Sunday, December 5, 2021 - Discovering Our Purpose (in Peace)

Theme: Finding Ourselves in Jesus’ Story - Discovering Our Purpose (in Peace)

Hymn         People, Look East      (In Person Only)

Welcome

Lighting of the Advent Candle (Hope & Peace)

Prayer for God’s Presence

Matthew 2:1-6                           Common English Bible Translation

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.” When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. They said, “In Bethlehem, of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote: You, Bethlehem, land of Judah, by no means are you least among the rulers of Judah, because from you will come one who governs, who will shepherd my people Israel.” (Question: What are the things that trouble you that maybe shouldn’t be troubling?)

Carol      There’s a Star in the East      (In Person Only)

Matthew 2:7-9

Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out for them the time when the star had first appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him.” When they heard the king, thy went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. (Question: Have you ever been asked to do something that made you uncomfortable? Why did it make you uncomfortable?)

Matthew 2:10-12

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route. (Question: How have you held onto peace for yourself even when situations make it difficult?)

Carol          We Three Kings of Orient Are      (In Person Only)

Matthew 2:13-15

When the magi had departed, an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod will soon search for the child in order to kill him.” Joseph got up and, during the night, took the child and his mother to Egypt. He stayed there until Herod died. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: I have called my son out of Egypt. (Question: Have you ever been nervous about how things are going to work out yet still had peace in a decision being made?)

Carol   What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright   (In Person Only)

Matthew 2:19-23

After King Herod died, an angel from the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. “Get up,” the angel said, “and take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel. Those who were trying to kill the child are dead.” Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus ruled over Judea in place of his father Herod, Joseph was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he went to the area of Galilee. He settled in a city called Nazareth so that what was spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled: He will be called a Nazarene. (Question: Have you ever felt like you were in the right place at the right time?)

Offering Ourselves to God

  During this time let us reflect upon the words of “Away in a Manger”

Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

Carol       Away in a Manger         (In Person Only)

The Lord’s Supper

Invitation

Prayer of Thanksgiving 

Words of Institution

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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us; 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever. Amen

Benediction

Closing Carol      Sing of God Made Manifest      (In Person Only)

Hymn List

105 People, Look East

115 Away in a Manger

135 There’s a Star in the East

151 We Three Kings of Orient Are

152 What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright

156 Sing of God Made Manifest

Advent Series November 28th – December 19th

Theme: Finding Ourselves in Jesus’ Story

Dec 12th – Finding Our Confidence (in Joy)

            Carol: Silent Night

Dec 19th – Celebrating Our Relationships (in Love)

            Carol: O Come, All Ye Faithful

Christmas Eve Services

Dec 19th @ 5pm

Dec 24th @ 7pm

Sunday, December 26th Worship is Online Only (No in person worship this day)