REFLECTION
Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas; star and angels gave the sign.
Worship we the Godhead, love incarnate, love divine;
Worship we our Jesus, but wherewith for sacred sign?
Love shall be our token; love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and neighbor, love for plea and gift and sign.
Christina Rossetti
OPENING PRAYER
CAROLS
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Away in a Manger
SILENCE
CAROLS
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
Silent Night, Holy Night
PRAYERS
COMMUNITY PRAYERS
PRAYER OF COMMITMENT
All:
O Holy One, we come today
to claim our relationship with you.
We pray for the commitment to grow together,
sharing the gifts you give us with others
here and in the wider world.
Forgive us for the hurt we have inflicted,
and help us forgive those who have hurt us.
Give us strength and discipline
to nurture our relationship with you;
to care for every part of your creation;
to foster justice and be in solidarity with those in need;
to work to end all war, and violence, and discord;
and to respond joyfully when you call,
freely giving our selves as you have shown the way.
We open our hearts to you and your creation
in the name of Jesus, who is the Christ. Amen.
CAROLS
Good Christian Friends Rejoice
Angels We Have Heard on High
SCRIPTURE
SILENCE
OFFERING
SHARED REFLECTIONS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CAROL
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
BENEDICTION
Leader:
Go into the world in peace;
have courage; hold onto what is good;
return to no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak;
help the suffering;
honor all people;
love and serve God,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.
All:
Amen.
