Peace
Concerns of the Church
Call to Worship
Leader: The angel of the Lord announced to Mary that she would bear the Holy Child.
People: He was born in Bethlehem then. We pray that he might be born again on this Christmas Eve in our hearts.
Leader: A choir of angels filled the night sky with hymns of praise for God's Christmas gift.
People: We would join that song with thankful hearts. We would offer our best gifts to God's gracious Son.
Lighting of the Advent Candle
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Gracious Jesus, on this day before Christmas, we pray that your power would cast out our sin, that there may be room for you to be born in our hearts. We confess we have crowded you out of our lives with false priorities. We have been selfish and called it "prudence." We have been arrogant and called it "self-esteem." We have been cruel and called it "necessary." Forgive us, Lord.
We have hurt good people and claimed it was "nothing personal." We have hidden our sins behind clichés and habits for so long we are hardly aware of right and wrong. Forgive us, Lord. Awaken our consciences and purify our minds, that this Christmas we may truly welcome you. For Jesus' sake, Amen.
Declaration of Forgiveness (Psalm 103:8,10-12)
Leader: The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
People: For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.
s Hymnbook: "Angels from the Realms of Glory " #168
Presentation of Tithes and Offerings
Offertory
s Doxology #544
Proclaim God’s Word
Children's Sermon
Dismissal to Children’s Church (5 and Under)
Prayers of the People
First Reading: Luke 2:1-14
Second Reading: Micah 5:2-4
Anthem:
Sermon: "The Bethlehem Disconnect"
Go in God’s Name
s The Apostles' Creed
s Prayer of Thanksgiving
s The Lord's Prayer
s Hymnbook: "O Come, All Ye Faithful"…#170
s Charge and Blessing
Postlude:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A Christmas Prayer
Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus that we may share the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing that Christ brings and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May Christmas morning make us happy to be your children and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus sake. Amen
Candlelight Service Tonight!!! 7:00 p.m. Many people say this is the most beautiful service in the church all year. We invite you to come and worship the Lord of light.
A Christmas Wish
Charles Dickens wrote, "Many merry Christmases, friendships, great accumulation of cheerful recollections, affection of earth, and heaven at last for all of us." This is our Christmas wish for you. May you and yours have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Tony and Beth Grant
If you have questions or comments, email Tony Grant
Copyright 2000 York Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
Last modified 12/22/00